Mediterranean Travel Series - Part 2
After a few unforgettable days exploring the wonders of Rome, my parents and I boarded our Viking ship and set sail on the Iconic Western Mediterranean Cruise. There’s something magical about watching the coastline slip by as you prepare to wake up in a new country each morning — and this journey delivered beauty, history, and surprises at every port.
This leg of our trip carried us from Italy through Monaco and into the south of France, weaving together medieval towns, world‑famous landmarks, and postcard-perfect scenery, then finally ending in Spain.
Florence, Italy – A Day in the Cradle of the Renaissance
After arriving in Livorno, Italy, our first stop took us inland to Florence, a city that feels like stepping into a painting. Even with limited time (as cruise port days always seem to fly by), we soaked in as much beauty as we could.
The Palazzo Vecchio, the statues lining Piazza della Signoria, the Florence Cathedral, Michelangelo's Statue of David (a highlight), and the timeless views of the Arno River all reaffirmed why Florence remains one of the world’s artistic treasures. Wandering its narrow stone streets with my parents made the experience feel even more meaningful — a blend of history, family, and awe.
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| Livorno, Italy |
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| Livorno, Italy |
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| Ognissanti Church |
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Historic Merry-Go-Round
Piazza Della Repubblica |
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| Palazzo Vecchio |
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| Replica Michelangelo's David in Palazzo Vecchio |
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| Ponte Vecchio |
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| Ponte Vecchio |
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| Michelangelo's David |
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| Florence Cathedral |
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| Florence Cathedral |
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| Florence Cathedral |
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| Florence Cathedral |
Pisa, Italy – The Leaning Tower
On our next adventure, we made our way to Pisa, home of one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person is one of those surreal moments - plus my dad was able to mark the unique landmark off his bucket list. The surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli is just as impressive, with its striking cathedral and baptistery.
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| Pisa Baptistery of St. John |
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| Pisa Cathedral |
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| Pisa Cathedral |
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| The Leaning Tower of Pisa |
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| The Leaning Tower of Pisa |
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| The Leaning Tower of Pisa |
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| The Leaning Tower of Pisa |
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| The Leaning Tower of Pisa |
Monte Carlo, Monaco – Glamour on the Mediterranean
Next came Monte Carlo, where gleaming yachts and famous seaside casino set the stage for one of the world’s most glamorous destinations. The city has an unmistakable sparkle, from the hills lined with pastel buildings to the chic harbor that seems straight out of a movie or a Formula 1 race.
Strolling through Monaco with my parents, we enjoyed the polished streets, lush gardens, and even watched the changing of the guard at the Prince's Palace of Monaco. The views from the cliffs overlooking the sea were easily among the most beautiful of the entire cruise.
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| Monte Carlo |
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| Remand Prison of Monaco |
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| Saint-Martin Gardens |
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| Port de Fontvielle |
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| Port de Fontvielle |
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| Palace de Justice |
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| Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate |
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| Prince's Palace of Monaco |
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| Monte Carlo |
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| Monto Carlo |
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| Prince's Palace of Monaco |
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| Monto Carlo |
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| Monte Carlo |
Avignon, France – The Walled City of Popes
Arriving in Marseille, France, we made our way to Avignon, a medieval gem surrounded by ancient stone walls. The city’s heart, the Palais des Papes, stands as one of the largest Gothic palaces ever built and was once the seat of the Papacy.
We toured the Palace of the Popes, enjoyed lunch, and wandered through charming cobblestone streets and quiet alleyways perfumed by fresh lavender. We even walked on the Bridge of Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet) across the Rhône. Avignon’s blend of history and warmth made it a peaceful and enchanting stop.
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| Sunrise in Marseille |
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| Opéra Grand Avignon |
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| The Hôtel de Ville |
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| Palace of the Popes |
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| Palace of the Popes |
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| Palace of the Popes |
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| Palace of the Popes |
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| The Bridge of Avignon |
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| The Bridge of Avignon |
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| The Bridge of Avignon |
Aigues‑Mortes, France – A Town Frozen in Medieval Time
Our next port was Sète, France. One of the most unique places on our itinerary was Aigues‑Mortes, a perfectly preserved walled town in the marshlands of the Camargue region. The entire city feels like a medieval movie set, complete with towers, battlements, and narrow stone lanes.
With its rose‑hued salt fields stretching into the distance, this stop felt both otherworldly and wonderfully intimate. Exploring Aigues‑Mortes with my parents was one of the unexpected highlights of our travel.
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| Sète at Sunrise |
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| Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Streets of Aigues-Mortes |
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| Notre-Dame des Sablons Church |
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| Statue of Saint Louis |
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| Sète at Dusk |
Life On Board
Of course, part of the joy of the Viking cruise was the time spent on the ship. Evenings were filled with ocean views, relaxed dinners, and quiet moments reflecting on each day’s adventures. Traveling with my parents gave this trip a special rhythm — lots of laughter, shared stories, and that feeling of slowing down together while still exploring the world.
Onward to Barcelona…
By the time we reached our final port, we were both exhilarated and ready for a new chapter. Our cruise ended in vibrant Barcelona, where the last few days of our journey would unfold. That story — full of Gaudà architecture, bustling city streets, and Catalan charm — will be the focus of the third and final post in this series.
I hope you enjoyed today's post, seeing the Mediterranean through my camera lens.
Another batch of fabulous pictures and memories that you shared, dear friend! Simply amazing and I am glad you were able to go on this incredible trip.
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