Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Western Mediterranean: Spain, Italy & France 11 Nights
Operated by Holland America Line
Tripcode: E7M11C
Overview
Destination:
France,
Italy,
Morocco,
Spain,
Start:Barcelona, Spain
Finish:Barcelona, Spain
Finish:Barcelona, Spain
Duration:12 days
Travel Period
May 2027 - May 2027
Sail roundtrip from Barcelona and explore highlights of Spain, France, and Italy on an 11-night Europe cruise onboard Oosterdam with Holland America Line. Visit historical Granada from Málaga, see beautiful Florence from Livorno, and stroll the colourful old port of Ajaccio in Corsica. Enquire about the various shore excursions today to make the most of each destination.
Please note:
- Price is based on the Have it All™ fare per person twin share in Partial Sea View Stateroom assigned prior to sailing.
- Shore excursions are at an additional cost.
- For the most up-to-date rates, itinerary, availability, and for more information about the different service levels, please enquire now.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 24-hour room service;
- Complimentary dining at selected restaurants (Lido Market, The Dining Room, Dive In poolside grill);
- Entertainment including Billboard Onboard, World Stage and Rolling Stone Lounge;
- Fitness centre and Pickleball at Sea;
- Kids Club for ages 3 to 17.
PLUS, enjoy the following Have it All™ fare inclusions on this voyage:
- Speciality dining at two separate fine dining restaurants (for two nights);
- Beverage package upgrade to Elite: A daily limit of 15 beverages on all drinks priced $15 or less;
- Shore excursion credit US$200 credit per person to apply towards shore excursion(s) purchase(s);
- Premium Wi-Fi package.
Enquire with your RACV Travel Expert for details.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1: Barcelona, Spain
Departs: 5:00pm
On the northeast coast of Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean, Barcelona is a vibrant port city, packed with centuries of iconic art and architecture—Gaudí and Picasso both called it home—and lined with sunny white-sand beaches. Explore the Catalan capital's tourist attractions and historic neighbourhoods, Modernisme and world-renowned art museums, galleries and local crafts shops—some of which are centuries old and stock traditional Catalan wares. After you see the sights, there are lively tapas bars around every corner where you can stop for a drink, a café amb llet (Catalan for espresso with steamed milk) or a snack, no matter the hour. Green spaces for picnics, long walks and respite from the hustle and bustle are scattered throughout Barcelona's attractions: There's Gaudí's mosaic-decorated park, a neoclassical maze at the Laberint d'Horta, as well as plenty of high places (mountains, monuments and edifices) where sightseeing visitors can take in the view. A short trip from Barcelona by car or train, luxury outlets, cava wineries, a mountaintop abbey and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast await.
Day 2: Day at Sea
Enjoy a variety of onboard experiences.
Day 3: Malaga, Spain
Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 6:00pm
While Málaga was long considered just a stopover on the way to southern Spain’s Costa del Sol beach resorts, in recent years a buzz has developed around the Andalucian city. There is a brand-new $100 million port promenade filled with restaurants and a bold new branch of Paris’s Centre Pompidou built in the form of a colourful glass cube. A handful of other major new museums include one devoted to one of the city’s most famous sons, Pablo Picasso—it’s also the hometown of another famous Spanish export, actor Antonio Banderas. Where once many buildings were dilapidated, an entire swath of the historic centre is now pedestrianized and filled with shoppers, diners and street musicians. Tapas bars with outdoor tables line the old town’s Calle Strachan, while all over Málaga a boom in fine dining is taking place. The city makes a fine base for day trips to many of Andalucía’s most famous sites. Unlike many southern Spanish cities, Málaga doesn’t really shut down over the hot summer months; its waterfront location helps keep temperatures from soaring to uncomfortable heights. The 10-day summer Feria is becoming more popular each year, drawing visitors with its calendar of bullfights as well as dancing and drinking—activities the city’s residents enjoy before and after the Feria too.
Day 4: Cruising Strait of Gibraltar
Cruising only.
