Multicultural Mediterranean Cruise and Land 13 Days

Day 1: Depart from USA

Depart from USA.

Day 2: Arrive in Barcelona

Arrive in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a Mediterranean and cosmopolitan city with Roman remains, medieval quarters, and the most beautiful examples of 20th century Modernism and avant-garde. Legend has it that Barcelona was constructed by General Carthage and Hannibal’s father Hamirka Baka, and has a long history serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon.

Find your own transportation to your hotel or you can choose the optional private airport pick up service ($80 / Person--Minimum to 2 ppl). The rest of the day is at your leisure.

*Please note that while we are doing our best to accommodate early arrivals, hotel check-in time is generally not before 3:00 pm. Baggage storage can be arranged at the hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest up.

Day 3: Barcelona Day tour

Barcelona, the Catalonian seaside city, is the second largest metropolis in Spain with a history of over 2000 years. Known as the “City of Gaudi "", the city has over a dozen eye-catching architectures designed by Antoni Gaudi. Start off the day by visiting the city landmark, the towering La Sagrada Familia which has been built since 1883. This is the only structure that has been listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site even during construction. It is estimated that this giant complex will be finished in 2026 at the final height of 565ft/172m, the tallest church in the world. Biblical stories, curvilinear designs, geometrical patterns, natural elements and the concept of light rays dominate the whole edifice which is considered the masterpiece of Gaudi. Following the construction site, you will also visit Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both are on the UNESCO list designed by Gaudi located on the Passeig De Gracia Avenue, a famed upscale commercial boulevard lined with prestigious and posh buildings from different historical periods of time. Stroll along the tree-lined pedestrian La Rambla Street which connects Placa de Catalunya and Columbus Monument. Make a quick stop at the well-known and hustle and bustle Boqueria Market and then move onto the Palace of Guell, another UNESCO listed must-see sight done by Gaudi. Overnight stay in Barcelona.

* Please be advised that the tour guide will leave the meeting point details with the hotel reception, please make your own way to the specified meeting point.

Day 4: Barcelona, Cruise Embarkation

Today you can venture on your own and discover the hidden treasures of this ancient city, or you can join an optional tour to Montjuic & Barcelona Panoramic:

Optional Tour: Half-Day Montjuic & Barcelona Panoramic at U$149/person

Includes entrance fee to Poble Espanyol.

Enjoy two of Barcelona"s beautiful areas- the Waterfront and Montjuic Hill. Begin at the Barcelona Waterfront and the Old Port and continue to view the Columbus Monument, Gothic Drassanes shipyard, and the World Trade Center. Visit Montjuic hill and enjoy outstanding views of the city from the Mirador de Miramar lookout. Next, view the 1992 Olympic Ring sports complex. Finally, arrive at Poble Espanyol for some time to explore on your own.

At around 16:00, take your own transfer to the Cruise Port Terminal for cruise embarkation. The cruise will be left at 18:00.

Day 5: At Sea

Today, your cruise will sail at sea. The cruise line offers activities throughout the day.

Day 6: La Goulette, Tunisia

Today, your ship will dock in La Goulette. You can join the excursion package we offer to enhance your overall experience.

Optional Program: Historical and Cultural Tunis & Sidi Bou Said Half-Day Guided Tour at U$59/person

Embark on a captivating half-day excursion blending the allure of ancient history with the vibrant charm of a typical Tunisian village. Departing from La Goulette, the port of Tunis, your journey begins in Carthage, an archaeological marvel dating back to the 6th century B.C. Hannibal, the famed general, once called this city the base of a powerful trading empire.

Explore the Tophet, an ancient open-air site where Punic sacrifices were made, and marvel at the Baths of Antoninus, a 2nd-century spa adorned with stunning friezes and mosaics. The Roman cisterns, known as the Cisterns of La Malga and a UNESCO heritage site, await a brief photo stop.

Shifting gears, your adventure takes you to Sid Bou Said, a town perched on a promontory with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Tunis. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, the dominant hues of white and blue create a picturesque scene. Capture the essence of this former fishing village with free time for photography enthusiasts, concluding your memorable journey before boarding the bus back to the port of Tunis.

Day 7: Palermo, Sicily

Today, your ship will dock in Palermo. You can join the excursion package we offer to enhance your overall experience.

Optional Program: Palermo and Monreale Half-day tour at U$59/person

Embark on an enriching excursion, starting with a coach tour past iconic landmarks like Quattro Canti, Piazza Politeama, and the grand Teatro Massimo. Journey to Monreale, nestled on the slope of Monte Caputo, just 8 km from Palermo.

Explore Monreale on foot, marveling at the Cathedral"s exquisite golden mosaics depicting tales from the Old and New Testament. Return to your coach and head to Palermo for a comprehensive visit to the Cathedral, a captivating blend of Norman and Arab architecture. Discover the tombs of Norman kings and Emperor Frederick II.

