15124, Maroysi, Athens, Greece
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mindelo is located on the volcanic island of São Vicente, in Cape Verde. Mindelo is the cultural capital of the Cape Verde Islands which lie off North Africa's tropical coast. It is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant night life and Afro-Portuguese influences. On the waterfront, near the fish market, there is a replica of Lisbon’s Belem Tower. The Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora started her career singing in Mindelo.
Salvador da Bahia is the largest city on the northeast coast of Brazil. The Historic Centre of the city is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture and it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The beaches are ideal for swimming, sailing, diving, surfing and underwater fishing.
Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil's primary tourist resort. The landmarks of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ statue, the spectacular beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, the sensual rhythm of samba dance, the Carnival and the passionate and friendly people are only some of the reasons that Rio is such a favorite destination.
Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil's primary tourist resort. The landmarks of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ statue, the spectacular beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, the sensual rhythm of samba dance, the Carnival and the passionate and friendly people are only some of the reasons that Rio is such a favorite destination.
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the continent. Buenos Aires is known as one of the street art capitals of the world, with huge murals covering its tall buildings. La Boca area offers the tourists some authentic Argentine sights. If you travel to Buenos Aires you must definitely get some experience of the Tango, the national dance of Argentina.
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the continent. Buenos Aires is known as one of the street art capitals of the world, with huge murals covering its tall buildings. La Boca area offers the tourists some authentic Argentine sights. If you travel to Buenos Aires you must definitely get some experience of the Tango, the national dance of Argentina.
Puerto Madryn is in the Patagonia region of Argentina on the shores of Gulfo Nuevo, a large, deep water bay of the Atlantic Ocean. It is an important center for tourists visiting the natural attractions of the Península Valdés.
Stanley or Port Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands, an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is located on the island of East Falkland.
Ushuaia is a city in Argentina and the capital of the province "Tierra del Fuego". It is regarded as the southernmost city in the world and is a major tourist destination. Its location allows visitors to enjoy sea, mountains and forests at the same time.
Puerto Chacabuco is a Chilean town, located at the head of Aisén Fjord. It is the main port of the region, a port of call for ships sailing to the Laguna San Rafael National Park. Puerto Chacabuco is named after the Battle of Chacabuco in 1817 during the Chilean Independence War.
Puerto Montt is a fast growing city in south Chile, located in the Los Lagos Region. The city offers great views of the ocean and the towering peaks of the Andes. The city's cultural heritage mixes elements of Chiloé culture with German heritage.
Founded in 1536, Valparaíso is Chile’s oldest city. The entire town of Valparaiso seems to precariously hang on precipitous cliffs, crisscrossed by narrow, twisting footpaths, stairways and the city’s time-tested rapid transit system of 15 funicular cars called ascensores. Among the city’s prime cultural highlights is the excellent Pre-Columbian Museum, the National Congress and the Victoria, Sotomayor and Anibal Pinto squares, the Natural History Museum, the Naval Museum, the Cathedral and the Paseo Muelle Baron. The most interesting part of Valparaiso is the old section, where you will find colonial buildings, churches, and museums. Resting at the foot of the snow-capped Andes, Valparaiso is the gateway to Chile’s central valley and the beautiful Viña Del Mar, the popular seaside resort only few miles away. Santiago, the nation’s capital, can be reached with a 90-minute ride across rolling valleys.
Founded in 1536, Valparaíso is Chile’s oldest city. The entire town of Valparaiso seems to precariously hang on precipitous cliffs, crisscrossed by narrow, twisting footpaths, stairways and the city’s time-tested rapid transit system of 15 funicular cars called ascensores. Among the city’s prime cultural highlights is the excellent Pre-Columbian Museum, the National Congress and the Victoria, Sotomayor and Anibal Pinto squares, the Natural History Museum, the Naval Museum, the Cathedral and the Paseo Muelle Baron. The most interesting part of Valparaiso is the old section, where you will find colonial buildings, churches, and museums. Resting at the foot of the snow-capped Andes, Valparaiso is the gateway to Chile’s central valley and the beautiful Viña Del Mar, the popular seaside resort only few miles away. Santiago, the nation’s capital, can be reached with a 90-minute ride across rolling valleys.
The complex consists of 4 volcanic islands, the Pitcairn (the only inhabited), Oeno, Henderson, and Ducie, which are long distances to each other. It is the most isolated occupation of Britain. Tourism accounts for 80% of the annual income of each Pitcher. Since 2009, the island's government has favored tourism especially through the implementation of the MV Claymore II program, which provides tourists with an opportunity for adventurous holidays on the islands for three or ten days. Already some families have invested in private independent units for rent for tourists. Each year about ten cruise ships arrive on the island for a few hours, boosting the locals economically by buying souvenirs, stamps and local products. For safety reasons, children under the age of 16 need a complete application form to visit the island.
Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean. The city is located on the island of Tahiti. It is not the typical tropical paradise but more of an industrial port and a very busy town center with heavy traffic. The French and Polynesian charm is present in small doses.
Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean. The city is located on the island of Tahiti. It is not the typical tropical paradise but more of an industrial port and a very busy town center with heavy traffic. The French and Polynesian charm is present in small doses.
Mo'orea is an island of volcanic origin in French Polynesia, one of the Windward Islands. Because of its striking scenery and easy access to Tahiti’s capital, Mo'orea is a very popular honeymoon destination.
Aitutaki, also traditionally known as Araura and Utataki, is one of the Cook Islands , north of Rarotonga. The barrier reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with sides 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) in length. The southern edge of the triangle is almost totally below the surface of the ocean, and the eastern side is composed of a string of small islands including Mangere, Akaiami, and Tekopua. The western side of the atoll contains many of Aitutaki's important features including a boat passage through the barrier reef allowing for anchorage close to shore at Arutanga.
Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands, an archipelago located in Polynesia, in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, between French Polynesia and Tonga. Rarotonga is a very popular tourist destination with many resorts, a beautiful lagoon encircled by reefs, sandy beaches and impressive, lush green mountains.
Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in both Polynesia and New Zealand. It is situated on a narrow isthmus of land that joins the Northland peninsula to the rest of New Zealand’s North Island. Auckland is a major cruise ship port of call. The ships dock at Queens Wharf, within walking distance of downtown. The concrete and glass Sky Tower, a massive "needle" type building, and the striking Harbor Bridge are the city's most iconic landmarks. Auckland is a mixture of south pacific and Asian cultures and a Maori heritage. The city offers unique dining experiences and endless shopping opportunities.
Tauranga is a city on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is situated in the Bay of Plenty and is protected by Matakana Island. In Maori the name Tauranga translates to “sheltered anchorage”. The town of Mount Maunganui stands at the entrance to the harbor, north of Tauranga. Tauranga is one of the major resorts in New Zealand, famous for its beautiful beaches, historical highlights, interesting architecture and tasty seafood.
Lyttelton is a port town at the north-western end of Banks Peninsula and close to Christchurch, on the South Island of New Zealand. The town is situated on the lower slopes of the Port Hills, which separate Lyttelton from the city of Christchurch. Lyttelton’s port lies in the caldera of an extinct volcano. It’s a colourful town, with bohemian artists and a local maritime museum
Dunedin is one of the main ports on the South Island of New Zealand, located on the Otago Peninsula. It is called the “Edinburgh of the South” because of its Scots heritage and architecture. It is a university city noted for its unique Victorian railway. It is a popular tourist destination with a city centre ideal for walking around, interesting museums and galleries, fresh seafood and several interesting shore excursion options.
Hobart is the capital city and port of Tasmania, Australia's smallest state, located at the mouth of Derwent River. It is a remote but major tourist destination for overseas visitors and Australians. The city is surrounded by hills and Mt. Wellington. Visitors can walk on the waterfront which is full of historic sailing ships and excursion boats or admire the 19th century residential architecture in Battery Point district.
Adelaide is the capital city of the state of South Australia, situated north of the Fleurieu Peninsula, among the wine regions of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. It’s an elegant, vibrant city with stylish architecture that hosts world-renowned arts events and festivals. The city’s center is surrounded by parks, and is full of museums and attractions, most of which are located between the Torrens River and North Terrace. The pedestrian Rundle Mall is the city's main shopping area.
Albany is a popular resort town, located southeast of Perth in the south coast of Western Australia. Albany sits at the northern edge of the beautiful Princess Royal Harbour, part of the much bigger King George Sound. The surrounding coasts have rugged rocky shores and white beaches. Torndirrup National Park which includes the renowned Natural Bridge, offers one of the most spectacular coastal scenery of Australia.
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia. It is located on a coastal plain, along the Swan River. The city of Perth is served by the port of Fremantle, an Indian Ocean port at the mouth of the Swan Rive. Fremantle has a fun and friendly atmosphere, historic buildings, good museums, interesting art galleries and is a very popular destination for artists, musicians and writers.
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia. It is located on a coastal plain, along the Swan River. The city of Perth is served by the port of Fremantle, an Indian Ocean port at the mouth of the Swan Rive. Fremantle has a fun and friendly atmosphere, historic buildings, good museums, interesting art galleries and is a very popular destination for artists, musicians and writers.
