Cultures of the Mediterranean Barcelona to Civitavecchia

Welcome to Spain and the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. Your journey begins here, among the vibrant colours and cultures of the Catalan region. You’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to begin your cruise around the shores of the Mediterranean.

Please book your flight to arrive into Barcelona prior to 01:00 PM.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

The capital of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is famous for its stunning coastline, historic towns and delicious cuisine. Its capital city, Palma de Mallorca, dates back to the 13th century and is a vision in honey-coloured stone. Marvel at its grand Gothic cathedral, walk the medieval streets lined with aristocratic townhouses and sip coffee in bustling public squares. Elsewhere on the island, discover the authentic village of Valldemossa, the unspoilt beaches and natural beauty of the landscape.

If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.

The quietest and most relaxed of the Balearics, Menorca gives you a taste of how these islands used to be. The island’s capital, Mahón, is on the east coast and is yours to explore today. It sits on the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and was colonised by the British in the 18th century, leaving a legacy of grand naval buildings and Georgian townhouses. Beyond that, there’s a wealth of prehistoric structures to explore and the interior of the island remains largely untouched, dotted with rolling farmland and whitewashed villages.

The capital of Menorca since 1721, Mahon has a impressive natural deep water harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. This, coupled with its strategic location, has made it a stronghold for many nations throughout history. Mahon has an abundance of historical buildings, the oldest being the Arch of Saint Roc which is all that remains of the wall that once encircled the whole town. The island was occupied by the British during the 18th century and Lord Nelson is thought to have stayed there. Indeed, San Antoni Mansion, located on the north side of the harbour, houses a collection of Nelson memorabilia. The legacy of colonial rule can be seen in the muted Georgian style of some of the buildings, but Mahon still boasts attractive examples of neo-Classical, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. With narrow streets to explore, pleasant shaded squares and welcoming pavement cafés, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please be aware that most shops in town close for a siesta between 1330 and 1730.

The best way to arrive in Sardinia’s historic capital is by sea, so be sure to wake early and stand out on your balcony this morning. Cagliari comes prettily sandwiched between rolling verdant hills and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, rising up steeply to the hilltop citadel of Il Castello. It is home to one of the longest beaches in Italy, Poetta Beach, and Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, known for its bright pink flamingo colonies. For a taste of authentic Sardinian flavours, sample one of the traditional local dishes, such as malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) and porceddu (roast suckling pig).

Known in Sardinia as Casteddu, the island's capital has steep streets and impressive Italianate architecture, from modern to medieval. This city of nearly 160,000 people is characterized by a busy commercial center and waterfront with broad avenues and arched arcades, as well as by the typically narrow streets of the old hilltop citadel (called, simply, “Castello”). The Museo Archeologico makes a good starting point to a visit. The imposing Bastione di Saint Remy and Mercato di San Benedetto (one of the best fish markets in Italy) are both musts.

Cruising south, today you’ll arrive on the northern coast of Africa at Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. A fascinating crossroads of cultures for thousands of years, Tunis has at its heart the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Medina, a maze of winding alleyways filled with bustling souks, historic mosques, and ornate palaces. Just beyond the city, the legendary ruins of Carthage stand as a testament to one of history’s greatest civilisations, offering a glimpse into the power and grandeur of the ancient Phoenician and Roman empires.

South of the Tunisian capital Tunis, Sousse is an ancient city filled with culture and beauty that has become a lively resort for travellers. Take a walk down one of the expansive sandy beaches, explore the catacombs and shop at a traditional souq. The city mixes tradition with contemporary style to create a wonderful destination for visitors.

Cross back into Italy and the island of Sicily. The town of Porto Empedocle was once a sleepy fishing village, but today is a bustling resort town famous for its glorious. golden beaches. In the 1400s, it was a significant port for transporting grains and later became known for sulphur and rock salt mining. Stroll along the lively Via Roma on the waterfront, watch the ferries sailing to the Pelegai Islands from the Marina and admire the enormous Carlo V Tower, an historic fortififcation and former prison.

Porto Empedocle is a popular cruise port located on the southwest coast of Sicily, Italy, and serves as the gateway to some of the island's most important ancient sites. The town itself offers a charming glimpse into authentic Sicilian life, but the main draw is the quick access to world-famous sites.

