Explore some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cities on this 7 night cruise sailing round trip from Barcelona on board MSC Grandiosa. With ports in France, Italy and Spain, balcony accommodation, flights from Dublin and transfers included, this itinerary combines cultural highlights, relaxed sea days and time ashore in some of Europe’s most celebrated destinations.
MSC Grandiosa is one of MSC Cruises’ flagship ships and is designed to feel like a destination in its own right. At its centre is the Galleria Grandiosa, a full length indoor promenade with an LED sky ceiling, lined with cafés, bars, boutiques and live music, creating a lively social space from morning through to late evening. Entertainment includes full production shows in the Broadway Theatre and acrobatic performances in the Carousel Lounge, while families can enjoy the onboard water park with slides and splash areas, along with dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs created in partnership with LEGO.
For quieter moments, the MSC Aurea Spa offers Balinese massages, thermal areas and beauty treatments, complemented by open deck pools and sun loungers for sea days. Dining is flexible, with main restaurants included and a range of speciality dining options available, while bars and lounges are spread throughout the ship for easy evenings on board. Your Deluxe Balcony cabin on the Fantastica experience adds private outdoor space to enjoy sailaways and Mediterranean views between ports.
Fly from Dublin to Barcelona and transfer to the port to board MSC Grandiosa. Once on board, settle into your cabin, explore the ship and enjoy your first evening at sea as you depart the Catalan coast.
Arrive in Cannes, where palm lined boulevards and the Old Town sit alongside the city’s famous marina. Spend time strolling La Croisette, visiting Le Suquet for views across the bay, or enjoying a relaxed lunch by the water before returning to the ship.
Dock in Genoa, MSC Cruises’ home port, with easy access to its historic centre and harbour. You can explore the old town’s narrow streets, visit the aquarium, or take an excursion to nearby Portofino, known for its colourful harbour and coastal walks.
From La Spezia, explore the Cinque Terre region, a collection of cliffside villages linked by rail and coastal paths. Visit towns such as Vernazza or Monterosso, or stay closer to port and explore La Spezia’s waterfront and local cafés.
Arrive into Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome. Spend the day discovering the Eternal City’s landmarks, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica, or explore neighbourhoods, piazzas and local restaurants at your own pace.
Call into Palma de Mallorca, where a historic old town meets long beaches and lively cafés. Visit the Gothic cathedral, wander the narrow streets behind the harbour, or enjoy time by the sea before your final evening on board.
An Antarctic expedition cruise is designed to take you beyond simply seeing the continent from a ship. Small inflatable Zodiac boats are used to explore bays, reach remote landing sites and get closer to the ice, wildlife and landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
Finding your match...