Day 4: Tangier, Morocco
Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 6:00pm
Tangier is a place that descended from the gods—its hilly setting makes it one of the possible real-world locations for the mythical Pillars of Hercules that flanked the Strait of Gibraltar and guarded the entrance to the Mediterranean. It has been a bustling port since antiquity, repeatedly fought over by everyone from the Phoenicians to the Arabs. Today, Tangier is every bit a modern Moroccan city, but until recently its history as an international zone—it was periodically under the administration of several countries—attracted a libertine counterculture of artists, musicians and writers such as Henri Matisse (who was drawn by the dazzling quality of the light), Paul Bowles, Jack Kerouac and the Rolling Stones. Tangier now positions itself as a bridge between Europe and Africa, as well as the centre of Morocco’s booming manufacturing industries. With a new port and a medina that’s been given a makeover, Tangier is the confident face of 21st-century Morocco—yet it’s still able to draw back the curtains far enough on its history to attract visitors.
Day 5: Almeria, Spain
Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 6:00pm
While there is archaeological evidence of Phoenician, Greek and Roman settlements in the Andalucían province of Almería, the city of the same name was founded by the Moorish king Abd ar-Rahman in 955. (Its Spanish name comes from its original Arabic one: Al-Mari'yah, or The Watchtower.) Strategically situated on the Mediterranean, it remained a Muslim stronghold until Christians conquered it in the 15th century. The Muslim influence can still be seen throughout the province, and especially in its capital city. The Alcazaba, a massive 10th-century Moorish palace, hovers above the town and has played a starring role in a number of films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Conan the Barbarian and the James Bond movie Never Say Never Again. The city also boasts a remarkable Gothic cathedral dating from the 16th century; resembling a fortress with its towers and battlements, it served as both a place of worship and a bulwark against attacks by pirates. Nicolás Salmerón Park, a long, shady strip of green that runs along the shore, offers excellent views of the marina and port; it's bisected by Avenida de Federico García Lorca, a lively street lined with tapas bars, cafés and boutiques.
Day 6: Day at Sea
Enjoy a variety of onboard experiences at sea.
Day 7: Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 4:00pm
"And suddenly there is Cagliari: a naked town rising steep, steep, golden-looking, piled naked to the sky," wrote D.H. Lawrence in 1921 when he traveled to Sardinia. Nearly 100 years later, the city that made the writer "think of Jerusalem" is just as impressive, sitting between a blue sea and an azure sky. According to Greek mythology, "Caralis" was founded by Aristeus, son of Apollo, though historians date it to the 8th century B.C.E., when the Phoenicians established a trading port here. Sardinia's capital was later fought over by Carthaginians, Romans, Pisans, Spanish and Piedmontese—all of whom shaped its development.
Most sights are in Castello, the old town that climbs the hill behind Saint Remy's rampart. It's a rough grid of narrow streets and small squares with breathtaking views of sea, city and mountains. And while the old stones of Castello reflect millennia of history, Cagliari also has natural riches, with white beaches and flamingo-dotted blue lagoons nearby.
Sardinia has one UNESCO-listed site: a megalithic nuraghe complex 60 kilometres north of Cagliari (though some would argue that the town’s Roman amphitheatre and Tuvixeddu necropolis could also be candidates for UNESCO recognition). Whether you are a history buff or drawn more to culinary or natural wonders, you’ll find much to delight in this lively, fascinating city.
Day 8: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 9:30pm
When you embark on a cruise to Rome with Holland America Line you experience its bustling modernism along with its rich history. You can walk in the footsteps of emperors, have coffee in Renaissance piazzas and see contemporary art all in one afternoon. Your sightseeing time in Rome begins at the nearby port of Civitavecchia, a seaside town with roots that stretch back to the Etruscan era. Take note of the Forte Michelangelo (both Bramante and Michelangelo had a hand in its design), and the lungomare, a lively stretch along the sea with beach clubs, bars and restaurants.
Once in the Eternal City you can fill your day with museums, churches, archaeological sites, traditional trattorias, artisan shops and, of course, gelato. The Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are Rome's superstar attractions, but there are plenty of quieter gems to explore. For food lovers there are the markets in Campo de' Fiori or the slightly farther flung Testaccio. The hip neighbourhood of Monti, next to the Colosseum, has a vibrant piazza scene and boutique shopping, while the Villa Borghese offers a green oasis with a view towards Saint Peter’s Basilica and the masterpiece-filled Galleria Borghese. Although Rome might not have been built in one day, you'll certainly be able to see its highlights on our Rome cruises along with the top things to do there in 24 hours.
