7 Night Italy, Greece & Croatia on Explorer of the Seas from Venice, Ravenna, Italy Palma De Mallorca, Spain, La Seu Cathedral
The 7 Night Italy, Greece & Croatia from Venice, Ravenna, Italy visits Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Sicily (Messina), Italy; Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.
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7 Night Italy, Greece & Croatia
Itinerary Overview
Explore Explorer of the Seas
Day 1 - Venice (Ravenna), Italy
Day 2 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 3 - Kotor, Montenegro
Day 4 - Corfu, Greece
Day 5 - Sicily (Messina), Italy
Day 6 - Cruising
Day 7 - Palma De Mallorca, Spain
Day 8 - Barcelona, Spain
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Palma De Mallorca, Spain, La Seu Cathedral
La Seu cathedral in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
This is your

7 Night Italy, Greece & Croatia

Explore This Itinerary
Leaving from
Venice (Ravenna), Italy
Onboard
Explorer of the Seas
Day Port
1
Venice (Ravenna), Italy
Departs at 6:00 PM
2
Dubrovnik, Croatia
From 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
3
Kotor, Montenegro
Tendered from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
4
Corfu, Greece
From 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
5
Sicily (Messina), Italy
From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
6
Cruising
Day at sea
7
Palma De Mallorca, Spain
From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
8
Barcelona, Spain
Arrives at 6:00 AM
*Port sequence may vary by sailing date.
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Your ship Explorer of the Seas

Your ship
Explorer of the Seas
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Explorer of the Seas the Perfect Storm
Explorer of the Seas the Perfect Storm
Get to know
Explorer of the Seas
This is not your average vacation. This is adventure in a bold new light — on the fleet-favorite Explorer of the Seas®. Soak up the sunshine and chill vibes at the adults-only Solarium. Indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine at Giovanni’s Table. Then catch a jaw-dropping original production in the Main Theater, or dance the night away at Club Twenty. On this ship, there’s no wrong way to vacay.

ADVENTURE ON EVERY DECK

When you're not exploring unforgettable ports, you'll find plenty of thrills on deck. Scale the Rock Climbing Wall and try not to wipe out on the FlowRider® surf simulator. Or engage in a little friendly competition on the mini-golf course, before taking your adventure onto the ice skating rink.

FLAVORFUL FAVES

Say "Konnichiwa" to fresh-rolled sushi at Izumi, or "Buongiorno" to authentic Italian eats at Giovanni's Table. If it's prime meat you're craving, head to Chops Grille℠ for steakhouse offerings that are a cut above the rest. And for the ultimate sweet treat, order up a classic milkshake at Johnny Rockets®.

FLASHBACK FUN & DARING DANCE MOVES

Cap off each date night with an incredible show at the Main Theater, followed by a round of your favorite ice-cold brews, moonlight and island vibes poolside, and late-night dancing.

Day 1: Venice, Italy

Day 1
Venice
Ravenna, Italy
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Ravenna, Emilia Romagna, Italy: the ancient Basilica of San Vitale
Ravenna, Emilia Romagna, Italy: the ancient Basilica of San Vitale
Things to do in
Venice
Departs at 6:00 PM
Discover enchanting Ravenna, home of some of Italy’s most captivating hidden gems including breathtaking architecture and 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From early Christian mosaics to majestic churches and impressive palaces, this charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture. What’s more, Ravenna has a surprisingly rich history — it served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire for three hundred years and became a thriving hub for talented craftsmen, artists and master masons. Dedicate a couple of days to getting to know Ravenna before or after your cruise. Plus, Venice is just over two hours away by car, putting one of Italy’s star destinations well within reach. Once there, you can wander iconic cultural treasures like St. Mark’s Basilica or the Campanile — and of course no visit is complete without a gondola ride beneath the Rialto Bridge. Or take a quick one-hour car ride to Bologna and eat your way around the Mercato Delle Erbe or climb Asinelli Tower to catch amazing views of the terracotta-roof city. Cruising from Ravenna gives you the chance to go off the beaten path while also visiting Venice’s famous canals and Bologna’s enchanting streets.
Italy Ravenna Classe Basilica interior
Italy Ravenna Classe Basilica interior

