The WanderWise Guide to the Mediterranean on Points
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Somewhere between the second glass of Provençal rosé and the sunset turning the Aegean the color of ripe apricots, a thought arrives — quietly, like the breeze off the water: This is what I retired for.
The Mediterranean does that. It doesn't shout. It seduces. A long lunch in Barcelona that becomes an afternoon. A morning in Dubrovnik where the old town walls glow so impossibly golden you stop trusting your own eyes. A fishing village on the Amalfi Coast where someone's grandmother is hanging laundry between buildings that have been standing since the Renaissance, and you realize you've been staring for ten minutes and nobody minds.
This isn't one destination — it's twenty countries sharing the same impossibly blue sea, each offering a different version of the good life. And for points-savvy travelers over 55, the Mediterranean is where strategy meets splendor. The flights are coveted but bookable. The hotels range from Hyatt beachfront gems to Marriott palace conversions. And the choice between a cruise and a land-based itinerary is less about budget than about the kind of traveler you want to be.
Let's plan the big one.
Cruise vs. Land-Based: The Mediterranean Decision
Before we talk points and programs, let's talk philosophy — because this choice shapes everything.
The Case for a Mediterranean Cruise
Choose a cruise if:
- You want to see five or six countries without repacking your suitcase
- You prefer one price covering meals, transport, and entertainment
- Port days with curated excursions appeal more than navigating local buses
- You're traveling as a group or multigenerational family (grandkids love cruise ships)
- It's your first Mediterranean trip and you want an overview before committing to deep dives
The reality check: Cruise ports give you 8–12 hours in each city. That's enough to see the highlights of Barcelona or the Acropolis, but not enough to get lost in a neighborhood, find a local trattoria, or wake up to church bells in a hillside village. Cruises are wide. Land travel is deep.
The Case for Land-Based Travel
Choose land-based if:
- You'd rather spend three days in Florence than three hours
- You want to sleep in boutique hotels, converted farmhouses, or cliffside villas
- Local trains, scenic drives, and unexpected detours sound like the trip, not a departure from it
- You've cruised the Med before and want to go deeper
- Points for hotels and flights are your primary currency (cruises are harder to cover entirely on points)
The Points Verdict
Here's the honest truth: land-based Mediterranean travel is dramatically better for points optimization. You can cover flights in business class using transferable points. You can book Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG hotels across the region for pennies on the dollar. You control every variable.
Cruises are harder to cover with points — most cruise lines don't have loyalty point partnerships. The WanderWise strategy for cruises: use points for business class flights to/from Europe (saving $4,000–$10,000 for two), book pre- and post-cruise hotel nights on points, and pay cash for the cruise itself, often with early-booking promotions or onboard credits.
Both are magnificent. We'll cover strategies for both below.
Getting There: Flights to the Mediterranean on Points
The Mediterranean spans from Lisbon to Istanbul, which means your gateway city depends on your itinerary. The major hubs with the best award availability:
Best Gateway Cities
| City | Airport | Why Start Here | Best Award Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona (BCN) | El Prat | Western Med hub; train connections to southern France | Direct from US on many carriers |
| Rome (FCO) | Fiumicino | Central Med; Italy + Greece access | United, ITA Airways nonstops |
| Athens (ATH) | Eleftherios Venizelos | Greek Islands gateway | Connects via European hubs |
| Lisbon (LIS) | Humberto Delgado | Western gateway; TAP nonstops from US | TAP via Star Alliance |
| Istanbul (IST) | Istanbul Airport | Eastern Med gateway; Turkish Airlines hub | Excellent TK business class |
| Nice (NCE) | Côte d'Azur | French Riviera; Monaco, Provence | Via connecting hubs |
Business Class Sweet Spots
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip, per person) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US → Barcelona/Rome/Athens | Avianca LifeMiles (via Chase/Amex) | 63,000–87,000 | $3,500–$7,000 | Fixed pricing on Star Alliance carriers |
| US → Istanbul | Turkish Miles&Smiles (via Citi ThankYou) | 90,000 | $4,000–$8,000 | TK business class is world-class; flat beds, lounge |
| US → Rome | Aeroplan (via Chase/Amex) | 70,000–100,000 | $4,000–$7,000 | ITA Airways or Air Canada connecting |
| US → Athens | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 77,000–120,000 | $4,000–$7,000 | Dynamic pricing; book early for lower rates |
| US → Nice | Flying Blue (via Chase/Amex) | 72,000–106,000 | $3,500–$6,500 | Air France via Paris CDG |
| Any US City → Any Med Gateway | Capital One Miles | Varies | Varies | Portal booking at 1¢/mile; simple but lower value |
The WanderWise move: For a multi-country Mediterranean trip, book an open-jaw itinerary — fly into one city, out of another. Example: fly into Barcelona, travel east along the coast through southern France and Italy, and fly home from Rome or Athens. This eliminates backtracking and lets you experience the Mediterranean as a journey, not a loop. Most award programs allow open-jaw bookings at the same price as round trips.
Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Avianca LifeMiles for fixed-rate business class at 63,000 miles per person one-way on Star Alliance carriers. That's your power move — it works on Lufthansa, Swiss, TAP, Turkish, United, and dozens more, all at the same predictable price.
Taxes and fees: European award flights carry fuel surcharges that vary wildly by carrier. Book on United metal or Turkish Airlines to minimize surcharges. Avoid booking British Airways or Lufthansa through their own programs — the surcharges can exceed $500 per ticket.
Best Mediterranean Ports and Regions
The Western Mediterranean
Spain's Costa Brava & Barcelona: Barcelona is the classic Mediterranean entry point — Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter, and the Boqueria market. But the magic multiplies when you venture up the Costa Brava: Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués (where Dalí painted), and Girona's medieval old town. The AVE high-speed train connects Barcelona to Madrid in 2.5 hours if you want an inland detour.
The French Riviera: Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco — the names alone evoke something. The reality lives up to it. Stay in Nice (far more affordable than Cannes or Monaco), take the coastal train to the hilltop villages of Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and spend at least one afternoon watching the world's most expensive yachts from a €5 café terrace.
The Italian Riviera & Amalfi Coast: Cinque Terre's five pastel villages clinging to cliffs. Portofino's postcard harbor. The Amalfi Coast drive from Sorrento to Positano — arguably the most beautiful road in Europe. And then there's Capri, a quick ferry from Sorrento, where the Blue Grotto justifies every superlative ever written about the Mediterranean.
The Central Mediterranean
Rome, Florence, and Tuscany: The eternal city needs no introduction, but it does need a pacing strategy. Three days in Rome, two in Florence, and two days in the Tuscan countryside (Siena, San Gimignano, Val d'Orcia) is the ideal rhythm. Italy's Frecciarossa high-speed trains connect Rome to Florence in 90 minutes for as little as €20 when booked early.
Sicily and Malta: For travelers who've done the Italian mainland, Sicily is the revelation — Greek temples, Arab-Norman architecture, Europe's largest active volcano, and arguably Italy's best street food. Malta, a quick flight from Sicily, packs 7,000 years of history into an island smaller than most US counties.
The Eastern Mediterranean
Greece and the Islands: Athens is the gateway, the Acropolis is non-negotiable, and the islands are the prize. Santorini and Mykonos get the fame, but Crete, Naxos, and Milos offer the same blue-white beauty with fewer crowds and lower prices. Greek island-hopping is one of travel's great pleasures — Blue Star Ferries connects the major islands, and domestic flights on Aegean Airlines are cheap and quick.
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar have emerged as Mediterranean stars in the last decade. The old towns are UNESCO-worthy, the Adriatic is crystalline, and prices are 30–50% less than equivalent Italian or French coastline. Dubrovnik to Split is a gorgeous 4-hour drive or a scenic ferry ride.
Turkey's Turquoise Coast: From Istanbul (which alone deserves a week) to the Lycian Coast — Bodrum, Fethiye, and Kaş. Turkey offers five-star Mediterranean quality at three-star prices, and Turkish Airlines' business class (bookable via Miles&Smiles or Avianca LifeMiles) is one of the best ways to cross the Atlantic.
Where to Stay: Hotels Across the Mediterranean on Points
The Mediterranean's hotel landscape is rich across all major loyalty programs.
