Istanbul to Barcelona Continental Quest 2013

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.

 

The town of Mitilini spreads upwards from the harbor into the hills, and is crowned by an enormous castle whose foundations were laid during the time of the Byzantine emperor Justinian. It is an excellent starting place for visits to picturesque mountain villages, their cobbled streets and pastel-hued houses set on pine and olive covered slopes, This is the real Greece, where life revolves around the village square, and much local flavor can be absorbed by spending time in the cafes that surround it. This is best accomplished over a glass of ouzo, the anise flavored spirit that is Greece’s most popular drink, and for which Lesbos is famous.

 

With its popular beaches and European-style shops and restaurants along the waterfront, Kusadasi is primarily regarded as a resort town frequented by cruise ships and populated by European holiday-goers. Kusadasi is a lively resort that has something to offer everyone. Whether you like exploring, relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches or snapping up a bargain, Kusadasi has it allPigeon Island, also known as Bird Island, is the symbol of Kusadasi and where the name Kusadasi (meaning Bird Island) originated from. Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary’s House The large set of Aegean ruins at Ephesus—including the House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and Temple of Artemis—lure travelers away from the city, as do the smaller but equally important sites at Priene, Didyma, and Miletus.

 

Agios Nikolaos is a medium-size town with a small-town feel, one that has lots to offer. You can walk and enjoy walking here, you have several distinct waterfronts - you can get to know it quickly and feel familiar with the place, like an old friend. The town has three faces to the sea: The Lake and port, Kitroplatia beach and the Marina. Its unique features, start with the lake ("Voulismeni"), a folklore-inspiringly deep body of water which is connected to the sea by a narrow inlet. It is surrounded and overlooked by cafes and restaurants - a busy gathering place for local residents and visitors alike.

 

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.

 

While Milan may be home to all things chic, Florence to all that is worthy in art and Rome to hisrical grandeur, Naples can outdo them all in one count with its sheer ‘Napoletanità’!Naples offers a mix of breathtaking beauty and a strong sense of life being lived to its limits. Squeezed between Vesuvius, Europe’s second-largest active volcano on one side and the sulphurous springs and boiling mud pools of the Flegrean fields on the other, Naples and its famous blue bay is a ‘must-see’ city along your cruise vacation.

 

Civitavecchia Port is located 70 km from Rome, the capital of Italy. ROME is like an open-air museum, with its thousands of years of history, cobblestone streets, and delicious Italian cuisine. The independent state of Vatican City, where the spiritual leader of Catholics—the Pope—resides, is situated within the city of Rome. Rome offers a rich architectural and historical experience, with must-see landmarks including the Roman Forum, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

 

 

The historic port city of Livorno is your gateway to Florence—the birthplace of the Renaissance—and to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. Florence, known as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, is a world-renowned tourist destination celebrated for its culture and architecture. Legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were raised in this historic city. Must-see landmarks in the city center include Piazza della Signoria, the Fountain of Neptune, the replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue David, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) over the Arno River, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (Duomo), the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, Santa Maria Novella, and the Bargello sculpture museum.
In Pisa, the square that houses four major monuments is filled with thousands of visitors throughout all seasons. First came the Cathedral, followed by the Tower, the Baptistery, and finally the Campo Santo. The approximately 55-meter-high tower didn’t lean later—it began construction in 1173, but wasn’t completed until 1372.

 

 

Casinos, super-yachts and movie stars – Monte Carlo is the capital of the tiny sovereign state of Monaco, located on France ’s Côte d'Azur. Monte-Carlo is a highly cultural vacation destination with many sights and will certainly offer a warm welcome to all visitors.

 

France’s second largest city and the capital of the Provence- Côte d'Azur region, the cosmopolitan city of Marseille lies on the southeast coast of France .
As France’s most important port, Marseille boasts connections with Africa, Italy and Spain. The strong mistral wind blows away all traces of pollution and provides a clarity of air so pure that many famous artists have been attracted to the city: Cézanne; Braque; Derain; Dufy and Marquet. Although Marseille is the economic and industrial capital of France , it manages to remain true to its own traditions and culture, reflected in the Marseille way of life and its numerous museums, theatres and opera houses

 

Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest and physical beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain." You're likely to agree. The city is a major cultural center with a fascinating history. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau décor and architecture.

 

Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest and physical beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain." You're likely to agree. The city is a major cultural center with a fascinating history. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau décor and architecture.