Italy, Spain & French Riviera 8 Nights • Barcelona, Spain to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Mariner of the Seas

A cruise from Barcelona is one of the best ways to experience all the brightest jewels of the Mediterranean — but it’s also a great opportunity to spend some time discovering one of the coolest cultural hubs in western Europe. This lively seaside city checks all the boxes — history, culture, amazing food, a thriving art scene and so much more. When you visit Barcelona, you can start every day with a steamy cortado in a charming sidewalk café. After that, the options for adventure are endless. Swim with sharks at Aquarium de Barcelona, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Check out ancient Roman relics at the Barcelona City History Museum, located in the vibrant Gothic Quarter. Make a reservation to see a sultry flamenco show. And when hunger hits, head to Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, a pilgrimage site for foodies. It was a covered market back in the 1200s. Now it’s one of the top food markets in the world and a must-visit stop before your cruise out of Barcelona.

Palma de Mallorca is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history and beauty. Go back in time to the 14th century at Bellver Castle, with its mix of Arab arches and Roman-inspired fortification. Catch a wave on the golden sands of El Arenal beach. Then, tuck into cocarrois, a local take on empanadas, or cool off in the quiet gardens and medieval ruins of the 10th-century Arab Baths.

Hop on the city ferry from Gare Maritime to La Seyne to see the massive ships and 17th-century fortifications before taking a guided tour of the historical naval cemetery and the Baie du Lazare. Then it's time to take a six-minute, 584-meter tide to the top of Mont Faron, which features the ruins and remnants of towers and forts that were once lookouts to the sea. Here, you'll also find a sanctuary for wildcats and plenty of hiking trails.

Make your way from Villefranche-sur-Mer into Nice's Vieille Ville (Old City), and acquaint yourself with the culinary, cultural and historical tapestry of France's Cote d'Azur region. Alternatively, head eastward toward the mountaintop town of Eze, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the glittering French Riviera.

Spend your day in nearby Florence: Visit the impressive Santa Croce Cathedral, where you can visit the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, and check out the Galleria degli Uffizi, which houses Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" and other masterworks. Or head to Pisa instead: Climb to the top of the iconic Leaning Tower or Campanile (bell tower), and explore the vibrant streets lined with Romanesque buildings, Gothic churches and gelaterias to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Catania's warm embrace invites you to relax and immerse yourself in its splendid Mediterranean climate. Take time to enjoy the diverse architecture — see Catania's ancient roots in the Roman Amphitheatre and the Odeon, built mainly from black lava. Explore more recent history in the Baroque structures of the city center: Don't miss the spectacular spires and interior of Catania Cathedral, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693. When you're tuckered out from sightseeing, head to one of the idyllic piazzas to take in the lively city's exuberance.

Begin your Amalfi Coast adventure by roaming the ancient streets of Pompeii. Later, stroll Salerno's waterside promenade, and stop in a cafe to sip on an expertly pulled espresso shot. Or take a drive along the coast to soak in the jaw-dropping vistas.

With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.