Cruise Explorer of the Seas: Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, France, Spain departing from Barcelona

The port:

Barcelona's port, one of the most important in the Mediterranean, is perfectly integrated into the city, just a few minutes' walk from the famous Las Ramblas district. This cosmopolitan port is an ideal starting point for exploring the Catalan capital.

What to visit in Barcelona

Barcelona is a canvas for Gaudí's architectural masterpieces. Admire the Sagrada Família, stroll through Park Güell, and explore the Gothic Quarter for its historic ambience. Don't miss the Boqueria market for a taste of local life and Catalan flavors.

What to visit in the surrounding area

On the outskirts of Barcelona, Montserrat offers spectacular scenery with its perched monastery and panoramic views. The town of Sitges, with its beaches and film festival, is also a popular getaway for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sailing days are the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the facilities available. Depending on the ship, you'll have access to pools, whirlpools, spas, gyms and theaters, ensuring relaxation and entertainment for all.

The port:

The port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, nestled in one of the most beautiful harbors on the Mediterranean, is a picturesque stopover on France's Côte d'Azur, located just 300 meters from the historic city center. Its authentic Mediterranean ambience and crystal-clear waters make Villefranche-sur-Mer a prime destination for cruisers.

What to visit in Villefranche-sur-Mer?

Stroll through the narrow, picturesque streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer's old town and discover its rich heritage. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated by Jean Cocteau, is an artistic marvel. Visit the Citadelle, a historic monument that today houses museums and gardens. The Marinières beach, overlooking the bay, is perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. For a cultural experience, the village market is a place of life and flavors not to be missed.

What to visit in the area

Around Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Côte d'Azur offers some fascinating destinations. Nice, just 5 kilometers away, is famous for its Promenade des Anglais, Vieux-Nice and numerous museums. Monaco, around 14 kilometers away, is a luxury getaway with its casino, princely palace and exotic garden. Eze, a picturesque hilltop village, offers breathtaking views and an exotic botanical garden. For hiking enthusiasts, the coastal path offers a magnificent walk along the coast, between sea and mountains.

The port:

The port of La Spezia, located in northwestern Italy, is an important stopover in Liguria. Adjacent to the city center, the port is easily accessible on foot or by public transport. Surrounded by hills and facing the sea, the port is an excellent starting point for exploring the picturesque Cinque Terre region and the Gulf of Poets.

What to visit in La Spezia

La Spezia, a dynamic port city, offers a blend of maritime culture and history. The Naval Museum, located near the waterfront, presents the region's naval history. The historic center, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, is ideal for a charming stroll. La Spezia's central market, with its local produce, is a must for gourmets. La Spezia is a great starting point for exploring the Cinque Terre National Park, famous for its colorful villages perched on cliffs and hiking trails offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.

What to visit in the area

Cinque Terre, around 15 kilometers away, can be reached by train or boat, offering a picturesque experience with its colorful houses and terraced vineyards. Portovenere, around 11 kilometers away, is another gem of the region, with its St. Peter's church perched on the seafront and its charming alleyways. Lerici, 9 kilometers away, is famous for its medieval castle and sandy beaches. For history buffs, the archaeological site of Luni, around 15 kilometers away, offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman times.

Port :

The port of Civitavecchia, the main cruise port for Rome, is around 80 kilometers from the Italian capital. To get to Rome, options include the train, with a journey time of around 1h20, and shuttle services from the port of Civitavecchia to the main Termini and Vatican stations. To explore downtown Civitavecchia, local shuttles are available, providing easy access to attractions close to the port. This Mediterranean stopover is an ideal starting point for discovering the treasures of the Eternal City.

What to visit in Civitavecchia?

Civitavecchia, a historic port city, offers many interesting sites close to the port. Explore the Michelangelo Fortress, a Renaissance bastion with panoramic sea views. Stroll along the Lungomare, the lively waterfront, for an authentic local experience. Civitavecchia's National Archaeological Museum, housed in a former spa building, showcases local archaeological finds, reflecting the region's rich history.

What to visit in the area?

Rome, within easy reach of Civitavecchia, is a must, with its historic monuments and artistic treasures. Visit the Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire, and the Vatican, with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to the famous Sistine Chapel. Stroll through the picturesque alleys of Trastevere and explore the ruins of the Roman Forum. In addition to Rome, Civitavecchia's surroundings offer other attractive destinations. Tarquinia, famous for its Etruscan tombs and archaeological museum, is a fascinating cultural getaway. The gardens of Villa Farnese in Caprarola, a Renaissance masterpiece, offer a glimpse of Italian garden art.

Sailing days are the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the facilities available. Depending on the ship, you'll have access to pools, whirlpools, spas, gyms and theaters, ensuring relaxation and entertainment for all.

