Love art, history, food, and sea breezes? In our latest Featured Journeys we are heading to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Our adventure begins in Barcelona where artists have created awe-inspiring spires and works of art. Then we venture to Provence to the port city of Marseille for history and waterside culture. Last but not least, we finish our multi-destination itinerary in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where the glitterati venture for the Grand Prix.
Barcelona, Spain
An intersection of cultures for more than 2,000 years, Barcelona is the autonomous capital of Catalunya. While it is located in Spain, the city is Catalonian in every way from its beachside cafes to the medieval streets of the Barri Gotic. Visionary artists have influenced the style of the city from Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia to the Picasso Museum. Foodies and gourmands flock to La Boqueria Market for goat chees, seafood bars, olives, and Iberian ham. Park Guell is a sprawling outdoor green space filled with sculpted greenery, and the tree-lined La Rambla leads down charming alleyways to the Santa Maria del Mar church. Ready to relax? Barceloneta Beach is the destination for locals and tourists alike.
Situated right beside the city's Cathedral, the Neri Hotel is a chic and exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. A member of the Relais & Chateaux, the property occupies two historic buildings, including a Medieval Palace from the XII century. Featuring sophisticated design throughout, the property blends music and sensual aromas to create a one-of-a-kind retreat in this ancient area of central Barcelona, steps from Las Ramblas, la Boqueria market, and the Picasso Museum.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily, private transfer from the airport, and a welcome bottle of Spanish olive oil.
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Dating back to classical Greece, Marseille is a multicultural port city where grandeur and grit blend together. Named the European Capital of Culture in 2013, the city has welcomed world-class museums in recent years. Vieux Port (old port) is the heart of the city where yachts and pleasure boats set the scene. The Cathedrale de Marseille Notre Dame de la Major is the center of the Joliette neighborhood, and the Republique quarter is the destination for Haussmannian architecture and stylish boutiques.
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu
The historic InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu is an iconic landmark property offering commanding views of the city of Marseille, Vieux-Port, and the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. Designed by Mansart's nephew, the property is ideally situated at the gateway to Provence with 194 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, grand outdoor terrace, and a 10,000-square foot Spa by Clarins. Guests of the hotel can bear witness to the property's impressive historic via its majestic staircases, vaulted passages, French gardens, and terraces.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily in Les Fenetres, a 50 EUR food and beverage credit in Les Fenetres per room/per stay, (or for stays in 2020, an 85 Euro or $100 USD hotel credit per person/per stay – not valid for Alcyone Michelin Star Restaurant, Spa by Clarins and Conciergerie), complimentary WiFi, access to the Clarins Spa facilities and an automatic room category upgrade to a Seaview room at booking, based on availability. With a stay of three (3) nights or more, guests also receive a bottle of Champagne.
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Monte Carlo, Monaco
Surrounded by France on three sides and the Mediterranean on the fourth, the city-state of Monaco is home to the world's greatest number of billionaires per capita. A haven for celebrities and high-rollers for centuries, most of Monaco's revenue comes from banking, tourism, and gambling. The world's second-smallest country is just 200 hectares, and it is home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix. Monte Carlo is dominated by glass and concrete, with high-rise hotels and super yachts along its meandering streets.
Situated a stone's throw from the famous Casino Square, Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo provides carefree elegance. Located in the heart of Monaco, this historic palace hotel combines tradition with contemporary comforts and offers guests extravagance at its finest. There are three restaurants and bars, including one-starred Michelin Le Vistamar restaurant, to experience “la dolce vita à la Rivera” with Grand Cru wines, plus a wellness center with a heated seawater pool and fitness center with panoramic views.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive daily buffet breakfast for two at Eiffel Mezzanine, a $100 USD food and beverage credit per room/per stay (excluding the minibar), the Cercle Monte Carlo Card with added special privileges, complimentary WiFi, and a VIP welcome.
One of the finest hotels in Provence has announced rates in November of just €150 per night, a whopping 80% savings off normal rates. The autumn is a great time to visit southern France; the crowds of summer tourists are long gone, and truffle season is in full swing (not to mention the olive harvest). The 