2015

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.

 

Throughout history, from Romans to Arabs, from Turks to Normans and St. It has hosted many cultures and civilizations until the Knights of St. John, and today it bears the traces of these cultures. Destroyed by bombings during the Second World War, Valletta regained its old architectural texture with successive repairs. The houses with bay windows, narrow streets, palaces, churches and cathedrals form the eye-catching architectural texture of the city. Another striking feature of the houses made of yellow malt stone are the door handles and the decorations and lanterns on the door edges. Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a very busy and lively city.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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 .