2012

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 city of Nice is situated at the foot of the Alps. This jewel of the French Riviera is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels and terraced cafés. Stroll the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais or see masterpieces by Matisse, Renoir, Monet and Chagall in one of Nice's many museums.

 

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.

 

The culture and style of Ibiza is as varied as its pronunciation ("e-vee-tha" or "e-bee-tha" or "e-bee-zha," depending on where you're from). And you'd be hard-pressed to find such a cosmopolitan mix outside Paris or Manhattan. Ibiza attracts all sorts of people with its vibrant nightlife, gorgeous beaches and perfect Mediterranean climate.

 

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.

 

Catania, an historic city on the Italian island of Sicily is commonly known as the ‘Milan of the South’, but what is different from its Northern Italian sister city is that Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna, enjoys a sunny southern Mediterranean climate and is surrounded by orange trees and olive groves.

 

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.