My husband and I are interested in traveling from Nice to Barcelona in August. We thought it would be fun to make this trek by boat, either a 3-5 day cruise or some type of sailing option (possibly hiring a private boat & captain) that doesn't break the bank. The idea of hiring a private boat sounds incredible; we would love to have the freedom to stop at various ports along the way. Has anyone made this journey by sea and used the Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports Guidebook? If so, can you please recommend a cruise line or an affordable private captain/boat for hire? Other suggestions or tips?
Posted by
Bend, OR
1359 posts
There are several cruise forums you might post your questions on.
Posted by
London
1619 posts
I don't have anything terribly useful to add, but you might struggle to find something affordable. As understand it, there are many yachts to charter operating out of various Mediterranean ports including Nice. I'd expect it to be in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per week to do what you describe.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
230 posts
Forget anything private unless you are wealthy enough to charter a motor cruiser. Thousands of dollars a day, and the potential repositioning cost.
The journey by sail will take longer than you have.
Posted by
NorCal
431 posts
Just adding for context, it's incredibly easy and time/cost-effective to fly from NCE to BCN. Last May we took a Vueling flight (1h20m gate-to-gate), which offers an incredible view of Côte d'Azur coastline while climbing to 30,000-ft. Their 13:30 flight affords one last breakfast in Nice with a Tapas dinner in Barcelona that same night. Almost like getting an additional day to enjoy each locale. Good travels!