7 nights. Spain, Italy, France

Experience an unforgettable getaway for 2 adults on a spectacular 7-night cruise: Spain, Italy, France aboard the modern and stylish Costa Smeralda. Enjoy comfortable cabins, full-board dining, world-class entertainment, and access to pools, spa, and onboard activities.

Your journey will take you through some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic coastal cities, where you can stroll through historic streets, savor local cuisine, and discover picturesque seaside views. This itinerary is perfect for couples seeking a mix of culture, gastronomy, and relaxation.

As your travel advisor, I highly recommend preparing for your cruise with a mix of practical guides and inspirational reading. For Spain, Italy, and France, consider the following:

• Guidebooks:Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports – Excellent for cruisers, with port-specific walking tours and tips.
• Lonely Planet Mediterranean Europe – Great overview of key cities and regions you’re likely to visit on your route.
• DK Eyewitness Top 10 (Barcelona, Rome, Marseille, etc.) – Compact guides with maps and visual highlights.
• Fodor’s Essential Europe – Good if you want broader context plus practical information for major European ports.
• Cultural & background reading:Spain: A History by Raymond Carr – For a solid, accessible introduction to Spanish history.
• The Italians by John Hooper – Insightful look at Italian culture and everyday life.
• Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong by Nadeau & Barlow – A fun, informative book on French habits and mentality.
• Food & wine:Grape Expectations (or similar introductions to Mediterranean wines) – Helpful if you plan to enjoy local wines in port.
• Small pocket guides to tapas, Italian trattoria dishes, and French bistro classics – to help you order confidently on shore.

If you tell me your exact ports of call (for example, Barcelona, Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Marseille, etc.), I can suggest even more specific guides and short reads tailored to each stop.