Uncover the splendor of the "Casa Professa," a noteworthy baroque church, and explore a local market abundant with Sicilian delights. Enjoy some free time for shopping before returning to the ship.

Please note: you have to walk up some steps to visit the Cathedral in Monreale. The guide will give explanations only outside the sites; guests will visit them individually. If the Cathedrals are closed on public holidays or during special events, the visit will be external. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. This tour includes periods of walking, at times over uneven surfaces; guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. Guests will be required to return their audio guide equipment to their tour guide in perfect condition at the end of the tour. Guests will be charged for any damage to or loss of audio guide equipment.

Day 8: Naples, Campania

Today, your ship will dock in Naples. You can join the excursion package we offer to enhance your overall experience.

Optional Program: Pompeii and Sorrento Day Trip at U$149/person

Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii on this half-day trip from Sorrento. Led by an expert guide, pass the remains of the Thermal Baths, Lupanare, and the Forum as you learn the unique history behind Mt. Vesuvius’ deadly eruption in AD 79. After wandering this fascinating piece of history, enjoy some free time for lunch before concluding back at your original departure point.

Day 9: Livorno, Florence

Today, your ship will dock in Livorno. You can join the excursion package we offer to enhance your overall experience.

Optional Program: Pisa and Florence one day tour at U$99/person

Embark on a delightful two-in-one tour exploring Florence and Pisa, with breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape during your transit. Your day begins with a scenic 2-hour coach ride to Florence, where you"ll marvel at the mid-15th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, featuring its iconic dome, the last addition to this Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece. Enjoy free time for shopping or lunch (at additional cost) in Florence before heading to Pisa, birthplace of Galileo Galilei. Capture the perfect shot at Piazza dei Miracoli with the Leaning Tower as your backdrop and explore the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Day 10: Marseille, France

Today, your ship will dock in Marseille. You can join the excursion package we offer to enhance your overall experience.

Optional Program: City Sightseeing Tour of Marseille at U$120/person

Embark on a journey through the maritime charm of Marseille. Our adventure begins with a visit to the magnificent Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, perched atop a hill with captivating views. Explore the lower and upper churches built on the site of an ancient chapel.

Cruise along the scenic "Corniche" for glimpses of Borely Castle and garden (external view only). Take in the sights at the center of Marseille, including a photo stop at Longchamps Palace. Conclude your excursion with leisure time at the iconic "Vieux Port" (old port).

Day 11: Cruise Disembarkation in Barcelona, transfer to Madrid

Today, you will disembark from the cruise and at the indicated time, self-transfer to the train station. Take a 2.5 hours bullet train to Madrid (390mi/630km). You will be arriving at Madrid, the capital of Spain. Upon arrival at Atocha Station, take a look at this 170-year-old railway station with a real forest actually inside the building. Check in your hotel and relax for the rest of the day. Enjoy your remaining date in this city with rich history, gorgeous architecture, world-class shopping, and a vibrant nightlife. For those who cannot wait to marvel at the rousing nightlife of Madrid, we have prepared an optional evening outing for you. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Optional Tour: Madrid by Night with dinner at U$189/person

Follow our local expert to the Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid where you find the surrounding buildings of the square are all lit up at night. In the center of the square stands the statue of Philip III on a horse who observes people shopping, eating and chatting freely and happily here every night. Walk to the nearby San Miguel Market where your eyes will be feasted with delicate ingredients and ornate arrangements, your nose will be filled with aroma from all kinds of local wine, fruits and food. Tonight, you are invited to try the delicious Iberian ham and Spanish wine.

Day 12: Madrid Day Tour

After breakfast, travel to the Puerta Del Sol where Old Madrid and Bourbon Dynasty Madrid meet. Tap into the Royal Palace of Madrid, the third largest grand palace in Europe just after Palace of Versailles and Palace of Hofburg featuring fancy decorations, glitzy chandeliers and extravagant paintings. Unlike the Baroque façade of the Royal Palace, the Catedral de la Almudena on the other side of the Plaza de Armas is in neo-Gothic style, making a perfect balance in Old Madrid. A quick photo stop at the nearby Plaza de Oriente before entering into the French section of town and wander around on the mesmerizing Paseo del Prado Boulevard, the main parkway of Bourbon Madrid where you will come across the Spanish Louvre-Museo del Prado, the Spanish Pompidou Center-Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and the Spanish Musée d"Orsay -Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Swing by Parque del Buen Retiro, a serene and charming central park full of fountains, sculptures and monuments. The gorgeous glass and iron Palacio de Cristal is believed to be the Spanish version of Crystal Palace in London. Spend some free time on the busy shopping street, the Gran Via which is linking Puerta deAlcala with Plaza de España.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or you may want to participate in our optional evening excursion to appreciate Flamenco dance performance with Spanish flavor dinner. Overnight stay in Madrid.

* Please be advised that the tour guide will leave the meeting point details with the hotel reception, please make your own way to the specified meeting point.

