Mediterranean Cruise +Hotel in Barcelona +Flights Cruise on Costa Toscana from Barcelona

Day 1

Flights from London to Barcelona. First night hotel stay in Barcelona.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid. It is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea. It is located on the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besos and is bounded to the west by the Derra de Collserola ridge. Barcelona is today one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair/exhibitions and cultural-sports centres, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. Indeed, it is a major cultural and economic centre in southwestern Europe, 24th in the world and a growing financial centre (Diagonal Mar and Gran Via). As of 2009 the city was ranked Europe's third and one of the world's most successful as a city brand. Barcelona is the transport hub with one of Europe's principal ports, Barcelona international airport, which handles above 35 million passengers per year, extensive motorway network and also is a hub of hight-speed rail, particularly that which is intended to link Spain with France and the rest of Europe as the second longest in the world.

Day 5

Port of call in Palermo (Sicily).

Palermo the capital of Sicily and the Province of Palermo and is situated in the northwest of the island of Sicily, right by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Palermo is one of the most beautiful places and has a noteworthy architectural heritage and is known for many of its Norman buildings, including churches, museums, palaces and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence, it is over 2,700 years old. It is a city rich in history, culture, art, music and food. The city is also going through careful redevelopment, preparing to become one of the major cities of the Euro Mediterranean area. There are many tourist attractions such as Palermos Arabic quarter, Orto botanico Botanical Gardens and Real Tenuta della Favorita Park. In Vucciria market visitors will experience the unique, strongly Sicilian atmosphere as well as taste the typical local produce. Things to See & Do are: Vucciria market, Palazzo dei Normanni, Quattro Canti, Norman churches, palaces, museums and Capuchin Catacombs.

Day 6

Port of call in Civitavecchia (Rome).

Civitavecchia is the city of Rome´s port on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The harbour is formed by two piers and a breakwater, on which is a lighthouse. The name Civitavecchia means ancient town. There, the Eternal City lies before us in large format architectural and artistic sculptures such as the Colosseum, the most important monument of ancient Rome and used for public entertainment. Do not miss the Trevi Fountain and make a wish while you throw a coin back and continues to the Pantheon, one of the best preserved monuments of antiquity, Piazza Navona and the Vatican City. Take a walk through the Plaza of Spain and rest on the steps of Trinita dei Monti before heading to Via Condotti, wide avenue lined with shops.

Day 8

Port of call in Marseille (France).

Marseille is the second largest city in France, after Paris and is the third largest urban area and metropolitan area after Lyon. Marseille is the capital of the Provence Alpes Côte dAzur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches du Rhône department. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market. The Old Port or Vieux Port is the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Things to See & Do: Old Port area, Abbey of Saint Victor, The Centre Bourse and the adjacent rue St Ferreol district the main shopping area & Museums and historical buildings.