Hyatt — The Sweet Spots
| Hotel | Location | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Mallorca | Spain | 25,000–35,000 | $500–$900 | Beachfront on a private cove; pure Mediterranean luxury |
| Grand Hyatt Athens | Greece | 17,000–25,000 | $300–$500 | Rooftop pool with Acropolis views; excellent value |
| Park Hyatt Istanbul | Turkey | 17,000–25,000 | $350–$600 | Bosphorus views; where East meets West, literally |
| Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée | France | 17,000–25,000 | $300–$550 | Art Deco landmark on the Promenade des Anglais |
| Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid | Spain | 12,000–18,000 | $200–$350 | Heart of Madrid; budget-friendly on points |
The WanderWise move: The Grand Hyatt Athens at 17,000–25,000 points per night is a spectacular redemption — a modern luxury hotel with a rooftop pool overlooking the Acropolis, in a city where the surrounding restaurants charge €12 for a meal that would cost $40 in most European capitals. Three nights here costs 51,000–75,000 Hyatt points (transferred from Chase UR), saving $900–$1,500.
Marriott Bonvoy — Depth Across the Region
| Hotel | Location | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Arts Barcelona (Ritz-Carlton) | Spain | 60,000–85,000 | $500–$900 | Beachfront tower; Frank Gehry fish sculpture nearby |
| Mystique Santorini (Luxury Collection) | Greece | 50,000–70,000 | $600–$1,200 | Cliffside in Oia; the Santorini fantasy |
| St. Regis Rome | Italy | 70,000–100,000 | $700–$1,500 | Grand dame hotel near the Spanish Steps |
| JW Marriott Cannes | France | 50,000–70,000 | $400–$800 | Film festival glamour; Croisette location |
| W Istanbul | Turkey | 35,000–50,000 | $250–$500 | Historic Akaretler Row; rooftop bar with Bosphorus views |
IHG — The Value Plays
| Hotel | Location | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace | Italy | 50,000–70,000 | $350–$600 | Via Veneto; La Dolce Vita territory |
| InterContinental Athenaeum Athens | Greece | 40,000–60,000 | $250–$450 | Excellent central location |
| Hotel Indigo Rome - St. George | Italy | 30,000–45,000 | $200–$350 | Boutique gem near Piazza Navona |
| Kimpton Vividora Barcelona | Spain | 30,000–45,000 | $200–$400 | Gothic Quarter; rooftop pool |
The WanderWise approach: For a multi-country Mediterranean trip, don't lock yourself into one loyalty program. Use Hyatt points (via Chase UR) where the sweet spots are strongest — Athens, Mallorca, Istanbul. Use Marriott for iconic properties like the Mystique Santorini. Fill gaps with IHG or cash at local boutique hotels. The Mediterranean's charm is partly in the family-run pensiones and converted villas that no loyalty program can replicate — budget one or two cash nights at places with character.
The Seasonal Strategy
Mediterranean timing matters more than almost any other destination. Get it right and you'll have warm evenings, manageable crowds, and lower award availability competition. Get it wrong and you'll be sweating through the Acropolis with 10,000 other people.
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Points Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder (Best) | May–mid-June | Warm (70–80°F), low humidity | Moderate | Best award availability; hotels at standard rates |
| Shoulder (Best) | Mid-Sept–Oct | Warm (70–85°F), sea still swimmable | Moderate | Excellent value; many cruise lines offer deals |
| Peak | July–August | Hot (85–100°F), humid in some areas | Extreme | Hardest to find award space; highest hotel point costs |
| Off-Season | Nov–March | Mild to cool (50–65°F), some rain | Minimal | Lowest point costs; many island hotels/restaurants close |
The WanderWise move: Late September through mid-October is the Mediterranean's magic window. The summer hordes have gone home. The sea is still warm enough for swimming (it retains summer heat into October). Restaurant owners and hotel staff are relaxed and generous — they've survived the rush and they're glad you came. Flights are easier to book on points, hotels drop to standard award rates, and the light turns golden. If you can travel in October, travel in October.
The 14-Day Multi-Country Mediterranean Itinerary
This itinerary hits three countries and four islands of Mediterranean character, moving west to east at a civilized pace. Designed for travelers who want depth without exhaustion.
