Mediterranean Cruises 2018 - 2019

The Mediterranean city of Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second largest city. The sprawling metropolis is renowned for its captivating architecture, charming gothic quarters and the spectacular Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic Church masterminded by the great Antoni Gaudi, which has been under construction for more than a century. The cosmopolitan paradise is famous for its picturesque Barceloneta Riviera and the stunning marina.

• Stroll down the leafy Las Ramblas, intermittently sampling tapas, sipping sangria and marveling at the street artists
• Marvel at the medieval Barrio Gotic, Barcelona’s oldest and most charming neighborhood
• Admire the mosaic art and dreamlike architectural creations at the curious Park Guelle, one of Antoni Gaudi’s most significant works

Civitavecchia, itself a charming port city, is for cruise passengers the gateway to Rome. Founded in 753 BC, Rome is a historical and cultural powerhouse renowned for grand piazzas adorned with exquisite fountains, majestic cathedrals draped in dazzling Renaissance frescoes and an astonishing archaeological and cultural heritage.

• Try your luck by tossing a coin over your left shoulder into the iconic 17th century Fontana di Trevi, the largest Baroque fountain in Rome
• Step back in time as you wander the haunting ruins of the Roman Forum, the epicenter of ancient Rome
• Visit the Vatican City and discover world’s smallest city-state, home of the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling

Marseille is a bustling port city located on France’s Provencal Mediterranean coast. France’s second largest city is renowned for its dynamic multiculturalism and rich maritime history, with a wealth of historic landmarks, ancient cathedrals, edgy art museums and cultural scene to discover. The jewel of Marseille is the vibrant Vieux-Port, the city’s old town and harbor, which is adorned with lively bars, charming brasseries, and cute cafes.

• Explore the elegant 17th century Centre de la Vieille Charite, gorgeous neoclassical charity shelter built by local sculptor Pierre Puget
• Take a boat to the former island fortress-prison Chateau d’If, which has a claim to fame as the setting of Alexander Duma’s, The Count of Monte Cristo
• Take advantage of Marseille’s Mediterranean weather and discover the city’s historic landmarks and picturesque beaches with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour

Venice, the Floating City, is situated in Italy’s northeast over the Adriatic Sea. The lagoon city comprises of 118 islands and hundreds of canals, making it one of the most fascinating in the world. Narrow, twisted alleys, historic monuments, marble palaces, charming architecture, hidden squares and the city’s iconic gondolas characterize the unique atmosphere of this extraordinary city. A mild, Mediterranean climate makes Venice a fantastic cruise destination year-round.

• Take a cruise tour through Venice’s canals for ultimate view of the city
• Marvel at the spectacular mosaic art at the handsome San Marco Basilica
• Experience the epitome of elegant Al Fresco dining at a restaurant on the Grand Canal

Piraeus (Athens) is situated in southeastern Greece and is the Mediterranean’s most significant industrial and leisure port. Athens was first inhabited in the 5th century BC and boasts an incredible wealth of ancient landmarks, historic sites, spectacular architecture and grungy street culture.

• Marvel at the incredible Acropolis, arguably the most important ancient site in the West
• Catch a theatre or festival at the Herod Atticus Odean, an ancient outdoor auditorium built between 160-174 BC
• Wander the twisting, bougainvillea-lined alleys in the charming Plaka district, situated directly beneath the Acropolis

Genoa, the capital of Italy’s picturesque Liguria region, is the gateway to the glittering Italian Riviera. The bustling Mediterranean port city is renowned as the birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus and is riddled with historical wonders and architectural gems.

• Wind your way through the medieval old city’s Caruggi towards Via Garibaldi, where you can marvel at the grandeur of multiple palaces standing side by side
• Sample freshly caught fish and local seafood delicacies, such as Baccala and stockfish alla Genovese
• Enjoy a sunset stroll along Porto Antico, admiring the luxurious super yachts that adorn the stunning Riviera

Situated on Spain’s southern coast, Malaga is the jewel of Andalucía’s Costa del Sol. The glittering Mediterranean cruise destination lures visitors year-round with its warm climate, luxury resorts, beautiful beaches. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas, Malaga has an intriguing 2,800-year history, discoverable by the Moorish castles and Roman theatres that adorn the seaside metropolis.

• Visit the fabulous 16th century Gothic Catedral de Malaga and climb the 282ft high tower’s 200 steps to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city
• Wander through the medieval lanes of Malaga’s tastefully restored historical center, stopping by leafy squares lined with quaint coffee shops, unique boutiques and fine dining restaurants
• Marvel at the Moorish beauty of the 11th century Alcazaba palace-fortress, with its lush scenery, bubbling fountains, peaceful courtyards and charming horseshoe arches

Livorno is situated on Italy’s northwest Tuscan coast, a short train ride from Pisa or Florence. Known as the Venice of Tuscany for the Venetian canals that wind through the town’s historic quarter, Livorno lures tourists with its beautiful harbor, Renaissance-era fortifications, and delicious local gastronomy.

