Istanbul to Barcelona Cruise

Day 1 - Istanbul

Arrive: Tue 09 November 2027 / Depart: Tue 09 November 2027 at 17:00

Bridging both Europe and Asia Minor, Istanbul is literally where “East meets West.” The city was founded by Constantine the Great and the history of this capital dates back sixteen centuries to the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Many of our voyages include overnight stays in this legendary city, allowing more time to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Shop among the winding byways of the Grand Bazaar and the exotic stalls of the Spice Bazaar. Tour the magnificent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, stroll among the treasures of the Blue Mosque with its unique six minarets, then view Dolmabahce Palace, the one-time residence of the sultans. Or you may cruise along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city’s numerous seaside mansions, mosques and palaces.

Day 2 - Canakkale, Turkey

Arrive: Wed 10 November 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 10 November 2027 at 16:00

Day 3 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Thu 11 November 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 11 November 2027 at 17:00

Originally a minor port, Kusadasi now serves as the gateway to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. As you walk the white marbled pathway, note the grooves made by centuries of chariot wheels. Stand in awe before the great Library of Celsus, and sit for a moment as the past seems to come alive at the Great Amphitheater, carved from the side of a mountain. Sacred places nearby include the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Day 4 - Athens

Arrive: Fri 12 November 2027 at 05:30 / Depart: Fri 12 November 2027 at 17:00

Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization” because of its immense impact on cultural and political achievements throughout the world. Due mainly to tourism and the 2004 Olympics, Greece has redeveloped many sites in Athens. A historian’s delight, Athens is home to such magnificent wonders as: the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the atmospheric winding streets of the Plaka, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Athena Nike, and the Archaeological Museum with the world’s finest collection of ancient artifacts.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Sicily

Arrive: Sun 14 November 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 14 November 2027 at 17:00

Messina, the third largest city in Sicily, was the most important port of departure for European knights on their way to the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Today, this extensively rebuilt port city still boasts many historically and architecturally significant landmarks, particularly the renowned cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12th century Catania Church and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. Messina is also the starting point for a day trip to the peak of breath-taking Mt. Etna-Crateri Silvestri.

Day 7 - Naples, Italy

Arrive: Mon 15 November 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 15 November 2027 at 17:00

Naples, a city in southern Italy, sits on the Bay of Naples. Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture. The city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is filled with frescoes. Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle.

Day 8 - Rome

Arrive: Tue 16 November 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 16 November 2027 at 19:00

Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter. Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.

Day 9 - Florence/Pisa

Arrive: Wed 17 November 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 17 November 2027 at 19:00

Livorno, located in the center of Tuscany, is the gateway to the glory of Renaissance Florence and Pisa. From the 13th to 16th centuries, this era of creative freedom encouraged the genius of Dante, Donatello, Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, da Vinci, and Machiavelli to create some of the world’s most noted masterpieces. Elegant Florence offers the Galleria dell'Accademia, with its iconic masterpiece, Michelangelo’s David. The Uffizi is home to the most renowned art gallery in Italy, with representative works by the titan’s of Renaissance art. Join us for an excursion to Pisa, and tour the city's beautiful and historic Campo dei Miracoli. Nearby Siena captures the spirit of Medieval Italy and Lucca offers the memorable chance to bicycle through the fragrant Tuscan countryside.

Day 10 - Toulon

Arrive: Thu 18 November 2027 at 08:30 / Depart: Thu 18 November 2027 at 18:00

Explore bustling Toulon, with its fleets of naval ships, yachts and colorful fishing boats. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Faron and enjoy the amazing birds eye view of Toulon and the turquoise harbor. Learn about the town’s maritime history at the Museé de la Marine and about the Allied landing in Toulon at the Museé Memorial du Debarquement. Discover the maze of open-air markets and fountains in Old Town with its ancient cathedral, fragrant scents of herbs and olive oil, its restaurants, cafés and intimate boutiques. Take home designer fashions, fine jewelry, French perfumes and other Provencal mementos. Herbs de Provence, lavender, fine olive oil, and ceramics are popular.

Day 11 - Palamos

Arrive: Fri 19 November 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 19 November 2027 at 17:00

Experience Costa Brava and understand why Salvador Dalí and others have long been inspired by its beaches and coves. Spend a day in the warm sand of La Fosca or learning about the history of this fishing village in Museu de la Pesca or simply taking in the Mediterranean air while walking down the promenade. Just an hour north of the city, you can visit the extraordinary Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. The museum holds works done from his adolescence to the last years of his life.

Day 12 - Barcelona

Arrive: Sat 20 November 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 20 November 2027

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.