Mediterranean Mosaic: Cruise Italy, Greece & Croatia in 8 Dazzling Days

Departs at 5:00 PM

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.

Up for adventure? Put on your brave face and get ready to race through twists, turns and next-level thrills on the boldest slides at sea. No matter which ship you sail on, The Perfect Storm waterslides take excitement off the charts.

From 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

With a skyline defined by towering Mount Vesuvis, Naples is a bustling Italian city brimming with beauty. Experience its rich neoclassical architecture at sites like Gesu Nuovo Church, with its lavish interior adorned with detailed frescoes, statues and gold inlay. Go even deeper into history at the San Gennaro catacombs, where Naples' first bishops were buried in the second century A.D. Walk along the Miglio Sacro ("Holy Mile") and people-watch your way through the cafes and shops of the Sanita district with a zuccherato (sweetened espresso) in hand. Jump onboard a Naples cruise and take the short bus ride to the base of Mount Vesuvius — it's an easy 20- to 30-minute hike that will take you to the summit — and tour the ruins of Pompeii afterwards.

From 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Messina is Sicily's panoramic gateway — located on the northeastern corner of the island, the city just kisses the boot of mainland Italy's southern tip. Get lost among the patchwork of churches and antique palaces. The Messina Cathedral is in the heart of the city, and its famous bell tower houses the largest mechanical clock in the world — every day at noon, the statues move to Schubert's "Ave Maria." In front of this church, you'll find the Fontana di Orione, a 16th-century fountain that's a work of art in itself, with sculptures of figures from ancient mythology. Cruise to Sicily and take a leisurely walk to the Sacrario di Cristo Re, a hilltop church with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains.

From 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Perched above the Adriatic Sea, Corfu, Greece is the second largest Ionian island, and its size is rivaled by its tremendous history and dynamic cultural identity. Cruise to Corfu and walk through the narrow streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the Italianate architecture left from centuries of Venetian rule. A number of scenes from the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only" were filmed in the capital city of Corfu, and you'll understand why when you see the epic coastal roads and immense fortresses buttressing the town. With its rich combination of old fishing villages and immaculate beaches, Corfu is the perfect place to get lost in time during your vacation.

Tendered from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Looking at a map of Europe, you might be forgiven for missing Kotor — a tiny port in the already-tiny country of Montenegro. But from the moment your Kotor cruise docks, you'll enter a larger-than-life world of mighty forts and towering sea cliffs, the air filled with the refreshing smell of the ocean. With a Montenegro cruise, you can explore the attractions inside Kotor's fortified Old City, one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved medieval towns. Don't miss the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, an ornate church first consecrated in 1166. Then, scale St. John's Fortress — the hilltop fortifications, dating back to the 6th century, offer the best views of the city, the harbor and the surrounding mountains.

From 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Zadar is one of the Dalmatian Coast’s best-kept secrets— and adventure in this tucked-away treasure teems with centuries of charm. As the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, its timeworn history is perpetually on display among old city walls and Venetian gates. And its zany way of life keeps this dynamic city thriving today, from the waterfront Riva promenade to the untouched surrounding islands. One minute you might mingle over coffee in People’s Square, the next plunge into turquoise waters off Ugljan Island. You can enter church treasuries, bicycle around Old Town, or check out fascinating museum exhibits. Adventure in Zadar leads you away from the crowds to discover off-the-beaten-path wonders.

Arrives at 6:00 AM

Discover enchanting Ravenna, home of some of Italy’s most captivating hidden gems including breathtaking architecture and 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From early Christian mosaics to majestic churches and impressive palaces, this charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture. What’s more, Ravenna has a surprisingly rich history — it served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire for three hundred years and became a thriving hub for talented craftsmen, artists and master masons. Dedicate a couple of days to getting to know Ravenna before or after your cruise. Plus, Venice is just over two hours away by car, putting one of Italy’s star destinations well within reach. Once there, you can wander iconic cultural treasures like St. Mark’s Basilica or the Campanile — and of course no visit is complete without a gondola ride beneath the Rialto Bridge. Or take a quick one-hour car ride to Bologna and eat your way around the Mercato Delle Erbe or climb Asinelli Tower to catch amazing views of the terracotta-roof city. Cruising from Ravenna gives you the chance to go off the beaten path while also visiting Venice’s famous canals and Bologna’s enchanting streets.