Civitavecchia (Rome), Amalfi, Lipari, Mgarr, La Valletta, Trapani-, La goulette, La Ciotat, Barcelona, Port vendres, Malaga, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Cartagena-, Valencia, Port Mahon, Palma De Mallorca, Sete, Toulon, Montecarlo, Portofino, Calvi, Olbia-Emerald Coast

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.

The Amalfi Coast is considered one of the most picturesque parts of the Italian coastline. Villages perched on hillsides, steep streets and a great view of the turquoise waters of the ocean. The Amalfi Coast is known for producing the famous limoncello. Lemon orchards are found everywhere along the coast and the smell of lemon pervades the air. It has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site

Lipari is the largest, busiest and most accessible of the eight Aeolian Islands, located in the volcanic archipelago off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Traces of human history date back to 5.000 BC, revealing a rich past, which is depicted on the many archeological wonders, such as the 16th c. walled fortress, built upon an ancient Greek acropolis and also some Greek and Roman ruins visible in the Diana District Archeological Park. In your free time, wander through the shops on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, check out a largely reconstructed Norman-era church and a fine archeological museum or choose a scenic driving tour to witness stunning Mediterranean views.

Mgarr is a small town and harbour at the east end of Gozo, Malta. On one side Fort Chambray, built by the Knights of St. John in 1749, majestically and defiantly guards the harbour from its vantage point, while the church dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes is a prominent landmark overlooking the harbour.  To the right, the terraced fields slope gently down to the sea. Mgarr is an important fishing base and provides the best winter shelter for the island’s fishing boats, while the adjacent marina hosts pleasure sea craft throughout the year. From here, you can visit Victoria- known locally as "Rabat," ("suburb outside the fortress walls")-, the capital town of the island of Gozo, which crowns the center of the island. The fortress was founded during around 1500 BC and its walls present a 360-degree view of the island. Cruise visitors can explore the exquisite 17th century baroque cathedral, stroll the gardens of Villa Rundle and shop for fine weaving, lace and silver filigree.

Valletta, The Fortress City, Citta' Umilissima, "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen" is Malta's capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces, among which St. John's Co-Cathedral, with its elaborate inlaid marble tombstones and Caravaggios and the Grand Master's Palace. Enjoy visiting the famous Three Cities across the Grand Harbour and if you have time, Sliema/ St. Julian's/ Paceville area, renowned for its cosmopolitan feel and lively nightlife.

Valletta, The Fortress City, Citta' Umilissima, "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen" is Malta's capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces, among which St. John's Co-Cathedral, with its elaborate inlaid marble tombstones and Caravaggios and the Grand Master's Palace. Enjoy visiting the famous Three Cities across the Grand Harbour and if you have time, Sliema/ St. Julian's/ Paceville area, renowned for its cosmopolitan feel and lively nightlife.

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.

A typical Mediterranean fishing port, situated near the Spanish border on the Côte Vermeille in south west France, Port-Vendres is renowned for its numerous fish and sea food restaurants. The Scottish Art Nouveau architect, interior designer, textile designer and water colourist Charles Rennie Mackintosh lived and painted in Port-Vendres from 1923 until 1927, when he was forced by ill health to return to London, where he died in 1928. During his stay in Port-Vendres Mackintosh painted many water colours of the town and the surrounding area.

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.

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.

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.

Cartagena is major naval station located in south-eastern Spain, in the autonomus Region of Murcia. Since its foundation in 229 B.C, it has been inhabited by several cultures which have left their mark on its artistic heritage as one of the most important defensive ports in the country. The highlights of the city include the Muralla del Mar ('Sea Wall'), built by Charles III (18th century), the Old Cathedral located on the Camino del Parque Torres (behind the Muralla del Mar wall), the recently restored Roman Theatre (among its numerous other Roman remains, built between the 5th and 1st centuries BC), the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology ARQUA (at Paseo Alfonso XII, 22), the Town Hall, a gem of modernist architecture dating from the early 20th century and a number of modernist buildings made for its military fortifications. The best way to learn more about the Modernist architecture of Cartagena is to take a walk along the Calle Mayor, which leads off the Plaza del Ayuntamiento square. Here visitors will find the houses of Cervantes and Llagostera, by the Cartagena architect Victor Beltrí. Time given, don't miss Concepción Castle, built on one of the five hills of the old Carthagena and today home of the Centre for the Interpretation of Cartagena's History.

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.

Mahon is the capital city of Minorca, the second largest of the Balearic Islands, after Majorca. It is an important commercial and industrial centre, located in the eastern part of the island and has one of the deepest natural points in the world. Due to the wealth generated by tourism the historical capital of Mahon was renovated towards the end of the 20th Century and is now famous for its architecture, fairs, festivals and fiestas and offers visitors the beautiful mix of old and new architecture.

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 port of Sete is located along the southwestern coast of France near the majestic range of Pyrenees Mountains. This historic city was the site of Europe's first medical school in the 12th century. Sete is the Mediterranean's largest fishing port and a bustling harbor town whose original island site is now linked to the mainland by natural silting. The authentic mood of the colorful Vieux Port, reserved for fishing boats, and the buildings’ mellow facades, pedestrian streets, shaded squares, and many canals, bridges and quays offer delightful strolling. Sete is gateway to Carcassonne, with its 52 watchtowers the most complete medieval fortified town in Europe, dating back to the Gallo-Roman era

Toulon is a city in southern France and a large military harbor on the Mediterranean coast. It is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. The Old Town of Toulon is known for its fountains, each with a different character.

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.

Portofino is an Italian resort, located on the Italian Riviera, famous for its picturesque harbor with the colourfully painted buildings. It is the favorite destination of many celebrities and artists.

Calvi is one of Corsica's grandest cities and the perfect destination for a holiday in Corsica. The Citadel, standing high above Calvi port from where it towers over the sea, is the main part of the town, and its most important historical monument. It was a military outpost in the 15th century that helped guard the city against international attacks. Places of interest in the Citadel include the restored palace of the Genovese governor, the remains of a house that is rumoured to be the place where Christopher Columbus was born, the Museum of Corsican Ethnography and Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste. For many visitors Calvi’s beach is the big attraction and center of a visit. The beach is a long, narrow strip of white sand and serene, shallow water that stretches nearly 6 km along the length of the bay.

Olbia is one of the busiest ferry ports in Sardinia, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century led by a divine hero named Aristeous who taught the Sadinians how to gather honey. In 350 BC it became the first Carthaginian settlement on the East Coast, only to be thrown out a couple of hundred years later by the Romans. Olbia remained an important Roman port until it was destroyed by the Vandals in 450AD. Olbia’s charms are discrete ones. The historical center is nice enough with a couple of nice squares, a granite romanesque church S. Simplicio, which dates from the middle ages and the 17th century church of S. Paolo.

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.