Rome > Cruise > Barcelona (9 days)
Destinations:
Rome, Italy
Civitavecchia, Italy
Savona, Italy
Marseille, France
Barcelona, Spain
From Eternal Rome to Sizzling Barcelona: A Riveting Journey of Discovery! 🇮🇹✈️🇪🇸
Embarking on a voyage from Rome to Barcelona is like unlocking a treasure chest of European wonders. Rome, the Eternal City, where history breathes life into every cobblestone, every ancient ruin, and every richly layered fresco. We found ourselves wandering through time, from the grandeur of the Colosseum to the whispered secrets of the Vatican. And then, our journey continued to Barcelona, where the heart of Catalonia beats to a different rhythm. The colorful mosaic of Gaudi's architecture, the sizzle of tapas on bustling La Rambla, and the vibrant energy of Park Güell all beckoned us into a world of modernist marvels. This adventure, from Rome's timeless elegance to Barcelona's fiery spirit, was a symphony of experiences that danced through history and plunged headfirst into the zest of the present. It was a journey that rekindled our love for Europe, one cobblestone at a time.
Day 1&2- Rome, Italy
Fly to Rome
Roman Food Check list
Pizza Margherita: Savor the simplicity of a classic Margherita pizza with a thin, crispy crust, sweet tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pasta Carbonara: Indulge in creamy pasta perfection with pasta carbonara, made from eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.
Cacio e Pepe: Experience the exquisite simplicity of cacio e pepe, a dish consisting of pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, perfectly melded together.
Supplì: These Roman-style rice balls are stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella, then deep-fried to golden perfection, making them the ultimate crunchy snack.
Roman-Jewish Artichokes: Try carciofi alla giudia, artichokes fried until crispy and served with a hint of lemon – a unique and delicious Roman specialty.
Gelato: Cool down with artisanal gelato, Rome's answer to ice cream, available in a wide range of flavors from traditional to innovative.
Roman-style Pizza: Don't miss out on trying Roman-style pizza, known for its thin and crispy crust, typically served by the slice.
Oxtail Stew (Coda alla Vaccinara): Savor a rich and hearty Roman specialty, coda alla vaccinara, a slow-cooked oxtail stew, often accompanied by vegetables and tomato sauce.
Tiramisu: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic tiramisu, a delectable dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
Roman-Jewish Cuisine: Explore unique dishes like fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia), Jewish-style fried fish (filetti di baccalà), and ricotta cheese cake (torta di ricotta) in Rome's Jewish Ghetto.
Day 3- (Oct 13) Board Cruise in Civitavecchia, Italy
There is currently a great cruise deal starting at $239/person which covers the next 3 days (Oct 13-16). (Subject to change.)
There's nothing quite like the exhilarating feeling of stepping onto a cruise ship, ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. The anticipation builds as the engines rumble, and the ship begins to glide away from the dock, leaving the world behind. With every passing wave, you're transported to new horizons, each port of call promising a fresh treasure trove of experiences. The sheer variety of activities and entertainment onboard is a thrill in itself, from fine dining and live performances to relaxation by the pool. But the real magic happens when you wake up in a new destination each day, ready to explore, discover, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The world is your oyster, and a cruise is your passport to its most exciting and exotic corners. So, if you've ever wondered what makes cruising so special, it's the promise of the unknown, the thrill of the open sea, and the adventure that awaits just over the horizon. Bon voyage! 🌅🚢✨
Civitavecchia, a charming coastal town in Italy, offers a variety of delicious local dishes. Here are the top three things you should definitely try when visiting:
Fresh Seafood: Being a coastal town, Civitavecchia is renowned for its fresh seafood. Don't miss the opportunity to savor dishes like "Frittura di Paranza" (a mixed seafood fry), "Spaghetti alle Vongole" (spaghetti with clams), or "Baccalà alla Romana" (Roman-style salted cod).
Porchetta: Porchetta, a savory, slow-roasted, and seasoned pork dish, is a culinary gem in Civitavecchia. It's typically served in sandwiches, making it a delightful street food option.