MAKE YOUR OWN MOSAICS

Feeling inspired by the city’s majestic mosaics? Take a workshop at KOKO Mosaico. The local studio offers classes of all levels where you can learn how make your own pieces. Whether you decide to gift your very own mosaic masterpiece or keep it as souvenir, this will be an experience you’ll love to pieces.
Insider tip
Keep in mind that you’ll need to have your shoulders and knees covered to enter religious sites in Ravenna.
Italy Ravenna Classe Basilica interior
Italy Ravenna Classe Basilica interior

DANTE’S TOMB BATTLE

Visit the tomb of famous Italian poet, Dante Alighieri — best known for writing The Divine Comedy. The poet was excommunicated from Florence for his controversial works and fled to Ravenna where he died in 1321. Ironically, centuries later, Florence fought for his remains to be sent back to his birthplace, but Ravenna refused to release them.
Insider tip
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare opens daily in the morning, except for Sundays and religious holidays when doors open in the afternoon.
Famous town square Piazza del Popolo with historic Palazzetto Veneziano in the historic city center of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Famous town square Piazza del Popolo with historic Palazzetto Veneziano in the historic city center of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

BE THERE. BE SQUARE

Located in the heart of the historic district, Piazza del Popolo is one Ravenna’s most lively squares. Take in the surrounding architectural marvels while dining al fresco in one of its many picturesque outdoor restaurants. Be sure to take a stroll to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare — within walking distance from the square.
Insider tip
For a truly unique site, visit the sunken crypt found at the Basilica de San Pietro Maggiore with a submerged mosaic floor and fish.
Appetizing piadina stuffed for sale in the restaurant in central Italy
Appetizing piadina stuffed for sale in the restaurant in central Italy

Local Cuisine

When it comes to food, you can’t leave Ravenna without trying Piadina. The local staple is a delicious flatbread folded in half and stuffed with with salami, cheese and vegetables perfect for lunch or dinner.
Mercato Coperto, a market in Ravenna - Italy
Mercato Coperto, a market in Ravenna - Italy

Shopping

To find the best local produce, head to il Mercato Coperto. There you’ll find the freshest flowers, fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, and home-related products — all sold by merchants from the region.

Day 2: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 2
Dubrovnik
Croatia
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Dubrovnik, Croatia Aerial Cityscape
Aerial panoramic view of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Things to do in
Dubrovnik
From 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thick 16th-century stone walls encase the entire Old Town of Dubrovnik. But there are no boundaries on the endless adventures you’ll discover among its orange-roofed ramparts. With a made-for-TV appeal— Game of Thrones was actually filmed here— the city commands your attention with the perfectly preserved Rector’s Palace, elaborate Onofrio’s Fountain, and baroque St. Blaise’s Church, named after the city’s patron saint. You can browse museum collections showcasing Croatian artwork, period furniture and shipbuilding traditions. Stand in awe of the Franciscan Monastery library’s 30,000 volumes. Or to get your heart pumping, go cliff diving into the sea and kayak crystal blue waters, with the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ shimmering in the distance.
Croatia Dubrovnik Old City
Croatia Dubrovnik Old City

WALK WITHIN THE WALLS

Take a stroll through the walled-in Old Town to discover a wealth of well-preserved landmarks. Walk across the Pile Gate’s drawbridge and get lost in the buzz of the limestone-paved Stradun. Then glimpse historic churches, medieval sculptures, impressive forts and St. Luke’s Tower watching over the harbor.
Insider tip
Watch your step: Streets in Old Town can be quite slippery from centuries of wear.
Croatia Dubrovnik Woman Cliff
Croatia Dubrovnik Woman Cliff

