Civitavecchia (Rome), Amalfi, Lipari, Giardini naxos, Taormina, Palermo, Cagliari, Bonifacio, Calvi, La Ciotat, Barcelona

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.

Giardini Naxos is a comune in the Metropolitan City of Messina on the island of Sicily in southern Italy. It is situated on the coast of the Ionian Sea on a bay which lies between Cape Taormina and Cape Schisò. Since the 1970s it has become a seaside-resort. Prior to the early 1970s, Giardini Naxos was a quiet fishing village. Now it is a tourist destination, its attractions including beaches, the panoramic view of the bay and surrounding hills, and its small fishing port. It attracts foreign visitors and Italians alike, many of whom own summer residences in the comune. The seafront is lined with hotels, smaller pensions, pubs, restaurants and pizzerias. The town of Taormina is situated in the hills above Giardini Naxos and can be easily accessed by car and bus. Giardini Naxos also has several churches and an archaeological park.

Palermo, capital of Sicily, is situated right by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Traces of Roman, Arab and Norman influences mix here, in a city that is over 2.700 years old. The highlights of Palermo, which is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, are Palazzo dei Normanni, one of the most beautiful Italian palaces and a notable example of Norman architecture with its golden Byzantine mosaics, the Cathedral with the heliometer (solar "observatory") of 1690, Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (St Mary of the Admiral), San Giovanni degli Eremiti (12th century), Palazzo Abatellis with the Regional Gallery, the Regional
Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas, the neoclassic Teatro Massimo ("Greatest Theatre",1897) and many
small piazzas that depict the city's historic past.

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, spreads on a hillside overlooking the aptly named Gulf of Angels. Visit the old Castello Quarter, with the narrow and shaded streets and the old buildings, or enjoy the wide and expansive beaches of Sardinia, basking in the Mediterranean sun. All over the island, there are traces of ancient settlements, such as neolithic ruins at Nora; Phoenician, Cathaginian and Roman relics near Cagliari; and Arab, Genoese and Iberian heritage evident in architecture dating back to the Middle Ages.

Bonifacio is located on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the only major port of the Southern Coast of Corsica. The Strait of Bonifacio separates the island from Sardinia. The Citadel of the city is located on the promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

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.

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.