Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Catania, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Ravenna

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.

Naples is the third-largest municipality in Italy, after Rome and Milan and one of the chief commercial cities of Europe. The city center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the surrounding areas are dotted with cultural and historical treasures, with most notable, the restored ruins of Pompeii. Naples itself is mere enduring greatness. Highlights include Castel dell' Ovo, Castelnuovo, Castel Sant'Elmo, a medieval fortress located on a hilltop and national museums dedicated to art and archaeology. There is also a docile bay; the peaceful cypress-tufted islands of Ischia, Procida and Capri and over the city, Mount Vesuvius, volcano and national park. Take the opportunity to see the only active volcano on the European mainland, which blew in A.D. 79 and buried the city of Pompeii, or visit the magnificent Amalfi and Sorrento coasts.

Catania is Sicily's second largest city, on the Ionian Sea, under the shadow of Mount Etna, the biggest volcano in Europe. The city has a history dating back 2700 years, dominated by several different cultures (Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, etc.), so, it is a wonderful combination of ancient and modern. Among its attractions, Piazza Duomo, the heart of Catania, with the city’s symbol monument the fountain with the Elephant, the Roman Amphitheatre, the City Hall, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, Teatro Massimo Bellini, the Archbishop's Palace, the Palazzo Biscari and Castello Ursino (1239). From Catania you can choose shore excursions to idyllic Taormina and impressive Mount Etna.

Kotor, which was first settled during the days of ancient Rome, is located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful fjord-like bays. It is a precious gem, with a well preserved urban center, which hosts ample medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage that have designated the town, a UNESCO “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site". Walking along the streets and alleys, you will enjoy a fairy-tale setting, where medieval spires rise dreamily over orange rooftops beside mountainous scenery. 

Dubrovnik, the so rightfully called "Adriatic jewel", is walled all around with ramparts that drop to the sea and enclose a town of closely clustered buildings, mostly attired in white walls and brilliant red rooftops. A walk along its cobblestone streets, where time seems to stand still, will reveal an idyllic small town, with many highlights, such as Roland's Column, the Bell Tower or the Old Port, the Franciscan Monastery/ Old Pharmacy Museum, Rector’s Palace (the most historic monument in Dubrovnik), Sponza Palace and the Dominican Monastery, between the Sponza Palace and the Ploče Gate. Time allowing, take the cable car and enjoy the best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are, from the top of the Srd Hill.

Split, built under the orders of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who lived out his last days after abdicating in AD 305, is located between Venice and the Ionian Islands, on the Dalmatian coast and is one of the most important ports of Croatia. Today, the remarkable residence of the Roman Emperor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your discovery. The white limestone palace, part luxurious villa, part military camp, is enclosed by imposing walls and connected by roads linking the eastern Silver Gate with the Iron Gate to the west. Within its premices, you can see an octagonal domed mausoleum, temples and a monumental court accessing the imperial apartments.

Ravenna, the former capital of the Western Roman Empire (402- 476) in Emilia Romana region, is famed for its mosaics which depict a rich cultural heritage. Eight early Christian monuments of Ravenna are inscribed on the World Heritage List, among which, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe (549), the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (c. 430), the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo (c. 500) and the Mausoleum of Theoderic (520), the Archiepiscopal Chapel (c. 500) and the Baptistry of Neon (c. 430). Ravenna is a port town and cruise destination which serves as a gateway to the Apenine republic of San Marino, the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world and one of the smallest states in the world.