A WORLD AWAY

The summit of Mount Srđ delivers the best views in town. Climb winding footpaths (a 90-minute walk from Old Town) or relish a thrilling three-minute cable car ride to the top. Here you can browse museum exhibits housed in 19th-century Fort Imperial and enjoy lunch overlooking the city.
Insider tip
The Dubrovnik Card gives you access to the city’s best museums and the public bus system.
Croatia Dubrovnik Banje Beach Overhead
Croatia Dubrovnik Banje Beach Overhead

ACTION PACKED ADRIATIC

Soak up Croatia’s picturesque beaches and aquatic adventures in the deep-blue Adriatic Sea. Relax along the pebbled shoreline of Banje Beach. Go scuba diving around the sunken Taranto merchant ship— or hop on a ferry to nearby Lokrum, a serene offshore island with a monastery, fortress and beaches offering panoramic views of Dubrovnik.
Croatia Bota Sare Local Seafood Pasta
Croatia Bota Sare Local Seafood Pasta

LOCAL CUISINE

Old Town is packed with seafood restaurants, while Stradun offers a string of outdoor cafés. For regional Dalmatian dishes try pašticada (beef stew), peka (baked meat and vegetables), or zelena menestra (green stew). Slurp down briny oysters from the Pelješac Peninsula or satisfy your sweet tooth with rožata custard pudding. Then take a strong sip of rakija (fruit brandy) to cap off the night.
Croatia Local Shopping Oils
Croatia Local Shopping Oils

SHOPPING

Stradun satisfies all your souvenir needs. Or you can stop by local artisan shops for handmade linens. The necktie was supposedly invented in Croatia, and the Franciscan Monastery sells hand cream made from ancient recipes. You can also buy olive oil from the island of Brač or jewelry featuring Adriatic coral and pearls.

Day 3: Kotor, Montenegro

Day 3
Kotor
Montenegro
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Kotor, Montenegro, View of City
View of the city of Kotor, Montenegro
Things to do in
Kotor
Tendered from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Looking at a map of Europe, you might be forgiven for missing Kotor — a tiny port in the already-tiny country of Montenegro. But from the moment your Kotor cruise docks, you'll enter a larger-than-life world of mighty forts and towering sea cliffs, the air filled with the refreshing smell of the ocean. With a Montenegro cruise, you can explore the attractions inside Kotor's fortified Old City, one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved medieval towns. Don't miss the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, an ornate church first consecrated in 1166. Then, scale St. John's Fortress — the hilltop fortifications, dating back to the 6th century, offer the best views of the city, the harbor and the surrounding mountains.
Kotor, Montenegro, Saint Nicholas Church
Saint Nicholas Church in Kotor, Montenegro

Old-Town Exploration

After entering through the Sea Gate, which dates back to 1555, discover all the attractions inside Kotor's compact Old Town. Say your prayers at the 11th-century St. Tryphon's Cathedral or in front of St. Nicolas Church, one of Kotor's best examples of Orthodox architecture. Alternatively, learn about the long history of seafaring in this important port at the Maritime Museum, which is housed within a Baroque-era palace.
Insider tip
The stone paths of Kotor's Old Town are well-worn — and slick. If you're wearing flip-flops, walk slowly and firmly so that you don't fall.
Kotor, Montenegro, Aerial View
Aerial view of Kotor, Montenegro

Fort Hike

Want to get your blood pumping? Hike up the Fortifications of Kotor, a serpentine wall and UNESCO World Heritage site that protected Kotor during its violent past. Reaching the top, which not only affords you a panorama of Kotor Bay but also the iconic Church of Our Lady of Health, takes about an hour if you hike at a moderate pace. Follow signs throughout the Old Town to find the trail head, or simply ask a friendly local.
Insider tip
Head to the side streets off the main square for more local, less tourist-driven spots to eat and shop.<
Kotor, Montenegro, Coastal buildings
Coastal buildings in Kotor, Montenegro

