CME Cruise Conference

Barcelona, Spain - Get ready to be swept away by the vibrant spirit of Barcelona, the perfect pre-cruise immersion into European life and culture. Arrive two or three days early to truly immerse yourself in this Catalan jewel. In Barcelona, centuries of history mix harmoniously with stunning Modernista flair, where even a causal stroll provides a constantly renewing feast for the eyes. For an awe-inspiring example, visit the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's basilica – an architectural masterpiece you'll never forget (but book your tickets well in advance, it’s as popular as it deserves to be). Then, picture yourself strolling down the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, marveling at the whimsical façades of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló or Casa Milà (La Pedrera), architectural wonders that seem sprung from a dream.

And don't miss the chance to lose yourself in the charming labyrinthine alleys of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), discovering hidden plazas and the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral along with abundant opportunities for shopping of all sorts. For a true taste of local life, dive into the sensory explosion of their food markets; try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas.

Or perhaps spend a day exploring the trendy and artistic El Born district. Start the day with coffee at one of it's many charming cafes and then enjoy one of the largest and best collections of Picasso's art at Museau Picasso. And just around the corner, you can see a a great collection of contemporary, figurative (i.e not abstract) painting and sculpture, housed at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM). This is also one of the best parts of town for tapas, so stop in to share some tapas with your companions or visit a pinxtos bar and collect some toothpicks (you'll understand when you're there). To wind up your day in El Born, stop by the Palau Dalmases for a stunning, flamenco performance.

So, stay for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya and really get a feel for what makes Barcelona one of the world's great cities. Partly it's the result of the "accidents" of its history and present: as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya region, Barcelona has a "flavor" that is a bit of a mix between Spanish and French (it's located quite close to the French border). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here - it attracts Spaniards from throughout the country - but you'll also see and hear Catalan with it's own charm. You won't regret your time here.

Don't worry about getting around; Barcelona is wonderfully accessible! Arriving at El Prat Airport (BCN), you can easily reach the city center via the convenient Aerobus or a taxi. And, while the city is very walkable, it's also extensive so don't be afraid to make use of the city's efficient Metro system makes exploring a joy (consider an Hola Barcelona Travel Card or simply use your contactless payment!). Choosing a hotel in areas like the Gothic Quarter, El Born, or near Plaça de Catalunya offers a fantastic base for exploration. When it's time to embark, a taxi or the Portbus (T3) will take you smoothly from near the Columbus Monument to your ship at Moll Adossat, ensuring a relaxed start to your cruise, your heart already full of Barcelona’s magic.

At Sea -

Valletta, Malta - Tiny Malta abounds in forts and temples. In Valletta, wander through the ornate Grand Master's Palace of the Knights of St. John. Within the thick walls of Medina, the Silent City (no cars), visit the serene Baroque cathedral.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece - As the capital of Greece and one of Europe’s most bustling cities, Athens is powered by 5,000 years of history. At night, the city of Athens glows from afar, light reflecting off the ancient ruins. Today travelers flock from around the world to experience its history while on cruises from Athens. After all, the art, theatre, architecture, and philosophy of Athens had ripple effects through the fabric of entire civilizations.

Santorini, Greece - Here on the island of Santorini, you'll find a classic Greek seascape‐whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey - The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.

Mykonos, Greece - For pure Mediterranean pizzazz, Mykonos can't be beat. Designer boutiques and beautifully bronzed Greek gods and goddesses lie on Mykonos' beaches. The city's five famouse white churches look down on it all in oblivious serenity.

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece - Experience ancient history and modern charm in Katakolon, a vibrant cruise port on the Greek coast. From here, you can catch a glimpse of Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic games and a shrine to the ancient Greek gods. Walk through the Olympia complex to get a historical tour of architectural styles, from the classical ruins to the red-tiled roofs of the traditional homes. Then, stroll through the Katakolon's lively center to discover unique local galleries and shops, and grab a seat at an oceanfront taverna with a glass of white wine and a dish of locally caught calamari.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Extraordinary architecture, millennia of turbulent history, magnificent basilicas concealing unimaginable riches, and ornate fountains splashing at the heart of sun-drenched piazzas await you just an hour from your final port of Civitavecchia. Art greets you on every corner in Rome, from elaborate statues to delicate frescoes. Consider extending your stay after disembarkation to fully explore the eternal city – stroll the ancient center where history comes to life as you discover the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Enjoy Italian café culture in Trastevere, where you can wander the narrow streets and soak up a sense of la dolce vita, or throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to this vibrant, intoxicating city.

After your cruise concludes in Civitavecchia, you'll have easy access to Rome via regular train service or organized transfers. Whether you've just completed a journey through the Italian Riviera, explored the Greek Islands, or sailed from the ancient ramparts of Kotor, Montenegro, ending your cruise here offers the perfect opportunity to extend your European adventure in one of the world's most celebrated cities.