7 nights. Italy, Malta, Spain

Travel Idea: Mediterranean Cruise for 2 Adults

Embark on a 7-night Mediterranean adventure aboard the elegant MSC Splendida. This itinerary takes you through three captivating countries: Italy, Malta, and Spain. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, full-board dining on the ship, varied entertainment, and access to pools, lounges, and wellness areas. You’ll explore historic coastal cities, scenic ports, and charming old towns, returning each evening to the comfort and service of your cruise ship.

Included service:

- Cruise: “7 nights. Italy, Malta, Spain” on the MSC Splendida

- 2 adults, 0 children

- Accommodation in a selected cabin category (inside, outside, or balcony, depending on availability and choice)

- Full-board meals on the ship (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in designated venues)

- Onboard entertainment (shows, live music, themed evenings, and activities)

- Use of main pools, fitness center, and common leisure areas

- Port taxes and basic service charges (according to cruise policy)

For your trip, I recommend a mix of practical guides and inspiring reading:

Guidebooks:

- “Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports” – Excellent for cruisers, with walking tours and port tips in Italy, Malta, and Spain.

- “Lonely Planet Cruise Ports Mediterranean” – Very useful for planning days in port independently, including maps and suggested itineraries.

- “DK Eyewitness Italy / Spain / Malta” – Visual guides packed with photos and illustrations; great to understand key sights before you arrive.

- “Lonely Planet Pocket” series (Rome, Barcelona, Valletta, etc.) – Small, easy-to-carry books with quick recommendations for short port stops.

Background & Culture:

- “Mediterranean: A Cultural Odyssey” (or similar Mediterranean history overviews) – To understand the rich history of the region.

- “A Traveller’s History of Italy / Spain” – Short, accessible histories that give context to what you’ll see on shore excursions.

Novels & Inspiration set in your destinations:

- Italy: “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith, “A Room with a View” by E.M. Forster – both capture the Italian atmosphere in different ways.

- Spain: “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – A wonderful novel set in Barcelona, perfect if your cruise stops there.

- Malta: “The Sword and the Scimitar” by David Ball or books about the Knights of Malta – good for understanding Malta’s dramatic past.

Before departure, I suggest browsing a few chapters of the Mediterranean cruise-port guide and then choosing one shorter city or pocket guide for each key port you will visit. This way, you’ll arrive with a clear plan for your days on land while still leaving room for spontaneous discoveries.