Gain Another Perspective

Want to enjoy a great view of Kotor and not get winded? Take a taxi or public bus across the bay to Prcanj, where you can see Kotor (and the fortifications rising above it) from across Kotor Bay with your Montenegro cruise. If the water is calm, you'll notice in its reflection that the Fortifications of Kotor form a heart shape — that should make for a worthy photo.
Kotor, Montenegro, Black Rissoto
Black rissoto with squid served in a white bowl

Local Cuisine

Not surprisingly, seafood is the star of the culinary show in Kotor. Head to the Old Town to enjoy Montenegrin dishes like octopus salad or mussels stew. Or seek out the local favorite "black risotto," named for the color it takes from the ink of the cuttlefish that flavors the dish.
Kotor, Montenegro, Ceramic Souvenirs
Various ceramic souvenirs for sale in Kotor, Montenegro

Shopping

Shop a quirkier take on traditional Kotor souvenirs with a visit to Cats of Kotor, which features cat-themed Montenegro keepsakes. Cruise to Montenegro and stop in at Efesya Souvenir, where you can explore handmade ceramics, jewelry, lighting fixtures and textiles made by artisans from in and around Kotor.

Day 4: Corfu, Greece

Day 4
Corfu
Greece
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Corfu, Greece Beach Boats
The sun beginning to set on the beach of Palaiokastritsa in Corfu, Greece
Things to do in
Corfu
From 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Perched above the Adriatic Sea, Corfu, Greece is the second largest Ionian island, and its size is rivaled by its tremendous history and dynamic cultural identity. Cruise to Corfu and walk through the narrow streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the Italianate architecture left from centuries of Venetian rule. A number of scenes from the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only" were filmed in the capital city of Corfu, and you'll understand why when you see the epic coastal roads and immense fortresses buttressing the town. With its rich combination of old fishing villages and immaculate beaches, Corfu is the perfect place to get lost in time during your vacation.
Corfu, Greece Frederick Adam Statue
Statue of general Frederick Adam, in front of the Museum of Asian Art in Corfu, Greece

Palace Paintings

One of the most popular attractions on Corfu, the Asian Art Museum is the only museum in Greece dedicated solely to Asian art. With 15,000 pieces in the collection, you'll be amazed by Japanese antiquities, Buddhist sculpture, Chinese pottery and so much more. The museum itself is a work of art too, and is found in the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, a grand structure dating back to the early 1800s.
Insider tip
Explore one of the many old churches — there are 37 within easy reach — such as the Saint Spyridon Church.
Corfu, Greece Palaiokastritsa Beach
View of Palaiokastritsa Beach with beautiful flowers and blue sea water on Corfu, Greece

Soothing Sea-nery

Paleokastritsa offers a spectacular combination of beaches, cliffs, orchards, olive groves and even the historic Theotokou Monastery, so you can pack a lot into a visit here. The village lies about 30 minutes from Corfu town and can be reached by bus, bike or taxi. The beaches alone rank among the best in Greece and there are plenty of eateries offering traditional Greek seafood dishes. So if you've never tried octopus, you have to try it during your Corfu cruise vacation.
Insider tip
With more than four million olive trees on the island, be sure to try not only the variety of olives but also the olive oil.
Corfu, Greece Achillion Palace
Statues in front of the pillars of the Achillion Palace in Corfu, Greece

Live Like Gods

Achillion Palace was built in 1890 for a former Austrian Empress, and was later home to Germany's last Emperor, Wilhelm II. Today you'll find evidence of the empress's love for Greek culture, including statues of famous Greek mythological figures such as Zeus, Achilles and Hera. You can also find frescoes and artwork that have been fully restored. Landscaped gardens and sweeping views of the city will take your breath away.
Insider tip
Aqualand is considered one of the best water parks in Europe, and features plenty of slides and tunnels as well as cafes, bars and massage areas.
Corfu, Greece Grilled Octopus
Grilled octopus served with white wine and lemons, on a restaurant in Corfu, Greece