Days 1–3: Barcelona, Spain
Stay: Kimpton Vividora Barcelona (30,000–45,000 IHG points/night) or Hotel Arts (60,000–85,000 Bonvoy/night)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive BCN. Settle into your hotel. Walk Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter | La Boqueria market for lunch; explore the Born neighborhood | Tapas crawl in El Born — patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, cava |
| 2 | Sagrada Familia (book timed entry in advance); Park Güell | Barceloneta Beach; seaside lunch | Dinner at Cal Pep or Can Culleretes (Barcelona's oldest restaurant, since 1786) |
| 3 | Day trip to Montserrat monastery (1 hr by train) — the mountain views are extraordinary | Return to Barcelona; siesta | Farewell dinner in the Eixample district |
Barcelona tip for 55+ travelers: The Gothic Quarter's narrow, shaded streets are blissfully cool even in warm weather. The metro is clean, efficient, and has elevators at most stations. Sagrada Familia requires advance timed tickets — book 2–4 weeks ahead. If mobility is a concern, the guided tour includes an elevator to the towers.
Days 4–5: French Riviera
Travel: Morning TGV train from Barcelona to Nice (6.5 hours, scenic coastal route through southern France — or fly, 1.5 hours, often bookable on Avios or Flying Blue miles)
Stay: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée (17,000–25,000 Hyatt points/night)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Arrive Nice. Walk the Promenade des Anglais; Old Town for socca (chickpea crêpe) and salade niçoise | Matisse Museum or Chagall Museum (both are small, unhurried, perfect) | Dinner on Cours Saleya; the flower market becomes a restaurant strip at night |
| 5 | Train to Èze village (20 min) — a medieval hilltop overlooking the sea; the Exotic Garden has staggering views | Train to Monaco (10 min from Èze); walk the casino square, the palace, the oceanographic museum | Return to Nice for a final Riviera sunset |
Days 6–9: Italy — Rome and the Amalfi Coast
Travel: Morning flight from Nice to Rome (1.5 hours; book on ITA Airways via Avianca LifeMiles or Aeroplan, 10,000–15,000 miles one-way)
Stay: Hotel Indigo Rome - St. George (30,000–45,000 IHG points/night) — 2 nights Rome; then 2 nights Amalfi Coast (cash, boutique hotel)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Arrive Rome. Pantheon, Piazza Navona | Trastevere neighborhood — the most charming quarter for wandering and lunch | Dinner near Campo de' Fiori |
| 7 | Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (book first-entry tickets for 7:30 AM — you'll have the Sistine Chapel nearly to yourself) | Colosseum and Roman Forum (book timed entry) | Dinner in Testaccio — Rome's foodie neighborhood |
| 8 | Train to Sorrento (1 hr 10 min on the Frecciarossa to Naples, then Circumvesuviana to Sorrento). Settle into Amalfi Coast base | Afternoon: explore Sorrento's lemon-grove-lined streets | Dinner overlooking the Bay of Naples |
| 9 | Amalfi Coast day: Bus or boat to Positano and Amalfi town. The coastal road is vertigo-inducing and gorgeous | Lunch in Positano (expensive but unforgettable) | Return to Sorrento; optional evening ferry to Capri for the sunset |
Italy tip for 55+ travelers: The Amalfi Coast involves narrow roads, steep stairs, and hilltop villages. Sorrento is the most accessible base — flat town center, easy ferry connections, and lower-stress than staying in Positano itself. The SITA bus along the Amalfi Coast is an adventure (hairpin turns over cliffs), but private drivers are available for €150–€250/day and worth every cent for comfort and flexibility.
