Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Start at La Boqueria on La Rambla for a light breakfast and a first taste of Catalan market life—look for fruit, cheese and freshly squeezed juice. Allow about 45 minutes. The market is generally open Monday to Saturday, roughly 8am–8:30pm, and closed Sundays, so check your sailing-day hours; if it’s shut, you can still enjoy the lively El Raval surroundings before continuing. From here, it’s around a 10–15-minute walk to Barcelona Cathedral through the old town. The Gothic lanes are uneven and can be busy, so take them slowly; the cathedral’s tourist visiting hours vary, particularly around services, and the cloister may have separate access arrangements. Allow about an hour and check accessibility and entry details before you go.
Continue through the Gothic Quarter to Plaça Reial, about a 10-minute walk away. Settle beneath the arcades for coffee and people-watching; budget around €5–12 per person for a café stop. It’s a pleasant place to pause before the bustle of embarkation, and there’s no need to rush.
Head to Port Vell for an easy, level promenade and a last look at the waterfront—allow about an hour, with benches along the way. Then make your way to the cruise terminal, leaving generous time for the transfer, check-in and boarding. A taxi is the simplest option with luggage and a wheelchair; the port is spread out, and the correct terminal depends on the ship. Confirm your terminal and embarkation window with the cruise line, and ask them in advance about accessible transfers and any assistance needed at check-in.
Take a gentle 30–45-minute roll along the ship’s accessible promenade deck while the sea is relatively calm and the day is still fresh. Check the deck plan for the flattest continuous route, and ask the crew which sections are least exposed to wind. A light layer and sunscreen are handy, even on a warm sailing.
Settle into the main dining room for an unhurried lunch; it’s typically included in your cruise fare. Let your server know about any dietary needs and ask about ingredients or preparation if anything is unclear. Dining-room hours vary by ship, so check the daily programme rather than rushing.
Give yourselves an easy hour in the ship’s library or a quiet lounge—a good chance to read, enjoy the view, or simply rest between activities. Ask at reception which lounge is usually quietest, and check the daily programme for any talks or cultural events that appeal to you.
Make tonight feel like an anniversary occasion with dinner at a specialty restaurant aboard ship. Reserve ahead, and confirm the menu and any dietary requirements when booking; expect roughly €30–70 per person, depending on the ship, with drinks and supplements varying. Take your time over the meal, then enjoy a relaxed evening onboard rather than trying to fit in too much.
Once ashore, allow time for the cruise shuttle or taxi into town before setting off. Begin at Vieux-Port, where the fishing boats and broad harbor views make an easy, unhurried first stop; give yourselves about 45 minutes. Then head to Le Panier for a gentle wander through its old lanes and small squares (around 10–15 minutes on foot from the port, depending on your route). The quarter is picturesque but has uneven paving, slopes and occasional steps, so keep the route flexible and take breaks as needed.
Continue toward Cathédrale La Major, near the waterfront in Joliette. Allow about 45 minutes to admire the grand Byzantine-Romanesque interior; entry is generally free, but check visiting hours on the day, as they can vary and services may affect access. From here, take a taxi to Chez Fonfon at Vallon des Auffes rather than tackling the hilly walk. This little fishing harbor is a lovely setting for a long Provençal seafood lunch: budget roughly €35–60 per person, and book ahead if you can. Contact the restaurant before your visit to discuss wheelchair access—the harbor approaches can involve slopes and steps, and arrangements may be challenging.
The stops are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with a little breathing room for the shuttle, taxi and lunch. Confirm the ship’s all-aboard time before leaving the terminal, and leave a generous buffer for the return taxi or cruise shuttle, especially if the ship is berthed away from the city center.
After the ship docks, allow time for the port’s shuttle or an accessible taxi into the centre. Start at Porto Antico, Genoa’s old harbor, for an easy waterfront look at the city’s maritime past; give it about 45 minutes. Then take a short, level stroll to Palazzo San Giorgio. Its richly decorated façade is worth pausing over, even if you simply admire it from outside.
