Civitavecchia (Rome), Ibiza, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille (Provence), Montecarlo, Tarragona, Palma De Mallorca, Malaga, Gibraltar, Tangier, Lisbon, Funchal (Madeira), Ponta Delgada, Halifax, Boston, New York

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.

One of Spain's Balearic Islands, Ibiza lies about 50 miles off the coast of Spain. Over the course of its history, it has been claimed by the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Moors, Greeks and Carthagenians. Today's cruise visitors come for the vibrant nightlife at the ever so famous night clubs, for the sunny beaches, the clear waters and a little historical flavor. The fortified upper section of Ibiza Town depicts Renaissance architecture and has earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Since its founding as a Roman colony in 138 B.C., the Visigoths, the Moors, the Catalan and Aragonese and the modern tomato-throwers have thrived on the shores of the Mediterranean at the Gulf of Valencia. Valencia is a mix of the old and the new. The historic past is depicted in the stone geometry of the Valencia Cathedral,  the mediaeval gates of the Serrano and Quart towers, or the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court) and one of the most iconic examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, the Lonja de la Seda, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The new facet is embodied in the arching white steel of the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.

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.

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. 

Monte Carlo is a distric of the Principality of Monaco, built in 1866 in honor of Prince Charles III. It hosts an internationally famous Casino, luxury hotels and leisure facilities, Larvotto beach, the Monte Carlo Sporting Club, the Opera House, built in 1893 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House, the Oceanographic Museum, dedicated to marine science and oceanography, Monaco Cathedral (1875), and of course, Prince's Palace, located in a unique setting upon the rock of Monaco and Fort Antoine on the northeastern tip of Le Rocher.

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. 

Tarragona has the international recognition of UNESCO World Heritage for its archaeological legacy of ancient Roman Tarraco (Exceptional Universal Value), the medieval monastery of Poblet and the Castells, human tower constructions, one of the most genuine cultural manifestations in Europe. Another of the great attractions in the area is the new Ferrari Land Park at PortAventura World, reference theme park in Europe. 70.000 m2 of excitement, adrenaline and fun, in which you can enjoy an exciting experience, and discover all the secrets of the mythical Italian brand and its creator, Enzo Ferrari. Located just 100 km from Barcelona, it offers endless possibilities to visit.

Palma is a busy commercial and cultural center, capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands of Spain. Situated on the south coast of the island on the Bay of Palma, it became a tourist destination in the 1950s and till today it is considered as one of Europe’s major holiday destinations.The historic centre is the oldest part of the city and a refreshing area for a stroll at the narrow and shady streets, which will give you a chance to peek in at a number of private courtyards. The city flourished during the 19th century and today, it mixes perfectly, the modern hotel chains and flashy shops with the old architecture in the Old Town. A walk along the narrow streets will reveal the restored 13-th century cathedral standing proud in the center of town. Among Palma's lovely sights are the Gothic-style Bellver Castle, the Almudaina Palace, once home to Mallorcan kings, the Arab bath building, the only building dating to the Arab settlement, Plaça del Mercat and interesting art nouveau buildings.

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.

Gibraltar is an amazing co-mingling of past, present and future.The Rock of Gibraltar was considerred by the Ancient Greeks as the pillars of Hercules, marking the end of the world. It is at the Top of the Rock where you begin to understand and appreciate Gibraltar’s strategic geographical location and the important role it has played throughout history. The journey to the top of the Rock rewards you with a truly breathtaking view. From a height of 426m you will see the African coastline, where the waters of the Atlantic meet the Mediterranean, Spain’s Costa del Sol and a panoramic view of the City far below, the quays, marinas and bays. Stand on top of the Rock of Gibraltar and you feel as if you were on top of the world.

Tangier is part of the Kingdom of Morocco, Africa's whitewashed gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean, a rich blend of cultures, exotic souks, colourful riads, the Kasbah, lively markets.. Wide palm-lined boulevards and humming souks are Tangier's distinctively Moroccan characteristics, but Spanish, French and Berber influences are found everywhere: watch the arched wooden doors, the hefty silver ornamentations, the tighly-woven carpets that tell tribal legends.You can take a tour at the caves of Hercules and the colourful souks of the Old Medina, the Kasbah and the majestic mountains of the Rif.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, on the southwest of the country, has been the main gateway for the rest of the planet for more than 19 centuries. Ships captained by Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, skittered across the globe, hauling treasure home and making Lisbon a global capital. Draped across seven hills, Lisbon was once the center of a vast maritime empire that stretched from the west coast of Africa to the Spice Islands of the East Indies, until 1755, when a violent earthquake destroyed two-thirds of the city, leaving intact only the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter. Today, Lisbon is a stately city of Neoclassical buildings and wide plazas. Eternally linked to the sea, Lisbon's magnificent harbor is spanned by the longest suspension bridge in Europe. Among the city's landmarks are the iconic Castelo de São Jorge, the World Heritage Sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both built in Lisbon's native Manueline architectural style.

