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Italian & French Riviera 7 Nights • Barcelona, Spain • Celebrity Xcel
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Itinerary & Excursions
Cruise Overview
Barcelona, Spain
Nice (Villefranche), France
Portofino, Italy
Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Cagliari, Sardinia
Day at Sea
Barcelona, Spain
Cruise Overview
Explore the captivating Mediterranean, where sun-drenched coastlines and rich history await. Enjoy days filled with delicious local cuisine, charming towns, and stunning views. Whether you’re wandering through ancient sites or relaxing by the sea, this journey invites you to embrace the relaxed, vibrant atmosphere of the region. Each moment offers a chance to unwind and create lasting memories in this beautiful part of the world.
A cruising experience with us provides access to a range of destinations. Specific ports of call are subject to change due to weather, safety or operational considerations.
Barcelona, Spain
Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travelers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city center, venture to the awaiting Mediterranean Sea and all the seaside has to offer. Maybe a brisk hike in the nearby forest covered Collserola Hills or the hilltop in Montjuïc with its botanical gardens is the perfect recharge for a rollicking evening in one of the premier party capitals of the world. Round out your cruise to Barcelona dining at a tapas bar and savor a variety of delicious small dishes to share—from traditional Spanish to the more innovative.
Travel Tips
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Barcelona is a pedestrian-friendly city with plenty of public transportation options. From the Port Terminal, there is a shuttle bus service that will drop you off directly in Las Ramblas. There are hop-on, hop-off buses, bike rentals and plenty of cycle lanes, an efficient metro system, and abundant taxis and ride-hailing services. You can walk, too, but distances between neighborhoods are quite long in the heat. To visit Montjuic for the Miró Foundation and other attractions, take the scenic cable car from the port.2
Souvenir stalls line Las Ramblas, but beware of fakes here. You’ll find much more authentic clothing and craft items in the Gothic Quarter, and quirky, boho fashions in El Born and El Raval. There’s mainstream and Spanish fashion galore around Plaça Catalunya and designer shops along chic Passeig de Gracia. Shop for food gifts in La Boqueria market, and for the best Gaudí-inspired souvenirs, the excellent gift shop at the Sagrada Familia basilica.3
In Barcelona, the currency is the euro. You won’t have any trouble finding ATMs throughout the city. Exchange offices are typically open for later hours than banks, but you will receive a better exchange rate at most banks. There’s not a big tipping culture here, but 5% to 10% is a suitable token for good service in a restaurant. Round up the bill for taxis if paying in cash. There’s no need to tip bartenders.Nice (Villefranche), France
This jewel of the French Riviera is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels and terraced cafes. Stroll the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais or see masterpieces by Matisse, Renoir, Monet and Chagall in one of Nice's many museums.
Travel Tips
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From Villefranche, you can take buses to Monaco and Nice for a reasonable price. For a bit more, you can walk to the train station, where trains will whisk you away to Nice, Cannes, or Monte Carlo. Taxis are also available outside the cruise terminal building to take you where you’d like within the French Riviera. Before taking these modes of transportation, be sure you understand the bus time tables and plan accordingly so you get back to your cruise ship on time.2
You’ll have no trouble finding shops, boutiques, and luxury brands during your port of call in Villefranche. Aside from the shops lining the promenade, you can find upscale and designer brands at Rue Massena, Rue de la Liberte, Rue Alphonse Karr, and Avenue de Suede. For more traditional souvenirs, visit the little shops near the Villefranche cruise terminal before getting back on the ship.3
Nice and the rest of France (and Monaco) use the Euro. You can find ATM machines and money exchange bureaus throughout Nice and other cities and main towns along the French Riviera. Credit cards are also widely accepted by businesses, though it’s always wise to double check, particularly if dining or shopping at a small, family-owned restaurant or store. When it comes to tipping in Nice and surrounding areas, plan on rounding up. For example, if you order a cappuccino, leave the change or round up to the next whole figure on the bill. If dining in a restaurant, a service charge is often included in the bill, but it’s still common to leave a bit extra by rounding the bill up to the nearest whole figure. Leaving 5% to 10% of the total bill is also a good way to calculate the tip if you’re not sure rounding up is enough.Portofino, Italy
Stroll tiny Portofino, a perfectly poised pastel village taking refuge on its own secluded peninsula. Stop at a charming café to get a bite and watch the yachts bobbing in the harbor. Explore the seductive boutiques and art galleries that line the harbor and narrow streets. Discover historic sites like the Church of St. Martin and the Castello Brown fortress. Just down the Italian Rivera awaits Cinque Terre National Park, a seascape of fishing villages carved from the cliffs. Hike through the park on 15th-century footpaths winding through olive groves and vineyards, overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.
