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.

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.

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.

Make the most of the nautical adventure of a lifetime with some relaxing time at sea. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your luxury yacht — slide into the infinity-style pool where the water seems to touch the horizon; ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in panoramic views; book in a treatment at the spa*; or just drink in the views from the Observation Lounge. *Additional cost 

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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 towns historic centre is filled with narrow streets lined with shops selling locally made ceramics, limoncello, and other traditional products. Explore the towns 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.

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.