Reset search
Italy, France, Spain & Ibiza
  • Jessica Lemmo
  • Jessica Lemmo

Italy, France, Spain & Ibiza

A beautiful Mediterranean story in two parts: a few days soaking in the architecture and culture of Barcelona, followed by a brilliant cruise through France, Italy, and Spain—complete with an overnight under the stars in Ibiza. Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
InsightsCalendarPhotos
  • Trip start
    July 19, 2026
    Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 1

    July 20 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Day 1 started bright and early — we landed in Barcelona at 6:45 am, dropped our luggage at the hotel, and headed straight out to explore. We wandered through markets, admired the architecture, stepped inside cathedrals, and got lost in the Gothic Quarter… which means my European‑alleyway obsession is already thriving.

    We ended the night with tapas, paella, and sangria — the perfect first day in one of our favorite cities to explore together. ❤️🍷✨    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 2

    July 21 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Day 2 didn’t go quite as planned — we were supposed to take the train to another town for a beach day, but major delays had other ideas. So we stayed local and spent the morning enjoying Barcelona’s beaches instead, soaking up the sun and the slow pace.

    After a quick lunch, we headed off for our couples massage (pure heaven), and then wandered over to Arenas de Barcelona — the circular building that’s now a shopping mall but was once a bullring. Bullfighting was banned in Catalonia in 2010, and the arena was transformed soon after.

    Another beautiful day together in this city we love. ❤️🌴🍷    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 3

    July 22 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We kicked off Day 3 with one of Barcelona’s icons — the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, including the Passion Towers, which give you those jaw‑dropping city views that make you forget how many stairs you climbed.

    Sagrada Família quick facts:
    • Designed by Antoni Gaudí, construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing.
    • The basilica blends Gothic and Modernisme architecture in a way only Gaudí could dream up.
    • The Nativity and Passion façades tell two different stories of Christ’s life — one joyful, one stark and dramatic.
    • When completed, it will have 18 towers, with the central Jesus tower reaching 172.5 meters, making it the tallest church in the world.
    • Gaudí is buried in the crypt, and the basilica was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    After soaking in the views, we grabbed brunch at Drops of Jupiter, which was exactly the cozy, delicious pause we needed. Then came some retail therapy, because wandering Barcelona without popping into shops is basically impossible.

    Next up was Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first major house — all bold colors, intricate tiles, and that early glimpse of the style he’d later become famous for.

    We spent the rest of the afternoon strolling through local neighborhoods, the kind with narrow streets, balconies overflowing with plants, and that perfect mix of everyday life and architectural magic.

    Dinner was at La Selva, where the vibe was fun and the food hit the spot. We wrapped up the night with ice cream, because that’s basically a vacation rule at this point, and headed back to rest up for another early morning adventure.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 4

    July 23 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Day 4 felt like stepping straight into one of Gaudí’s daydreams. We started our morning wandering through Park Güell, where everything looks like it was sketched by someone who refuses to believe in straight lines. Mosaic creatures, candy‑colored benches, elaborate gatehouses — it’s basically Barcelona’s version of a storybook hillside.

    After soaking up the sunshine and the views, we drifted back to the hotel and spent the afternoon lounging on the rooftop by the pool, the kind of lazy, golden moment that makes vacation time feel stretchy and slow in the best way.

    Then came Casa Batlló, where the walls curve, the windows glow, and the rooftop looks like a dragon decided to take a nap above Passeig de Gràcia. We explored every dreamy corner of the house and ended the evening with a concert on the rooftop, music floating over the city as night set on Barcelona.

    And tomorrow… we board the Scarlet Lady, ready for the next chapter - the cruise.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 5

    July 24 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    After a slow, cozy morning and a little retail therapy, we went in with a goal… and we totally scored. Nothing like starting a cruise with that perfect “found exactly what I wanted” energy.

    Then it was time to board the Scarlet Lady, where everything suddenly feels brighter, louder, and a little more sparkly. We’re officially sailing through Italy, Spain, and France — ready for beaches, good food, live music, and meeting new people who are also out here living their best vacation story.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 6

    July 25 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    We spent the day on the island of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and made our way over to Palma Nova Beach — warm sun, clear water, and that perfect “I could stay here forever” kind of afternoon.

    After heading back onboard, we had dinner at Extra Virgin, easily one of our top favorite restaurants on the ship. Then the night took off: drinks, live music, and the kind of easy fun that only happens on vacation.

    And just when we thought we’d call it a night…
    Klub Rubiks happened — not your average 80s party. Neon lights, throwback hits, singing, dancing, and staying up well past midnight like we were determined to out‑dance the decade.

    *Pretty sure the Mediterranean sun is officially lightening my hair — consider this my vacation‑powered highlight appointment.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 7

    July 26, Mediterranean Sea ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    Day 7 was a full sea day, and we woke up to big waves rolling outside and a gusty wind that made the whole ship feel like it was dancing its own slow waltz across the Mediterranean.

    We spent the day lounging in the sun, and thanks to that steady wind, we didn’t get hot once — the perfect mix of warm sunshine and breezy comfort that makes sea days relaxing.

    After a relaxing afternoon, we headed to dinner and a show. The best surprise? The performer we loved on our Greece/Turkey cruise last summer has switched ships and is now on ours — so we knew her show, Booked!, would be a highlight. And it absolutely was.

    We ended the night with a great windy sunset, the kind where the sky feels huge and the breeze keeps everything playful.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 8

    July 27 in France ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Day 8 brought us back to Cannes, but since we explored it just a couple weeks ago with the boys, we decided to make it a little adventure day for just the two of us. We hopped on the train and headed to Juan‑les‑Pins, a spot that feels like pure Riviera ease.

    We spent the day relaxing by the sea at the Tide Club, stretched out on sun loungers placed right where the waves roll up — the kind of setup that makes you forget what time it is. A long, lazy lunch, warm water, and that perfect French‑coast hush in the background.

    Back on the ship, we had dinner at Gumbae, the Korean BBQ spot — and yes, I won the drinking game at our shared table. A proud, unexpected cruise achievement.

    It was another wonderfully relaxing day.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 9

    July 28 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    Today’s port was Civitavecchia, Italy, and we hopped on an excursion that shuttles you into Rome, lets you explore on your own, and then gathers everyone back up later — about 1.5 hours each way, just enough time to remember how sprawling Italy really is.

    Since Andy and I have technically “done Rome” (even if it was almost 20 years ago), we skipped the full tour and wandered through our greatest‑hits playlist — all the iconic spots that fit perfectly within a reasonable walking timeframe. We started outside Vatican City & St. Peter’s Square, where the basilica dome rises above everything like Rome’s unofficial compass. From there, we drifted through Piazza Navona (once an ancient Roman stadium), then over to the Pantheon, which has stood for nearly 2,000 years with the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

    We tossed a coin at the Trevi Fountain, climbed the Spanish Steps, and ended at Piazza del Popolo, the grand northern gateway to the city since ancient times.

    Somewhere between piazzas, we did a little shopping and each treated ourselves to new wallets — mine even matches the purse I picked up in Paris, which feels like a tiny fashion triumph.

    For lunch, we stopped at Osteria del Tempo Perso, where we had caprese, carbonara, lasagna, and tiramisu — every single dish absolutely amazing. The kind of meal that makes you briefly consider never leaving Italy.

    And yes… the heat was intense again. Rome was serving full summer furnace mode. Thankfully, the city’s fresh, cold drinking fountains (a tradition dating back to the 1800s) are everywhere, and after surviving France’s heatwave, Andy and I came prepared with our water‑activated cooling hat/visor setup.

    Fun fact that feels less fun when you’re living it:
    Rome’s streets are paved with black volcanic cobblestones, originally quarried from nearby lava fields. They absorb heat like they’re auditioning to be actual lava, so walking around felt like strolling across a warm volcano — dramatic, but honestly accurate.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 10

    July 29 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Today’s port was Livorno, Italy, and while most people headed to Florence or Pisa, we decided to try something new since we’ve already explored Florence. Our excursion took us deep into the Tuscan countryside to the medieval villages of San Gimignano and Volterra, with a stop between the two at the beautiful Tenuta Torciano Cantina & Ristorante for an incredible wine tasting and farm‑to‑table multi‑course lunch. We both agreed it was one of the best excursions we’ve ever been on, shared with 12 other sailors who made the day even more fun.

    San Gimignano was our first stop, rising out of the hills with its iconic skyline of medieval towers — now 14 remain, earning it the nickname “Medieval Manhattan.” Its stone streets, artisan shops, and sweeping Tuscan views make it feel like a perfectly preserved Renaissance postcard. We did a bit of shopping here, picking up local artisan and regionally made items that we’ll use at home — the kind of pieces that feel special because they carry the spirit of the village.

    After exploring San Gimignano, we headed to Tenuta Torciano Cantina & Ristorante, a family‑run winery with more than 300 years of tradition. The estate is surrounded by vineyards, gardens, and rolling hills, and the hospitality was unforgettable — warm, funny, and full of Tuscan personality. Our wine tasting featured Chianti, Super Tuscan blends, Vernaccia, olive oils, and balsamic, all paired with a farm‑to‑table multi‑course lunch made entirely from ingredients grown or produced right on the property. The breads were baked fresh that morning, the cheeses came from the farm’s own milk, and the vegetables, herbs, and olive oils were harvested straight from their gardens. Every dish tasted like sunshine, soil, and tradition — rustic, generous, and absolutely delicious.

