Going on a great cruise and exploring Europe are two major bucket list items for most travelers. It makes perfect sense then to combine them for an unforgettable experience. With so many countries, venues and landmarks to choose from, it may be daunting to pinpoint a few options. So, to make the task easier, here is a list of three of the best European cruise itineraries (you can find them all and more at Cruise1st as well).

cruises in Spain

1. 12-night Mediterranean Cruise – Disney Magic

This cruise features numerous stops across Europe. You’ll get to visit Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice), France, La Spezia (Florence, Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, Mykonos, Greece, and Valletta, Malta.

Barcelona, Spain will be the site of your home port and a perfect place to check out the unique architectural work of Antoni Gaudi.

The next stop, Villefranche, offers a look at historic French buildings – some as old as the 16th century.

Lovers of the Renaissance period can marvel at the works lf Michelangelo and Da Vinci in La Spezia. Piraeus features the ancient monuments Greece is known for, such as the Parthenon. Kusadasi houses the Library of Celsus, one of the world’s largest libraries of ancient scrolls. At Valletta you can check out two 16th-century St. John Cathedral and Grand Master’s Palace.

2. Holland America

Cruise Ship

This cruise line offers cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Transatlantic. Take a trip to Russia to check out jewels and historical buildings. Trek to Italy for a day of Renaissance art-gazing. Check out the fine wines and rich meals in France, or explore ancient Holy Land relics. Holland America offers great food, fun activities and comfortable accommodations for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation.

3. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises Ship

Princess Cruises offers several itineraries but one of the most exciting is a trip through the fascinating landscapes of the British Isles, Iceland and Greenland. Explore everything from  charming towns to historic castles, happening pubs and world-renowned museums.

Princess was even awarded “Best Northern Europe Itineraries” by Porthole Magazine in 2011.

Have any other great European cruise itineraries that you know about? Please share them in a comment!