Days 10–14: Greece — Athens and Santorini
Travel: Morning flight from Naples to Athens (2 hours; Aegean Airlines or Volotea, bookable on Aegean miles or as a cheap cash fare — often under €60)
Stay: Grand Hyatt Athens (17,000–25,000 Hyatt points/night) — 2 nights Athens; Mystique Santorini (50,000–70,000 Bonvoy/night) or boutique hotel — 3 nights Santorini
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Arrive Athens. Settle in. Walk the Plaka neighborhood beneath the Acropolis | Acropolis and Acropolis Museum (late afternoon light is best; fewer crowds after 3 PM) | Dinner in Monastiraki with Acropolis views |
| 11 | National Archaeological Museum (one of the world's great museums) | Lunch in Psyrri neighborhood; explore the Central Market | Sunset cocktails at the Grand Hyatt rooftop pool; farewell Athens dinner |
| 12 | Fly to Santorini (45 min from Athens; book Aegean Airlines or use Aeroplan miles). Check in to your hotel in Oia or Imerovigli | Afternoon: walk the caldera path from Fira to Oia (3 hours, stunning, mostly flat with some steps) | The famous Oia sunset — yes, it lives up to the hype |
| 13 | Morning: Red Beach or Perissa Black Sand Beach | Afternoon: wine tasting at Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery (caldera views while you sip) | Dinner in Oia — Ammoudi Bay's waterfront tavernas serve fish pulled from the Aegean that morning |
| 14 | Morning: Akrotiri archaeological site (the "Pompeii of the Aegean" — a Bronze Age city preserved under volcanic ash) | Afternoon: final swim, final glass of Assyrtiko wine | Evening: fly from Santorini to Athens, connect home — or extend your trip |
The Points Budget: What This Trip Actually Costs
Complete breakdown for two travelers, 14-day Mediterranean itinerary:
Flights
| Segment | Program | Points (for 2) | Cash Taxes/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| US → Barcelona (Business Class) | Avianca LifeMiles (via Chase/Amex) | 126,000 | $200–$400 |
| Athens → US (Business Class) | Avianca LifeMiles | 126,000 | $200–$400 |
| Nice → Rome | Cash or 20,000–30,000 miles (various) | 20,000 | $50–$100 |
| Naples → Athens | Cash fare | — | $120–$200 |
| Athens → Santorini | Cash fare or Aegean miles | — | $80–$150 |
| Flight Total | ~272,000 | $650–$1,250 |
Hotels
| Property | Nights | Program | Points (1 room) | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimpton Vividora Barcelona | 3 | IHG | 105,000 | $700–$1,200 |
| Hyatt Regency Nice | 2 | Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 40,000 | $600–$1,100 |
| Hotel Indigo Rome | 2 | IHG | 70,000 | $450–$700 |
| Amalfi Coast boutique | 2 | Cash | — | $300–$500 |
| Grand Hyatt Athens | 2 | Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 40,000 | $600–$1,000 |
| Santorini boutique or Bonvoy | 3 | Cash or Bonvoy | 0–180,000 | $600–$2,400 |
| Hotel Total | 14 | 255,000–435,000 | $3,250–$6,900 |
Trip Summary
| Category | Points Used | Cash Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Business Class + intra-Europe) | ~272,000 (LifeMiles + misc.) | $650–$1,250 |
| Hotels (Hyatt, IHG, cash mix) | ~255,000–435,000 | $900–$2,900 |
| Dining, wine, activities, museum entries | — | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Local transport (trains, ferries, taxis) | — | $500–$800 |
| Total | 527,000–707,000 points | $3,550–$7,450 |
| Cash equivalent of same trip | $20,000–$35,000 | |
| You saved | $15,000–$28,000 |
Reality check: That's a lot of points for a 14-day multi-country trip. But consider: this represents two to three years of strategic credit card earning for a couple. And you're getting a business-class, luxury-hotel Mediterranean odyssey for the cost of a long weekend at a US beach resort. The math works.
How to Earn These Points
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (each spouse): 160,000 Chase UR total → 80,000 to Hyatt (Athens + Nice), 80,000 to LifeMiles (flights)
- Chase Ink Business Preferred (one card): 100,000 Chase UR → transfer to LifeMiles for remaining flight points
- IHG Premier (one card): 140,000 IHG points → Barcelona and Rome hotels
- Amex Gold (one card): 60,000 MR → transfer to LifeMiles to top off flight bookings
- Normal spending accumulation over 12–18 months fills remaining gaps
Timeline: A couple earning through four sign-up bonuses and everyday spending can realistically accumulate all required points within 12–18 months.
The Cruise Alternative: Mediterranean on the Water
If you've chosen the cruise route, here's how to maximize your points alongside it.
