Lead Pricing
| VI - Suite | CV - Suite | SV - Suite | DX - Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AU $9,200 per person
|
AU $11,000 per person
|
AU $11,400 per person
|
AU $11,800 per person
|
Art inspires. Awakens your emotions and stimulates your thoughts.
In the quiet calm of morning, your private veranda becomes a place of true inspiration. Surrounded by the magnificence of the dawning day, at one with the vista of sea and sky, in awe of nature and the vast beauty of this world. The shoreline of the next port slides closer and closer into view, and with it an undeniable anticipation of things to come and the promise of limitless possibilities.
Silversea creates exceptional ocean journeys with unique opportunities to explore remote ports-of-call from an intimate haven of incomparable luxury, each voyage a unique masterpiece. Discover genuine European expertise reflected in every detail, from our tranquil all-suite accommodation and uncompromising service to distinctive fine dining and a carefree all-inclusive philosophy.
Our guests hail from across the globe, yet share an appreciation for the spectrum of choice offered in Silversea’s array of exotic destinations and exclusive explorations ashore. By blending these elements together with enrichment experiences, each new port becomes more than a destination, it becomes a state of mind, transcending the traditional concepts of cruising. It is this distinction that has earned Silversea the reputation of World’s Best.
ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE
COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES SERVED THROUGHOUT THE SHIP An extensive selection of fine wines, champagne, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks are yours to enjoy — all courtesy of Silversea.
IN-SUITE BEVERAGE CABINET STOCKED WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS Besides the chilled bottle of champagne that awaits you, every suite features a beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages.
COMPLIMENTARY IN-SUITE DINING AND 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE A formal dinner served course-by-course, a late-night snack, or a full breakfast delivered at your request — with no charge and no tipping.
COMPLIMENTARY SILVERSEA EXPERIENCE® A shoreside event exclusively for Silversea guests on select voyages. Recent outings have included dinner in the desert in Namibia and a concert at the ruins of Ephesus.
A FULL SPECTRUM OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ENRICHMENT Production shows, classical concerts, and folkloric performances. Multi-tiered show lounge. Lectures by world affairs experts, renowned authors and destination specialists.
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION INTO TOWN Roundtrip transportation from the pier to the heart of town in most ports of call.
Silversea … The art of travel. The art of good living.
A quiet sanctuary. The sitting area of the Vista Suite has plenty of room to relax. Large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views.
The perfect backdrop for breakfast in bed.
One bedroom: 287 ft² / 27m²
Features
Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bathtub
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Dry cleaning and pressing service (fee applies)
The Classic Veranda Suite provides generous living space for voyagers. Located lower bow, the Classic Veranda Suite offers all the comfort and attention to detail that you can expect aboard — both inside and out. A generous expanse of interior comforts — elegant décor, stunning marble bathroom and ample seating area, make this a cosy home away from home. But perhaps this suite’s finest asset lies just outside, as floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private veranda, making every sunset feel as if it is yours alone.
Located on the upper deck, and offering spectacular sunset views, the Superior Veranda Suite has all the comforts and luxury that you can expect aboard. A comfortable living space, attention to detail and a generous expanse of amenities, this stunning suite makes for a cosy home while on the seas. But perhaps this suite’s finest asset lies just outside, as floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private veranda, making every sunset feel as if it is yours alone.
One bedroom: 345 ft² / 32 m² including veranda
The Deluxe Veranda Suite offers a comfortable living space, close to the heart of the ship. With its preferred mid-ship location and all the comfort and attention to detail that you can expect aboard, the Deluxe Veranda Suite is the savvy traveller’s paradise— both inside and out. Elegant décor, stunning marble bathroom and ample seating area, make this a cosy home away from home. But perhaps this suite’s finest asset lies just outside, as floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private veranda, making every sunset feel as if it is yours alone.
One bedroom: 345 ft² / 32 m² including veranda
A Silversea signature, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda along the suite.
Each spectacular sunset feels like it is yours alone. Some Veranda Suites accommodate three guests.
Veranda 3 and 4 offer preferred central location with identical accommodation to Veranda 1 and 2.
One bedroom: 345 ft² / 32m² including veranda
Features
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bathtub
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Dry cleaning and pressing service (fee applies)
A Silversea signature, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda along the suite.
Each spectacular sunset feels like it is yours alone. Some Veranda Suites accommodate three guests.
Veranda 3 and 4 offer preferred central location with identical accommodation to Veranda 1 and 2.
One bedroom: 345 ft² / 32m² including veranda
Features
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bathtub
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Dry cleaning and pressing service (fee applies)
A Silversea signature, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda along the suite.
Each spectacular sunset feels like it is yours alone. Some Veranda Suites accommodate three guests.
Veranda 3 and 4 offer preferred central location with identical accommodation to Veranda 1 and 2.
One bedroom: 345 ft² / 32m² including veranda
Features
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bathtub
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Dry cleaning and pressing service (fee applies)
A Silversea signature, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda along the suite.