    Our final stop was Volterra, perched high above the countryside with roots stretching back over 3,000 years. The town is known for its Etruscan walls, alabaster workshops, atmospheric medieval streets, and its newly discovered Roman theater, uncovered only in recent years and revealing an entire ancient entertainment complex beneath the hillside. Volterra also has a long‑standing historic vampire lore, with legends woven into its medieval identity long before Twilight ever existed. And of course, for me — with my love of the Twilight series — getting to stand in the village named as the home of the Volturi was an extra fun bonus. Even though the movie filmed those scenes in another town about 1.5 hours away, the story places the Volturi in Volterra… and honestly, what media specialist wouldn’t love a good book tie‑in 🤪? We also did more shopping here, finding locally crafted pieces that feel like little treasures from the Tuscan hills.

    On the drive back, we even passed the Andrea Bocelli family estate, tucked into the countryside — a little unexpected bonus that made the ride home feel even more magical.

    It was a day of medieval towers, ancient stones, incredible wine, fresh‑from‑the‑farm food, artisan finds, and countryside magic — easily one of the best excursions of the entire trip.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 11

    July 30 in France ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Today’s port was Ajaccio, Corsica — France, and we kept the day simple and perfect. We walked over to a crystal‑clear beach where the water looked like glass and spent the morning relaxing in the sun. After that, we wandered through town, grabbed a little snack, and soaked in the easy coastal vibe before heading back to the ship.

    Tonight was Scarlet Night — Virgin Voyages’ iconic, ship‑wide red‑themed celebration. The whole ship transforms with sea‑creature mythology, pop‑up performances, bold costumes, dancing everywhere, and a massive pool party finale. It’s the night where everyone goes all‑in on red and the energy feels electric.

    And yes… I got picked by “Lola” to walk in the fashion show 🤪 But a certain someone took a picture of my runway moment instead of a video, so my big debut is forever frozen in time.

    Scarlet Night was still a blast — I even danced in the pool (and no, I was not one of the people who jumped all the way in). Just a classy little splash moment.

    Another sun‑soaked, sparkly day in France.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 12

    July 31 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    We arrived in Ibiza around 7 PM, and instead of easing into the evening… off we went to a nightclub — yes, you read that right. When in Ibiza, you lean in.

    We headed to Cova Santa, a stunning hillside venue built around a thousands‑year‑old limestone cave, with terraces carved into the mountain and glowing lights tucked into the rock. It feels part nightclub, part open‑air festival, part secret hideaway — the kind of place that looks like it shouldn’t exist, but somehow does.

    We were there for WooMooN, Cova Santa’s flagship, immersive, art‑driven party co‑created with the creative influence of Guy Laliberté, co‑founder of Cirque du Soleil. WooMooN blends music, performance art, storytelling, and surreal visuals into one big dreamlike experience — dancers appearing out of nowhere, ethereal lighting, live art, and a whole “world” built for one night only. It’s theatrical, wild, and totally Ibiza.

    Dancing under the stars at a cave‑club in the hills? Not something I expected to check off my list, but here we are.

    We’re docked overnight, so tomorrow we’ll explore Ibiza by daylight… but tonight was all about the WooMooN magic.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 12

    August 1 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Day 12 was our last full day, so we hopped off the ship and explored more of Ibiza — wandering sunny streets, grabbing little bites, and soaking in the island’s daytime charm before heading back to pack.

    But the night wasn’t over. We shared drinks with friends we’ve made along the way and listened to Daniel Park, an incredible performer who’s been a guest artist on Scarlet Lady for a month. His set was the perfect soundtrack for our “almost goodbye” evening.    Read more

  • Jessica LemmoItaly, France, Spain & IbizaJessica Lemmo

    Day 13

    August 2 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    At the airport today , they asked for volunteers to give up their seats — and we jumped on it. So instead of flying home, we scored airline credits, a hotel stay, and meals, which means one more unexpected night in Barcelona. Not mad about it.

    After volunteering to give up our seats and getting everything settled, we headed to the provided hotel and finally relaxed. We decided to skip the tourist rush and the hotel’s included dinner.

    Instead, Andy found the cutest little tapas spot tucked in a park by a pond near the hotel — quiet, charming, and exactly the kind of accidental gem you hope for on a surprise extra night. We had a great meal and headed back early because, honestly, we were wiped.    Read more

    Trip end
    August 3, 2026