Travel Tips
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Your best bet for getting around Portofino is on two feet or taking a taxi to sites that are farther away. Part of the fun of a cruise to Portofino, Italy is ambling through town and along the riviera that promises views of boats in the harbor and tiny cafes along the waterfront. Hopping on a water taxi is also a great way to see the beauty of the town.2
From Luxury designer boutiques lining up neatly Portofino's cobbled alleys to the small shops of local artisans, passing through the iconic souvenir shops. Portofino is the ideal place for an unforgettable shopping experience in full Italian style.3
Use the Euro when traveling in Italy. You’ll find ATMs readily available throughout Portofino, and many establishments will take credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. It’s always helpful to carry some cash, however, in the event you want to buy a coffee or a slice of pizza from a small neighborhood joint. Tipping tends to be included in most restaurant bills, so be sure to look and see if a servicio is already on your bill for dinner. When taking a taxi, leave behind a euro or round up.Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy
La Spezia, which lies between Genoa and Pisa, and is just minutes to the east of Cinque Terre-the five fishing ports that enjoy National Park status-is home to the Palio del Golfo, an annual boat race that sees the Gulf of Poets; 13 historic villages face off against one another in celebration of the annual Festa del Mare. The town also offers fantastic shopping opportunities, as well as plenty of trattorias to enjoy local, Ligurian cuisine
Travel Tips
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There are three main methods of transportation from La Spezia to other nearby destinations. Taxi Find taxis readily available outside the terminal. Train The train system in Italy is well-equipped to get you to many locations throughout the country. The train station is located near the city center, where you can catch a train to Rome, Florence, and other parts of Italy. There is also a commuter line available if you’re trying to get to the five villages of Cinque Terre. Ferry The ferry service from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre is generally active during spring and summer. Note the ferries can have longer lines during peak times.2
In La Spezia itself, you’ll find shops in Centro Storico, or the city center, which is walking distance from the La Spezia port. In Centro Storico you’ll find handbag stores selling handbags, leather goods,and boutiques, but more plentiful shopping opportunities await in Florence for designer and luxury items, or the villages of Cinque Terre for quaint, local goods. Note that most shops in La Spezia are closed on Sundays.3
Italy uses the euro as its primary form of currency. ATMs are widespread, and major cards such as Visa and MasterCard are largely accepted. American Express is recognized less commonly. Some smaller shops, trattorias, and hotels prefer cash, and it’s recommended not to rely on credit cards at museums or galleries in Italy. Tipping isn’t a common practice in Italy. Tips are already included in your bill in most trattorias. Providing a tip in taxis or hotels is optional, but you can round up to the nearest euro in a taxi if you are pleased with the service. At high end hotels, tip porters about €5 for helping with your bags.Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Rome, Italy: Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.
