8-NT Mediterranean Marvels & Matches: Monte Carlo Masters

From this river-front harbor on the Côte Vermeille near Spain, travel to picturesque Collioure, whose fervent Catalan spirit, scenically-sited Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, romantic Chateau Royal and Fort Saint-Elme attracted the vigorous artists of the Fauvist movement including Derain, Matisse, Braque and Picasso.

Better known as Frances main naval base than as a cruise port, Toulon has unexpected charm and is all the better for not being a major tourist destination as you can wander through the cobbled streets of its delightful old town untroubled by crowds. Look out for the superb maritime and art museums, the magnificent Romanesque cathedral and Le Marche, where fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables are bought to market every day. Ship buffs also have the bonus of watching the comings and goings of the French warships around the harbour. The best view of the old town and the harbour is from Mont Faron which overlooks both - take the funicular up from Boulevard Amiral Vence.

St Tropez has become synonymous with Côte d’Azur chic. First came the artists, and works by Matisse reside in the museum of art. Over the decades, the A-listers followed. Tall waterside houses line up with façades of dusky yellows and oranges, gleaming yachts bob lazily in the marina, and the narrow cobbled lanes of the old town make a pleasant place to stroll.

Here on the French Riviera, Cannes is known for its beaches, chic boutiques and elegant nightspots around La Croisette promenade. It was a sleepy harbour until 1834, when Lord Brougham stayed here on his travels to Italy and began its transformation into a fashionable resort. It’s now home to the famous film festival and the immortalised handprints of A-list movie stars.

With so many countries, three continents and thousands of years of history on the itinerary of our Mediterranean cruises, there are plenty of ways to discover this ancient sea. You can step into grand cities and laid-back harbours, discover lively resorts and sleepy islands, stand before vibrant modern architecture or age-old wonders.

With so many countries, three continents and thousands of years of history on the itinerary of our Mediterranean cruises, there are plenty of ways to discover this ancient sea. You can step into grand cities and laid-back harbours, discover lively resorts and sleepy islands, stand before vibrant modern architecture or age-old wonders.

The port is lined with ancient houses from as early as the 12th century. And the dominant citadel dates from then, as well. Below that, explore the grotto where Lord Byron used to daydream. Or climb the castle beside St. Peter’s church for a view of the villages of Cinque Terre clinging to the cliffs across the gulf.

Tours are from Civitavecchia. A visit to Rome is an unforgettable experience. Explore the legends of the ages: the Vatican and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Catacombs. Stroll down the Via Veneto or sip cappuccino in the Piazza di Spagna. Italy's Eternal City is eternally fascinating. Throw a few coins in the Trevi Fountain and you may be back again!