MAKE ROOM FOR ADVENTURE
The world’s best family holiday comes with plenty of room to stretch in style and Legend of the Seas℠ stacks up more rooms for families than any ship in the fleet. Get the space you need for the adventure you crave, with room for everyone in your crew — think split bathrooms and bunks just for kids. And see more at sea, from jaw-dropping aft angles to sunset corner views.
STAY TIME IS PLAY TIME
Max out with family time like never before. From leveling all the way up with a legendary stay in the Ultimate Family Townhouse. To escaping in the incredible Infinite Family Ocean View Balcony rooms, adaptable for all types of adventures. Or relaxing in a Surfside Family Suite, conveniently placed in the heart of the action.
WAKE UP TO WOW
Spectacular ocean views greet you right from your room. In Spacious Infinite Balcony rooms, the expanded living area becomes an oceanfront balcony at the push of a button. Floor-to-ceiling windows in Panoramic Ocean View rooms deliver dazzling sights. And the view doesn't get any better than from Sunset Corner Suites, with wrap-around balconies.
LEGENDARY LUXURY LIVING
Luxury is anything but boring. Infinite Grand Suites convert your living room into a breezy balcony oasis. Sunset Suites offer unforgettable views of endless blue. Or gather the whole family in the multi-story Royal Loft, Icon Lofts or the Ultimate Family Townhouse which come with Royal Genies who grant shipwide VIP access.
A family vacation doesn’t get any more VIP than in the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse.
Size
Beds
One King bed
Occupancy
Star Class Exclusives
Exclusive Access to the Suite Sun Deck
Views
Ocean view
Living Spaces
Master bedroom and kids bedroom on the second level
Bathrooms
Full bathroom with shower and sink on the main level
Elevate your stay in the Royal Loft Suite— the most luxurious suite on the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Size
Stateroom: 2,088 sq. ft. or 193.98 sq. m. (inclusive of the opening)
Beds
Occupancy
Star Class Exclusives
Exclusive Access to the Suite Sun Deck
Views
Living Spaces
Open living and dining room area with kitchenette on the main level
Bathrooms
Bathroom on main level
Enjoy this two-level urban loft that features a private balcony.
Size
Stateroom: 838 sq. ft. or 77.85 sq. m. (inclusive of the opening)
One King bed
Occupancy
Star Class Exclusives
Exclusive Access to the Suite Sun Deck
Views
Living Spaces
Open living and dining room with dry bar on the main level
Bathrooms
One bathroom with a shower on the main level
This suite is the ultimate combo of space and luxury with accommodations.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
In your Sunset Corner Suite, views of endless blue are all around.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Sunset Suites have ample space for lounging with views of endless blue.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Spread out in a spacious suite with living room and a conveniently designed split bathroom.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy one of our "grandest" suites.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Located on prime decks high on the ship, Sky Junior Suites offer dramatic views from your private balcony.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Take in the sights of the ocean from your very own floor-to-ceiling panoramic window.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Designed to give everyone their own space, these suites offer a separate cozy kids’ room.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Sunset Junior Suites offer dramatic views from your private balcony.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sea Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy the suite life as you relax in your intimate Junior Suite.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sea Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy the suite life as you relax in your intimate Junior Suite.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sea Class Exclusives
Views
Bathrooms
Size
Rooms
Beds
Bathrooms
Occupancy
Views
Included in all rooms
Enjoy extra balcony square footage at a great value.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
These rooms connect via a private foyer in front of both rooms.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an expanded living area that becomes an ocean-front balcony at the push of a button – giving you extra space and incredible views.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an expanded living area that becomes a balcony overlooking Central Park at the push of a button – giving you extra space and incredible views.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
These staterooms offer you a private balcony with chairs and a table where you can sit back and relax.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
These staterooms offer you a private balcony with chairs and a table where you can sit back and relax.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Experience nature at sea on your private balcony overlooking Central Park.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy a private balcony with chairs and a table where you can immerse yourself in all the action below.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Secure a cabin at a reduced rate without details in advance on its location; The room may have an obstructed view. Your room may look different.
Secure a cabin at a reduced rate without details in advance on its location; The room may have an obstructed view. Your room may look different.
