Spain Cruise from Barcelona to Rome Italy — 12 Days

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a Mediterranean port city built on Roman foundations, with Gothic lanes and striking modernist architecture. La Rambla runs from Plaça de Catalunya towards the waterfront and the old town. Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell show the city at its most distinctive. Set aside time for a market lunch and a walk through El Born, where medieval streets meet lively cafés. Barcelona’s beaches offer a welcome pause between visits.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma rewards an unhurried first walk. From the waterfront, the Gothic towers of La Seu rise above the old city, a landmark shaped over centuries. Inside, soaring columns and Antoni Gaudí’s modernist contributions add a striking note. Beyond the cathedral, lanes lead to shaded courtyards, shops and cafés serving local ensaimada. For a wider view, take a taxi to Bellver Castle, whose circular form overlooks the bay.

Port Mahon, Spain

Mahón sits at the head of one of the world’s largest natural harbours, a deep-water inlet that shaped Menorca’s history. From the waterfront, climb to the old town for Georgian façades, lively markets and views across the port. Menorca’s British-era influence appears in its architecture and in gin, still distilled locally and served with lemonade. Allow time to explore beyond Mahón: the island’s quiet coves, prehistoric stone monuments and clear waters reward an unhurried visit.

At Sea (At Sea)

Cagliari, Italy

Cagliari rewards those who look beyond the waterfront. Sardinia’s capital rises above the Gulf of Angels, its old Castello quarter perched over a working port. Walk the bastions for broad views, then explore the Roman amphitheatre carved into limestone. Below town, Poetto’s long beach meets salt lagoons where flamingos feed. Return for fregola with seafood or bottarga, the island’s prized cured mullet roe.

La Goulette-Tunis, Tunisia

La Goulette is Tunisia’s principal cruise gateway, set on the Mediterranean just northeast of Tunis. The capital’s old medina, Carthage’s ruins and Sidi Bou Said’s white-and-blue lanes are all within reach. Choose Roman history, Ottoman-era streets or cafés overlooking the sea. Plan around traffic: these sights lie in different directions, and each merits an unhurried visit.

Porto Empedocle, Italy

Porto Empedocle is a working Sicilian port with an unusually distinguished neighbour: Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples. Just a short drive inland, this UNESCO-listed site preserves some of the finest Greek temples outside Greece. Closer to shore, the pale cliffs of Scala dei Turchi rise above the water near Realmonte. Come for ancient history, then linger over Sicilian seafood and the unhurried rhythms of a port town.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta makes a powerful first impression, its honey-coloured walls rising above Grand Harbour. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, Malta’s compact capital rewards exploration on foot. Enter St John’s Co-Cathedral for Caravaggio’s monumental paintings, then follow Republic Street to cafés, palaces and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From the terraces, watch ferries cross the harbour and look towards the Three Cities. Allow time for steep lanes and quiet side streets.

Giardini Naxos-Taormina, Italy

Giardini Naxos sits on Sicily’s Ionian coast, beneath Mount Etna and a short drive from Taormina. Its waterfront pairs pebble beaches with cafés, gelaterie and views across the bay. Sicily’s first Greek colony was founded here in 734 BC. A nearby archaeological park preserves traces of its ancient streets and walls. Come for a seaside day, or use the port as a gateway to Taormina. There, the Greek Theatre commands sweeping views of Etna and the coast.

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento rises above the Bay of Naples, facing Mount Vesuvius across water busy with ferries. From here, ferries connect with Capri, while the town rewards a slower day among old lanes, churches, and sea-view terraces. Follow the scent of citrus to shops selling Sorrento lemons, locally made limoncello, and finely crafted marquetry. Then pause over lunch: the region’s seafood and Campanian produce are best enjoyed without hurry.

Ischia Island, Italy

Ischia rewards a slower arrival: pastel façades line the harbour, while volcanic hills rise behind the Gulf of Naples. From Ischia Porto, explore thermal gardens, sandy coves and villages scented with citrus and pine. On the eastern shore, medieval Aragonese Castle stands on a rocky islet, linked to Ischia by a stone causeway. Choose a seaside lunch, then make time for a soak in waters heated by the island’s volcanic geology.

Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy

Your ship docks at Civitavecchia, Rome’s seaport, about 50 miles northwest of the capital. Rome’s great monuments are within reach, but the port town rewards a closer look. Walk the waterfront to Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress begun under Pope Julius II; explore the old streets and market. Prefer a quieter day? The town’s seafront and nearby beaches offer an easy change of pace. Choose Rome for art and antiquity, or Civitavecchia for coastal life beyond the terminal.

Rome City, Italy

Civitavecchia, Rome’s cruise port, lies about 50 miles northwest of the capital. From the town station, trains reach central Rome in around 70 minutes, depending on service. The Colosseum, Vatican and Baroque piazzas reward a day spent exploring. Choose your priorities before you arrive; traffic and queues can consume precious hours. Then make room for a Roman lunch.

• Land Tour (Land Tour)