![](https://www.travelleaders.com/BlogImage/4242_HeroImage.jpg)
![](https://www.travelleaders.com/BlogImage/4242_ThumbImage.jpg)
The Best Mediterranean Cruise Ports to Visit Right Now
Barcelona, Spain
This capital of Catalonia is no hidden gem, it’s a major cruise port and bustling epicenter of culture that’s more than worthy of a line on your bucket list. From the medieval architecture of the Gothic Quarter to the impossibly fresh seafood of La Barceloneta, the Old Town museums and Ciutat Vella and the chic couture boutiques of Eixample, Barcelona is a showstopping European metropolis unrivalled by any other European city.
![Travel Leaders Image](http://www.travelleaders.com/BlogImage/4242_BodyImg1.jpg)
Barcelona, Spain
What’s more, Barcelona is synonymous with celebrated artists like Picasso and Gaudí, whose masterpiece of architecture, La Sagrada Família, will be the tallest cathedral in the world upon its target completion date in 2026. But don’t wait until then to go see it—the construction of this Art Nouveau behemoth has been in process for nearly 140 years. To observe the final touches of its construction are to witness the birth of an architectural icon perhaps never again to be seen again in our lifetimes.
![Travel Leaders Image](http://www.travelleaders.com/BlogImage/4242_BodyImg2.jpg)
Cannes, France
Cannes, France
From its palm-fringed Promenade de la Croisette to the historical monastery of Lérins Abbey and panoramic views atop Suquet Hill, it’s easy to see why Cannes is so popular with the jet-setting crowd. Known for its iconic film festival, elegant architecture and sunny beaches, Cannes isn’t just a luxurious playground for the rich and famous. It’s also a gateway to the many gems of the stunning Côte d'Azur, many of which are reachable on a short day trip.
Opt for a luxury rental car and take the scenic drive to Monte Carlo, with its stunning coastal views, iconic casino and many luxury yachts and sportscars, experience the exclusive nightlife scene of Saint Tropez or trace the picturesque French Riviera in a chartered yacht. It doesn’t get much more extravagant than this.
Florence, Italy
It’s no exaggeration that all of your Italian travel fantasies can come true in Florence. First, there’s the art. Florence is home to some of the world’s most famous Renaissance masterpieces, from artists including da Vinci, Botticelli and Caravaggio at the renowned Uffizi Gallery, Raphael’s works at the Pitti Palace and Michelangelo’s statue of David at Accademia Gallery. Then, there’s the architecture, from the iconic red dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to the Medieval stone bride of Ponte Vecchio and stunning town squares like Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo.
![Travel Leaders Image](http://www.travelleaders.com/BlogImage/4242_BodyImg3.jpg)
Florence, Italy
And finally, there’s the food—and, of course, the wine. As the capital of Tuscany, Florence sits at the crossroads of one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions—Sangiovese, anyone? —and one of the world’s most admired gastronomic districts: Emilia-Romagna; home to balsamic vinegar of Modena, prosciutto of Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and many varieties of pasta. Need we say more?
Want to visit them all?
Our travel agency can help you book
this itinerary from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Mediterranean: Italy, France & Spain
7 Days aboard Norwegian Epic
Barcelona, Spain; Ajaccio, Corsica; Rome(Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, (Trieste), Italy;
Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Cannes, France; Palma de Majorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain