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Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Mediterranean on this 21-night cruise from Barcelona to Istanbul
- Explore the vibrant cities of Barcelona, Ibiza, and Messina
- Discover the ancient wonders of Rome and the Cinque Terre
- Enjoy the natural beauty of Provence and the Greek Islands
Trip Details
- Departs
- 7 September 2026
- Returns
- 28 September 2026
- Embarks
- Operator
- Cunard
21-night Europe cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Istanbul, Turkey aboard Queen Victoria
Departures & Pricing
- 07 Sep 2026 - 28 Sep 2026
from $10,899 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Barcelona, Spain
Departs 06:00 pm.
The 1992 Summer Olympics revealed to the world what Europeans and seasoned travelers already knew - Barcelona is one of the world's greatest treasures. Vibrant and earthy, commercial and cultural, this city of two million residents is the capital of Spain's autonomous region of Catalonia. Stroll along the wide, tree-lined promenades of Las Ramblas and marvel at the spires of Gaudi's Basilica La Sagrada Familia. Or visit the former Olympic Ring on the hill of Montjuic - also home to world-class parks, fountains and museums. Barcelona, which nurtured such artistic giants as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Casals, is definitely a traveler's paradise.
- 2
Ibiza, Spain
Arrives 11:30 am, departs 09:00 pm.
Despite being a small island, Ibiza offers plenty of big surprises. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a party vibe with plenty of laid-back corners, and captivating history makes Ibiza a must-see destination. Looking for Renaissance defensive walls? Be sure to stroll through Dalt Vila, Ibiza's fortified old town. If the world's largest and best-preserved necropolis sounds intriguing, then a pay visit to Puig des Molins. Of course, nature may be calling you and Ibiza offers plenty of beaches of legendary beauty. Whew! There's so much waiting for you.
- 3
At Sea
Day 4
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 04:30 pm.
- 5
At Sea
Day 6
Arrives 05:00 am, departs 06:30 am.
- 6
Sicily (Messina), Italy
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:30 pm.
Messina has played a major role in European history since its founding as a Greek colony in the 8th century B.C. During the Roman Empire, the city was a major port and commercial center, during the Middle Ages, Messina was the major port of departure for Crusaders. History has also left its scars: a massive earthquake leveled much of the city in 1908 and the World War II campaign for Sicily devastated Messina. Yet Messina emerged from that devastation with some of its historic treasures intact, including the 12th-century Annunziata dei Catalani Church. Messina is also your gateway to the rugged beauty of southeast Sicily, from the seaside resort of Taormina to Mt. Etna.Between the fall of Rome and the 1861 unification of Italy, the Arabs, the Normans, the Germans, the Spanish and the French ruled Sicily.
Day 7
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
- 7
At Sea
- 8
Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
Arrives 05:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications.Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.
- 9
At Sea
- 10
Marseille (Provence), France
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
The largest port on the Mediterranean, Marseille is France's second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures. It is also a place of striking contrasts, from the fishing boats and pleasure craft of the picturesque Vieux Port to the modern Canebiere. Dominating the harbor is the infamous Chateau d'If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas' Count of Monte Cristo escaped. Marseille is also your gateway to Provence. Explore the countryside around Arles and Avignon, immortalized in the canvases of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso.
Day 11
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
- 12
Genoa (for Cinque Terre), Italy
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.
Genoa is the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria. Many regard Genoa as having the largest historic city center in Europe as a result of having been, for centuries, a powerful commercial center seaport and city-state. It was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and its maritime roots have fostered a dialect that has, absorbed elements of Neapolitan, Calabrese and Portuguese over the centuries. Genoa's harbor is a bustling swarm of activity, which makes it a great launching point for the sprawling metropolis of Milan.
Day 13
Arrives 07:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
- 14
At Sea
- 15
Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
Arrives 05:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications.Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.
Day 16
Arrives 02:00 pm, departs 03:30 pm.
- 17
At Sea
- 18
Rhodes, Greece
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
The largest and arguably the most beautiful of the 12 islands forming the Dodecanese, Rhodes has long played a major role in history. Lying just 12 miles off the coast of Turkey, the island straddles the sea-lanes linking Egypt, Southern Europe and the Holy Land. Rhodes Town bears witness to that long history. The ancient city features a classical stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The "old" city is a walled town with medieval buildings and streets harking back to the days of the Crusades. The new town is a Mecca of luxury resorts lining the island's picturesque Mandaraki Harbor.The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is reputed to have once stood guard over the harbor. Today, the bronze statues of a stag and doe top the two columns marking the harbor entrance.
Day 19
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Day 20
Arrives 04:30 pm, departs 08:00 pm.
- 21
Istanbul, Turkey
Arrives 08:00 am.
Istanbul rises from the Bosphorus, a vision of minarets and domes sparkling in the light. The capital of vanished empires, Istanbul is a true crossroad, the only city on Earth to span two continents. This meeting place of Europe and Asia, of Christian and Muslim, is one of the great adventures a traveler encounters. Browse the stalls of the world's largest bazaar, explore ancient mosques and churches, and gaze at the stunning jewels in the Topkapi Palace.Istanbul has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus for 25 centuries. As Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, it was a metropolis of stunning splendor when the great cities of Europe were mere villages.
- 22
Istanbul, Turkey
Arrives 08:00 am.
Istanbul rises from the Bosphorus, a vision of minarets and domes sparkling in the light. The capital of vanished empires, Istanbul is a true crossroad, the only city on Earth to span two continents. This meeting place of Europe and Asia, of Christian and Muslim, is one of the great adventures a traveler encounters. Browse the stalls of the world's largest bazaar, explore ancient mosques and churches, and gaze at the stunning jewels in the Topkapi Palace.Istanbul has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus for 25 centuries. As Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, it was a metropolis of stunning splendor when the great cities of Europe were mere villages.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- White Star Service dining in the main restaurant
- Spectacular entertainment and enrichment programmes
- Access to fitness centre and swimming pools
- Port taxes and fees
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
What is generally included?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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- Enjoy Cunard's renowned White Star Service dining and entertainment
- Access fitness centre and swimming pools for relaxation at sea
- Discover the crossroads of Europe and Asia in captivating Istanbul