Mediterranean: Italy, France & Spain

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is the oldest city in France and was founded in 600 BC. Among the many terracotta-roofed buildings lies many intriguing sights including the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. Other places well worth visiting are the city of Avignon and the quaint villages of Le Baux & Aix en Provence. Explore more of Marseille on a European cruise!

How lucky to visit the Tuscan region, Florence & Pisa, resplendent in art and history. What's even more fortunate is that all the main attractions in Florence are centrally located for the perfect walking tour. See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Michelangelo's David. Explore more of Florence & Pisa on a European cruise!

Endless adventures await in Rome. With two and a half thousand years of history, art and culture, it is no wonder Rome is one of the most visited cities on the planet. Gaze at the masterpieces of the Vatican or walk into the past with visits to ancient relics, historic monuments and legendary museums. Or people-watch while sipping on an espresso in a quaint cafe.

The history of Salerno is as rich and vibrant as its surrounding landscapes. The site of ancient settlements (Neolithic mummy remains discovered here), Salerno has been home to vast empires and was the site of Medieval Europe’s first medical school. A trip to Salerno makes it easy to understand why countless people have been drawn to its location along the Gulf of Salerno. Nestled between the mountains and the sea at the southeastern point of the famed Amalfi Coast, Salerno boasts sun-drenched beaches, nature reserves and parks, historic sites and delicious local cuisine.

The third largest city on the island of Sicily, Messina welcomes cruise ship visitors with its lovely harbor, extraordinary architecture (much of which miraculously survived a horrendous earthquake and tidal wave in 1908) and wonderful food. Stroll through Messina's Piazza Cairoli taking in magnificent fountains and cathedrals, or sip Marsala wine at a sidewalk cafe. Explore more of Messina on a European cruise!

Although somewhat scarred by World War II, Valletta prides itself on its magnificent Baroque palaces, piazzas, gardens and churches. The Magisterial Palace, built between 1571 and 1574, now houses the Maltese Parliament and offices of the President of Malta.

The winding alleys and souks invite you to meander through Tunis’ opulent, historic medina. Visit the Bardo Museum, with its spectacular Roman mosaics, or take a detour to the lovely whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Saïd, perched on a cliff above the sea. The village is a lovely collection of cobbled streets, flower-filled courtyards and shops brimming with artisan jewelry, caftans, inlaid boxes and more. Gourmets will want to try the local spicy lamb dishes.

On the one hand, this city, founded by the Romans some 2,100 years ago, is replete with (literally) wall-to-wall history and architectural splendor. You can journey back in time and wander the mazes of alleyways and cobblestone paths that surround the Gothic cathedral. On the other hand, Palma is bustling with life, showcasing the island's best restaurants, shops, nightlife and a vibrant art scene. Explore more of Palma on a European cruise!

The capital of Catalonia, and one of its provinces, Barcelona, is a place of palpable history, where you can lose yourself strolling down the medieval streets of the Barri Gotic. It's a city designed to delight the senses: visit other-worldly Modernista churches like Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, or treat yourself at a street-side cafe to Patatas Bravas or a Passion Fruit Mojito. Our diverse cruises from Barcelona not only offer a gateway to this captivating city but also serve as the perfect starting point for exploring the Mediterranean and beyond. Choosing cruises from Barcelona allows you to seamlessly blend the excitement of a vibrant city with the allure of a grand sea voyage. Explore more of Catalonia and beyond on a European cruise from Barcelona!