Each spectacular sunset feels like it is yours alone. Some Veranda Suites accommodate three guests.
Veranda 3 and 4 offer preferred central location with identical accommodation to Veranda 1 and 2.
One bedroom: 345 ft² / 32m² including veranda
Features
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized bathtub
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Dry cleaning and pressing service (fee applies)
A mark of distinction. Sumptuous. Spacious. Rich textures and panoramic views surround you with distinguished luxury.
An extravagant suite for an extravagant cruise.
One bedroom: 521 ft² / 49m² including veranda
Features
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Living room with sitting area and dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized whirlpool bathtub
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Direct-dial telephone
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Free WiFi
Flat screen TV(s)
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at Officer’s Table
Stylish and sophisticated. Separate dining and living rooms. Larger verandas. Situated midship.
Perfection in design for comfortable living.
Silver Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 653–701 ft² / 61–65m² including veranda
Features
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
Sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with double vanity, full-sized bath and separate shower
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso Machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Free WiFi
Flat screen TV(s)
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for entertaining. Enough living space to roam. The pinnacle of good living.
One bedroom: 967–1,007 sq ft / 90–94m2 including veranda (110–116 sq ft / 10–11m2)
Suite Features:
*Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
*Living room with sitting area
*Twin beds or queen-sized bed
*Marbled bathrooms with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, plus a powder room
*Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
*Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
*Writing desk(s)
*Flat screen television(s) with DVD and satellite reception
*Bang & Olufsen audio system
*Radio/Alarm with iPod docking station
*Direct-dial telephone(s)
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. Ideal for entertaining friends while you cruise or enjoying a quiet dinner “at home”. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Silversea Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 941–1,090 ft² / 87–101m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,286–1,435 ft² / 119–133m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two-bedroom has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area and bar
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathrooms with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
The name Owner’s Suite says it all. A stylish apartment. Prestigious and classic. For those who seek the superlative level of space, comfort and service on board. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Vista Suite.
One bedroom: 919 ft² / 85m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,264 ft² / 117m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two- bedroom has additional large picture window
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area and bar
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathrooms with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for entertaining. Enough living space to roam. The pinnacle of good living.
Available as two-bedrooms by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
Two bedroom: 1,312–1,352 sq ft / 122–126m2 including veranda (170–176 sq ft / 16–17m2)
Suite Features:
*Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; two-bedroom has additional veranda
*Living room with sitting area; two-bedroom has additional sitting area
*Separate dining area and bar
*Twin beds or queen-sized bed; two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
*Marbled bathrooms with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, plus a powder room; two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
*Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
*Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
*Writing desk(s)
*Flat screen television(s) with DVD and satellite reception
*Bang & Olufsen audio system
*Radio/Alarm with iPod docking station
*Direct-dial telephone(s)
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. Ideal for entertaining friends while you cruise or enjoying a quiet dinner “at home”.
Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Silversea Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 941–1,090 ft² / 87–101m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,286–1,435 ft² / 119–133m² including veranda
Features
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two-bedroom has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area and bar
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathrooms with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Free WiFi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
The name Owners Suite says it all. A stylish apartment. Prestigious and classic. For those who seek the superlative level of space, comfort and service on board. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedrooms (as illustrated) by adjoining with a Vista Suite.
One bedroom: 919 ft² / 85m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,264 ft² / 117m² including veranda
Features
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; Two- bedroom has additional large picture window
Living room with sitting area; Two-bedroom has additional sitting area
Separate dining area and bar
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; Two-bedroom has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathrooms with double vanity, separate shower and full-sized whirlpool tub, plus a powder room; Two-bedroom has additional marbled bathroom with full-sized bath
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Radio/alarm with iPod docking station
Illy Espresso machine
Direct-dial telephone(s)
Refrigerator and bar setup, stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens and down duvet covers
Premium mattresses and a choice of pillows
Plush robes and slippers
Choice of European bath amenities
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s) with personalised stationery
Free WiFi
Flat screen TV(s)
Laundry service throughout the voyage
Wet cleaning and pressing throughout the voyage
Special chocolate welcome
Afternoon canapés upon request
Dinner at officer’s table
Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage
Two hours of worldwide phone use from your suite, per voyage segment
Complimentary interactive mobile content
Authentic experiences. Simple pleasures. Shared moments. Silversea’s Millennium Class luxury cruise ships Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper offer you freedom and space to design your day. Slightly larger in size than ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, Silver Shadow retains Silversea’s essence – spacious suites, a complement of only 382 guests, superior service – paired with a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and enhanced amenities. Aboard the Silver Shadow, energize body and soul with complimentary Pilates and yoga in the expanded fitness center. Savor fine wines and regional culinary creations in Le Champagne, the only Wine Restaurant by Relais & Châteaux at sea. Or simply gaze at endless ocean views. Relish, relax, recharge … repeat … Silver Shadow.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 610 Feet
- Tonnage: 28,258 tonnes
- Maiden Voyage: 2000
- Refurbished: 2017
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 382
- Crew Nationality: International
- Officer Nationality: European
- Dining Staff Nationality: International
- Ship Registration: Bahamas
Ship Facilities
- Jogging Track
- Pool Bar
- Fitness Centre
- Beauty Salon
- The Panorama Lounge
- Internet Cafe
- The Pool Grill
- Observation Bar
- Lifts
- The Spa at Silversea
- Swimming Pool
- The Library
- La Terrazza
- La Dame
- The Connoisseur’s Corner
- Conference / Card Room
- The Show Lounge
- Casino
- The Bar
- Shopping Boutiques
- The Show Lounge
- The Restaurant
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Oct '21 | Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy |
07:00 PM | |
| 16 Oct '21 | Livorno, (Florence, Pisa) Italy |
08:00 AM | 07:00 PM |
| 17 Oct '21 | Portofino, Italy |
08:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| 18 Oct '21 | Monte Carlo, Monaco |
08:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| 19 Oct '21 | Marseilles, France |
08:00 AM | 07:00 PM |
| 20 Oct '21 | At sea | ||
| 21 Oct '21 | Valencia, Spain |
08:00 AM | 07:00 PM |
| 22 Oct '21 | Mallorca, Spain |
08:00 AM | 06:00 PM |
| 23 Oct '21 | Barcelona, Spain |
07:00 AM | overnight |
| 24 Oct '21 | Barcelona, Spain |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