Transform your living space into an extended oceanside escape plus a separate hideaway bunk alcove.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Panoramic views await you in this stateroom located on prime top-level decks
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy beautiful views of the ocean from your window.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy beautiful views of the ocean from your window.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an interior stateroom with window overlooking treelined Central Park.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an interior stateroom with a window overlooking Surfside neighborhood.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an interior stateroom with more space, at a great value.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
In these interior staterooms, there’s no such thing as overpacking.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy your vacation in one of our interior staterooms, offering you a relaxing retreat at a great value.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy your vacation in one of our interior staterooms, offering you a relaxing retreat at a great value.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
AN ICONIC FAMILY HOLIDAY
LEGEND OF THE SEAS
Icon Class created the ultimate holiday mic drop. Unrivalled. Unmatched. Unquestionably the world’s best family holiday — loaded with never-ending thrills, next-level chill, and once-in-a-lifetime wows. Introducing Legend of the Seas, the threequel that’s levelling up everything you love about Icon of the Seas. Dial up the whoas on the boldest holiday to hit the Med, adventuring on a ship as monumental as the destinations. Or choose from spectacular southern and western Caribbean sailings, both with stops at the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay. This is an adventure of the ages, for all ages — sailing summer 2026 from Barcelona, Spain and winter 2026 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.
Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today's Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain's daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks' handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d'Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.
La Spezia is sometimes thought of as nothing but a large, industrialized naval port en route to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, but it does possess some charm, and it gives you a look at a less tourist-focused part of the Riviera. Its palm-lined promenade, fertile citrus parks, renovated Liberty-style palazzos, and colorful balcony-lined streets make parts of La Spezia surprisingly beautiful. Monday through Saturday mornings, you can stroll through the fresh fish, produce, and local-cheese stalls at the outdoor market on Piazza Cavour, and on Friday take part in the busy flea market on Via Garibaldi. There's also Porto Mirabello, a newly built tourist port with a pool club, shops, and several restaurants that overlook the fleet of super-yachts.
Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.
Naples, in the Campania region, is Italy's third largest city. Its claim to fame is the spectacular location along one of the world's most splendid bays, backed by the perfect cone of Mount Vesuvius. In addition to its beautiful setting, Naples' surprises with other outstanding attractions such as the Royal Palace, San Carlos Opera House, the impressive National Archaeological Museum and the Castel Nuovo, dating from the 13th-century. The city's central area is best explored on foot. Chaotic traffic conditions make driving around the city a very frustrating experience. Naples provides a convenient starting point for trips to such favored destinations as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius. The Isle of Capri can be reached via a 45-minute hydrofoil service. The region of Campania was home to Greeks settlers some 300 years before Rome was founded. Pompeii, too, was a Greek town before being conquered by the Romans during the 5th century BC. It was under the Romans that Pompeii flourished and grew prosperous. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the population of 20,000 was wiped out, but dozens of buildings were preserved under layers of cinder more than 20 feet deep. The most important finds from Pompeii are displayed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. A visit here will no doubt enhance a visit to ancient Pompeii.
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
MAKE ROOM FOR ADVENTURE
The world’s best family holiday comes with plenty of room to stretch in style and Legend of the Seas℠ stacks up more rooms for families than any ship in the fleet. Get the space you need for the adventure you crave, with room for everyone in your crew — think split bathrooms and bunks just for kids. And see more at sea, from jaw-dropping aft angles to sunset corner views.
STAY TIME IS PLAY TIME
Max out with family time like never before. From leveling all the way up with a legendary stay in the Ultimate Family Townhouse. To escaping in the incredible Infinite Family Ocean View Balcony rooms, adaptable for all types of adventures. Or relaxing in a Surfside Family Suite, conveniently placed in the heart of the action.
WAKE UP TO WOW
Spectacular ocean views greet you right from your room. In Spacious Infinite Balcony rooms, the expanded living area becomes an oceanfront balcony at the push of a button. Floor-to-ceiling windows in Panoramic Ocean View rooms deliver dazzling sights. And the view doesn't get any better than from Sunset Corner Suites, with wrap-around balconies.
LEGENDARY LUXURY LIVING
Luxury is anything but boring. Infinite Grand Suites convert your living room into a breezy balcony oasis. Sunset Suites offer unforgettable views of endless blue. Or gather the whole family in the multi-story Royal Loft, Icon Lofts or the Ultimate Family Townhouse which come with Royal Genies who grant shipwide VIP access.
A family vacation doesn’t get any more VIP than in the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse.
Size
Beds
One King bed
Occupancy
Star Class Exclusives
Exclusive Access to the Suite Sun Deck
Views
Ocean view
Living Spaces
Master bedroom and kids bedroom on the second level
Bathrooms
Full bathroom with shower and sink on the main level
Elevate your stay in the Royal Loft Suite— the most luxurious suite on the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Size
Stateroom: 2,088 sq. ft. or 193.98 sq. m. (inclusive of the opening)
Beds
Occupancy
Star Class Exclusives
Exclusive Access to the Suite Sun Deck
Views
Living Spaces
Open living and dining room area with kitchenette on the main level
Bathrooms
Bathroom on main level
Enjoy this two-level urban loft that features a private balcony.
