7 nights. Spain, Italy, France

7 Nights. Spain, Italy, France – Costa Pacifica

Enjoy a 7-night cruise aboard the Costa Pacifica designed for 2 adults and 0 children. Sail through the Mediterranean and discover vibrant coastal cities in Spain, Italy, and France. Onboard, you’ll find a wide variety of dining options, entertainment, wellness areas, and panoramic decks for relaxing sea views. This itinerary is perfect for couples seeking a balance of culture, gastronomy, and leisure, with shore excursions available in each port to explore historical landmarks, local markets, and seaside promenades.

As your travel agent, I recommend preparing for your trip with a mix of guides and books that focus on each country and the Mediterranean region:

Travel Guides:

– “Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports” – Excellent for cruise passengers, with walking tours and port-by-port advice for Spain, Italy, and France.

– Lonely Planet “Mediterranean Europe” – A comprehensive guide with detailed information on major coastal cities, maps, and practical tips.

– DK Eyewitness “Spain”, “Italy”, and “France” – Visual guides with illustrations, photos, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdowns of key cities.

City & Regional Guides (depending on your ports):

– “Lonely Planet Barcelona” and “Rick Steves Barcelona & Catalonia” for Spanish ports like Barcelona.

– “Rick Steves Rome”, “Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany”, or “Lonely Planet Italian Lakes” if your cruise includes classic Italian stops.

– “Rick Steves Provence & the French Riviera” or “Lonely Planet Provence & the Côte d’Azur” for ports on the south of France.

Cultural & Background Reading:

– “Mediterranean: A Cultural Odyssey” (various authors and editions) for historical and cultural context of the region.

– “Spain: A History” edited by Raymond Carr – A deeper look into Spanish history and identity.

– “The Italians” by John Hooper – An engaging overview of Italian culture, habits, and social life.

– “Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong” by Jean-Benoît Nadeau & Julie Barlow – Insight into French culture and mentality.

These resources will help you better understand the history, architecture, food, and customs of the ports you visit, so you can get more out of each stop during your Costa Pacifica cruise.