ITALIAN GEMS TO SPAIN’S SOUTHERN COAST

Welcome to Italy. You have 2 nights to explore the city.

Rome saves its best trick for last: showing you it’s not finished when you think you’ve seen it all. Squeeze in one more espresso by the Pantheon, wander a fountain-side piazza your itinerary hasn’t covered yet, or take a vespa run along the Appian Way before the transfer to Civitavecchia. Boarding Explora II brings the city’s Renaissance energy onto the water with you. Reflect over lunch as the coastline slips past, ready for Tuscany tomorrow.

Plunge into Tuscany’s capital of culture. Once casa to legendary Michelangelo, Florence now shelters some of the Renaissance’s greatest masterpieces. Immerse in the relics of antiquity; catch a glimpse of the heavens in the famous Uffizi gallery, visit the iconic terracotta-tiled Duomo and step into an oasis of sculptured serenity at Giardino di Boboli to forget the world beyond its leafy walls exists. And as the sun sets over the Ponte Vecchio, relax in an elegant terrazzo with a rich refined Tuscan red, and reflect on the city’s Medici dynasty – Hurry Slowly.

Yacht-studded seas and palm trees form Cannes’ iconic Riviera backdrop. Yet inside are a swish marina, perfumed forests, casinos, iconic boutiques, cinematic heritage, and supermodels. Stroll ancient narrow winding streets of the hilly Le Suquet and feel its medieval past, shop fashion labels on palm-flanked La Croisette, slide into sleek Michelin-starred restaurants, and lie low in plush beach clubs where glittering sea views take central stage. Peace seekers may ferry to leafy island of Saint-Honorat and the 500-year-old monastery. Take a spin along the Cote d’Azur to moneyed Monaco or glitzy St Tropez. Cannes has curves in all the right places – the oh so French social hub that defines seaside glamour.

Beckon the buzz of a small UNESCO-listed island; proud of producing its own cheese, wine and rather distinguished gin. Sink into a lemon-scented laidback lifestyle that reflects elegant Georgian architecture, Spain’s oldest opera house, history, art and a monastery-based museum. Off glittering turquoise shores, visit the Royal Naval hospital, shop for world-renowned shoes, amble amongst butterflies up coastal paths and rest for tapas in harbour-side tavernas. Celebrated yet discreet – unhurried Menorca is the low-key location to go and not to be seen.

Malaga opens the door to Andalusia. Picasso was born here, and the city wears that legacy lightly, all sun-bleached plazas and orange trees rather than reverence. Wander the old town, climb to the Alcazaba for rooftop views over the port, or head straight for the coast and a long lunch by the water. It’s an easy first taste of southern Spain before the deeper cultural detours tomorrow.

A second day means time to go further inland. The Alhambra in Granada and Córdoba’s Mezquita are both within reach for a full-day trip, or set the pace slower with the Caminito del Rey trail through the Gaitanes Gorge. Back in Malaga by evening, settle into tapas and sangria as the sun drops, Andalusia’s rhythm fully set in by now.

Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalonia, an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of Gaudí’s architecture within the labyrinth of the Gothic Quarter. Savour fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas and coveted cafés, or glide down to a beach club to unwind. Wander Passeig de Gràcia, where modernist buildings sit alongside global fashion houses, and as dusk falls, take in the bohemian bars along La Rambla. This colourful city gives you plenty to celebrate.

Your holiday comes to an end today. Interested in extending you stay? Ask us about our amazing range of packages available or speak with a Cruise Travel Advisor who will be able to customise your holiday with you.