5 nights. Spain, France, Italy

Travel Idea: Mediterranean Cruise Getaway

Travelers: 2 adults, 0 children

Experience: Enjoy a 5-night cruise exploring Spain, France, and Italy aboard the elegant MSC Fantasia. This cruise is perfect for couples looking for a mix of culture, coastal scenery, and relaxing time at sea. You’ll be able to stroll through historic city centers, savor regional cuisine, and then return each evening to the comfort and entertainment of a modern cruise ship.

Highlights may include: sun-soaked Spanish ports, charming French coastal towns, and iconic Italian cities rich in art and history. On board, take advantage of gourmet dining, evening shows, spa facilities, and panoramic decks ideal for romantic sunsets.

As your travel agent, I recommend preparing for your journey with a mix of practical guides and inspiring reading:

• Guidebooks:“Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports” – Excellent for concise walking tours and port logistics in Spain, France, and Italy.
• “DK Eyewitness Mediterranean Cruise Ports” – Great visuals, maps, and quick highlights of top sights near major ports.
• “Lonely Planet Western Europe” – Useful if you want broader background on culture, transport, and local etiquette.
• Country-specific guides:“Rick Steves Spain” – Good for understanding Spanish culture, tapas traditions, and key cities you might visit.
• “Lonely Planet France” – For insights into French coastal towns, markets, and wine regions.
• “DK Eyewitness Italy” – Rich in visuals and history for Italian art cities and coastal stops.
• Background & inspiration:“Mediterranean: A Cultural Odyssey” by various authors (anthology editions) – To get a sense of the shared history of the Mediterranean coast.
• “Four Seasons in Rome” by Anthony Doerr – A light, reflective read that captures the atmosphere of Italian life.
• “The Most Beautiful Villages of France” (Thames & Hudson) – For visual inspiration if your cruise visits smaller French towns.

Before departure, I also suggest checking MSC Cruises’ official website or app for any destination-specific recommendations, onboard dress codes, and excursion options, so you can match your reading to your confirmed ports of call.