From the harbor, head inland toward Cattedrale di San Lorenzo—the old town’s narrow lanes can be uneven, so take your time and ask locally for the smoothest route. Allow around 45 minutes inside; entry is generally free, though the museum or treasury may charge. Afterward, make your way to Trattoria Rosmarino for a relaxed Ligurian lunch. Budget roughly €25–45 per person and reserve ahead, confirming step-free access and the bathroom arrangements. Since the exact port-call hours vary, keep the afternoon flexible and leave a comfortable buffer to return to the ship.
Start at Terrazza Mascagni, Livorno’s grand seafront promenade, and take in the black-and-white checkerboard paving and open Tyrrhenian views. Allow about 45 minutes for a relaxed look and photos. From here, travel inland to Pisa; the drive is usually around 30–45 minutes each way. A pre-booked accessible excursion or taxi is the simplest option, especially if you want to avoid juggling local connections and keep a generous buffer before all-aboard time.
Spend 1½–2 hours at Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower, cathedral and baptistery stand together on the broad lawns. The square is largely level, though expect some uneven paving; the tower involves steps and isn’t suitable for wheelchair access, while the surrounding monuments offer plenty to see from outside. Cathedral entry is generally free but may require a timed pass; the tower and other monument tickets are paid, with prices and availability varying, so check the official ticket site ahead and book only what suits your pace.
Walk into Pisa’s historic centre for lunch at Osteria dei Cavalieri, a short stroll from the main sights. Expect Tuscan dishes such as pasta and seasonal specialties; budget roughly €25–45 per person and reserve if possible. After lunch, continue to Piazza dei Cavalieri—around a 10-minute walk—where the historic façades make a quieter final stop; allow about 30 minutes. Then return to Livorno with ample time for traffic and ship boarding. Keep your excursion’s return time comfortably ahead of the cruise line’s all-aboard deadline.
After allowing for the ship’s arrival and the transfer into central Rome, head to the Pantheon first. Give yourselves about an hour to admire the vast dome and its open oculus; entry is ticketed, so check the official booking arrangements and opening hours for your visit, and consider reserving ahead. The interior has steps, so ask staff about the most suitable entrance and access before you go. Then make the short walk to Piazza Navona for around 45 minutes among its fountains, street artists and handsome baroque façades.
A few minutes’ walk away, Armando al Pantheon is a welcoming choice for Roman classics such as carbonara and amatriciana. Allow about 1½ hours and budget roughly €35–60 per person; book ahead, and confirm wheelchair access directly with the restaurant, including any step-free entrance and accessible facilities.
Finish at Trevi Fountain, about a 15-minute walk from lunch, and leave 30–45 minutes to take in the sculpture and make a wish. It can be very busy, so keep belongings secure and take care around the crowded edges. For the return to Civitavecchia, use your pre-arranged transfer and leave a generous buffer for Rome traffic and the roughly 70 km trip to port; agree a pickup point and time before setting off, and follow the cruise line’s all-aboard time rather than relying on a tight schedule.
Once ashore, allow time for the port exit or shuttle, then head to Castel Nuovo by Municipio. This imposing medieval fortress is close to the harbour; allow about 45 minutes for its exterior and the surrounding square. If you’d like to go inside, check the day’s opening hours and ticket arrangements before setting out.
From here, it’s a short, level walk to Galleria Umberto I. Give yourselves around 30 minutes to admire the soaring glass-and-iron roof and browse the elegant arcade. Its shops and cafés generally keep daytime hours, but individual schedules can vary.
Continue on foot to Gran Caffè Gambrinus, beside Piazza del Plebiscito, for a Neapolitan espresso and pastry. Budget roughly €5–15 per person, depending on what you order; it’s a grand, busy historic café, so take your time and enjoy the atmosphere. Then spend about 30 minutes in Piazza del Plebiscito, taking in the broad sweep of the square and its monumental setting before making your way back toward the ship. The central sights are close together, but expect busy pavements and check the ship’s all-aboard time before lingering.