Travel Tips
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You have plenty of options. Rome’s metro system is reliable and easy to use since it only has three lines that intersect at Rome’s main rail terminal: Termini. You can get single journey tickets or day passes. More than 300 bus routes will get you close to most of the attractions, but you may still have to walk, particularly near the historic center as buses don’t travel down its narrow streets. Official taxis in Rome are yellow and have a taxi sign atop the roof. Note that taxis often charge extra for baggage and rates may increase on holidays, Sundays, and late at night. If you call for a taxi, the fare may begin from the telephone request, not from the point of origin, so double check before reserving. Rome has two international airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also referred to as Fiumicino, located 18 miles southwest of Rome; and Ciampino International Airport, located nine miles southeast of Rome.2
If you find yourself back in Civitavecchia after your time in Rome and need some more souvenirs, you’re in luck. There is plenty of shopping located near the cruise port. Just cross Via Garibaldi, which runs parallel to the sea promenade, and you’ll find several shops to browse. Head a little bit further into town and you’ll come to Corso Centocelle, which has even more stores and is a pleasant area to shop since it is a pedestrian-only zone. If you have even more time to spare and don’t mind a longer walk or short taxi drive, you can find over two dozen specialty shops at La Scaglia, a shopping center located about a 25-minute walk from the port.3
Italy’s currency is the Euro. For cruises from Rome, travelers should have a supply of cash. Most places in Rome take credit cards, though cash may be preferred in markets or small, mom-and-pop style restaurants. It’s especially important to double-check if a card is accepted if you’re not planning on paying with cash. To exchange cash for Euros, look for cash exchange offices or simply use the many ATMs around the city, although you may incur bank charges for exchanging cash in these. An ATM is called a bancomat in Rome. Tipping in Italy often isn’t necessary. A service charge is usually already included in the bill, so double-check if that’s the case; feel free to tip more for stellar service, though know it’s not expected. It’s also recommended to tip in cash as opposed to on a credit card if you want to make sure it’s the server who gets the tip.Cagliari, Sardinia
As you approach this lovely port from the sea, you’ll marvel at the castles and cathedrals, perched on successive terraces. Originally settled over 2,700 years ago, Cagliari retains much of its original seaside charm. Pristine waters and white sand beaches surround the island, offering great opportunities to scuba, snorkel, and swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea on your Cagliari cruise. Once home to Italian nobility and aristocrats, this ancient city boasts the 3,000-year-old ruins of Nora, ancient temples and thermal baths of Sardinia, and the Neolithis Nuraghic Village of Su Nuraxi di Barumini.Savor the distinct Italian flavor of Cagliari cuisine with pasta feasts, fresh seafood, and prime meats on menu at bistros and restaurants throughout the city. A stroll down Vias Garibaldi and Manno will bring you to the finest artisan shops and boutiques. Lovely handcrafts, regional cheeses, and island wines can be found at the open-air markets around the city for delightful keepsakes and souvenirs. With every Vespa that zips by and every golden-domed palazzi you see, you will come to realize that Cagliari is the most Italian of the Sardinian islands.
Travel Tips
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In this part of Sardinia, you’ll find that cycling, boat tours, and the bus system are the main methods of transportation for locals. There are taxis as well. Since you only have a few hours to explore, book a shore excursion with transit included or walk around the central historic district. Be prepared and bring comfortable walking shoes.2
You’ll find tourist and souvenir shacks near the cruise port and ample artisanal shopping and local goods all around the historic city center.3
In Sardinia, the official currency is the euro, just like in other parts of Italy. You’ll find ATMs readily available throughout the city. Many places accept credit cards, but be sure to ask, particularly at smaller restaurants and establishments. Carrying a few extra euros to cover a coffee or a meal is recommended. At restaurants, a servizio and a coperto charge is included in your bill. Leaving behind a few extra euros is considered polite. Round up to the nearest euro for taxi drivers.Day at Sea
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional costWhile at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.
Learn more about the shipDay at Sea Highlights
Barcelona, Spain
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The next ship on your bucket list, Celebrity Xcel takes everything that defines our Edge® Series and elevates it even further. With beautifully designed spaces, immersive new experiences, and exceptional food and drink at every turn, Celebrity Xcel invites you to explore the world in a more meaningful way and restore like never before. Thoughtfully crafted to bring destinations closer and moments into sharper focus, this is where inspired design, relaxed luxury, and unforgettable journeys come together at sea.
Inaugural dateNov 18, 2025