2013

Rome is the capital of the Italian Republic.It is the city with the highest concentration of historical and architectural riches in the world. Its historical centre, outlined by the enclosing Aurelian Walls, layering nearly three thousand years of antiquity, is an invaluable testimony to the European western world’s cultural, artistic and historical legacy and in 1980 it was, together with the Holy See’s property beyond the confines of the Vatican State as well as the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List .

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

The great Rock of Gibraltar is a sight to behold. Made of limestone, it towers 1,400 feet above the mouth of the majestic Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a nature reserve.

 

Cádiz may be the oldest inhabited city in the western world, with more than 3,000 years of history. Located on the southern coast of Spain, it borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Christopher Columbus departed on two of his voyages to the New World from here. Cádiz quickly grew into a major city by importing gold and silver and exporting sherry and cork. By the 18th century, Cádiz had become the wealthiest port in Western Europe. This beautiful coastal city has been largely undiscovered by international tourists, but it is a popular destination for Spaniards in the summer and during Carnival in February and March.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

Sun-seekers head to Tenerife's southern beaches. The island also has historic towns, mountains, a towering volcano and a lively capital in Santa Cruz, where you can enjoy the waterfront promenade, museums and open-air cafes and bars.

 

Funchal, the largest city on Madeira island, is known as the "Floating Garden" because of its remarkable variety of vegetation, fruit, and flowers. Everywhere you look you'll find sprawling scenic splendor, from the deeply gouged cliffs to the lush, verdant valleys reminiscent of parts of Hawaii.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

A bustling coastal city and the capital of Costa del Sol, Málaga is the second largest port in Spain. One of the most interesting places to explore is the old historic quarter, which dates back nearly 800 years. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Málaga boasts miles of beautiful beaches, picturesque gardens and fantastic weather.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

Genoa is Italy's sixth largest city and a historical port city in northern Italy, the capital of the Region of Liguria.In ancient times it was the most important harbor of the Mediterranean sea and has a long history as a rich and powerful trade centre. Genova is also reknown for its excellent culinary product "pesto" and other typical and delicious dishes and food (notably fish, seafood, "focaccia", "farinata", "torta pasqualina", "cappon magro", etc.)

 

Rome is the capital of the Italian Republic.It is the city with the highest concentration of historical and architectural riches in the world. Its historical centre, outlined by the enclosing Aurelian Walls, layering nearly three thousand years of antiquity, is an invaluable testimony to the European western world’s cultural, artistic and historical legacy and in 1980 it was, together with the Holy See’s property beyond the confines of the Vatican State as well as the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List .

 

Located in northeastern Sicily on the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina is an ancient place with a fascinating history. Walk by the ruins of the Santa Maria Alemanna Church, built in 1220 A.D. You'll also want to see the Duomo, a Romanesque and Norman cathedral that includes a display of artifacts in its treasury.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.