• Sample Livorno’s local seafood specialties, such as Cacciucco or Spadellata di Cozze e Vongole
• Watch a spectacular sunset from the Terrazzo Mascagni, a waterside promenade laid with a distinctive checkerboard paving
• Take the road less traveled and venture south along the Viale Italia to discover dramatic coastlines and beautiful secluded beaches

Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is situated on Croatia’s southern Adriatic coast. The top cruise destination features an enchanting old town where white limestone streets, stunning Baroque architecture and romantic, twisting alleyways await your discovery, all of which are protected by the city’s iconic ancient city walls. Dubrovnik has recently exploded with popularity as the set of King’s Landing in cult series, Game of Thrones.

• Dive into the glittering turquoise waters of Banje Beach
• Take a cable car up Mount Srd for spectacular views of the city
• Step back in time with a stroll around Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls

Cádiz is situated on the southeastern coast of Spain. The Andalusian city is one of Europe’s oldest, with Cádiz’s old town possessing more than 3,000 years of history with well-preserved ancient walls, Medieval churches, Arabic forts, Roman palaces, and imposing watchtowers. Stretched along the region of Costa de Luz, Càdiz offers amazing beaches which are ideal for water sports, swimming or simply relaxing. Càdiz is a perfect year-round destination especially during the Carnival of Càdiz, a lavish celebration that lasts 11 days in February.

• Make like the locals and stroll along the picturesque seafront promenade Alameda de Apodaca at sunset and watch the sun melt into the sea
• Explore the picturesque market squares, winding alleyways, charming restaurants and cute cafes in 13th century El Pópulo, Cádiz’s oldest barrio
• Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of Tower Tavira, the highest tower in Cádiz’s old town

Naples, Italy’s third largest city, is nestled between the Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius. A city of contrasts, Naples is rich with archaeological treasures, edgy alternative districts, fresco-filled cathedrals, Michelin starred restaurants, lavish palaces street art murals, and ancient fortresses. The city is best known as the birthplace of pizza and for the ruins of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed by Mt Vesuvius in AD 79.

• Marvel at the award-winning Toledo Metro Art Station, featuring a dazzling sea of blue mosaics
• Discover rare Graeco-Roman and Renaissance artifacts at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale
• Admire the frescos by Domenichino and Giovanni Lanfranco inside the Cathedral di San Gennaro

Palma de Mallorca lies on the southern coast of the western Mediterranean island of Mallorca. The beautiful Balearic island lures visitors to its glittering shores year-round with its mild climate, stunning wilderness, picturesque beaches and charming villages. A hugely multicultural city with a complex cultural history, Mallorca is popular party island with a number of resorts catering to English, Russian, German and Italian tourists.

• Get wonderfully lost wandering the cobbled streets, ancient passages, historic monuments and leafy piazzas in Palma’s old town
• Marvel at the magnificent 14th gothic Cathedral La Seu from the grassy banks of the lake
• Sample tapas and sangria in the elegant Santa Catalina district, the epicenter of upscale boutiques, charming restaurants and vibrant nightlife

The port city of Kotor lies at the southeastern end of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. The city is surrounded by up 2000 meter high mountains. In 1979 the city was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The 4.5 km long city wall and the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Tryphon Kotor are among the attractions. Kotor is an incredible historic city with several cathedrals and churches in the older part of the city.

• Explore the Maritime Museum
• Experience the 'Town Walls' at night
• Walk the mountain Lovcen and explore the different parks

The second largest of the seven Ionian Islands, Corfu, is often referred to as 'the green island'. Among the attractions of Corfu is the Achilleion, a palace of the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, the old town and the viewing point 'Bella Vista' at Paleokastitsa. In the centre of Corfu is the Panagia Spiliotissa Catherdral and Platiteraklooster.

• Visit the fishing village with incredible beaches
• Climb Mount Pantokrator
• Explore the palace of St Michael and St George

Valletta, situated on Malta’s northeast coast, is bordered by two beautiful natural harbors. The stunning city is the smallest capital of the European Union and offers a spectacular variety of sightseeing and landmarks. Architecturally magnificent buildings, gigantic fortress walls and historic bastions dot the ancient city, which also features charming cafes, boutiques and vibrant bars which line quaint cobblestoned streets. The country’s Mediterranean climate is superb year-round, making Valetta the ultimate cruise destination.

• Take a dip in the glittering waters of the spectacular Blue Lagoon, located on nearby Gozo island
• Indulge in Malta’s delicious traditional cuisine, such as Lampuki Pie, Rabbit Stew or Maltese Pastizzi
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