Ease into the sea day with about an hour on the ship’s pool deck. Pick a sheltered spot if there’s a breeze, and check the daily programme for pool hours or any quieter-use periods; facilities and access can vary by ship. Bring sun protection even if the air feels cool, and take the morning at your own pace.
Settle in for a leisurely meal in the main dining room, where lunch is typically included in the cruise fare. Ask about regional dishes inspired by the voyage, and let the serving team know about any dietary requirements. Allow around an hour, with no need to rush back ashore.
Browse the ship’s photo gallery for 30–45 minutes and choose a favourite image as a keepsake of the anniversary trip. Prints and digital packages are usually extra, and prices vary by ship; ask about purchase options before deciding. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or enjoy the ship’s other onboard spaces.
Check the daily programme for the ship’s theater performance and arrive a little early for a comfortable seat—allow about 1–1.5 hours for the show. Performance times and any reservation requirements vary, so confirm them onboard.
After allowing time for the ship’s arrival and to get ashore, start at Upper Barrakka Gardens. The paths are mostly level, though a few surfaces can be uneven; pause for the sweeping view across the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Allow about 45 minutes. Then make your way along Valletta’s compact streets to St John’s Co-Cathedral—roughly a 10-minute roll, with some slopes and paving stones to take slowly. Set aside 1–1½ hours for the ornate interior and Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. It’s a working place of worship, so check current visiting hours, access arrangements and admission before you go; modest dress is expected.
Head to Nenu the Artisan Baker for Maltese ftira and local dishes. It’s a short trip across the centre, but Valletta’s paving and gradients can make distances feel longer, so allow extra time and check the route for your preferred level of mobility. Budget roughly €15–30 per person and allow 1–1½ hours; booking ahead is sensible, especially at busy times.
Finish at the National Museum of Archaeology on Republic Street, an easy roll through the historic centre from lunch. Give it about an hour to see finds from Malta’s prehistoric temples, including the famous Sleeping Lady. Check the museum’s current opening hours, admission and step-free access before setting out, as arrangements can change. Valletta is small, but its stone streets can be tiring, so leave a little time to pause at a café or return to the ship at an unhurried pace.
After the previous port call, settle into the ship’s observation lounge for around 45 minutes. Pick a sheltered window seat and watch the coastline fade into open water; a light layer is handy if the lounge is cool from the air-conditioning. If the sea feels choppy, choose a seat near the ship’s centre, where motion is usually less noticeable.
Take your time over lunch in the main dining room—it’s generally included in the cruise fare, though meal times and service arrangements vary by ship. Ask for a table with clear access and leave the afternoon open rather than rushing straight into another activity.
Make a quiet wellness break at the ship’s spa or thermal area. A treatment or thermal-area access may need to be booked in advance, and prices vary; check what’s included before you reserve. If your wife would prefer not to walk far, ask the spa team about step-free access and changing facilities when booking.
For a celebratory change of scene, book the ship’s specialty restaurant for dinner. Expect roughly €30–70 per person, with exact pricing and what’s included depending on the ship; reserve ahead and mention any dietary requirements. Choose a relaxed seating time, and enjoy the meal as a special anniversary-trip evening rather than trying to fit in another activity.
Once ashore, head to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the city centre. Allow about 1½ hours for its outstanding Minoan collection, including frescoes, pottery and the famous bull-leaping imagery—seeing the objects here gives useful context for Knossos. Check current opening hours and ticket prices before you go; hours vary by season, and the museum is usually closed on public holidays. The galleries are a good place to take a break from the heat before your next stop.
Take a taxi or pre-arranged excursion to the Palace of Knossos, around 20–30 minutes from the port area depending on traffic. Give yourselves 1½–2 hours to explore, with time to pause: the site is extensive, and paths can be uneven, with some steps and exposed areas. The visitor experience is easier if you arrange a taxi both ways in advance or confirm a pickup plan with your driver. Check the site’s seasonal hours and admission fees before setting out; a hat and water are essential.