Madeira is located in the north Atlantic Ocean, 520 km from the African coast and 1.000 km from the European continent. Today, it is a popular year-round resort, noted for its wine, flowers, landscapes and embroidery artisans. Madeira's capital Funchal, on the island's south coast, rises straight up from the sea and enchants visitors, with its red roofs and hibiscus easing gently down the lower slopes of Pico do Arieiro to the ocean. Time given, take the cable car toMonte Palace, in a 15-minute ride up and over the old town of Funchal and the Ribeira de Joao Gomes valley. When in town, wander along the Old centre, with its port and promenade, quaint and narrow winding streets, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and view "Worker's Market", the 15th-century cathedral, the Theatre, the Town Hall and the waterfront.

Ponta Delgada is the largest municipality and administrative capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal, lying around a natural bay on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago. Identified by its three arches known as the Portas da Cidade, it stands out for the large number of churches and other buildings, among which the baroque São Sebastião Church and the Todos os Santos Church. White-washed houses and buildings, 17th and 18th Century convents and churches decorate its rolling hills. Cobbled streets and small squares are found around the centre, where there is also a large boulevard, which is perfect for evening seaside walks. Visit Museu Carlos Machado (Carlos Machado Museum), the beautiful Praça 5 de Outubro (5th of October Square) which is dominated by a marvellous Renaissance Fortress, the Fortaleza de São Brás, the most romantic garden and most lush area in the city, Jardim António Borges (António Borges Gardens) or tour to the natural wonders of the island, such as the Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Seven Cities Lake), which is formed by two large lakes that fill the massive crater of a dormant volcano. From the Pico do Carvão one can enjoy fabulous panoramic views over the Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

The economic and cultural capital of eastern Canada, is an easygoing and hospitable metropolis, located on one of the planet's great natural harbors. The beautifully restored waterfront buildings of Halifax's Historic Properties recall the city's centuries-old maritime heritage and adorned with landmarks like the Citadel fortress, Pier 21 (Canada's Ellis Island) and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Outside the city, cruise visitors can discover the weatherbeaten landscape of Nova Scotia's south shore, including famous Peggy's Cove and the German village of Lunenburg, so meticulously restored it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Boston is the largest city of Massachusetts and New England, located in a natural harbour. The metropolis is showcasing significant historic sites, which you can visit by following The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile stretch hosting 16 sites pertaining to the Revolutionary War. Don't miss its interesting museums, the Museum of Science at Science Park, with more than 400 interactive exhibits, the Museum of Fine Arts, New England's largest art museum, known for its collection of works by Claude Monet. The Institute of Contemporary Art in South Boston, all glass and sharp angles, a stark departure from the city's presiding aesthetic as well as Boston Public Library are also interesting to have a look. Take a walk at the South End, street after tree-lined street of red-brick bow-front townhouses dating to the 1800s, along with some of Boston's best restaurants, design stores and boutiques. For shopping, choose the eight-block shopping stretch of Newbury Street in Back Bay, Quincy Market or Faneuil Hall Marketplace, an ιndoor-outdoor market great place for both shopping and dining. Enjoy nature at its best, by walking along the Boston side of the Charles River, which separates the city from Cambridge, a roughly three-mile leafy path known as the Charles River Esplanade or visit Boston Public Garden (Boston Common), the nation's oldest botanical garden (1634).

The "Big Apple", the bustling metropolis and worldwide centrre of commerce, finance, culture, fashion and entertainment, is a wonderland for Museum hunters -, shoppacholics and show-holics... Take a walk through Times Square, catch a Broadway show, visit some of the 150 museums,- Metropolitan Museum, MoMA (Μuseum of Modern Art), Guggenheim, American Museum of Natural History- and see its different facets through an intricate patchwork of neighborhoods. Walk along Lower Manhattan, Chinatown, trendy SoHo, Greenwich Village, Little Italy... See the Statue of Liberty, climb up the Empire State Building and Ground Zero and then, relax at Central Park, one of the most famous sightseeing spots in New York, which covers 341 hectares of paths, ponds, artificial lakes and green space within the asphalt jungle.