I had the pleasure of sailing through the Mediterranean with Norwegian Cruise lines during the holidays. The best part? Being able to share my experience with clients as travel agent with Travel Leaders - Travel Center Inc. in order to personalize your travel experiences.

Follow me through a captivating 21-day journey across the Mediterranean aboard the NCL Viva; an experience that unfolded like a narrated storybook full of action, adventure, and discoveries.

Day 1-2: All roads lead to Rome

My first stop began in the Eternal City, Rome. The cobblestone streets echoed with the history of centuries as I started to unveil the wonders of the Mediterranean. Although the journey there was long, it was worth every minute. Especially since my hotel was a stone's throw away from the Trevi Fountain. I then toured the Spanish Steps and they easily became my evening canvas, painting Rome in the soft hues of twilight. 

Day 3-4:

Leaving Rome, I traversed the picturesque landscapes to Florence and Pisa. The air was filled with the essence of art and history. Walking the same streets once trod by the historic Medici family, then visiting the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the iconic leaning tower of Pisa created a mosaic of cultural wonders. This was a day where every step felt like turning the pages of a Renaissance novel.

Day 5-7:

The sun rose on the French Riviera, casting its golden glow on a port smaller than imagination. As we sailed the French Riviera, the sunrise cast a golden glow on the small port as I approached. At this stop, I explored Nice then headed to Cannes and Monaco. Both port stops were magical in their own way, with rare experiences like seeing the Inside La Sagrada Familia in all its architectural glory, wine-tasting in Nice and the glitz of Monaco which offered a taste of the high life.

Day 8-10:

Unpredictable weather brought a unique charm to Avignon Provence. Despite the rain, the city, appearing to be frozen in the middle-ages, unveiled its historic beauty. Each rain-soaked cobblestone path felt like a pathway to the past. Chilled but charmed, I continued to tread through the streets adorned with history.

Day 11-12:

An unforgettable day arrived as I stepped inside La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The genius of Gaudi was evident in every corner, leaving me breathless. The dazzling play of light through the stained glass was no less than a mystical art form.

Day 13-14:

I next explored the strategic Rock of Gibraltar reveals a different history, where battles for control span a millennium. The ingenuity of the Brits during World War II, evidenced by the tunnels they dug, added a distinct chapter of resilience.

Day 15-16: 

In Seville, the Casa de Pilatos introduced us to a fascinating mix of Renaissance and Moorish architectural styles. A visit to the cathedral, the third largest in the world, and the Plaza de Espana showcased a city caught between eras. It was a tale of nobility, art, and grandeur. 

Day 17-18:

Lisbon welcomed me with open arms. I participated in a charming Secret Food Tour where every dish unraveled a story about Portugal's history, culture, and economic evolution. The taste of Portugal’s authentic cuisine was a chapter hard to forget.

The next day I also explored the Azores, a lush Portuguese island in the heart of the Atlantic. From volcanic landscapes to botanical gardens, each stop is a revelation that was a day filled with learning and natural wonders.

Day 19-21:

My voyage was nearing its end at this point in time. Every stop offered a unique learning experience. But among all these, one day stood out as particularly special. I took a pause to celebrate a loved one's birthday as well as Thanksgiving aboard the ship with a special dinner in the French restaurant. Thanksgiving onboard was a new experience but NCL did a fantastic job. The ship itself was a constant source of excitement – from navigating 27' seas to enjoying serene sunsets, every day at sea had its charm.

My adventure wound down with stops in St Thomas and Puerto Plata, each offering its share of local history, culture, and of course, rum tasting sessions. Rum production, historic forts, and a salt-encrusted baked fish dinner became the concluding notes in this epic storybook adventure. The Mediterranean, with its tales of ancient cities and modern wonders, has woven a tapestry that lingers in my heart. As I sailed towards the shores of Miami, this seafaring saga to was brought to a bittersweet end.

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