Size
Stateroom: 838 sq. ft. or 77.85 sq. m. (inclusive of the opening)
One King bed
Occupancy
Star Class Exclusives
Exclusive Access to the Suite Sun Deck
Views
Living Spaces
Open living and dining room with dry bar on the main level
Bathrooms
One bathroom with a shower on the main level
This suite is the ultimate combo of space and luxury with accommodations.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
In your Sunset Corner Suite, views of endless blue are all around.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Sunset Suites have ample space for lounging with views of endless blue.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Spread out in a spacious suite with living room and a conveniently designed split bathroom.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy one of our "grandest" suites.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Located on prime decks high on the ship, Sky Junior Suites offer dramatic views from your private balcony.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Take in the sights of the ocean from your very own floor-to-ceiling panoramic window.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Designed to give everyone their own space, these suites offer a separate cozy kids’ room.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sky Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Sunset Junior Suites offer dramatic views from your private balcony.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sea Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy the suite life as you relax in your intimate Junior Suite.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sea Class Exclusives
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy the suite life as you relax in your intimate Junior Suite.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Sea Class Exclusives
Views
Bathrooms
Size
Rooms
Beds
Bathrooms
Occupancy
Views
Included in all rooms
Enjoy extra balcony square footage at a great value.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
These rooms connect via a private foyer in front of both rooms.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an expanded living area that becomes an ocean-front balcony at the push of a button – giving you extra space and incredible views.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an expanded living area that becomes a balcony overlooking Central Park at the push of a button – giving you extra space and incredible views.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
These staterooms offer you a private balcony with chairs and a table where you can sit back and relax.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
These staterooms offer you a private balcony with chairs and a table where you can sit back and relax.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Experience nature at sea on your private balcony overlooking Central Park.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy a private balcony with chairs and a table where you can immerse yourself in all the action below.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Secure a cabin at a reduced rate without details in advance on its location; The room may have an obstructed view. Your room may look different.
Secure a cabin at a reduced rate without details in advance on its location; The room may have an obstructed view. Your room may look different.
Transform your living space into an extended oceanside escape plus a separate hideaway bunk alcove.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Panoramic views await you in this stateroom located on prime top-level decks
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy beautiful views of the ocean from your window.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy beautiful views of the ocean from your window.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an interior stateroom with window overlooking treelined Central Park.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an interior stateroom with a window overlooking Surfside neighborhood.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy an interior stateroom with more space, at a great value.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
In these interior staterooms, there’s no such thing as overpacking.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy your vacation in one of our interior staterooms, offering you a relaxing retreat at a great value.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
Enjoy your vacation in one of our interior staterooms, offering you a relaxing retreat at a great value.
Size
Beds
Occupancy
Views
Living Spaces
Bathrooms
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.
Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today's Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain's daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks' handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d'Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.
La Spezia is sometimes thought of as nothing but a large, industrialized naval port en route to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, but it does possess some charm, and it gives you a look at a less tourist-focused part of the Riviera. Its palm-lined promenade, fertile citrus parks, renovated Liberty-style palazzos, and colorful balcony-lined streets make parts of La Spezia surprisingly beautiful. Monday through Saturday mornings, you can stroll through the fresh fish, produce, and local-cheese stalls at the outdoor market on Piazza Cavour, and on Friday take part in the busy flea market on Via Garibaldi. There's also Porto Mirabello, a newly built tourist port with a pool club, shops, and several restaurants that overlook the fleet of super-yachts.
Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.
Naples, in the Campania region, is Italy's third largest city. Its claim to fame is the spectacular location along one of the world's most splendid bays, backed by the perfect cone of Mount Vesuvius. In addition to its beautiful setting, Naples' surprises with other outstanding attractions such as the Royal Palace, San Carlos Opera House, the impressive National Archaeological Museum and the Castel Nuovo, dating from the 13th-century. The city's central area is best explored on foot. Chaotic traffic conditions make driving around the city a very frustrating experience. Naples provides a convenient starting point for trips to such favored destinations as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius. The Isle of Capri can be reached via a 45-minute hydrofoil service. The region of Campania was home to Greeks settlers some 300 years before Rome was founded. Pompeii, too, was a Greek town before being conquered by the Romans during the 5th century BC. It was under the Romans that Pompeii flourished and grew prosperous. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the population of 20,000 was wiped out, but dozens of buildings were preserved under layers of cinder more than 20 feet deep. The most important finds from Pompeii are displayed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. A visit here will no doubt enhance a visit to ancient Pompeii.
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
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