Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona

Civitavecchia is a major port located in Rome, primarily utilized for maritime transportation of goods, as well as a fishing port. The commune’s name means “ancient town” and is one of the “Motorways of the Sea” in the Mediterranean, functioning as one of the main links between the mainland of Italy and Sardinia. The ancient name of the port was “Centumcellae,” first mentioned in a letter written by Pliny the Younger in 107 A.D., although scholars debate on whether the name was about the number of rooms of the Trajan Villa, or the number of natural creeks on the coast. Civitavecchia is a part of the Lazio Territory, an area which was confirmed to have social groups since pre-historic times, and the modern town was built over a pre-existing settlement of the Etruscan people in 107-108 B.C.E. (who debated to have founded Rome). In the beginning of the 2nd century, the harbor and town of Centumcellae were simultaneously developed by Emperor Trajan in the territory of Aquae Tauri. As the town became more popular for ships traveling westbound, the Thermal Baths were constructed on the hill of Ficoncella. Centumcellae flourished in the Imperial Age, and by 538 A.D., it had become a Byzantine stronghold. In 728 A.D., it became a member of the Papal States. The Saracens raided Centumcellae many times in the 9th century, prompting Pope Leo VII to have a newer and more secure settlement built by 854. The town, then known as Civita Vetula, was under the rule of several lords, and the Popes temporarily lost control during the French Rule in 1798-1815. In 1870 it entered the Kingdom of Italy. Civitavecchia was severely damaged during WWII, destroying many of the ancient monuments including Forte Michelangelo, which would be rebuilt in the 1950’s. Popular points of interest include the Forte Michelangelo, Terme Taurine, and Cattedrale di San Francesco. There is a wealth of Roman and Vatican architecture and tourists are encouraged to visit many of the museums and take the cultural tours available in this important sea port.

Bonifacio is one of our favorite arrivals! As we approach, the Captain navigates along the limestone cliffs giving guests a sea view of incredible Bonifacio as well as the great Aragon steps leading to the water’s edge. Shortly after the pilot will embark and the Captain will turn the yacht around and back into this very impressive fjord-like marina. This could be one of our highest rated arrivals as the guests always find it both impressive and awe inspiring.

St. Tropez located on the French Riviera quite simply may be the most famous resort town in Europe. It is a playground for the fashion models, athletes, movie stars, entertainers and other extremely wealthy summertime guests. There’s much to offer in this resort town, shopping, nightlife (Byblos hotel’s Les Caves du Roy nightclub) exceptional beach clubs such as Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach at Pampelonne. Nearby you can explore some of the hill towns and visit the award winning rose wineries. You can also visit neighboring Grimaud and Port Grimaud or just a little further out golf at a few highly rated courses. SeaDream anchors just off the break wall and tenders directly to the pier downtown.

Cassis is a small port situated east of Marseille in the administrative department of the Bouches-du-Rhone in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in southern France. It is a very popular tourist destination and is famous for its steep cliffs (falaises) and the sheltered limestone inlets called calanques. The wines of Cassis are white and rose, and not to be confused with creme de cassis, a specialty of Burgundy which takes its name from blackcurrants (cassis), not the village here. SeaDream anchors in the bay and offer a land adventure to the impressive Aix en Provence. Other options are taking a local boat to the calanques, hiking along the coast, visiting some of the local vineyards, water sports, mountain biking or simply relaxing in a Balinese bed on the yacht.

Marseilles is disputed to be the oldest city in France with a history dating back 2600 years. After Paris it is the second largest city and boasts 300 days of sunshine per year. Historically, this was one of the most important trade centers in the Mediterranean. Today the town is bustling with options for visitors. SeaDream’s size allows preferred “parking” very close to town and doesn’t require the need for shuttle bus service like the larger vessels. Several guests will venture off to see Aix en Provence. Others will explore this unique city.

Marseilles is disputed to be the oldest city in France with a history dating back 2600 years. After Paris it is the second largest city and boasts 300 days of sunshine per year. Historically, this was one of the most important trade centers in the Mediterranean. Today the town is bustling with options for visitors. SeaDream’s size allows preferred “parking” very close to town and doesn’t require the need for shuttle bus service like the larger vessels. Several guests will venture off to see Aix en Provence. Others will explore this unique city.

Roses (or Rosas in Spanish) is a coastal city and has the largest fishing fleet of the Costa Brava. Even with so many fishermen, this town in Girona thrives on tourism. The town is popular for its splendid beaches and loved for its unique location as it is the only beach resort facing west. This allows tourists and locals alike get to enjoy fantastic sunsets across the Gulf of Roses. SeaDream anchors just of the marina and may offer guests water sports activities.

At the mouth of the Francoli River, on a hillside rising from the Mediterranean Sea, sits Tarragona, one of Spain’s most flourishing resort towns. In cultured Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Roman history mingles with gorgeous sun-kissed beaches and a gastronomic setting that fills its boardwalks with unimaginable culinary aromas. Perhaps its biggest allures are the ruins of a seaside amphitheater and a mosaic-decorated museum, boasting one of the best collections of fourth- and fifth-century Christian documents in Spain, historical emblems made for inquisitive exploring. The Necropolis features Roman tombs and traces of the Forum stand among the alleys of the walled, medieval Old Town. Stroll the Old Town and visit the towering Romanesque Cathedral and one of its lively bistros. A walkway along the ramparts, the Passeig Arqueològic, leads to sweeping views of the surrounding community.

Overlooking the Mediterranean city, Barcelona is a destination that welcomes exploration. Vibrant and metropolitan, this UNESCO-Awarded city is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. It is especially notable for its Art Nouveau architecture and the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, which can be seen throughout the city. His best-known work is the immense, unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882 and is still financed by private donations. Completion is planned for 2026. SeaDream overnights in this bustling Mediterranean city and typically docks downtown at the World Trade Center, just steps away from the iconic tree-lined pedestrian La Rambla boulevard