To visit Barcelona, the beautiful capital city of Catalonia, one can choose to squeeze into a crammed flight or make a long overland crossing. But there is no doubt: the best thing is to arrive in Barcelona by cruise!
And why not take the next step: hire a small boat and really enjoy the sea life and the pure beauty of the Mediterranean essence you will sail through!
Set sail with the boat Milly from Rome to Barcelona! There are 2 possible itineraries
The traditional boat Milly is ready to welcome you in Ostia, Rome, placidly waiting, shiny and functional amidst the other boats. What adventure are we going to feed her this time?
Whether you are a skipper or would like to entrust yourself to the skilful hands of Milly’s captain: if you are entertaining the idea of ploughing the seas in the direction of Barcelona on an old-fashioned boat, with your family, your friends or your better half, then follow us in the next few lines.
We have prepared for you two possible itineraries from Rome to Barcelona. The first passes by the Amalfi Coast, with a detour to Sardinia, the second plunges into the cool waters of the Côte d’Azur.
Ideal Cruise Duration
We always recommend a time frame of at least one week to ten days, but we don’t want to put a brake on art! It is often the case that a more demanding traveller who really wants to immerse himself in the wonderment will choose to stay as long as two weeks. It goes without saying that with these timeframes one can visit places and take one’s time.
Let’s say, however, that in a week you can still enjoy it, especially since from Rome to Barcelona the travelling time is materially reduced and most of the time is spent in the stops you make.
So, as you read through the two possible itineraries from Rome to Barcelona that we have prepared for you, always keep in mind that you can choose to distribute your days as you like between the various stages.
Just talk to the captain!
From Rome to Barcelona via the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia
Untie Milly’s moorings from the port of Civitavecchia. If you arrive in Rome on this Rome-Barcelona cruise, perhaps you might enjoy a little tour of the Eternal City too;
The second stop could be Naples or the island of Capri. Naples is definitely not a city that can be visited in just two or three days, but even just a walk along the seafront can be worth it. Needless to say, you can indulge yourself in these areas as seascapes, with Capri and its sea caves, Ischia, Procida;
If you have chosen an itinerary of at least ten days, it might also be worth a trip to the Amalfi Coast. The high season makes it almost impassable, but you are on the classic Milly boat and can watch the crowds from afar, the one in the middle of the sea;
If you really want to feast your eyes on lots of different views, Milly can ferry you to Sicily. Our advice, of course, is not to put too much meat on the fire and to study the itinerary in consultation with the captain so as not to risk having too many stops to see too quickly. It also depends on the time you want to spend on the water and the time you want to spend on land. However, in Sicily you are spoilt for choice: from Palermo to islets such as Filicudi and Alicudi, there is no shortage of boat tours;
We are more than halfway through our mini-cruise from Rome to Barcelona, and it is now time to put our noses to the grindstone in Sardinia too. Here the well-known crystal-clear sands, culurgiones and fresh sheep’s milk ricotta are waiting for you. And much more: talk to Milly’s staff directly to better plan your itinerary!
Penultimate stop before Barcelona: the Balearic Islands. There is not only Mallorca, but in Mallorca you will find more tourist services, more shopping and more softness. If, on the other hand, you prefer to retreat in contemplation of this still Mediterranean landscape but a little more lush and less urbanised than the previous stops, then head for the smaller islands;
Barcelona: The journey ends in the vibrant city with Gaudí’s famous works, lively markets and – for those who love it – nightlife.
From Rome to Barcelona via the French Riviera
Feeling more in the mood for a foray into the south of France?
Then you can choose the second route from Rome to Barcelona: you can sail to the north of the French coast and back down to Barcelona.
Remember, the tips we are giving you are only rough suggestions! The great thing about chartering the Milly boat is that the captain submits the itinerary to you before you set off and then you can choose to extend or reduce your stay at some stops rather than others.
Here’s what we usually recommend as an itinerary:
Rome-Livorno: Here we come to the first Italian stop. A city of cacciucco (fish stew) and singer-songwriters, Livorno is also the gateway to the jewel of the city of Pisa. We do not recommend going as far as Florence, which is rather chaotic in terms of tourism in high season, and much better to visit coming from the hinterland;
It is time to sail proudly north: Genoa or the splendid Portofino await us. The former is a historic city where you can slip into the caruggi and sample a very special local culture. The second is more chic and luxurious, perfect for indulging in some high-end shopping.
Monte Carlo: Entering the French Riviera, Monte Carlo is a must-see. Famous for its casino, Formula 1 Grand Prix and elegant nightlife, Monaco offers a glamorous experience. Perhaps not all cruisers would choose this kind of excitement, but we recommend it anyway!
Nice is another gem of the French Riviera, with colourful markets and a fine art scene. Here, you can enjoy the beaches and visit the museums or take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais;
You will have noticed that so far this itinerary is more linear than the previous one! After Nice, in fact, the obligatory passage is to nearby Marseille. Not only a few bites of bouillabaisse, but also a stroll along the seafront, and a visit to the shops to return home stocked with every good thing. And then, it’s off again to Barcelona!
Rome-Barcelona with Milly: How to Structure Your Itinerary
Do you like our recommendations? Would you like to structure your itinerary differently? If you have chosen to take an exclusive cruise from Rome to Barcelona on the traditional yacht Milly, then know that we can discuss the itinerary together! Contact us to shape your Mediterranean Sea adventure!