Local Cuisine

Corfu's history — and thus its cuisine — is comprised of many different cultures. One of the greatest influences is Venice, and you won't want to miss Venetian specialties such as sliced veal with vinegar and garlic, various types of fish stew, grilled octopus and plentiful seafood. The fact that you'll be enjoying these dishes while gazing at the sea or strolling in a charming town square makes the dining experience truly magical.
Corfu, Greece Traditional Ceramic
Traditional Greek ceramic pottery with blue floral decorations, on a shop in Corfu, Greece

Shopping

Old Town offers plenty of shopping, including everything from housewares and modern fashion to souvenirs that suit any wallet. If you want something unique to the area, search for ceramic bowls, pitchers, plates and various other items, which are often decorated with designs specific to the island.

Day 5: Sicily, Italy

Day 5
Sicily
Messina, Italy
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Sicily (Messina), Italy, Aerial View
Aerial view of Sicily (Messina), Italy
Things to do in
Sicily
From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Messina is Sicily's panoramic gateway — located on the northeastern corner of the island, the city just kisses the boot of mainland Italy's southern tip. Get lost among the patchwork of churches and antique palaces. The Messina Cathedral is in the heart of the city, and its famous bell tower houses the largest mechanical clock in the world — every day at noon, the statues move to Schubert's "Ave Maria." In front of this church, you'll find the Fontana di Orione, a 16th-century fountain that's a work of art in itself, with sculptures of figures from ancient mythology. Cruise to Sicily and take a leisurely walk to the Sacrario di Cristo Re, a hilltop church with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Sicily (Messina), Italy, Orions Fountain
Orions fountain in Sicily (Messina), Italy

Photographer's Playground

Messina's panoramic views and patchwork of architectural styles are an invitation for the creative photographer. The Neptune and Orione fountains created by Michelangelo's collaborator, Montorsoli are renaissance masterpieces.
Insider tip
Messina is a great place to discover by foot; within 10 minutes you can be at the Cathedral.
Sicily (Messina), Italy, Ancient eternal calendar
An ancient eternal calendar

Dawn of the Duomo

Head to the Astronomical Clock at noon to catch the tower's daily spectacle, starring its bronze statue carousel. The 12th-century Santissima Annunziata Church, Gothic-style Messina Cathedral and the 19th-century Galleria V. Emanuele III span through centuries of architectural diversity.
Insider tip
Go from the Cathedral to the Piazza Cairoli for shopping or to relax at a local cafe with a gelato and espresso.
Sicily (Messina), Italy, Buildings
View of various buildings from a look out point in Messina, Sicily

A Piazza With a View

Once you reach the Sacrario di Cristo Re, you'll discover a panoramic view of the strait and most of Messina. Visit the beautiful temple and the tomb of the unknown soldier during your Sicily cruise. Afterward, walk back down to Piazza Cairoli to Viale San Martino where you can enjoy a refreshing granita, a sorbet-like Sicilian treat.
Sicily (Messina), Italy, Arancini street food
Three arancinis on a napkin

Local Cuisine

The cuisine here is one of the most antique in Sicily, with influences from Greek and Arabic cultures. Try Messina specialty la ghiotta di pesce stocco, filets of cod or swordfish baked in tomato sauce with potatoes, capers and herbs. Sample Sicilian bucatini, which combines pasta with local sardines and North African-inspired flavors like saffron, pine nuts and raisins. Or hit up the street vendors for arancini, the cheesy balls of fried rice that are the ultimate Sicilian comfort food.
Sicily (Messina), Italy, Assorted Ceramic Souvenirs
Assorted colorful ceramic souvenirs

Shopping

Shop in local markets for the typical products, such as cheese, figs and marzipan. Visit the Galleria V. Emanuele — the world's oldest active shopping mall, dating back to the 1800s — for artisanal crafts such as coral jewelry, hand-painted glazed ceramics and fine crocheted items. Stop in the small shops off the main roads to see artisans at work during your Sicily cruise.