Day 9: Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 8:00pm
The Renaissance-era port city of Livorno, Italy, gateway to Pisa, Florence and the rest of the attractions of Tuscany, is characterized by its solid 16th-century Fortezza and the charming canal network known as Venezia Nuova. It’s also famous for cacciucco, a spicy fish stew.
To the north of Livorno, not far from the mouth of the river Arno, lies Pisa, an attractive university city best known for its Leaning Tower. Some 60 miles to the east, and also set on the Arno, is Florence, Tuscany's capital. The concentration of artistic treasures and cultural things to do in Tuscany, from museums and cloisters to bridges and chapels, is second to none—but there is lots more besides sightseeing in Florence. The food and drink culture in Florence takes in tripe stands and hole-in-the-wall wine bars as well as embracing gourmet restaurants and plenty of down-to-earth family-run trattorias. The shopping scene offers the designer stores of Via Tornabuoni and Via Roma, but there are plenty of quirky, independent boutiques too. And then there is Florence’s traditions of leather work, marbled paper, book-binding and furniture restoration. Explore the sights of the arty Oltrarno neighbourhood for artisan workshops, great cafés, bars and restaurants and an authentically Florentine atmosphere.
Day 10: Ajaccio, Corsica, France
Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 5:00pm
Most famous as the birthplace of a diminutive, strong-willed local who went on to become known simply as Napoleon, the port of Ajaccio is Corsica’s small, walkable capital. The roots of this city on the island’s western coast are said to go back to another strong man, the Greek hero Ajax.
Only 200 miles from its parent France, you might as well be in another country on Corsica, where everything from the food to the language is unique. Anchored by a magnificent citadel and a fine Baroque cathedral, Ajaccio is filled with pastel buildings whose wooden shutters keep out the Mediterranean sun, while its streets, plazas and statues are all marked by Napoleon’s aura.
Dining and shopping along the palm tree–studded waterfront have been popular since the days of English travellers in the 19th century—activities that have once again marked daily life in the port since De Gaulle liberated the town and island in World War II. Ringed by craggy natural formations both on land and sea, as well as stunning sandy beaches, Ajaccio’s surroundings are easily explored on a drive along the windy Corniche or by heading inland to explore the rugged villages of the interior.
Day 11: Marseille (Provence), France
Arrive: 8:00am | Depart: 5:00pm
Marseille, in the south of France, has more spice, grit and edge than the Provençal towns that surround it. A trade city since the time of ancient Greece, the port always seems to be on the brink of change, generating a certain energy that’s hard to find in the timeless and traditional countryside. In fact, sometimes it doesn't seem very French at all.
Thanks to a multicultural population, the culinary scene (with seafood dishes and Michelin-starred restaurants galore) goes beyond the classic steak frites at bistros and brasseries. A 19th-century cathedral presides over the city and the working-class Le Panier district has winding streets flanked by fading facades, while Baroque edifices grace the commercial thoroughfare La Canebière, once compared to the Champs-Élysées.
Marseille’s 2013 turn as the European Capital of Culture sprouted a crop of cultural venues, from striking museums to cutting-edge gallery spaces and thought-provoking concept shops that showcase local talent. The waterfront has been refurbished—and on sunny days, it’s the place for people- and boat-watching from restaurants famous for bouillabaisse or outdoor cafés serving glasses of rosé and pastis.
Day 12: Barcelona, Spain
Arrive: 7:00am
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Holland America
At Holland America Line, we believe travel has the power to change the world. We consider it our higher purpose to help make the world a better place through opening minds, building connections, and inspiring a shared humanity. For 150 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, exquisite dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you've come to the right place.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$4,974
$4,874
*
Member price from
$4,874*
per person
11 nights
Check departuresCan't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Call 1800 850 888Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
cccc562a4e9809879d0c91786fc429bd
© 2025 Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) All rights reserved.