The port:

The port of Dubrovnik, a must for cruises on the Adriatic Sea, is just two kilometers from the old town. A short distance that can be covered by bus, one of the most economical ways to explore this splendid Croatian coastal city.

What to visit in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is brimming with historical and cultural sites. Among the must-sees are the city walls, dating back to the 10th century and offering a breathtaking view of the sea and the city. The Lovrijenac fortress, an 11th-century historical monument, offers a majestic view of the sea and the city. The Stradun, the main thoroughfare, is lined with stores, cafés and restaurants, ideal for a lively stroll. The Cathedral of the Assumption, a masterpiece of the Baroque style, the Rector's Palace with its historical treasures, and the Dominican and Franciscan monasteries, with their collections of art and religious history, are also not to be missed.

What to visit in the surrounding area

On the outskirts of Dubrovnik, Mount Srđ offers exceptional panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. The Lapad district, with its forest park and bay, is perfect for a nature walk. The nearby island of Lokrum is a haven of peace with its quiet beaches. Finally, the archipelago of the Elaphite Islands, easily accessible by boat, offers breathtaking natural landscapes and crystal-clear beaches for a memorable getaway.

The port:

The port of Kotor, located in one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean, is a picturesque port of call in Montenegro. Just 500 meters from the historic city center, this port offers remarkable accessibility on foot, allowing visitors to immediately immerse themselves in Kotor's medieval charm. Surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear waters, the port is a gateway to the region's natural and architectural treasures.

What to visit in Kotor

Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a jewel of the Adriatic. Its historic center, surrounded by impressive fortifications, is home to a maze of cobbled streets and numerous ancient churches and Venetian palaces. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, an emblematic monument, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. For breathtaking views, a climb to the ramparts of St. John's fortress reveals a spectacular panorama of the bay. Don't miss the local market, with its fresh produce and Montenegrin specialities.

What to visit in the surrounding area

The area around Kotor is a showcase for Montenegro's natural beauty. Perast, just 12 kilometers away, is a charming coastal village known for its Baroque churches and two picturesque islands. The Bay of Kotor, with its small villages and calm waters, is ideal for cruises and water sports. For nature lovers, the Lovćen National Park, around 50 kilometers away, offers hiking and breathtaking views of the region. Finally, Budva, around 23 kilometers away, is famous for its beaches, lively nightlife and walled old town.

The port :

The port of Zadar, located on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, offers a stopover full of charm and history. Located less than 500 m from the city's historic center, the port is easily accessible, allowing visitors to quickly immerse themselves in Zadar's unique atmosphere. This coastal town, rich in culture and heritage, is the ideal starting point for exploring the treasures of Dalmatia.

What to visit in Zadar

In Zadar, discover a fascinating blend of ancient history and modernity. The marine organ, a unique artistic installation that plays music from the waves, is a must-see. Visit the Roman Forum and the Church of St. Donatus, testimony to the city's rich history. The Archaeological Museum offers a glimpse into local history, while the Salut au Soleil, another artistic installation, offers a light show after sunset. The promenade along the waterfront offers spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands.

What to visit in the surrounding area

Around Zadar, the options for discovery are varied. The Krka and Plitvice National Parks, with their impressive waterfalls and natural landscapes, are not to be missed. The nearby historic town of Šibenik offers a charming glimpse of Dalmatian architecture. For a seaside experience, the island of Pag, known for its picturesque beaches and cheese production, is an ideal destination. Finally, the Kornati Islands, a national park made up of an archipelago of small islands, are perfect for a day trip by boat, offering diving, snorkeling and nature exploration.

Port:

The port of Ravenna, located on the Adriatic Sea, is around 10 kilometers from the historic city center, known for its exceptional Byzantine heritage. This distance gives visitors easy access to the city via regular bus services and cabs.

What to visit in Ravenna

Ravenna, located in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, is a treasure trove of Byzantine art, with its churches and mosaics listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, with their dazzling mosaics, are not to be missed. The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Orthodox Baptistery also bear witness to the city's artistic wealth. For a cultural break, Ravenna's National Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating insight into the region's ancient history. The city center, with its charming streets and boutiques, is perfect for a relaxed stroll.

What to visit in the surrounding area

Ravenna's surroundings offer a wealth of possibilities for excursions. The town of Faenza, famous for its ceramics, is an ideal place to visit for craft enthusiasts. For nature lovers, the Po Delta Park offers unique landscapes and a rich biodiversity. The seaside resort of Cervia, with its fine sandy beaches, is perfect for a relaxing day by the Adriatic Sea. For history buffs, a visit to Ferrara, with its medieval castle and historic center, offers a plunge into the Italian Renaissance. Finally, Venice, with its iconic canals and sumptuous architecture, is around 140 km from Ravenna.