Mediterranean Cruise Delights

The second most popular cruise region in the world, the Mediterranean works hard for its fame. No one trip to this gorgeous region will be enough to see it all: the cultural cities, the sun-drenched cuisine and the historic sights are ubiquitous, and endlessly fascinating. But what you can do is plan out a Mediterranean cruise itinerary that strives to encapsulate the glamour, the beauty and the cultural highlights of this magnificent region.

Balearic beauty in Palma

Majorca’s capital, Palma, is a charming blend of Gothic architecture, boutique shops and airy, palm-swayed avenues, with a surprise around every corner. Lunch in the glorious surroundings of Fundación la Caixa, take some snapshots outside the looming La Seu, its giant cathedral, and round off your day in contemplation of the contemporary art in the Es Baluard Museum.

Hang out in stylish Nice

The gold-star destination of the Cote-d’Azur, this South of France city has been blessed with round-the-year allure. Stretches of bright sand, vibrant attractions like a flower market, and cultural wonders like the museum of Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse are all tempting excursions. There’s also the glorious Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St Nicholas, a modern art museum and many a terrace table from which to sip espresso and watch its fashionable inhabitants shimmy, saunter and strut by.

Cultural capital in Rome

The bad news: you only have a day to explore. The good news? Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it’s compact enough to be enjoyed in one. Don’t waste a moment trawling galleries and museums: they devour time. Instead, take a moped tour and zip through the streets to appreciate the glorious facades. Stop for pizza and some people watching in one of its famous piazzas (a must), then find time to drop by the Trevi Fountain. If you throw in a coin, your return to Rome is assured.

Tuscan sunsets in Livorno

Canal-sewn delights, stunning seafood and seafront views add up to Livorno: a pleasing port diversion en-route to Florence. Play hopscotch on the intriguing monochrome tilework of Terrazza Mascagni, chase thrills and place your heart square in your mouth in Cavallino Matto Amusement Park, or graze the delicious stalls of the Mercato Centrale. Don’t leave without touring its own, mini-Venice, a quaint network of waterways pretty enough to rival the real thing.

photo credit: Tendering (Split, Croatia) via photopin (license)