2014

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

Renowned as Napoleon's birthplace, Ajaccio's many squares and plazas pay homage to the conqueror who never returned home. Located along Corsica's west coast, Ajaccio is a short drive away from hospitable beaches, soaring mountains and unforgettable gorges. Visitors to the town can walk along the quaint streets, stroll along its waterfront promenade or venture out of town to enjoy the island's natural beauty.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.