10 nights. France, Spain, Portugal, Italy

10 Nights Cruise: France, Spain, Portugal & Italy

Travelers: 2 adults, 0 children

Ship: MSC Opera

Enjoy a 10-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the elegant MSC Opera, exploring a selection of France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy’s most captivating coastal cities. This itinerary is ideal for couples seeking a blend of culture, gastronomy, history, and seaside relaxation. On board, you’ll find a wide range of dining options, live entertainment, spa facilities, and panoramic lounges—perfect for unwinding after days spent discovering charming ports, historic old towns, and local markets.

As your travel agent, I recommend preparing with a mix of practical guidebooks and inspiring reads:

• France & Mediterranean Coast: Rick Steves France (for approachable city walks and cultural tips), and Lonely Planet France for broader coverage of ports and day trips.
• Spain & Portugal: Lonely Planet Spain and Lonely Planet Portugal (excellent for practical information and maps), plus Rick Steves Spain & Portugal for city-focused, easy-to-follow itineraries.
• Italy: Rick Steves Italy for in-depth coverage of classic Italian cities, and Lonely Planet Italy for broader regional ideas and restaurant suggestions.
• Cruise-Specific: Look for recent editions of Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships for insights about MSC and shipboard life, and check MSC’s own online destination guides for port-specific excursion ideas.
• Inspiring Reading: For atmosphere and context, consider novels or travel narratives set around the Mediterranean, such as A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle (France), Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett (Spain’s modern history and culture), and Italian Neighbors by Tim Parks (light, insightful look at Italian life).

With these resources, you’ll have both the practical information you need and the cultural background to make each stop on your MSC Opera cruise more meaningful and enjoyable.