Best Mediterranean Cruise Lines for 55+ Travelers
| Cruise Line | Style | Price Range (per person, 10–14 days) | WanderWise Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viking Ocean | Cultural, included excursions, all-balcony | $5,000–$10,000 | Best for first-time Mediterranean cruisers; enrichment lectures, no kids |
| Oceania | Fine dining, destination-focused | $4,500–$9,000 | "Finest cuisine at sea"; smaller ships |
| Celebrity | Premium mainstream, modern luxury | $3,000–$7,000 | Excellent value; good spa and dining |
| Holland America | Classic, enrichment-focused | $2,500–$5,500 | Strong 55+ following; Music Walk, America's Test Kitchen |
| Azamara | Boutique, longer port stays | $4,000–$8,000 | Later departures and overnight stays in port — see cities at night |
The WanderWise cruise strategy:
- Book business class flights on points (saving $4,000–$10,000 for two)
- Book pre-cruise hotel night(s) on points in your embarkation city
- Book post-cruise hotel night(s) on points in your disembarkation city
- Pay cash for the cruise — watch for early-booking deals and onboard credit promotions
- Use a credit card that earns bonus points on travel purchases (Chase Sapphire Reserve at 3x, Amex Platinum at 5x on airfare) to earn points while paying for the cruise
Net effect: A couple doing a 12-day Viking Mediterranean cruise with business class flights and pre/post hotel nights might spend $6,000–$10,000 out of pocket instead of $18,000–$28,000 all-cash. Points handle the most expensive components — the transatlantic flights and the European hotel nights — where they deliver the most value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mediterranean country is best for a first visit?
Italy. It has the deepest combination of history, food, art, and scenery. Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast is the classic first itinerary, and points availability across Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott is strong throughout Italy. Greece is a close second — especially if you're drawn to islands and ancient history.
Is the Mediterranean safe for older travelers?
Extremely. Western and Southern European countries consistently rank among the world's safest destinations. Standard travel precautions apply — watch for pickpockets in major tourist areas (Barcelona's Las Ramblas, Rome's Colosseum area, Athens's Monastiraki) and use hotel safes for valuables. Violent crime affecting tourists is exceptionally rare.
How far in advance should I book award flights to Europe?
For business class, 10–11 months in advance gives you the best selection. Airlines release award seats at the opening of their booking window. For economy, 3–6 months is usually sufficient. September–October shoulder season flights are easier to find than July–August peak.
Can I island-hop in Greece using points?
Domestic Greek flights are cheap enough to pay cash ($40–$80 on Aegean Airlines or Sky Express), but you can also use Aegean's Miles+Bonus program or transfer Aeroplan points to book domestic hops. Ferries are the more atmospheric option — Blue Star and SeaJets connect the Cycladic islands, and the journey itself is part of the experience.
What about travel insurance for a multi-country trip?
Essential. A 14-day, multi-country trip needs comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss across all countries visited. Many premium credit cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) include trip cancellation and travel medical insurance when you book travel on the card — even if you're using points for the flight and just paying the taxes. Check your card benefits before purchasing separate coverage.
Your Next Step
The Mediterranean isn't a single trip — it's a lifetime of trips disguised as one sea. Barcelona this year, the Greek Islands next, Turkey the year after. Each visit peels back another layer, and the points you're earning today fund the next chapter.
This is the trip your retirement was made for. And when business class flights, palace hotels, and two weeks across three countries costs you less than a single week would at full price — that's not just smart travel. That's the WanderWise way.
Ready to plan your Mediterranean odyssey?
- 📊 Take our Travel Score Quiz to see your points potential
- ✈️ Read our Business Class to Europe guide
- 💳 Read our Best Cards for 55+ guide
- 🇵🇹 Already know your first stop? Read our Portugal, Greece, Spain, or Italy destination guides
- 🌊 Download our free Mediterranean on Points Planner (PDF) — enter your email
- 💬 Join the WanderWise Facebook Group and tell us: cruise or land-based?
All point values are approximate and based on current program pricing as of early 2026. Award availability and point costs fluctuate — always check current rates before booking. Hotel points categories may vary seasonally. Intra-European flight prices are estimates and vary by date and booking window. WanderWise may earn a commission from credit card links; see our affiliate disclosure for details.