7 nights. Italy, France, Spain, Tunisia

Imagine a full week sailing the Mediterranean onboard the modern MSC Meraviglia. Depart from an Italian port and explore the charm of Italy’s coastal cities, enjoy the elegance and cuisine of France, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and nightlife of Spain, and discover the fascinating blend of Mediterranean and North African influences in Tunisia. With comfortable cabins, a wide variety of dining options, evening shows, pools, and wellness facilities, this cruise is ideal for a relaxing yet culturally rich escape for two adults.

As your travel agent, I recommend preparing for your journey with a mix of practical guides and inspiring reading. For general planning and city highlights, consider guidebooks such as Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (great for port-by-port walking tours and practical advice), Lonely Planet Mediterranean Europe, and DK Eyewitness Mediterranean for their detailed maps and visual guides. For country-specific insight, Lonely Planet Italy, Lonely Planet France, and Lonely Planet Spain will help you choose excursions and understand local customs and cuisine, while a Tunisia-focused guide such as Bradt Travel Guide: Tunisia offers a deeper look into its history, architecture, and markets. To enrich the cultural side of your trip, you might enjoy reading short histories or essays like The Mediterranean: A Cultural Landscape (for context on the region’s shared history) and collections of Mediterranean recipes or wine guides to better appreciate the food and drink you’ll encounter on board and ashore.