Ready to see the best of the Mediterranean? Cruise it on the world’s largest ship, Allure of the Seas, which sets her sights on European waters for the first this summer, sailing round-trip from Barcelona.
For those days you’re not at sea exploring Allure’s seven neighborhoods, might we suggest a few of these European escapes?
What: Think scenic landscapes and azure seas. Enjoy a guided tour through two of Provence’s gems: the majestic villages of Saint-Rémy and Les Baux-de-Provence.
Cool factor: If art and history are your thing, this is for you! You’ll view the architecture of Renaissance mansions, St. Martin Church and the Fountain of Nostradamus.
Find it in: Provence (Marseilles), France
What: Take a trip to Spain’s Drach Caves, located in the beautiful region of Mallorca, then venture onward to a factory in the ancient fishing village of Porto Cristo to see how pearls are manufactured.
Cool factor: Within the caves you’ll find Lake Martel, thought to be one of the largest underground lakes in the world.
Find it in: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
What: You can’t visit Tuscany and not explore its famous countryside. And what better way to enjoy it than by pairing your visit with a wine tasting? Along the way, enjoy the vistas of magnificent cypress trees, medieval abbeys, traditional villas, and sun-dappled vineyards.
Cool factor: Sip Chianti and nibble salami amid the jaw-dropping scenery of the Tuscan countryside. Molto bello!
Find it in: La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Italy
Do You Know the Way to Pompeii?
What: Grab your sneakers—this one’s a workout! Climb to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius and take a guided tour of the infamous ancient city of Pompeii. Explore the Amalfi Coast, including Sorrento and Positano, two colorful enclave villages build right into the coast’s glorious mountainsides.
Cool factor: See breathtaking views atop the still-active volcano Mt. Vesuvius, which has erupted 30 times since AD 79.
Find it in: Naples, Italy
What: Explore like a local with a trip to a family-owned farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside where you can sample olive oils with homemade bread, jam, honey and fresh tomatoes, along with local wine and spirits.
Cool factor: Dine with panoramic views of the Maremma region’s verdant hillsides, dotted with medieval ruins, sunflower fields and looming cypress trees along picturesque pathways.
Find it in: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
What: Bike through Barcelona’s Parc de la Ciutadella gardens, Barceloneta beach and La Rambla street—be sure to watch for famous Gaudi sites!
Cool factor: You’ll see the narrow, winding streets of the old Gothic Quarter, formerly a Roman outpost, and the remaining lively placas (squares) full of locals eating and drinking.
Find it in: Barcelona, Spain
What: The Italian region known for the rustic beauty of Portofino and the Cinque Terre may just be best seen from above. Spend an exhilarating morning venturing from tree to tree along aerial trails connected by wooden platforms, bridges and ziplines—the perfect way to see spectacular mountains, dense woods and lush meadows.
Cool factor: No matter your skill level, there’s a trail here that’s right for you, and all gear is included. After your adventure, enjoy shopping at a local mall.
Find it in: Liguria, Italy
What: Take a walking tour of the city and see the Royal Palace, the San Carlo Opera House and more. Then venture underground to the Tunnel Borbonico, where you’ll float on the water underneath the famous Piazza Plebiscito.
Cool factor: You’ll also get to zipline over a 16th-century reservoir. Top it all off with an authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Find it in: Naples, Italy
And be sure to check out the full list of more than 80 excursions available to you on each Allure sailing!
