Istanbul to Rome Treasures And Monuments 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.

 

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.

 

This island is celebrated for its natural beauty and delightful climate. Its most outstanding site is the Acropolis of Lindos; take a donkey trek to the site and pass charming whitewashed cottages on the way. The island's capital city is ringed with more than two miles of 15th-century walls. Most excursions include the medieval castle and Turkish market

 

Here on the island of Santorini, you'll find a classic Greek seascape-whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. Ride a donkey up the trail to the city of Thira or take a cable car. The views from Thira, set atop a ledge overlooking the sea, are stirring. Most ships allow just enough time here to wander the streets, admire the churches and browse the shops and cafes.

 

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.

 

Kefalonia is located on the West coast of Greece, and has a mild climate along with excellent beaches.

 

This locale requires a camera with lots of memory. Wedged into the mouth of a ravine, encircled by sheer cliffs and facing blue waters, it is hard to believe that this tranquil little town was once a great naval power. Now terraced hillsides support the lemon groves vital to the production of limoncello liqueur, which you must taste, if only to fortify yourself for a not-to-be-missed foray along the Amalfi Drive, a thrilling ride snaking along hillsides past unbelievably stunning views of other pastel hamlets perched above the sea.

 

Olbia is a town on the Italian island of Sardinia, located to the northeast of the country. Called ‘Olbia’ in Roman times, ‘Civita’ in the Middle Ages and then ‘Terranova Pausania’ the name Olbia – which means ‘happy town’ was restored after the 1940s.Olbia is the economic hub of this part of the island and is close to the ‘Costa Smeralda’ (Emerald Coast) holiday destination. During the 1960’s, Prince Aga Kahn was so struck by the natural beauty of this stretch of coasts that he purchased over 3,000 hectares of land on which to build the island’s first hotels. However, the Costa Smeralda remains unspoilt and is still one of the most beautiful stretches of the Mediterranean.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.