Lombok is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. The Lombok Strait separates the island from Bali to the west. Lombok has breathtaking turquoise bays, exquisite white-sand beaches, epic surf, lush forests, and hiking trails through tobacco and rice fields. The majestic volcano Gunung Rinjani, with several hot springs and a dazzling crater lake, dominates the place.
Singapore is an island country in Southeast Asia. It lies just one degree north of the equator, at the southernmost tip of continental Asia and peninsular Malaysia. Singapore is a global commerce, financial and transportation centre and its port is the world's busiest port. Singapore is a city with great cultural diversity, combining Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. The city offers tasty food, great shopping opportunities, a vibrant night-life and a very cosmopolitan feeling. Most of the city’s tourist attractions are concentrated in three areas: Orchard Road, the colonial district and Sentosa.
Port Klang is the access point to Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is the capital and most populous city in Malaysia, an ethnically, racially and culturally diverse nation. Kuala Lumpur's City Centre with the narrow streets is lined with traditional Chinese shops, markets and eateries. The great economic development has given the city tall skyscrapers, luxurious hotels and expansive shopping malls. Petronas Twin Towers are among the most recognizable skyscrapers in Asia
Penang is a state in Malaysia, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Strait of Malacca. It is composed of two parts: Penang Island and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. Penang has a rich multicultural history which is full of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences and is an extremely popular tourist destination. It is also known as the "food paradise" of Malaysia.
Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, located off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It consists of the island of Phuket, the country's largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. Phuket Island is a very popular tourist destination and it is known as the ‘pearl of the Andaman’. It has a natural heritage of beautiful white-sand beaches, emerald seas, exotic marine life, lush forests and traditional villages. The city of Patong is the biggest town in Puket, known for its busy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Colombo is the commercial capital and major port of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination located on the west coast of the island. The city’ center, known as the Fort is easily explored on foot. The gardens, the bazaar area – a shopping heaven - , the museums and galleries are all set against a backdrop of the beachfront. Visit the National Museum of Sri Lanka, enjoy great Ceylon Tea or head towards the numerous shops that sell gemstones, antique furniture, ornaments, porcelain, pottery and saris.
The seaside resort of Aqaba is located in the far south of Jordan and forms a great base from which to explore various places of interest in the South of the country and the Red Sea. Aqaba is a microcosm of all the good things Jordan has to offer, including a fascinating history with some outstanding sites - the Aqaba Fort (only outside), the Aqaba museum and a 4th c. roman church- , excellent hotels and activities, superb visitor facilities, good shopping and welcoming people. It is an aquatic playground, offering some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. From Aqaba you can visit Petra, a World Heritage Site and Jordan's cultural treasure. You will be amazed as you pass through the Siq, a deep, twisting sandstone passage that leads you at al Khazneh ("The Treasury"), a monumental Greek-influenced edifice that emerges from the cliff. Among the sights, you will marvel the Street of Facades,the Roman Theater and the Monastery.
Safaga is located 53 km south of Hurghada, on the coast of the Red Sea, Egypt. This small tourist resort, is a favourite water sports destination in the Red Sea Riviera, with several hotels and bungalows and it is famous for its pristine atmosphere, black sand-dunes and mineral springs which have acquired specific characteristics for remedy of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Though small, it has a thriving tourism industry, specialising in scuba diving and kite surfing. From here, Luxor, in the Nile Valley in central Egypt, is 3,5 hours each way.
Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great, Alexandria became an important center of the Hellenistic civilization and remained the capital of Hellenistic and Roman & Byzantine Egypt for almost one thousand years. Alexandria flourished as the most important harbor and capital of Egypt and today is the second biggest city in the country. The Royal Library or Ancient Library of Alexandria, was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. The impressive city wad built on the delta of the river Nile and often is characterized as the "bright pearl of the Mediterranean". It is filled with museums and provides access to the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messina is the 3rd largest city on the island of Sicily and the 13th largest city in Italy. The town is amphitheatrically built on top of a hill overlooking the sea and offers great views. While you wander around its alleys, you will see the Cathedral (12th century) and notice especially the Chapel of the Sacrament (late 16th century), with scenic decorations and 14th century mosaics and a bell tower which holds one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world. Among other main attractions are the Palazzo Calapaj, an example of 18th century Messinese architecture, San Ranieri lighthouse (1555), Galleria d'Arte Contemporanea di Messina, hosting notable paintings by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, the Fountain of Orion, located next to the Cathedral and the Fountain of Neptune, looking towards the harbour, both built by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli in 1547 and 1557 respectivelly. Messina is the gateway to Taormina and its views of snowcapped Mt. Etna.
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.
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.