Optional Tour: Fiery Flamenco Night with dinner at U$149/person

Derived from Andalusia, Flamenco is a combination of dancing, singing and music influenced by Moorish, Jewish and Romany culture. As the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity declared by UNESCO , Flamenco is considered the national dance of Spain. Tonight, you are welcome to appreciate the fiery Flamenco performance with yummy Paella dinner.

Day 13: Depart for USA/Canada

Today, you will take your own transportation to the airport, bringing your memorable trip to a conclusion.

Included:

1. Round-trip international flight from New York (All Airports) to Europe for NO additional charge

The following departure cities are available for an additional charge:

Additional U$500/person	Montreal / Miami / Fort Lauderdale / Boston / Washington, D.C. / Orlando
Additional U$600/person	Las Vegas / Austin / Oklahoma / Chicago / Detroit / Memphis / Milwaukee
Additional U$700/person	Dallas / Philadelphia / Charlotte / Houston / Denver / Phoenix / Sacramento / San Antonio / Vancouver / Seattle / Portland / Los Angeles / San Diego / San Francisco / Toronto / Montreal

Land only package without round-trip international flight ticket: minus U$500/person

2) Pre and post cruise hand-picked 4-star hotel accommodations.

3) Cruise inside stateroom on the MSC Grandiosa.

4) Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda.

5) Food as specified on the itinerary.

6) Special cultural programs as listed in different cities as specified in the schedule.

7) Professional English-speaking local tour expert.

8) Air tax and fuel surcharge.

Excluded:

1. Travel insurance

2. Any personal expenses

3. Tour extensions and optional programs

4. A Mandatory Service Charge & Tipping (land and cruise) U$250/person is required and payable by Credit Card Before Your Final Payment Due Date.

5. Single Supplement Fee (Our tour price is based on double occupancy. If a single passenger is traveling alone and not sharing a room for the entire trip, the tour price charged to the single traveler will be double the standard tour price.)

6. Baggage is not included in this tour fare. The passenger is responsible for paying the fees associated with Baggage cost if there are any to the Airline directly and prior to departure.

Optional Features

FLIGHT CHOICE:

☆ Regular Flight: We are trying to put you on a direct flight. If this is not possible, you will take flights with moderate layover time: + U$0

☆ Express Flight: We are trying to put you on a direct flight. If this is not possible, you will take flights with limited layover time of less than 6 hours each way

Price: U$499/person

(Early bird price U$299/person)

☆ Swift Flight: You will take a direct flight with no layover guaranteed (if there is (an) direct flight(s) service already existing between your departure gateway and the arrival gateway of your destination country)

Price: U$699/person

(Early bird price U$499/person)

☆ Business Class Flight Upgrade: U$4000/person

CRUISE CABIN UPGRADES:

☆ Upgrade to Ocean View Guaranteed Cabin: U$599/person

(Early bird price U$299/person)

☆ Upgrade to Ocean View Balcony Guaranteed Cabin: U$999/person

(Early bird price U$599/person)

HOTEL UPGRADE:

☆ Guaranteed city center 4-star hotel: U$299/person

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS (Book Onsite):

☆ Day 4: Half-Day Montjuic & Barcelona Panoramic at U$149/person

☆ Day 6: Historical and Cultural Tunis & Sidi Bou Said Half-Day Guided Tour at U$59/person

☆ Day 7: Palermo and Monreale Half-day tour at U$59/person

☆ Day 8: Pompeii and Sorrento Day Trip at U$149/person

☆ Day 9: Pisa and Florence one day tour at U$99/person

☆ Day 10: City Sightseeing Tour of Marseille at U$120/person

☆ Day 11: Madrid by Night with dinner at U$189/person

☆ Day 12: Fiery Flamenco Night with dinner at U$149/person

STAY LIKE A LOCAL-EXTENSIONS:

1) Return Flight Extension-3 DAYS （Drop Off Service Not included )

Price: USD 299 /person

Included:

*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

2) Return Flight Extension-5 DAYS （Drop Off Service Not included)

Price: USD 399 /person

Included:

*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

3) Return Flight Extension: 6-20 DAYS （Drop Off Service Not included)

Price: USD 499 /person

Included:

*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

*Please note the exact departure date may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.

4) Return Flight Extension: 6-30 DAYS （Drop Off Service Not included) (Depart from other European Cities)

Price: USD 599 /person

Included:

*Return flight from Milan / Venice / Paris / London / Dublin / Rome / Madrid / Lisbon / Amsterdam / Brussels / Zurich / Berlin / Munich / Frankfurt / Prague / Vienna / Budapest

*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

*Please note the exact departure date or return city may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.

Visa

THIS TRIP DOES NOT REQUIRE A VISA FOR USA & CANADA PASSPORT HOLDERS.

Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm

Starting from 2025, all visitors that currently do not need a visa to enter Europe will be expected to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization (European Travel Information and Authorization System).

Learn about ETIAS：https://www.etiasvisa.com