ESCAPING THE WINTER
ABC Recommendation
Balcony cabin
ABC Suggestion
Incl. 50.00 € onboard credit per cabin
ABC Recommendation
EASY Beverage PackageOUR FAVOURITE CRUISES
ABC Recommendation
Balcony cabin
ABC Recommendation
Stegastein Viewpoint
ABC Tip
Train to the ship7 Nights · from/to Barcelona
When customers ask me about a cruise that’s suitable for both first-timers and experienced cruisers, this itinerary is almost always among my recommendations.
Why? Because it offers just the right balance. You’ll visit impressive cities like Rome and Barcelona, discover two laid-back Mediterranean islands—Sardinia and Corsica—and still have plenty of time to enjoy life on board the AIDAcosma. For me, this is a cruise where you experience something new every day without feeling like you have to be constantly on the move.
Mallorca is so much more than just a port. An evening in the Old Town, tapas under the open sky, and the view of the imposing cathedral are the perfect way to get in the vacation spirit. Start off relaxed by arriving a day early. This takes the pressure off and lets you really get into the spirit of things.
Start off relaxed by arriving a day early. This takes the pressure off and lets you really get into the spirit of things.
Many guests look forward to the ports of call and forget that days at sea are often among the best moments of a vacation. Enjoy your breakfast with a view of the sea, explore the restaurants, treat yourself to a massage, or simply find a quiet spot on the sun deck. That’s exactly what a cruise is for.
Cagliari surprises many visitors. The historic old town sits slightly above the harbor and charms visitors with its narrow alleys, small cafés, and beautiful viewpoints. Those who prefer to soak up the sun can reach the long Poetto Beach in no time.
Cagliari thrives on its authentic charm. Enjoy your time like the locals do and order “Primo del Giorno”—the pasta of the day—at one of the trattorias.
With a 12-hour port call, you’ll have time to explore Rome, which is just 70 km away. We’ve got some tips for you right here. Or you can stay within walking distance and enjoy the harbor promenade and old town of Civitavecchia.
Just a few kilometers away is the idyllic town of Santa Marinella. Enjoy a day at the beach and take a break from sightseeing.
For me, Ajaccio is one of the most charming ports on this trip. The waterfront promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, while the narrow streets of the old town, with their boutiques, cafés, and typical Corsican charm, are a delight. You don’t need to have a big plan here—just arrive and enjoy yourself.
Marseille is often underestimated. The Vieux-Port, with its restaurants and cafés, is the heart of the city. From there, you can easily reach many attractions on foot or by the small tourist train.
The view from the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica over the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea is, for me, one of the most beautiful views of the entire trip.
Barcelona is the perfect way to wrap up this itinerary. The city combines impressive architecture, lively squares, and a relaxed vacation vibe. Whether it’s the Sagrada Família, Las Ramblas, or the Gothic Quarter—there’s something for everyone here.
Many guests expect Rome or Barcelona to be the highlight of the trip. For me, surprisingly, it’s Ajaccio. Perhaps precisely because it doesn’t try to impress with major sights. It’s all about the feeling here: narrow alleys, Corsican specialties, the turquoise sea, and that laid-back island atmosphere. After visiting the big cities, Ajaccio feels like a little breather for the soul—and it’s exactly this mix that makes the itinerary so special to me. For me, the best part of the day is the morning, when I can explore and sample the local specialties at the Marché d’Ajaccio the local market.
For me, the best part of the day is the morning, when I can explore and sample the local specialties at the Marché d’Ajaccio — the local market
If you’re visiting Rome for the first time, I recommend taking an organized tour or doing your research thoroughly. The city is huge, and time flies by faster than you think. Have you been there before? If so, it’s better to explore one neighborhood at a leisurely pace rather than trying to see as many sights as possible. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the return trip to the ship. Traffic around Rome can be unpredictable.
Cagliari I wouldn’t book a big tour in Cagliari. Instead, take a walk through the Castello Old Town, enjoy the view from the Bastione di Saint Remy, and then treat yourself to an Italian lunch. It’s exactly this laid-back lifestyle that makes Sardinia special to me.
Barcelona Many visitors head straight for the Ramblas. I prefer to turn off toward the Gothic Quarter before getting there. There you’ll find small squares, unique shops, and cafés that are much less crowded. To me, that’s where Barcelona feels most authentic.
If you enjoy dining in a quiet atmosphere, be sure to reserve a table at French Kiss well in advance. For seafood lovers, Ocean’s is a great choice.
Of course, the buffet restaurants are also part of an AIDA cruise — but I always recommend that my clients try at least one or two specialty restaurants.
That way, you’ll get to know the culinary variety on board even better.
Don’t plan every evening down to the last detail.
One of my favorite moments is enjoying a cocktail at sunset on deck.
Especially on a Mediterranean cruise, the evenings are often incredibly atmospheric. These little moments usually stay with you longer than the perfect vacation photo.
This itinerary combines everything I love a Mediterranean cruise: exciting cities, laid-back islands, plenty of time to relax, and a modern ship with lots to do.
If you want to get a taste of cruising for the first time or are simply looking for a week full of variety in the Mediterranean, you can't go wrong with trip.
Don’t try to get the most out of every port. The best memories often happen spontaneously: over an espresso in a small piazza, with a glass of wine at the Old Port of Marseille, or watching the sunset on deck.
For me, it’s precisely these moments that make a cruise so magical and that’s exactly why I love recommending this itinerary so much.
First Cruise?
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