Roman-Style Pizza: While you're in Civitavecchia, enjoy a slice of Roman-style pizza. This pizza features a thin and crispy crust topped with simple yet flavorful ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
These dishes capture the essence of the region's culinary traditions and are sure to delight your taste buds as you explore this coastal gem. Buon appetito! 🍕🦐🍖🇮🇹
Day 4- (Oct 14) (Cruise) Savona, Italy
Savona, a charming coastal town in Italy's Liguria region, offers a variety of delicious local dishes. Here are the top three things you should definitely try when visiting Savona:
Focaccia Genovese: Liguria is renowned for its delectable focaccia, and Savona is no exception. Try the local Focaccia Genovese, a flatbread typically topped with a generous amount of high-quality olive oil, sea salt, and sometimes rosemary. It's simple yet incredibly flavorful and makes for a perfect snack or light meal.
Pesto alla Genovese: Liguria is the birthplace of pesto, and Savona is a great place to savor this iconic sauce. Enjoy a plate of fresh pasta, usually trofie or trenette, coated in a vibrant green sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Acciughe al Verde: Savona is also known for its anchovy dishes, and "Acciughe al Verde" is a local specialty. These marinated anchovies are typically served with a green sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It's a flavorful and tangy dish that's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
These dishes showcase the Ligurian region's culinary heritage and are sure to provide a delightful taste of Savona's local flavors. Buon appetito! 🍕🍝🐟🇮🇹
Day 5- (Oct 15) (Cruise) Marseille, France
Marseille, a vibrant port city in the south of France, boasts a rich culinary scene influenced by Mediterranean flavors. Here are the top three things you should definitely try when visiting Marseille:
Bouillabaisse: Marseille is famous for its bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew that's a true culinary masterpiece. Made with a variety of local fish, shellfish, aromatic herbs, and a saffron-infused broth, it's typically served with a side of rouille sauce and crusty bread for dipping.
Panisse: A beloved local snack or appetizer, panisse is a chickpea fritter that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It's often seasoned with herbs and served with aioli sauce, making it a delightful street food option.
Marseille-Style Pizza (Pissaladière): This Provençal pizza is a unique treat. It features a thin crust topped with caramelized onions, olives, and anchovies. It's a delicious savory snack or starter.
Additionally, Marseille offers a plethora of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled sardines, mussels in white wine, and seafood platters brimming with the day's catch. Be sure to explore the local markets for fresh produce, cheeses, and pastries, and don't forget to enjoy the picturesque setting of the Old Port while you savor these culinary delights. Bon appétit! 🥘🍷🍕🇫🇷
Day 6 - 8 (Oct 16 onwards) Disembark in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain, is a gastronomic paradise known for its vibrant food scene. Here are the top foods you should definitely try when visiting Barcelona:
Tapas: Barcelona is famous for its tapas culture. Try a variety of small dishes like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli), croquetas (fried creamy croquettes), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and pimientos de padrón (blistered green peppers). It's a great way to sample a wide range of flavors.
Paella: Spain's iconic rice dish, paella, is a must-try in Barcelona. The seafood paella, featuring shrimp, mussels, and squid, is a popular choice. However, you can also find delicious variations like paella de mariscos (seafood paella) and paella mixta (with both seafood and meat).
Crema Catalana: For dessert, indulge in Crema Catalana, a creamy custard dessert with a caramelized sugar topping, similar to crème brûlée. It's a sweet and satisfying way to end your meal.
Catalan Cuisine: Explore traditional Catalan dishes like calcots (grilled green onions served with romesco sauce), fideuà (a noodle dish similar to paella), and butifarra amb mongetes (sausage with white beans). These regional specialties highlight the unique flavors of Catalonia.
Churros con Chocolate: Satisfy your sweet tooth with churros, deep-fried dough sticks, served with a rich and thick hot chocolate sauce. It's a delightful treat, especially for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Cava: While not a food, you can't visit Barcelona without trying its sparkling wine, Cava. Enjoy a glass or two of this refreshing beverage, often served as an aperitif or with desserts.
Seafood: Barcelona's location on the Mediterranean coast means you'll find an abundance of fresh seafood. Don't miss the opportunity to savor dishes like grilled octopus, squid ink paella (arròs negre), and fresh fish from the market.
Jamón Ibérico: Spain is known for its cured hams, and Barcelona is no exception. Try the world-famous Jamón Ibérico, thinly sliced ham made from acorn-fed Iberian pigs.
These are just a few of the culinary delights waiting for you in Barcelona. The city's diverse and flavorful cuisine will undoubtedly leave you craving for more. ¡Buen provecho! 🍤🥘🍮🍷🇪🇸