France, Italy & Malta +Hotel +Flights Cruise on MSC World Europa from Barcelona

Day 3

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.

Day 5

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 6

Port of call in Palermo (Sicily).

 Palermo, the capital of Sicily and the Province of Palermo is situated in the northwest of the island of Sicily, right by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Palermo is a beautiful place and has a noteworthy architectural heritage. It is known for many of its Norman buildings, including churches, museums, palaces, and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence - it is over 2,700 years old. The city is rich in history, culture, art, music, and food. There are many tourist attractions such as Palermo’s Arabic quarter, Orto botanico Botanical Gardens and Real Tenuta della Favorita Park. In Vucciria market, visitors will experience the unique, strongly Sicilian atmosphere, as well as taste the typical local produce. Things to see and do include the Vucciria market, Palazzo dei Normanni, Quattro Canti, Norman churches, palaces, museums, and the Capuchin Catacombs – the latter of which being not for the faint hearted. It is here where you can see the mummified bodies of monks and more, including that of a small child named Rosalia Lombardo who died in 1920. She is a true marvel.

Day 7

Port of call in Valletta (Malta).

Valletta is the capital of Malta, situated in the east central portion of Malta. It is the second southernmost capital of Europe. The city was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. The city is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas. The city consists of buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. The official name given by the Order of Saint John was Humilissima Civitas - Valletta the Most Humble City of Valletta. The bastions, curtains along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens, and churches, led the ruling houses of Europe to give the city its nickname Superbissima - Most Proud. Valletta cruise port is stunning and the views from your ship of the harbour will blow you away. There’s lots to see and do in the immediate port area, and shuttle buses are sometimes provided to take you further into the city. A day of exploring here will not disappoint.