Italy by Sea +Hotel in Barcelona +Flights Cruise on Costa Smeralda from Barcelona

Day 1

Flights from London to Barcelona. First night hotel stay in Barcelona.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid. It is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea. It is located on the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besos and is bounded to the west by the Derra de Collserola ridge. Barcelona is today one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair/exhibitions and cultural-sports centres, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. Indeed, it is a major cultural and economic centre in southwestern Europe, 24th in the world and a growing financial centre (Diagonal Mar and Gran Via). As of 2009 the city was ranked Europe's third and one of the world's most successful as a city brand. Barcelona is the transport hub with one of Europe's principal ports, Barcelona international airport, which handles above 35 million passengers per year, extensive motorway network and also is a hub of hight-speed rail, particularly that which is intended to link Spain with France and the rest of Europe as the second longest in the world.

Day 4

Port of call in Cagliari (Sardinia).

Founded by the Fenitians, Cagliari is one of the most important ports in Sardinia, located at the south of the island. A place to get lost and forget about the bustle of the city. It is also famous for having one of the most extensive urban beaches in Italy. The beach of Il Poetto. Like Spain in many ways, such as the habits, expressions, and even the gastronomy, because Sardinia belonged to Spain for 400 years. It is often noted that the best way to arrive in Cagliari is by sea, so visiting via cruise ship already allows you an advantage and a unique view. You’ll find something here for the whole family to enjoy, from local cuisines, museums, beaches, and great shopping opportunities to purchase locally produced goods. 

Day 5

Port of call in Naples (Italy).

Naples is the capital of Campania, one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea. The Port of Naples is one of the largest Italian seaport and one of the largest seaport in the Mediterranean Sea. Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Naples has long been a major cultural centre with a global sphere of influence, particularly during the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. In the immediate vicinity of Naples are numerous culturally and historically significant sites, including the Palace of Caserta and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Culinary Naples is synonymous with pizza, which originated in the city. Neapolitan music has furthermore been highly influential, credited with the invention of the romantic guitar and the mandolin, as well as notable contributions to opera and folk standards.

Day 6

Port of call in Civitavecchia (Rome).

 Civitavecchia is the city of Rome´s port on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The harbour is formed by two piers and a breakwater, on which is a lighthouse. The name Civitavecchia means Ancient Town. There, the Eternal City lies before us in large format architectural and artistic sculptures such as the Colosseum, the most important monument of ancient Rome and used for public entertainment. Do not miss the Trevi Fountain and make a wish while you throw a coin over your shoulder and then continue to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of antiquity, Piazza Navona, and the Vatican City. Take a walk through the Plaza of Spain and rest on the steps of Trinita dei Monti before heading to Via Condotti, a wide avenue lined with shops. Civitavecchia is always popular with cruise passengers because, as noted earlier, it is the gateway to Rome. All cruise lines tend to offer shore excursions here to the Eternal City and we highly recommend that you book one. 

Day 8

Port of call in Marseille (France).

Marseille is the second largest city in France, after Paris and is the third largest urban area and metropolitan area after Lyon. Marseille is the capital of the Provence Alpes Côte dAzur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches du Rhône department. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market. The Old Port or Vieux Port is the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Things to see and do include the Old Port area, Abbey of Saint Victor, The Centre Bourse, and the adjacent Rue St Ferreol district, for the main shopping area, museums, and historical buildings. Marseille is always a popular cruise port because of its sheer beauty – it’s one of those cruise destinations that you’ll never forget.