Marseille (Provence), Barcelona, Cadiz, Casablanca, Malaga, Alicante, Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa

Marseille is the largest port on the Mediterranean, France's second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures. It is a unique city with a feel and culture all its own. It is also a place of striking contrasts, from the fishing boats of the picturesque Vieux Port to the modern Canebiere. Dominating the harbor is the infamous Chateau d'If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo" escaped. If you have time, explore the countryside around Arles and Avignon, immortalized in the canvases of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso, try the renowned bouillabaisse or tour the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence. 

Barcelona is one of the world's greatest treasures, a global capital of commerce, fashion, culture and sunshine. Cruise visitors should start with a walk down Las Ramblas, the glorious tree-shaded thoroughfare at the heart of the city, enjoy a dive in the wonderful beaches nearby, but, most of all, see what visionary architect Antoni Gaudi wrought. Seven of his creations have been honored as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including La Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell and Casa Mila. Time provided, you can also visit the former Olympic Ring on the hill of Montjuic, home to world-class parks, fountains and museums. Barcelona, which nurtured such artistic giants as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Casals, is definitely a traveler's paradise.

Cadiz is a city and port in southwestern Spain, the oldest continuously-inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in southwestern Europe. During the Age of Exploration, the city experienced a renaissance. Christopher Columbus sailed from Cádiz on his second and fourth voyages and the city later became the home port of the Spanish treasure fleet. 

Cadiz is the gateway to Seville, capital of Andalucia, which lies on the mighty Guadalquivir at a distance of 120 kms. Taking a tour to Seville, will give you a change to marvel the Alcazar, a grand 14th Century Moorish palace, the Seville Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, all UNESCO World Heritage sites, built in the Mudejar style, and also, to walk the narrow lanes of the Jewish 
Quarter, the expanse of the Plaza de Espana, or the halls of the Museo de Bellas Artes.

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and port. Its most notable sights are Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the Islamic world and is known for its majestic 200-metre-high minaret, Place Mohammed V, flanked by majestic white government buildings constructed in the distinct French colonial style, Parc De La Ligue Arabe, the city's largest public park and La Corniche, the main beach area with lots of waterfront restaurants. From the city of Bogart and Bergman, take a tour to Rabat, Morocco's serene capital and to Marrakech, city of souks, storytellers, snake charmers and the famed Koutoubia Minaret.

The southernmost large city in Europe, lies on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) of the Mediterranean, about 100 km east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km north of Africa. Málaga's history spans about 2.800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The walls of the Phoenician city are visible in the cellar of the Museo Picasso Málaga. The best-preserved Moorish citadel in Spain is located next to the Roman theater, which which dates from the 1st century BC and was rediscovered in 1951. The nearby caverns of Nerja provided refuge to humans 30,000 years ago and is a must-visit tourist attraction. Cruise guests can visit the old castles, the museums and the beaches or enjoy the scenery, sipping a Malaga sweet wine, accompanied with a plate of tapas.

Alicante is one of the most popular and famous destinations on Costa Blanca, the 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline which attracts thousants of sun and fun lovers. Stroll among the palms, shops and cafés of the beachfront Explanada de España, explore the high-baroque Cathedral de San Nicolas de Bari, the Basilica of Santa María, the Baroque Casa de La Asegurada (1685), Gravina Palace (1748–1808), nowadays hosting Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, or the Castillo of Santa Barbara, a 16th-century castle with splendid views of Costa Blanca.

Our gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century, boasting a long and venerable history. Its location near the modern city, made it a perfect vacation resort for emperor Trajan, who built a pleasure villa. while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City, the ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2.000 years, is our main reason to be here. YYou can visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, throw a coin in Fontana di Trevi to make sure you return to Rome one day, take a photo in front of the Vatican, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter and enjoy a delicious gelato, in the glamorous area.

Today we are visiting Genoa, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria, a powerful commercial center seaport and city-state. It was the birthplace of the great adventurer Christopher Columbus and its maritime roots have fostered a dialect that has absorbed elements of Neapolitan, Calabrese and Portuguese over the centuries. Genoa's harbor is a bustling swarm of activity, hosting a museum and an aquarium and has a magnificent medieval flair, ideal for a nice stroll. This port is our launching point for the sprawling metropolis of Milan.

Marseille is the largest port on the Mediterranean, France's second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures. It is a unique city with a feel and culture all its own. It is also a place of striking contrasts, from the fishing boats of the picturesque Vieux Port to the modern Canebiere. Dominating the harbor is the infamous Chateau d'If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo" escaped. If you have time, explore the countryside around Arles and Avignon, immortalized in the canvases of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso, try the renowned bouillabaisse or tour the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence.