To explore some of the loveliest and most historic places in Europe, consider a cruise in the Western Mediterranean. A wide range of itineraries is available from various cruise lines. Your professional travel advisor can help you find the cruise ship, schedule, and style that suits you best.
While the Western Med is a fine destination for cruising all
year long, the summer months can be hot, with the largest crowds on shore.
Also, many Europeans take all of August off for their own vacations, so some shoreside
attractions may be closed during that month. In spring or fall, cruise
passengers often enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures in the Western
Mediterranean. Winter can be a little chilly in some areas, but holiday celebrations make
it a lovely time to sail.
Many voyages focus on popular ports along the southern coasts
of Spain and France, as well as the west coast of Italy. Here are just a few of
the wonderful Western Med ports you may wish to visit:
Barcelona, Spain. There’s so much to see in the ancient Gothic
Quarter and Old Town, but you can also visit the Sagrada Familia and other buildings
designed by Antoni Gaudi, tour FC Barcelona’s stadium, walk the beach at La
Barceloneta, or visit a Benedictine abbey on the peaks of Montserrat.
The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). Where you dock along this
famous coastline may depend on the size of your ship: it could be a larger port
like Marseilles, or a smaller one like Saint-Tropez. No matter where your ship
calls, the scenery along the coast is stunning.
Rome, Italy. Most ships dock in Civitavecchia (a major port
since the second century), where passengers hop on trains or buses for an
hour’s ride to Rome. On a first visit, a highlights tour will take you to the most
iconic sites; on a return visit, spend more time exploring a favorite place,
like the Colosseum, the Vatican, or the Piazza Navona. Before or after Rome, your
cruise might also call on the Italian ports of Genoa, Livorno (for Florence), or
Naples.
Some Western Med cruises also call on Portugal, Monaco, or
Mediterranean islands like Mallorca, Sardinia, Corsica, or Malta. And, some venture
to North African ports in Tunisia, Algeria, or Morocco, too. For much more
information about your options for cruising the Western Mediterranean, talk
with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
