Mediterranean Coastlines & Old Cities: A Cruise from Barcelona to Venice

Mediterranean Coastlines & Old Cities: A Cruise from Barcelona to Venice

5 posts in this series More coming soon

From coastal cliffs and beach towns to historic cities and ancient ruins, this Mediterranean cruise covered a wide range of experiences across Europe. This series follows the full route from Barcelona to Venice, highlighting what stood out in each destination and how to plan a trip like this without feeling overwhelmed.

This was all part of a sailing on the Norwegian Escape, which shaped everything from port timing to how much we could realistically fit into each stop. We’ll call out where the ship experience made things easier and where it added constraints.

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    Ancient Roman stone ruins with brick walls in foreground, green landscape and mountains visible beyond in Pompeii

    Pompeii & Sorrento from a Naples Cruise: What This Shore Excursion Is Really Like

    Italy, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento April 24, 2026 by Jeff 5 min read

    Thinking about a Pompeii and Sorrento cruise excursion from Naples? Here’s what the day actually feels like, what surprised us, and what we’d do differently.
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    Panoramic view of Taormina’s rooftops and surrounding mountains seen from the ruins of the ancient theatre.

    Taormina, Sicily from a Cruise: What a Day Here Actually Looks Like

    Taormina March 21, 2026 by Drew 4 min read

    Planning a Taormina port day from Messina? Here’s how we booked last-minute, explored the Ancient Theatre, and made the most of 6 hours in town.
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    Golden-hour view of Valletta, Malta, with historic sandstone buildings and domed churches glowing in warm light above fortified walls along the waterfront, as a small boat moves across calm blue water.

    Malta in One Day: A Private Tour of Blue Grotto, Mdina & More

    Valletta March 29, 2026 by Lori 6 min read

    With just 8 hours in port, this private Malta tour turned a quick cruise stop into one of the most memorable days of our trip—from glowing sea caves to quiet medieval streets and cliffside views.
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    Three people smile at a table set for a meal at an outdoor restaurant. The street is lively, with more diners in the background and buildings painted yellow. Bottled water and glasses are on the table.

    Lunch at Aegli Restaurant in Corfu, Greece

    Corfu March 5, 2026 by Drew 3 min read

    A relaxed lunch in Corfu Town at Aegli Restaurant featuring classic Greek dishes like spanakopita, saganaki, fresh Greek salad, and Mythos beer — all enjoyed under the shaded cafés of the old town streets.
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    A coastal city with red-roofed buildings and palm trees lines the waterfront, with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    Split, Croatia: Exploring a City Built Inside a Roman Palace

    Split March 7, 2026 by Drew 5 min read

    Exploring Split, Croatia during a cruise stop revealed ancient Roman history, waterfront views, and the winding streets of Diocletian’s Palace—an unforgettable introduction to one of Croatia’s most fascinating cities.