Day 6: Cruising

Day 6
Cruising
At Sea
View Itinerary
Man Doing Air Trick
Man Doing Air Trick on Flowrider
PLAY ANY WAY YOU LIKE
Symphony of the Seas Perfect Storm Boy Entering Slide
Perfect Storm Boy Entering Slide

The Perfect Storm℠

Up for adventure? Put on your brave face and get ready to race through twists, turns and next-level thrills on the boldest slides at sea. No matter which ship you sail on, The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides take excitement off the charts.
Scuba Certification Padi Divers
Scuba Certification Padi Divers Boat Underwater

Scuba Certification

Gear up and get certified at sea during an underwater adventure lead by certified PADI® instructors.
Navigator of the Seas Adventure Ocean
Girl Playing with Dolls at Adventure Ocean

Adventure Ocean®

“Are we there yet?” is a thing of the past. We keep every kid entertained with games, events, age-appropriate activities and more in our award-winning youth program.
Spa Stone Massage
Woman Receiving a Spa Stone Massage

Spa & Fitness Center

A luxurious sanctuary offering signature treatments, medi-spa services, and a full-service salon to make you glow from the inside out. Browse our spa menu for pricing.

Day 7: Palma De Mallorca, Spain

Day 7
Palma De Mallorca
Spain
View Itinerary
Palma De Mallorca, Spain, Cityscape
The Palma de Mallorca, Spain cityscape with La Seu cathedral towering over the city
Things to do in
Palma De Mallorca
From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The Spanish island of Mallorca offers towering mountains and dramatic cliffs rising over clear, blue water — but its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, the island's capital and largest city, where you'll find quaint historic streets, Gothic castles and gastronomic delights. Cruise to Palma de Mallorca and check out one-of-a-kind Palma Cathedral: The 14th-century Gothic spires of exterior contrast the modernist interior designed by in the early 1900s by Gaudi. See the circular courtyard and Arab-inspired arches of Castell de Bellver, and take in the fresh scent of the miles of pine forest that surround it. Or rent bikes and pedal east to Palma Beach, where you can soak in the sun on the white sands and clear waves.
Palma De Mallorca, Spain, La Seu Cathedral and Almudaina castle
La Seu cathedral and Almudaina castle

Castles and Cathedrals

Palma de Mallorca's historic places look like something out of "Game of Thrones." Whether you traipse through the courtyard of 14th-century Bellver Castle or say your prayers inside Gothic Palma Cathedral, Palma de Mallorca can transport you back to medieval times. Your can also see the city's unique Arab influence dating back to the 10th-century Moorish conquest at spots like the Arab Baths.
Insider tip
If you're more interested in ocean time than historic sites, book a boat tour to see the coastline of Mallorca from the sunlit waves.
Palma De Mallorca, Spain, Cala Llombards beach
People enjoying Cala Llombards beach in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Get Your Beach On

It's no surprise that Palma de Mallorca is home to some of the world's best beaches — what's astonishing is just how clear blue the water is at Cala Llombards, or how the warm, golden sands of Playa El Arenal will make you wish you never had to leave. No wonder so many red and yellow umbrellas dot the sands here.
Insider tip
Hours of operation for the Palma cathedral vary by season so be sure to check before you arrive.
Palma De Mallorca, Spain, Cuevas del Drach
The Cuevas del Drach in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Explore a Dragon's Lair

Head to Porto Cristo on the east side of the island, where you'll find the Cuevas del Drach — the dragon caves. While no actual dragons have been spotted here, the stalactites and stalagmites of this ancient underground cave make it easy to imagine. You can even take a violin-serenaded boat ride on the cave's underground lake during your cruise.
Palma De Mallorca, Spain, Tombet dish
A bowl of tombet, a traditional vegetable dish

