Best Of Italy & Greece Cruise 11 Nights • Barcelona, Spain to Athens (Piraeus), Greece • Rhapsody 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.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

While traveling to Florence or Pisa, enjoy a scenic drive through the celebrated Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills, olive and cypress trees and medieval villages. After climbing Pisa's Leaning Tower, explore the atmospheric white, rose and red piazzas (squares). In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you can marvel at the paintings in the Uffizi Gallery and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, packed with local boutiques to poke your head into.

Experience la dolce vita in The Eternal City— recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Soak up Trastevere’s backstreet charms. Discover Vatican City’s spiritual legacy. Or ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino.

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.

Messina is the coastal jewel of northern Sicily. Let yourself get a little lost in the city, as you wander the streets taking note the of the history embedded in its architecture. See the famous Messina Cathedral — its dome has stood since 1551. Stroll among neoclassical and Art Nouveau sculptures at the Camposanto. And check out the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, a 12th-century church that offers a unique example of Norman architecture, blending Arab, Byzantine and Roman elements.

Powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife— the Island of the Winds carries you away with colorful upscale adventures. Explore Hora’s bougainvillea-laced pathways and see the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Join the raucous party on the shimmering sands of Super Paradise beach. Or watch the sunset from an open-air taverna— all nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades islands.

Head straight to the ancient city of Ephesus, a 20-minute drive from the port. Plan your visit based on how much you want to walk and how many sites you want to check out. The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John hold historical import as well as the traditional brick and stone architecture of the ancient near east. And of course, you can see the one remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Start your exploration of Rhodes at its harbor, where you'll find the site where the city's famous Colossus once stood. Then, traipse through the ancient streets of its Old Town. Discover the diverse history of Rhodes at the Palace of the Grand Master and the Suleiman Mosque, both near the Gate of Saint Anthony. Then, sun yourself on one of the pristine beaches, and enjoy a plate fried baby shrimp and a glass of white wine while overlooking the waters.

Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cozy tavernas. Venture to Royal Beach Club Santorini the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap volcanic black sand beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history among excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades isle never fails to impress.

Explore the harbors of Piraeus, which showcase the Golden Age of Greek history. Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the ship sheds — here, you can see how ancient ships were crafted. In the charming Castella district, you'll find some small, quaint shops and cafes amid the elegant neoclassical buildings. Head to Sotiros Street to find brand name stores, alongside smaller local shops.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.