9 Night Mediterranean Cruise – Barcelona to Rome + Addon Tours

Enjoy September's perfect weather and lower crowd numbers in the Mediterranean.  This 9 night cruise is the perfect way to experience some of Spain, France and Italy's most intriguing and historic cities all without the hassle of switching hotels in between.  Indulge in regional delights, wander museums filled with priceless art, shop the streets like a local and learn all about these seaside destinations.   

Date: September 5 - September 14, 2024

ITINERARY

Day 1: Barcelona, Spain
Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travelers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city center, venture to the awaiting Mediterranean Sea and all the seaside has to offer. Maybe a brisk hike in the nearby forest covered Collserola Hills or the hilltop in Montjuïc with its botanical gardens is the perfect recharge for a rollicking evening in one of the premier party capitals of the world. Round out your cruise to Barcelona dining at a tapas bar and savor a variety of delicious small dishes to share—from traditional Spanish to the more innovative.

Day 2: At Sea - Cruising
While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination. 

Day 3: Provence (Marseille), France
Stroll the spirit and charm of France's oldest city - along La Canabiere toward the Vieux Port where ships have docked for more than 26 centuries, or in Cours Julien, a large pedestrian square lined with some of Marseille's trendiest cafés and theatres. And of course, no trip to Marseille would be complete without tasting its most renowned dish - bouillabaisse.
Day 4: Nice (Villefranche), France
This jewel of the French Riviera is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels and terraced cafes. Stroll the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais or see masterpieces by Matisse, Renoir, Monet and Chagall in one of Nice's many museums.

Day 5: Santa Margherita, Italy
Located in the middle of the Italian Riviera, Santa Margherita is less than 4 miles from Portofino, and it is just as beautiful. The town of Santa Margherita is large enough to offer something for everyone while still maintaining a small-town feeling. Walk along the palm lined harbor, explore the marina, or unwind at the beach. This picturesque seaside town features cafés, restaurants, gelaterias (you have to try the gelato here), bars, and shops, that line the harbor and face the sea. When you visit Santa Margherita with Celebrity, you’ll have an incredible selection of shore excursions to choose from, including our Three Pearls of the Paradise Coast tour. We’ll transport you to the three most luxurious holiday resorts in three incredible places— Santa Margherita, Portofino, and Rapallo where you’ll soak in the Italian Riviera sun, the lush landscapes, and the breathtaking architecture. Or, join us on a tour to Cinque Terre where seaside cliffs and terraced vineyards are the norm and the cozy villages of Cinque Terre are nestled comfortably among them. Whatever you decide to do with us here, you’re sure to have an in-depth, authentic experience.
Day 6: Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy
The beautiful Italian seaport of Livorno is your gateway to Florence, Pisa, and Tuscany's vast wine country. Pisa is most noted for its famous marble bell tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has tilted 14 feet since 1370.

Located in central Italy and the capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is the birthplace of history’s most important cultural and intellectual awakening--the Renaissance. There’s so much to see and appreciate on your cruise to Florence. Whether standing in awe of Brunelleschi's red cathedral dome on Piazza del Duomo or contemplating Michelangelo’s sublime hand in any of his masterworks, you will know that you are in the presence of one of the world’s great cities. The breathtaking scenery and all the romance conjured by the city’s streets, bridges, and buildings will not disappoint.

Neighboring Pisa is also worth some investigation outside of its notorious architectural faux paux, Leaning Tower of Pisa. This former maritime power boasts a vibrant university population that fuels the busy café and bar scene here. You’ll also find much in the way of Gothic architecture here, such as the Battistero, the place where Galileo was baptized. Head to the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo for paintings, sculptures, and artifacts spanning some 300 years with a special emphasis on the artists of the Tuscan school.

Day 7: Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy
The beautiful Italian seaport of Livorno is your gateway to Florence, Pisa, and Tuscany's vast wine country. Pisa is most noted for its famous marble bell tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has tilted 14 feet since 1370.

Located in central Italy and the capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is the birthplace of history’s most important cultural and intellectual awakening--the Renaissance. There’s so much to see and appreciate on your cruise to Florence. Whether standing in awe of Brunelleschi's red cathedral dome on Piazza del Duomo or contemplating Michelangelo’s sublime hand in any of his masterworks, you will know that you are in the presence of one of the world’s great cities. The breathtaking scenery and all the romance conjured by the city’s streets, bridges, and buildings will not disappoint.

Neighboring Pisa is also worth some investigation outside of its notorious architectural faux paux, Leaning Tower of Pisa. This former maritime power boasts a vibrant university population that fuels the busy café and bar scene here. You’ll also find much in the way of Gothic architecture here, such as the Battistero, the place where Galileo was baptized. Head to the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo for paintings, sculptures, and artifacts spanning some 300 years with a special emphasis on the artists of the Tuscan school.

Day 8: At Sea - Cruising
While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination. 
Day 9: Naples, Italy
Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is chock full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it a fascinating place for you to explore. For all of Rome’s notoriety and reputation, Naples, with its historic city center deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has just as many important archeological sites and landmarks.  Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale for a world-class collection of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman artifacts. And, if you’d like to venture a little deeper on your Naples cruise, then exploring Naples from below the ground is a must. Start with a trip into the basement of the San Lorenzo Maggiore church where you’ll find a partially excavated Roman market and a little deeper, just below the Roman ruins, you’ll find remnants from the Greeks to discover. And in the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Whether you’re looking for a thin, wood-fired Margherita pie, spaghetti alle vongole or a zeppole dusted with confectioner’s sugar, Naples and her bountiful edible treasures is sure to please. Only 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history, but also boasts a marvelous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.
Day 10: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.

 

Give us a call to book this incredible cruise or how you can extend your stay for self-guided tour pre- or post- cruise!