All-inclusive Med cruise with Sorrento stay & Amalfi coast trip

Merrily make your way to the Med with a cruise of its best port cities, plus a restful Sorrento stay, with trips, all travel and optional extras

Day 1-4: Sorrento, Italy

It’s not difficult to see why many have waxed lyrical about romantic, picture-postcard Sorrento. Fragrant lemon trees line its passeggiate, the sea glistens in the secluded bay below, Mount Vesuvius stands tall in the distance and the charming and glamorous Amalfi coast lies to the south.

You’ll really be able to get a feel for the region with a full-day tour of the Amalfi coast, included with this offer, and with an English-speaking driver who’ll recommend the best highlights of the three coastal cities you’ll stop off at: Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.

Arranged vertically up a cliff face, the colourful houses of Positano make it a picture-perfect destination in itself; aimlessly wandering the pretty streets here can be as rewarding as any structured sightseeing, and you’ll be able to take in the boutique shops, little eateries, monuments, churches and beaches at your own pace.

Similarly structured, Amalfi (one of the old Maritime republics) is just as beautiful, with its interlacing alleys and stairways overlooking the deep blue seas in spectacular fashion – it won’t take long to realise why the town gave its name to the whole coast line).

Last up on your day of Amalfi adventuring is Ravello, an elegant and refined village characterised by its abundance of vegetation and luxurious villas. Make a beeline for the heart of the village at Piazza Vescovado; this scenic square is framed by the architecture of Palazzo Rufolo and the cathedral, with its magnificent portal and 10-feet-high bell tower.

Day 5: Naples, Italy

After leaving your hotel and Sorento, you'll transfer to Naples where you'll board the swanky MSC Grandiosa and set sail for your magical Mediterranean cruise.

Day 6: Genoa, Italy

Having sailed up Italy's west coast, you'll land in Genoa, ready for a day's exploration of Liguria's romantic capital. This historic port city was named European Capital of Culture in 2004, and to this day it continues to give rivals Rome, Florence and Venice a good run for their money. Not only was Christopher Columbus born here, but luxurious boutiques sit alongside ornate churches, all blanketed in a swathe of pastel-coloured rooftops to create an enchanting and quintessentially Italian city.

Day 7: Marseille, France

Welcome to the ever so charming Marseille, where you should make sure to check out the city’s signature sights, like the Old Port, the Orange Vélodrome, the Statue of David, the sun-kissed sands of the Plage du Prado and the imposing fortress of the Château d'If. One of the top-billed sites in the city, and one that should be at the top of your list, is the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, an imposing structure with striking city views. Don't leave without trying one of the local specialities - particularly the heart-warming bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew served with Provençal mayonnaise-style sauce and croutons.

Day 8: Barcelona, Spain

Catalonia’s capital awaits eager exploration. Known for its marvellous Modernist masterpieces, spend your time here soaking up the art and architecture that has made Barcelona a must-visit destination. Gaze in awe at the still-unfinished Sagrada Família basilica, marvel at surrealist artwork at Fundació Joan Miró, and drain your wallet on Passeig de Gràcia - Barcelona's biggest shopping street that features Stella McCartney, Valentino and Louis Vuitton, plus staples like Zara and Mango.

Day 9: At sea

If you haven't already, today’s your chance to really make the most of the first-class facilities on your ship and live a life of aquatic luxury.

Day 10: La Goulette, Tunisia

Mix things up with a completely fresh infusion of culture today at La Goulette, a pretty Tunisian port town of Africa’s northernmost coast. Indeed, as soon as you arrive at port you’ll be greeted by the hubbub of the bustling town, and a few camels for good measure. While the broad boulevards are lined with cafes, flower stalls and other unique shops, there’s plenty of history to intrigue you as well. If you don’t know where to start, look out for the various companies selling city tours, which will take you the the medina, 16th-century fortress and the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul. Taxis are available straight from the port to take you on the nine-mile journey to the centre of Tunis, or if you want to spend your day lazing about in the sun, there are plenty of pristine beaches to accommodate you as well.

Day 11: Palermo, Italy

A town of converging cultural influences, Palermo has a lot to show off. Your last stop on the cruise, make sure to visit the cathedral and Palatine Chapel, then head up to hillside Monreale to admire its cathedral and the stunning views out across the valley. Since your time in Italy's nearly over, savour some local cuisine in the form of pasta alla Norma or arancine, washed down with the finest bottle of Sicilian wine.

Day 12: Naples, Italy

You’ll arrive back in Naples today and disembark your ship, ready for the transfer to the airport and your flight home.