7 Night Barcelona Roundtrip Cruise from Barcelona

The capital of Spain's Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi's Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city's historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla, you'll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.

Near the Spanish-French border of Spain's rugged Costa Brava, you'll find a fair and lovely landscape. Delight in exploring the historic center of Roses, dotted with chic shops and highlighted by modernist architecture. Roses is less than a half-hour drive to Cadaques. This town attracted world-famous artists. Most notably, the Catalan town was where surrealist artist Salvador Dali spent his childhood here and later established his home in Port Lligat. The Dali House Museum here is also worth a visit. For the ultimate view of Roses, its picturesque bay and its neighboring villages, take to the sky. From nearby Empuriabrava, you can skydive for an unforgettable thrill of a lifetime.

Sete lies at the foot of Mount St. Clair between the Gulf of Thau and the Mediterranean Sea. Hike to the summit to explore the Quartier Haute, once inhabited by Italian fishermen and now home mostly to artists who have opened their ateliers. There you can also peruse the Paul Valery Museum, displaying contemporary artists, including Maurice-Elie Sarthou, Albert Marquet, and Henry Matisse, as well as the church Notre-Dame-de-La-Salette, built on the site of an ancient fortress built by Louis XIII. A visit to Sete should include a jaunt to the beach, a heavenly strip of sandy coast that stretches for more than seven miles.

Along the Vermillion Coast sits the charming village of Collioure, a mix of castles and colorful houses surrounded by blue sea. While it has everything the wanderlust spirit seeks, it's still relatively undiscovered. Collioure is mostly visited by local French people taking a summer holiday along its rocky beach. The standout structures to visit are the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church and Chateau Royal de Collioure fortress. In the 20th century, Collioure played a major role in the art of famous painters like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. It's easy to see why as you walk down the narrow streets of the old fishermen's neighborhood.

The capital of the Spanish island of Menorca, Mahon (or Mao), is well-known for its British-style Georgian houses and its sheltered natural harbor. The best way to appreciate the land's beauty is by navigating it on a small vessel. When visiting Mahon, considered the birthplace of salsa mahonesa (better known as mayonnaise), you must sample the local fare. From fresh seafood to refreshing gin and delectable cheeses, it's a foodie's paradise. Support local artisans by shopping for the island's famous Menorquinas or Avarcas, a specialty shoe once favored among the peasants for keeping their feet cool, now turned into a fashion statement.

You know you have arrived in Palma de Mallorca, a major city of the Balearics of Spain, when you are met with majestic limestone cliffs plunging into glimmering blue water. On shore, its rich history is evident in its wonderful buildings, castles, and cathedrals. Take in the landmark Gothic cathedral, La Seu, with its enormous rose window and its wrought-iron canopy over the main altar designed by famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. Go for a run or bike ride along the seaside promenade that connects Palma de Mallorca to the neighboring villages of Portitxol and Es Molinar. Beyond the city, explore the lush Serra de Tramuntana, the island's major mountain range and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The capital of Spain's Catalonia region, Barcelona, lives up to its reputation as a center of grand architecture and inspiring art. Antoni Gaudi's Park Guell displays architecture as art, making for a whimsical and colorful stroll through Barcelona. Stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana you will find the Gothic Quarter, the city's historic center with intricate medieval buildings and streets turned into modern bars, clubs, and restaurants. A short way up La Rambla, you'll come across La Boqueria, one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets, filled with fruits, pastries, and many tasty samples of local fare.