Local Cuisine

Mallorca is technically part of Spain, but Palma de Mallorca's cuisine is a world unto itself. Savor tombet, a vegetarian stew with sweet potatoes and carrots that's Mallorca's take on ratatouille. Cruise to Palma de Mallorca to sample the eclectic coca mallorquina, a kind of crunchy flatbread pizza with an olive oil-rich crust topped with roasted red peppers.
Palma De Mallorca, Spain, Straw bag market
A straw bag market in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Shopping

Palma's premier shopping is to be had in the Passeig de Born neighborhood. Shop here for upscale brands like Mulberry and Zara. Then, head to Jaume III and Sant Miquel streets for boutiques specializing in fine local goods: Choose a necklace or earrings made with world-famous Mallorcan pearls, try on a pair of handmaid Menorquina sandals, or marvel at handicrafts like colorful pottery and traditional straw bags.

Day 8: Barcelona, Spain

Day 8
Barcelona
Spain
View Itinerary
Barcelona, Spain Park Guell
View of the city from Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain
Things to do in
Barcelona
Arrives at 6:00 AM
It’s easy to see why Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain. As the capital of the country’s Catalonia region, this cityscape’s cultural mosaic pieces together a 2,000-year-old hodgepodge of sun-drenched beaches, cutting edge architecture, and a world-renowned dining and drinking scene. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí left his modernist handprint all over the city, while medieval treasures linger in historic Gothic Quarter squares. Get lost in the whimsical gardens of Park Güell or savor a chef-led Catalan cooking class. Browse art collections dedicated to Picasso and Miro— or ride a cable car to the top of Montjuïc Hill, relishing citywide views along the way.
Spain Barcelona La Sagrada Familia Interior
La Sagrada Familia Interior Colorful

SKY HIGH DELIGHTS

Get an up-close glimpse of La Sagrada Família, a cathedral masterwork designed by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Marvel at its sky-piercing spires and then step inside to admire intricate mosaics, Montjuïc stone pillars and the Nativity façade. You can even climb to the tippy-top of the spires for panoramic city views.
Spain Barcelona Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach at Sunset

SEAS THE DAY

With seven beaches spanning more than two miles of Mediterranean coastline, Barcelona’s harborfront is known for some of the world’s best sun-seeking and on-the-sea adventures. Lounge along the shore, kayak deep blue waters— or charter a fishing trip for the chance to reel in tuna, swordfish or Mediterranean spearfish.
Barcelona, Spain La Rambla Shops
Street view of La Rambla in Barcelona, Spain, with shops lining the street

IN THE MIX

Take a stroll along La Rambla’s pedestrian boulevard to experience the city’s pure essence. Souvenir shops, street artists, flower stalls, sidewalk cafes and Catalan folk sardana dancers set a lively scene. Its marvelous centerpiece, La Catedral, dates from the 1200s— and its tower delivers sweeping views of medieval Barcelona.
Spain Barcelona Sparkling Cava Wine
Couple Enjoying the Local Sparkling Cava Wine

LOCAL CUISINE

Barcelona has mastered the art of eating. Many restaurants serve up creative nueva cocina española, while waterfront spots dish out seafood paella and multi-course lunch menus include a glass of sparkling cava wine. For a taste of Catalan cooking, try pa amb tomàquet (tomato-topped bread). Or nibble on Spanish tapas (bite-sized appetizers) around the bar like a local, with house-made vermouth in hand.
Spain Barcelona Local Fresh Market Shopping
Couple Strolling Through the Fresh Local Market

SHOPPING

You could spend hours checking out the markets of Barcelona for high-quality leatherwear, jewelry, old books and unique housewares. Passeig de Gràcia and Barcelona Shopping Line are two popular retail promenades— and the Gothic Quarter is home to dozens of family-owned shops that sell textiles, stationery, decorative ceramic tiles and earthenware kitchenware.

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