Rustic Retreats – Sicily & Barcelona

About this cruise

7 nights, 5 ports, all from Palermo on August 6, 2026. The route visits Valletta, Barcelona, Marseille, Livorno (Florence/Pisa) and Cagliari and the whole thing just flows. The itinerary clusters several port calls together. Fast-paced for a few days, then the sea days hit and you can catch your breath. Crossing 4 borders through the Western Mediterranean: Malta, Spain, France and Italy. You'll notice the culture shift at every stop. You get around 9 hours in each port, which is enough for an excursion, lunch, and some wandering around on your own. When you're not ashore, MSC Splendida takes the food seriously, with 6 restaurants to choose from. 2 are included, and the rest are worth the splurge. If you like having options (restaurants, bars, activities, entertainment), a big ship delivers that. Pro tip: fly in the day before. Palermo has plenty to offer, and you'll board relaxed instead of rushed. An August departure puts you in the best summer conditions: long days, warm nights, plenty of sun. 7 nights of not thinking about anything except where to eat next. That's the pitch.