Western Mediterranean Explorer

Nice is the fifth most populous city in France and the second largest on the Mediterranean coast. The city’s famous seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais (‘the Walkway of the English’) owes its name to the earliest settlers to this seaside resort. For over a quarter century, the picturesque Nicean surroundings have attracted not only those in search of relaxation but also those seeking inspiration. SeaDream docks in the small port and offers several land adventure options as well as private arrangements and transfers.

Sanary-sur-Mer is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. It is located in coastal Provence on the Mediterranean Sea 13 km from Toulon and 49 km from Marseille. It can be reached from Paris by TGV train in less than four hours.

Collioure is surely the most picturesque coastal resort on the Mediterranean coast of South-West France. With the backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains tumbling into the sea, the old harbour, the impressive castle, wonderful old churches, beach-side restaurants, narrow old streets, bijou boutiques, art trails and three beaches. Collioure was first settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks as a trading port and, since then, has been occupied by Romans, Barbarians, Arabs, Spaniards (at least 4 times) and finally after the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, the French. The Knights Templars, built Collioure’s impressive castle (Chateau-Royal) in the 12th Century and this was later used as a residence for the Kings of Mallorca. Collioure still makes a healthy living from its salted anchovies that are exported all over France.

In this bustling city, Roman history is mingled with gorgeous beaches, high-end bars, and a food setting that fills the boardwalks with unimaginable culinary aromas. Perhaps its biggest allures are the ruins of a seaside amphitheater and a mosaic-decorated museum, historical emblems made for inquisitive exploring. Don’t forget to savor the medieval center of Tarragona by visiting the towering Romanesque Cathedral and grab a bite at any eatery that tickles your taste buds

Situated on the southern coast of Mallorca, the largest city in the Balearic Islands archipelago is Palma. Mallorca’s cultural and economic hub is the 12th largest urban area in all of Spain. Palma has an area of 21.4 square kilometers, housing half the population of Mallorca and despite being compared to Barcelona and Florence, it is twinned with Naples, Italy. In 1983, Palma officially became the capital of the Balearic Islands. Originally founded by General Quintus Caecilius Metellus as a Roman camp in 123 B.C.E., the island of Mallorca was a part of the Tarraconensis province of Spain. The Romans established two ports, Pollentia to the northeast and Palma in the south. Palma was utilized as a port for Africa, while Pollentia was used for Roman cities in the northwest Mediterranean. Prior to the Muslim conquest and downfall of the Western Roman Empire, existed a period where the Byzantine Empire was on Mallorca. Due to the lack of documentation, the nature of this presence is unknown, but for the 10th century to 1229 A.D., Palma was under Islamic control as “Medina Mayurqa”. When James I of Aragon captured Palma in 1229, it was given municipality as “Cuitat de Mallorca”, and maintained as the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. Perpignan and Palma became a joint capital of the Kingdom once James I of Aragon passed away. From 1229 onward, the foundations of Mallorcan society began to flourish, although various war-like events would soon take place. In 1391 began an anti-Jewish movement that forced the Jewish people to flee, convert, or be killed – actions that would ultimately be reinforced in the Inquisition. While the Revolt of 1450 was occurring, it was farmers that were then harassed. A river that divided the city would eventually spur social and economic issues as an Upper and Lower town of the city would be established. Mallorca was on the decline by the 16th century, and became a haven for pirates by the 17th century. Finally, the War of the Spanish Succession ended and destroyed the Crown of Aragon in 1714 when Barcelona fell. The city would eventually begin to thrive again as Charles III of Spain allowed commercial activity to bounce back by removing interdiction of commerce with the Spanish colonies in America. Once Algeria became occupied by France, fear of Maghredi attacks were eliminated, allowing further economic expansion with new maritime routes surfacing. Since 1950, Mallorca has become a prime tourist destination, growing from 600,000 visitors in 1960 to 19.2 million visitors by 2001. Tourists can view the old city, Arab baths, Palma Cathedral, Bellver Castle, or simply indulge in the beautiful Playa de S’amarador. For a glorious, picturesque scene of mountains, be sure to visit the Serra de Tramuntana and explore the UNESCO location overlooking the sea.

Alicante is a port city on Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca, and the capital of the Alicante province. Its old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, has narrow streets, colored houses and a nightlife scene. From here, an elevator or a steep climb leads to medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, set on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coast

Cartagena was founded in the 3rd century BC and has been a major naval station. It is located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain. Thanks to its strategic position on the Mediterranean, Cartagena has been inhabited by many different cultures which have left their mark on its rich cultural heritage during a glorious and turbulent history. It’s a very pleasant and relaxing city to walk around. SeaDream makes it easy is the yacht docks in the center of town. Guests have an option of a walking discovery adventure as well as resort golf at La Manga. Some guests also enjoy independent usage of the mountain bikes.

Malaga, together with adjacent towns and municipalities such as Rincon de la Victoria, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Alhaurin de la Torre, Mijas, and Marbella, forms the Malaga Metropolitan area. The important cultural infrastructure and the rich artistic heritage have culminated in the nomination of Malaga as a candidate for the 2016 European Capital of Culture. The internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso and actor Antonio Banderas were both born in Malaga. SeaDream calls to Malaga both as an embarkation point as well as a typical port of call. Kindly check on the land adventures tab to see all of the activities and options. Should you need embarkation information, it’s also available there.