Ring in the New Year in Style: A Splendid Mediterranean Cruise
If you're dreaming of ringing in the New Year somewhere unforgettable, this 7-night Mediterranean voyage is the perfect way to do it. Imagine celebrating surrounded by glamorous coastlines, charming seaside villages, world-famous cuisine, and centuries of history – all while unpacking just once.
Sailing through three iconic countries: Spain, France, and Italy, this journey takes you to eight incredible ports in just seven nights, offering an ideal blend of culture, relaxation, and festive celebration.
Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalonia, where Gaudí's masterpieces and vibrant plazas set the stage for an extraordinary journey. Lounge under the Provençal sun in Marseille, then bask in the Côte d’Azur's charm at Villefranche-sur-Mer. Plunge into Florence's Renaissance treasures, and explore Corsica's historic allure. Take in Naples' rich historical tapestry as fireworks illuminate the night sky to create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration. Finally, revel in Rome's ancient and modern splendour.
Trip highlights:
1. Start with a visit to Barcelona, Spain! Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter.
Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you’re serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.
2. Embark on your cruise and sail to Marseille, France! Lounging under a Provençal sun, Marseille is the oldest city in France yet seemingly grows younger each day. A multi-cultural melting pot with top-notch museums, galleries, smart squares and hip port-side bars, where you can tuck into a bowl of bouillabaisse, its famous fish stew.
Meander past fountains built under the reign of Napoleon III and city hall erected during Louis XIV. Fall in love with the Calanques cliffs for a bit of French coastline drama, or wind through cypress trees and lavender fields to Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, famously once home to Van Gogh, Cézanne, and author Peter Mayle. Chase light, ripening Syrah grapes and drink in the nuances of terroir. From Marseille’s boisterous roots to its French coastline drama and nearby classic Provence, wander at will and fall in love with it all.
3. A bejewelled siren sunning along the Côte d’Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer beckons with provincial scenes, rainbow-bright houses and flowers fluttering everywhere. Poised at the tip of a sapphire harbour, this genteel enclave has curves in all the right places, including the only Corniche that winds beside Plage des Marinièr with its crescent flour-soft sand that sweeps around the cobalt Med.
Escape into charming chapels and centuries-old citadel that affords shimmering views of Cap Ferrat then venture to two nearby medieval walled towns of atelier-focused St Paul de Vence or easy-on-the-eyes Eze which captured the imagination of Mr. Walt Disney.
4. Welcome to Italy! Plunge into Tuscany’s capital of culture. Once casa to legendary Michelangelo, Florence now shelters some of the Renaissance’s greatest masterpieces.
Immerse in the relics of antiquity; catch a glimpse of the heavens in the famous Uffizi gallery, visit the iconic terracotta-tiled Duomo and step into an oasis of sculptured serenity at Giardino di Boboli to forget the world beyond its leafy walls exists. And as the sun sets over the Ponte Vecchio, relax in an elegant terrazzo with a rich refined Tuscan red, and reflect on the city’s Medici dynasty - Hurry Slowly.
5. Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital, a 16th-century citadel cradled by mountains on the island’s west coast, could take its magnetic moniker from its founder, the Greek hero Ajax, or from the word adjaccium, Roman for “place to rest”. This is Napoleon’s birthplace, so beeline the old town’s charming narrow streets to Maison Bonaparte, the family home and now a museum, and Baroque cathedral where he was baptised in the marble font.
Meander markets popular with foodies seeking local winemakers, olive oil, chestnuts and cheeses, and kick back on white sands in the beautiful Bay of Ajaccio with views of the Genoese tower on the Parata Peninsula and rust-coloured Sanguinaire islands beyond.
6. Your next destination – Naples! Pitched between mighty Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic calderas of Phlegraean Fields, history is revealed around every corner of Naples, cradle of Italian culture.
Baroque churches, Italian-Renaissance palazzi and Neoclassical opera houses leave you breathless, so ride the funicular up to the top of Castel Sant’Elmo for dreamy views of the Bay of Naples and Sorrento Peninsula beyond, gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Beneath the cobblestone streets lies another Naples, a warren of subterranean tunnels hewn by legions of Roman and Greek settlers. Linger longer to visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried under the wrath of Mount Vesuvius, or hop over to the idyllic Island of Capri.
7. Happy New Year! Anchored in the shimmering Bay of Naples, the city’s historic skyline glows beneath the watchful gaze of Vesuvius. As night deepens, the air hums with anticipation, and the first sparks of colour bloom above the water. The clink of glasses drifts across the decks as Champagne flows, and the ancient city celebrates in a dazzling symphony of light. Each brilliant burst reflects upon the bay, weaving together Naples’ timeless spirit and the joy of the moment.
8. Conclude your trip in Rome, Italy. There’s more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The Eternal City is home to a seemingly endless array of hidden gems.
The artistic-minded can enjoy fashion aristocracy, street art, vespa jaunts to The Appian Way and toss coins into fountains. Or you can stroll by appointment to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Pope’s private quarters at the Vatican. Explore the historic ruins of The Colosseum, Caravaggio churches, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon. Learn how to make pasta the true Italian way, hunt truffles, nibble gelato, sip coffee and sink into a 3000 year old pool for a wellness experience. An ode to homespun pasta at a Renaissance piazza. When in Rome, fusing old with new makes it simple to indulge in whatever you like.
Trip details:
Departure date: 26 December 2027
Duration: 7 nights
Package price: starting at $5,730 per person
What‘s included:
Nine distinct culinary experiences, including In-Suite Dining
Unlimited beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, specialty coffees, teas and soft drinks, available anytime, including in-suite
One in-suite welcome bottle of champagne on arrival
One in-suite bottle of wine and one in-suite bottle of spirit of your preference on arrival
Access to Ocean Wellness – The Spa thermal area
Group wellness, fitness and mindfulness activities
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Authentic and intuitive service from our team of hospitality experts
Onboard gratuities
Shuttle services from port to city centre (where required / available)
Ready to make this your New Year's adventure? Reach out to Trabeona Travels today to secure your spot. We'll help you plan every detail, so all that's left for you to do is count down to an incredible start to the year!