9 Night Cruise sailing from Rome to Barcelona aboard Silver Shadow.
Long after the tourists have gone home, the Mediterranean continues to shine brightly. So join us and take advantage of the Indian summer to explore the shores of Portofino, Monte-Carlo, Palma and Barcelona – to name just a few – without the crowds. Discover what makes the region tick, from the art of Marseille, to the gastronomy of Valencia , to the simple good times of a region that loves the good life.
Highlights of this cruise:
Rome
All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason – this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here – whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil.
Portofino
Effervescent and exclusive, Portofino rests on a privileged peninsular. Lavish yachts mingle together, seeking out sought-after berths in the harbour, while gelato drips onto the stone-paved streets in this, the most alluring and glamorous town of the Italian Riviera. This section of the Ligurian Coast is a protected area, and home to some of the country’s most picturesque, and jaw-dropping scenery – which is best viewed from the deck of a sailing boat. Crisp white villas roll out across the verdant green hillsides, surrounded by laden vineyards and olive groves. Down in Portofino itself, the buzz of chatter and the clatter of cutlery, provide the soundtrack to busy terrace bars and restaurants, which serve up fine food and delicious sea views. Portofino’s achingly beautiful harbour arcs around the lapping waves, with a warmly-hued waterfront of peach and apricot colours – which also adorns postcards and promotional travel guides of Italy. For the authentic Portofino experience, sail out onto the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Tigullio, to mingle amongst the privileged at play, or settle back in the shade as you take aperitivo on the picturesque waterfront Piazzetta. Here you can sip the famous Ligurian wines, and stave off hunger with focaccia con il formaggio – or platters of fine cheese and hams. Deeper into Portofino, you’ll find artisans crafting their wares and weaving together lace, or you can ascend to viewpoints like the lemon shaded Church of San Giorgio, to look over the pretty jumble from up above. A wander out along the headland to the tapering tip of the peninsular, rewards with the views of Portofino’s iconic white lighthouse beaming out light and welcoming ships to this slice of Riviera heaven.
Marseilles
France’s sunniest and oldest city may not have the glamour of some of its Cote D’Azur neighbours, but what it lacks in glitz, it certainly makes up for in authenticity and cultural depth. France’s second-biggest city, Marseille served as European Capital of Culture in 2013 and is a fantastic hub of museums, creativity and colour. The Le Panier district is a vivid illustration of this – with its faded streets revitalised by overflowing flowerpots and pretty naturally-distressed doorways. Look down to the yacht-crammed port – where fishermen still unload fresh catches – from the viewpoint at the spectacular Notre-Dame de la Garde – a true crowning glory. Standing over walled fortifications – and capped by an elegant dome – the soaring golden statue of Madonna and Child rises high into the air and is visible all over the city. The huge Marseille Cathedral is equally impressive, with its stunning zebra-striped exterior. Palais Longchamp, built-in 1862, twinkles with flowing water, and its saturated gardens and splashing fountains were built to celebrate the engineering feat of successfully redirecting water to the city. You can’t leave Marseille without tucking into its famous fish stew – bouillabaisse. Flavoured with thyme, garlic and hunks of Mediterranean fish and plump prawns, it’s a bold and delicious taste of Provence. Wash your hands clean after, with some of Marseille’s traditional soap, created using a fragrant recipe of rich olive oil. Escape the hubbub of the city, to soak in the natural glory of Calanques National Park. Hike, kayak and sail your way through a treasure trove of limestone cliffs, dropping off to hidden beaches.
Barcelona
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of GaudÃ’s majestic Sagrada FamÃliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain’s second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona’s vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.