Published on
August 22, 2025
Italy, France, Spain, Albania, and Greece are transforming the way travelers experience the Mediterranean with Azamara’s revolutionary cultural exploration program. By offering immersive, local-centric experiences, Azamara goes beyond typical sightseeing, providing exclusive access to intimate tours, artisan workshops, and vibrant cultural events that allow guests to truly connect with the heart of each destination. With a focus on authenticity, these Mediterranean countries open up new dimensions of travel, inviting visitors to participate in off-the-beaten-path adventures, engage in seasonal traditions, and enjoy the cultural richness of these iconic locations during quieter, less crowded times. Azamara’s commitment to providing deep, meaningful travel experiences redefines how travelers can explore and embrace the true essence of these beautiful destinations.
Azamara Cruises, renowned for its Destination Immersion® concept and its distinctive focus on offering extended port stays with late nights and overnights, has unveiled the next evolution of its destination-centered experiences. The new initiative, Discover What the Locals Know, aims to transform the way travelers engage with ports of call, shifting the focus from simply visiting a destination to truly living it like a local.
This innovative program will be available to guests embarking on Azamara’s 2026-2027 Mediterranean voyages, spanning itineraries from autumn through spring. Travelers will be granted exclusive access to a diverse range of culturally immersive experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing. This includes intimate small-group tours led by local guides, VIP entry to renowned European film festivals, participation in artisan workshops, and curated culinary adventures featuring regional specialties. These experiences are designed to allow guests to explore destinations in a deeper, more personal way, especially during off-peak hours when crowds are less dense, and the authenticity of each place is at its peak.
A key component of this unique offering is Azamara’s hallmark late-night and overnight stays in port, which provide passengers with the freedom to explore each destination at their own pace. This allows for participation in seasonal traditions, visits to bustling winter markets, and an opportunity to connect with local communities in genuine, unforgettable ways. Whether wandering through a festive market or engaging with artisans, Azamara’s Discover What the Locals Know program invites travelers to truly experience a place as if they were part of it.
Here are some of the standout experiences guests can look forward to with this new program:
Festival dei Popoli in Florence – On the 7-Night Best of the Mediterranean Cruise, which includes stops in Florence, Genoa, and Marseille, guests will be treated to an intimate cinematic Enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of Florence’s iconic cinemas during the Festival dei Popoli. Locals gather here to view powerful documentaries and engage in thought-provoking discussions, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural scene.Maratona Belliniana in Catania – Guests on the 7-Night Best of the Mediterranean Cruise, visiting destinations such as Saranda, Catania, and the Amalfi Coast, will be able to partake During the citywide festivities honoring composer Vincenzo Bellini on November 3rd, Catania comes alive with Maratona Belliniana, a cherished annual event that invites visitors to dive deep into the city’s vibrant musical traditions. This homage provides a rare chance to immerse yourself in the deep cultural impact of Bellini’s enduring legacy.Seville’s European Film Festival – Travelers on the 9-Night Spain Intensive Cruise, which includes stops in Valencia, Cartagena, and Seville, will enjoy a double overnight stay in Seville. During their visit, guests can attend the Seville European Film Festival, where they’ll join locals in celebrating the creative energy and cultural significance of European cinema.Olive Harvest in Santa Margherita – On the 8-Night Italy Intensive Cruise, which includes calls at Portofino, Florence, and Porto Santo Stefano, guests can follow local traditions during the olive harvest. In the cool autumn air, they’ll harvest olives and visit a family-owned frantoio, where they can sample the first pressings of olive oil, straight from the source.The Piazza del Duomo Market in Florence – As part of the 7-night Christmas Cruise, which stops in Florence, Mahon, and Palma, guests have the chance to soak in the holiday spirit at the vibrant Piazza del Duomo Market in Florence. With handcrafted gifts, seasonal sweets, nativity displays, and performances by local choirs, this market offers a quintessential holiday experience that’s sure to enchant visitors.
The Discover What the Locals Know program also provides an exciting opportunity to explore some of the world’s most captivating destinations during the quieter months of the year. By offering guests the chance to experience a destination’s true essence without the crush of peak season crowds, Azamara sets a new standard in immersive travel. Whether it’s partaking in cultural festivals, exploring artisan traditions, or sampling local cuisine, Azamara’s enhanced offerings present an unparalleled way to engage with the world.
Azamara’s commitment to Destination Immersion® is strengthened through these exclusive cultural experiences, reinforcing the cruise line’s reputation as a leader in providing meaningful, culturally enriching travel. This evolution in their offerings further establishes Azamara as the ideal choice for culturally curious travelers looking for authentic and memorable connections with the destinations they visit.
Azamara’s groundbreaking cultural exploration program in Italy, France, Spain, Albania, and Greece offers travelers immersive, authentic experiences, allowing them to connect with local traditions, festivals, and hidden gems in these iconic Mediterranean destinations. Through intimate tours and off-the-beaten-path adventures, guests can truly experience the essence of each country beyond traditional sightseeing.
Azamara continues to redefine the cruise experience, giving guests the chance to not only visit the world’s most iconic ports but to live them in a way that’s as unique and intimate as the destinations themselves.
