8 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise

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.

Think France's Mediterranean coast is all about fancy yachts and glamorous movie stars? The port town of Sete will make you think again. Understated and unpretentious, Sete sits along the coast of France's laid-back Occitanie region. No matter how long your stop in Sete lasts, a stroll through this humble harbor will feel like hitting the most satisfying reset button with your Sete cruise. Once you've taken in Sete's charming port and canal-filled Old Town, hike to the view point at Mont St.-Clair, or sit down at the shore for a lunch of oysters harvested from nearby Thau Lagoon.

Situated on the French Riviera, Toulon is more about small-town charm and natural beauty than glitz and glamor. As you pull into the city's huge natural harbor, you'll see towering Mont Faron — after you dock, take the 6-minute cable car ride to the summit, where you'll be greeted to sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the city below. Cruise to Provence to stroll down the Cours Lafayette and take in the smells of oregano, thyme and freshly baked pastries from the local street vendors. Then, explore the city's naval heritage — it's been the French Navy's base for over 500 years — at the Musee de la Marine, or take a boat tour of the Rade de Toulon, the city's military harbor.

Located just south of France on the island of Corsica, Ajaccio is rich in history and astonishing views, all set in the sun-drenched Mediterranean climate. Napoleon is Corsica's most recognizable historical personality — when you're strolling through town, make sure to visit the Maison Bonaparte Napoleon's family home and a historical museum. Stop in the beautiful Baroque-style Notre Dame Cathedral, where Napoleon was baptized. Here, you'll also find important artwork by Tintoretto and Delacroix. Cruise to Corsica and hop on Le Petit Train, or "the little train," for a tour of town. For a taste of nature, head out to the Calanques de Piana, a range of dramatic red-rock cliffs.

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.

Ibiza is a legend among those who enjoy electronic music and mega-nightclubs. But this tiny speck off the coast of Valencia, Spain, has its fair share of natural beauty, local culture and delicious cuisine to delight visitors beyond party season and the neon walls of its clubs. Find Ibiza's mellower side in the old town of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — see the medieval fortress and castle of Castell de Eivissa, and behold the simple Gothic beauty of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows. Jump onboard an Ibiza cruise to head to the white-washed villages of Santa Gertrudis and Santa Agnes to saunter through canopied squares full of quiet cafes and artists' galleries.

Cartagena greets you with its ancient Mediterranean port on Spain's southeastern coast. Originally governed by the Carthaginians and subsequently by the Romans, Arabs and Castilians, this pedestrian-friendly city is a history buff's dream port. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre and the attached museum, where you'll find an ancient altar to Jupiter and a statue of Apollo. Then, check out the late 19th-century modernist architecture of Cartagena's historic center. Cruises to Cartagena, Spain allow you to stroll down blue-marble-tiled pedestrian-only Calle Mayor. Or take the 30-minute drive to the Batteria de Castillitos, a medieval-style fortress situated among the picturesque mountain landscape.

Spain's third largest city, Valencia offers a little bit of everything, from historic sites and bustling city squares to placid beaches. Soak up the sun at Malvarrosa Beach along the urban seafront, or head to El Saler for a more remote beach experience surrounded by white-sand dunes and pine trees. Cruise to Valencia and get your culture fix at Gothic Valencia Cathedral, and see the 15th-century renaissance paintings housed in its interior. Head to Plaza de la Reina in the city's old town and do some people-watching over a fresh glass of horchata, a classic Valencia beverage made from almond milk with cinnamon and spices, or take a picnic lunch of fresh pears and local cheese to the quiet Turia Gardens.

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.