Attractions focus primarily on history, archaeology, and dramatic coastal scenery:

• Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi)

  • This is the chief attraction and is a short drive from the port.

  • The site is an exceptional archaeological complex of Greek civilization, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • It features some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece, including the impressive Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, and the colossal ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

• Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks)

  • This unique natural wonder is a stunning white marl cliff formation sculpted by wind and sea into a series of natural steps.

  • It is located just a few kilometers from Porto Empedocle.

  • Nearby boat tours (often departing from San Leone) offer views of the cliff, nearby coves, and beaches, and include opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

• Porto Empedocle Town Center

  • The historic town center has narrow, winding streets worth exploring.

  • Visitors can stroll the bustling waterfront and visit the Torre Carlo V (Tower of Charles V), a 16th-century fortress now used as a cultural space.

  • The town is also the backdrop for the fictional setting "Vigata" in Andrea Camilleri's Inspector Montalbano series.

The tiny city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is the smallest city in the European Union and covers just over half a square kilometre. Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, it’s a living testament to the Baroque period, with well-preserved buildings, ornate churches and magnificent fortifications. The city is located on a hilly peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its compact size, Valletta has a vibrant cultural life and regularly hosts lively markets and festivals.

Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

The picturesque seaside town of Giardini Naxos is on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy.  Its sprawling seafront offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Giardini Naxos is the gateway to the exclusive resort of Taormina, perched on the side of the mountain above. One of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, it draws the rich and famous from around the world to its luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants. The area also has a rich history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.

The journey from Giardini Naxos on through Taormina holds a diverse landscape that includes white, sandy beaches that call out to you to come and play. Taormina holds a treasure trove, whether it’s the Palazzo Corvaja or Duomo di San Nicola, of ancient atmospheres that entice you to venture deep. As you wander the grounds of the Ancient Greek Theater built directly into the mountains, standing amid such ruins transports you back to ancient live theater. The surrounding peaks of Mount Etna provide an exhilarating environment. Its various foothills and pathways make it the perfect site for hiking.

 Sorrento is a much-loved resort town on the Amalfi Coast, perched dramatically atop cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples and boasting stunning views of Mount Vesuvius across the water. An impossibly romantic haven, Sorrento bewitches with its elegant Italian villas, world-class restaurants serving up mouth-watering cuisine and fragrant lemon groves. The town's historic centre is filled with narrow streets lined with shops selling locally made ceramics, limoncello, and other traditional products. Explore the town's ancient Greek and Roman ruins, like the Villa Pollio and the Museo Correale di Terranova, get a glimpse into its storied past as you explore grand cathedrals and palazzos built of warm golden stone, then sit down at a cafe to watch the world go by.

Sorrento may have become a jumping-off point for visitors to Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi, but you can find countless reasons to love it for itself. The Sorrentine people are fair-minded and hardworking, bubbling with life and warmth. The tuff cliff on which the town rests is spread over the bay, absorbing sunlight, while orange and lemon trees waft their perfume in spring. Winding along a cliff above a small beach and two harbors, the town is split in two by a narrow ravine formed by a former mountain stream. To the east, dozens of hotels line busy Via Correale along the cliff—many have "grand" included in their names, and some indeed still are. To the west, however, is the historic sector, which still enchants. It's a relatively flat area, with winding, stone-paved lanes bordered by balconied buildings, some joined by medieval stone arches. The central piazza is named after the poet Torquato Tasso, born here in 1544. This part of town is a delightful place to walk through. Craftspeople are often at work in their stalls and shops and are happy to let you watch; in fact, that's the point. Music spots and bars cluster in the side streets near Piazza Tasso.

The island of Ischia sits just off the coast of Naples and is famous for its volcanic thermal waters, which are said to have curative powers. This charming town, nestled on the northern coast of the island, is renowned for its wealth of natural thermal springs—so much so that the word "thermal" (or Terme) is part of its name. Known for its rejuvenating waters and wellness culture, it has long been a destination for those seeking relaxation, healing, and a touch of luxury amid picturesque surroundings. The town’s thermal heritage is deeply woven into its identity, offering everything from historic spas to modern wellness retreats.

Your luxurious yacht cruise returns to Italian shores today and concludes in Civitavecchia, the main seaport for the dynamic capital of Italy, Rome. Here you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your travels.

Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 02:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city’s streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world’s greatest repositories of history and civilization.