Western Mediterranean with Celebrity Xcel (Fly & Cruise) 2026

Nice, Queen of the Riviera, is imbued with the joie de vivre that epitomizes this fabled coastline. Perhaps it is that famous light and color that has long attracted artists, that makes one feel so alive, makes a stroll down the wide seaside Promenade des Anglais so exhilarating. The old town is a warren of meandering lanes edged by tall houses, and small, alluring shops. A treasure trove of archaeological and fine art museums is not to be ignored, nor is the famous flower market, awash in the heady scent and glowing hues of blossoms, and amazing displays of produce.

 

Picture a tiny town of pastel houses lining the shore of a small harbor full of sleek yachts, crowned by a castle and backed by verdant hills dotted with villas. Throw in charming waterside restaurants specializing in seafood, and a national park with miles of hiking trails among chestnut and olive groves, where you can work off the pasta that in Italy is just the first course, between the antipasto and the main. Now you know why this quaint little fishing village became a playground of the rich and famous, and why you should consider joining them.

 

The port city of La Spezia is surrounded by spectacular Tuscan scenery. Set off from here to explore Florence - the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to world-class art galleries, museums and dining. Take in the architectural wonder of The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiori), discover Galileo's first telescopes at the Science Museum, or sneak in some shopping at the San Lorenzo Market Stalls. If you've already visited Florence, head to nearby Pisa to see its famous bell tower, or enjoy a hike through the lovely villages of Cinque Terre.

 

Rome is the capital of the Italian Republic.It is the city with the highest concentration of historical and architectural riches in the world. It's 70 km. far away from Civitavecchia port. Historical centre, outlined by the enclosing Aurelian Walls, layering nearly three thousand years of antiquity, is an invaluable testimony to the European western world’s cultural, artistic and historical legacy and in 1980 it was, together with the Holy See’s property beyond the confines of the Vatican State as well as the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List .

 

While Milan may be home to all things chic, Florence to all that is worthy in art and Rome to hisrical grandeur, Naples can outdo them all in one count with its sheer ‘Napoletanità’!Naples offers a mix of breathtaking beauty and a strong sense of life being lived to its limits. Squeezed between Vesuvius, Europe’s second-largest active volcano on one side and the sulphurous springs and boiling mud pools of the Flegrean fields on the other, Naples and its famous blue bay is a ‘must-see’ city along your cruise vacation.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest and physical beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain." You're likely to agree. The city is a major cultural center with a fascinating history. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau décor and architecture.