Day 2, 3, 4 | Cannes, France

CRUISE TO CANNES—BECAUSE WE CAN-CAN-CANNES!

Lights, camera, Cannes! Perhaps best known for the eponymous film festival that happens ever year, this charming port has plenty more to see than just celebrities and socialites. (Though, keep your eyes peeled because you never know who might be driving those Ferraris and Maseratis!)

Get ready for your close-up with a stroll along Le Promenade de la Croisette, the place to see and been seen in Cannes. Find the perfect pair of oversized sunglasses in one of the many luxury boutiques (Prada, anyone?) and then sit back and people watch with a glass of rosé at a chic waterfront café.

To see more of this seaside paradise, head to Le Suquet (the old town) to traverse winding cobblestone streets and zigzagging staircases. Gourmands will want to head for rue Meynardiers for shops carrying delicacies like creamy Brie and colorful macarons. The street also leads to Marché Forville, a covered market, where you’ll find local fig jam, charcuterie, and fresh flowers to tempt your senses.

Day 5, 6 | Villefranche, France

JOURNEY TO THE EXCLUSIVE HEART OF THE COTE D’AZUR

Though its name may not be familiar, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize much of Villefranche while walking its beachfront and twisting, cobblestone streets. That’s because it’s been a cinematic hot spot for years, and movies such as To Catch a Thief, An Affair to Remember, and Never Say Never Again have all been shot here.

Behind the scenes, though, this resort town—located 20 minutes west of Nice—is considered one of the French Riviera’s most exclusive spots. (It’s also one of Europe’s most sought-after residential areas, but not to worry: When you’re on a Desire Cruise, your very own boutique hotel travels with you.)

Once your hotel tenders in one of the deepest natural harbors in the Mediterranean, it’s time to explore. Stroll along the pier, where colorful fishing boats are matched only by the colorful characters who tend their nets. Or dig your toes into the sands of beaches like Plage des Marinières, Plage de la Darse, or Plage de l’Ange Gardien.

Meander the labyrinth of winding stairways and narrow streets in the Old Town—home to many of Villefranche’s most notable attractions, including Citadelle Saint-Elme, Chapelle Saint-Pierre, and Église Saint-Michel. A quick car ride to the east will bring you to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a 20th century villa that overlooks nine gardens, each with a distinct theme.

If your travels have you needing to refuel, you’re in luck. No day in Villefranche is truly complete without indulging in fine French cuisine, flavored with a distinct Mediterranean influence. Dine on local specialties like boeuf Rossini and fresh foie gras, or watch the world go by at Wine Pier—which is just as scenic as the name implies.

Day 8 | Barcelona, Spain

A COSMOPOLITAN MASTERPIECE

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan masterpiece. With a history rich in art and architecture, medieval, Gothic, and modern influences can be seen all over the city. Start at the waterfront and stroll up the shady, tree-lined Las Ramblas boulevard and discover some of the city’s best shopping and bustling cafes.