2013

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.

 

The distinct Italian accent you'll find here is a remnant of the 2nd century B.C. Romans. Finding the climate and inland of what is now known as Provence so inviting, they stayed and Toulon didn't become part of France until the 15th century.

 

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.

 

Marvel at the collision of old-world charm and modern architectural genius in Valencia - Spain's gateway to the Mediterranean. Among the baroque cathedrals, bustling plazas and engineering masterpieces, you'll find friendly locals, inspired artists and a rich cultural heritage.

 

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.

 

Traces of ancient settlements are found all over the island of Sardinia: neolithic ruins at Nora; Phoenician, Cathaginian and Roman relics near Cagliari; and Arab, Genoese and Iberian heritage evident in architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. Cagliari, the capital, climbs a hillside overlooking the aptly named Gulf of Angels. In the old Castello Quarter, the streets are narrow and shaded and the buildings are old, but the beaches of Sardinia are wide and expansive, basking in the Mediterranean sun.

 

The tourist-friendly country of Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa and this compact little country has much to offer the holidaymaker.Tunisia’s neighbours include Libya to the southeast and Algeria to the west, with the Mediterranean Sea to north and east. French-speaking, Tunisia lies on Europe’s doorstep and the mix of European and African cultures makes for an exciting mix of history and architecture.

 

Palermo is the capital of the Italian island, Sicily, an island renowned as a vacation destination due to its great beauty and historical significance. Once an important Mediterranean centre, Palermo still displays the grandeur of its former greatness. Large, spacious and colourful, Palermo is set on the plain of Conca d'Oro (Golden Shell) between two magnificent headlands. The area has been dominated by many civilisations over the centuries, including the Romans, Carthaginians, Byzantines, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Swabians and the Spanish. Thanks to its eclectic past, Palermo offers an intriguing mix of cultures.

 

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.