Return to the centre for lunch at Peskesi, where Cretan ingredients feature in traditional dishes; budget roughly €25–45 per person and allow about 1½ hours. Booking ahead is wise, especially on a busy port day. Afterwards, take a gentle walk to the Heraklion Venetian Loggia, a finely restored Renaissance building on the way back toward the port. Allow about 30 minutes to admire the façade and nearby streets; access inside may depend on current use and opening arrangements. Leave a comfortable buffer to return to the ship, and confirm its all-aboard time before heading out.
After allowing time to get ashore, head into Rhodes Old Town for the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. Set aside 1–1½ hours for its grand halls, mosaics and exhibits; opening times and admission can vary by season, so check before you go. The palace has steps and historic surfaces, so ask staff about the most accessible route and which areas are manageable by wheelchair. From here, continue to the Street of the Knights for a slow look along its atmospheric stone façades. The lane is cobbled and can be uneven, so take it at your own pace and allow 30–45 minutes.
Settle in at Marco Polo Cafe, whose leafy courtyard makes a lovely pause from the bustle of the Old Town. Allow 1–1½ hours and budget around €25–45 per person; it’s sensible to check access and reserve ahead, as courtyard entrances and Old Town paving can be tricky for a wheelchair. The restaurant is a short roll or walk from the Street of the Knights, though the route’s uneven stones may call for extra time.
Head out to Mandraki Harbour for a gentler change of scene: enjoy the waterfront views and look for the landmark windmills. Allow about 45 minutes for a relaxed circuit and photos. The harbourfront is generally easier to navigate than the Old Town’s cobbles, but check your route back to the ship and leave a comfortable buffer before all-aboard time.
Start with a gentle 30–45-minute session at the ship’s fitness center. Keep it easy after yesterday’s port day: a few stretches or a short workout is plenty, and the ship’s daily programme will confirm opening hours and any accessible equipment. Leave time to freshen up before lunch.
Settle in for a leisurely meal in the main dining room, usually included in the cruise fare. Ask your waiter about the day’s menu and take your time—the relaxed pace suits a sea day as the ship makes its way toward Athens.
Browse the ship’s shopping arcade for about 45 minutes. It’s an easy chance to choose a small keepsake without having to plan another shore visit; prices vary, so compare options before settling on anything special.
Mark the anniversary with a relaxed drink in the ship’s lounge. Choose a comfortable seat and raise a glass to the journey; drinks are usually charged separately, and the daily programme will show the evening’s opening hours or entertainment. Keep the rest of the night unhurried, with tomorrow’s disembarkation in mind.
After disembarking at Piraeus, allow time for luggage and the journey into central Athens—usually around 20–40 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. Arrange luggage storage or have your onward transport take your bags, then start at the Acropolis Museum in Makrygianni. Its lifts and mostly step-free galleries make this the easier place to begin; allow 1½–2 hours for the archaeological finds and the views towards the Acropolis. Check current opening hours and admission before you go.
From the museum, it’s a short walk to the Acropolis of Athens, but the approach and ancient site include steep, uneven ground. Check the current accessible route and lift status with the site before setting out; access can be affected by conditions, and the lift is not a guaranteed shortcut. Allow 1½–2 hours if the route works for you, or take the visit at your own pace. Afterwards, spend about 45 minutes in Plaka: its lanes are atmospheric, though some are sloped and paved with uneven stones.
Finish at Diporto, the no-frills taverna near the Central Market. It’s roughly a 15–20-minute taxi ride from Plaka, or a longer walk; confirm the day’s opening and step-free access before heading over, as the simple dining room may not suit every mobility need. Set aside 1–1½ hours and budget about €15–30 per person. It’s a distinctive, relaxed final meal—just right for a last taste of Athens before continuing your journey.
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