Cruises allow travellers the opportunity to explore a whole host of destinations. Here are our top favourite European destinations that your customers will love!
Barcelona, Spain
Best time: May – September
A lively seaside city, Barcelona has so much to explore and discover, including stunning architecture, vibrant historical and cultural experiences, amazing food, a thriving art scene and so much more, all wrapped up in lovely Mediterranean weather.
A great place to start is La Rambla – a large boulevard which runs through the heart of the city centre for 1.2 km. In addition to pavement cafes, street performers, artists, and souvenir kiosks, La Rambla is also the site of a 60-metre-high Christopher Columbus monument and the popular La Boqueria Food Market.
From here, your customers can visit the Gothic Quarter, home to the Barcelona Cathedral and the UNESCO world heritage listed Palau de la Musica Catalana and witness Barcelona’s extraordinary architectural landmarks by Antoni Gaudi, including Sagrada Familia or La Pedrera. Before heading back to the ship, they can try some authentic Spanish Sangria and Spanish Coffee!
Other must-visits include the Maritime Museum which dates back to the 13th century and the Barcelona Aquarium, a great destination for both children and adults.
Lisbon, Portugal
Best time: March-May or September-October
Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a favourite port of call and the highlight of the voyage for many cruise ship passengers. It has beautiful weather, friendly and welcoming people, amazing architecture, history, art and culture and incredible food. Lisbon is a fantastic destination, plus, and it is also quite affordable.
A couple of hours in Lisbon is enough time to explore. Your customers can get tickets to the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour, or participate in a Free Walking Tour, which is a wonderful way to really delve into Portuguese history and culture.
Whether exploring on foot or via its famous slow trams, Portugal is remarkably compact and safe, so your customers can discover the city’s oldest neighbourhoods of Mouraria and Alfama, as well as the World Heritage Sites of Belem at their own pace.
Must-visits include Lisbon’s ancient churches and top attractions like Se Cathedral and Lisbon Castle, and feast on authentic Portuguese food such as Pastel De Nata, Caldo Verde, Bacalhau and Ginjinha!
Marseille, France
Best time: April – October
France’s ancient port city of Marseille promises breathtaking palaces, cathedrals, abbeys, markets and mansions, and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site – La Cite Radieuse.
A must-visit is the fish market Quai des Belges, where trade has been going on for more than 2,600 years, and the majestic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Another beautiful venue is the Marseille Cathedral, which took over 40 years to build, as well as the Palais de Longchamp and its beautiful gardens, home to Marseille’s oldest museum and Natural History Museum. Art lovers will find an impressive collection of artworks here dating from the 16th century.
Stroll along the Old Harbour and take in the port’s unique history and newer developments. Just nearby is the Saint-Victor Abbey, a 3rd-century building built on top of an ancient Greek necropolis. For some shopping and dining, La Canabiere is a great option as well as the spice markets and the high-end shops and restaurants on Cours Mirabeau.
Rome, Italy
Best time: April – October
One of the most iconic cities in Europe, Rome is where the past comes alive. Amidst the hustle and the bustle are ancient ruins of a bygone empire, vibrant street culture and world-renowned art and museums.
Your customers will disembark at Civitavecchia, the Rome cruise port, where they can explore local culture, the medieval centre and archaeological sites. A 40-minute express train ride will get them to the capital city where a world of adventure awaits.
The best place to start is the Colosseum then onwards to the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.
A must-visit is the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest churches. Shopping in Rome is a must – there are street stalls, markets and wonderful retailers, art studios, flea markets and couture Italian designers.
Dining in Rome is an unforgettable experience – your customers can pick one of the many Italian restaurants lining the streets for a taste of authentic Italian dining.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Best time: April – October
An enchanting destination with a fascinating history, Palma de Mallorca is a popular cruise destination renowned for picturesque villages and captivating architecture. This Spanish island is filled with historic streets, Gothic castles and gastronomic delights, all wrapped up in delightfully warm and balmy weather.
A must-visit is the Palma Cathedral – an iconic 14th-century Gothic structure designed in the early 1900s by Gaudi, the circular courtyard and Arab-inspired arches of Castell de Bellver, the Arab Baths, and the Dragon Caves on the east side of the island.
Palma de Mallorca is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Your customers can enjoy a beach day at Cala Llombards or Playa El Arenal. Before heading back to the ship, your customers can sample some authentic Mallorcan cuisine and shop for Mallorcan pearls, handmaid Menorquina sandals, colourful pottery and traditional straw bags.
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