The Irresistible Med - Scarlet Lady - Virgin Voyages

Day 1: Barcelona

Embarkation on Scarlet Lady. The ship departs from Barcelona port at 18:00

Day 2: Toulon, France

The ship arrives at Toulon port at 09.00 and departs at 18.00

A hidden gem in the French Riviera
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur — as the locals call it — is the crown jewel of the south of France. Its quaint yet world-renowned towns grant access to umbrella-dotted beaches and the lavender-rich countryside — making the French Riviera an alluring hotspot. But Toulon, found in the heart of the Riviera, often gets overlooked.

Toulon’s deep naval history put it on the map, but its provencal market, new art scene, and sandy beaches make it a true hidden gem of the region. Sitting between Marseille and St. Tropez, Toulon is the ideal port to fulfill all of your French Riviera fantasies.

Toulon’s claim to fame may be its proximity to Riviera towns like Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol, but its own shining attraction is the Rue Des Arts district — a network of streets and alleyways lined with murals, galleries and bars. If you’d prefer to admire the natural beauty, you can ride the bright red cable car to Mont Faron for access to winding hiking trails and sweeping views of the bay.

Day 3: Marina di Carrara, Italy

The ship arrives at Marina di Carrara, port at 08.00 and departs at 20.00

Tuscany, Liguria and in between
At first glance, you might think the snow-capped-looking marble mountains of Marina di Carrara are the actual snow-capped Alps. And frankly, no one could blame you. The bright white marble mountain tops contrasted against Marina di Carrara’s sandy beaches are almost like something out of a Renaissance painting — it’s that surreal.

The marble, which has been mined in close by Carrara for centuries, has been used to create some of the most important architectural wonders like the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s David. Nestled between the rolling hills of Tuscany and the crescent-like coastline of Liguria, Marina di Carrara acts as a scenic springboard to Italy’s culturally rich regions.

Tuscany and Liguria capture Italian culture like no other region. To get a taste of Tuscany, sip your way through the Chianti region and visit vineyard after vineyard or get to know the culture in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Medieval towns like Lucca dot the Tuscan countryside and Pisa lies a stone’s throw away. On the northern coast of Liguria, encounter the Italian Riviera in luxurious cities like Portofino and picturesque villages like Cinque Terre.

Day 4: At sea

Day at your leisure to enjoy the facilities and entertainment of the Scarlet Lady. 

Day 5: Ajaccio, Spain

The ship arrives at Ajaccio port at 08:00 and departs at 17:00

The magnetism of the Mediterranean
As a French commune only seven miles from the Italian island of Sardinia, Corsica is a blend of French and Italian culture. The locals feel more Italian than French but enjoy francophile staples like boulangeries and charcuterie. The capital port city, Ajaccio, sits on the western side of a natural paradise with astonishing peaks and sprawling beaches.

Ajaccio’s small streets are steeped in Napoleonic history including Maison Bonaparte, the infamous commander’s ancestral home. Tucked away in the mountainous countryside you’ll find vineyards, endless hiking trails and wild boar (see charcuterie). The Ajaccio Market displays fresh honey, organic wine and aromatherapy oils harvested from the hills. Ajaccio is a gateway to the beaches along Corsica’s shores and the forests, canyons and coves hidden in the Mediterranean mountains.

Day 6: Ibiza, Spain

The ship arrives at Ibiza port at 07:00 and overnights. 

The best of both worlds in Ibiza
Thanks to its iconic nightclubs and star-studded DJ sets, Ibiza earned its reputation as the party capital of the world. So, Ibiza’s true beach-bum personality and quiet seaside streets might surprise you. Once you get to know its free-spirited culture, sandy coves and historic Dalt Vila, you’ll have a clearer picture of the most talked-about Balearic island.

In Ibiza, you’ll conquer clubs both day and night. Immerse yourself in Ibiza’s dance culture, plus VIP access to sophisticated nightclubs with showstopping DJ lineups. Then, wake up (or stay up) to detox in a prime beach club for a day of sun and much-needed relaxation. Wander through the island’s hippie markets where you’ll find colorful woven goods hanging from stalls or head south to Formentera (Ibiza’s smaller sister island) to explore sparsely inhabited salt plains and sand dunes. Ibiza’s laid-back luxury lets you seek shelter from the partying or dance until dawn.

Day 7: Ibiza, Spain

The ship departs from Ibiza port at 17.00

The Best of Formentera
As tourism in Formentera is tied to environmental ethics, visitors and development are limited. As a result, those who choose to explore Formentera are rewarded with epic views of the Balearics natural beauty. After arriving by ferry, you’ll visit two of the island’s most famous beaches: Platja de Ses Illetes, an unimaginably idyllic sand beach straddling the island’s narrowest point, and Platja Es Pujols, nearer to the center and the perfect spot for having lunch, coffee, or a shopping spree.

Day 8: Barcelona

Scarlet Lady ship arrives at Barcelona port at 06.30