Genoa, Marseille (Provence), Barcelona, Funchal (Madeira), Barbados, St. George, Kralendijk, Willemstad, Cartagena, Puerto Limon-, Puntarenas, Corinto, Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, San Diego, San Francisco, Honolulu, Apia, Suva, Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Townsville, Cairns, Manila, Keelung, Ishigaki island, Naha, Tokyo, Nagasaki, Busan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shekou, Da-Nang, Nha Trang, Singapore, Port Klang, Penang, Colombo, Dubai, Khasab, Muscat, Aqaba, Heraklion/Crete, Civitavecchia (Rome)

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.

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.

Our stop at Bridgetown Barbados will reveal the British influence most directly in the historic old section of town, which has been singled out as aUNESCO World Heritage Site. Among other highlights, take a visi at the Barbados Museum and the Careenage district, with its bars and restaurants. While in Barbados, you will see various remnants and influences of the English settlerswho arrived in what is now Bridgetown in 1628: Cricket is the national sport, afternoon tea is 
a given, and motorists hug left. Before leaving, you can visit a rum distillery or take a tour to Bathsheba Pools.

St. George's is a popular Caribbean tourist destination and the capital of Grenada. The city is situated at the foot of an old volcano crater. Its port has the shape of a horseshoe.

The Caribbean Netherlands are the three special municipalities of the Netherlands that are located in the Caribbean Sea. They consist of the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, although the term "Caribbean Netherlands" is sometimes used to refer to all of the islands in the Dutch Caribbean. In legislation, the three islands are also known as the BES islands (an acronym of their names). The islands are currently classified as public bodies in the Netherlands and as overseas countries and territories of the European Union; thus, EU law does not automatically apply.

Bonaire (including the islet of Klein Bonaire) is one of the Leeward Antilles and is located close to the coast of Venezuela. Sint Eustatius and Saba are in the main Lesser Antilles group and are located south of Sint Maarten and northwest of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Willemstad, with its deepwater harbor Shottegat, interlacing waterways and narrow shop fronts is the capital City of Curaçao, former Dutch colony, divided in two by St. Anna Bay. Its neighborhoods mix Dutch, Spanish and Portugueseurban styles and then dresses them in effulgent pastels, thus granting it the title of World Heritage City.

Wander the shops and markets of the Punda and Otrobanda districts and soak up some color. Punda is the oldest part of the city, showcasing beautiful 17th - and 18th-century Dutch-style architecture. Make a stop at the floating market, so named because of the vendors who sail by sea from Venezuela each morning to sell their fresh vegetables, fruit and seafood. Don't miss the marine park, taste international cuisine and dance the night away at the numerous bars and discos.

Founded by the Spanish colonists, on June 1, 1533, in a protected bay in the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has the most extensive fortifications in South America. A system of zones divides the city into three neighbourhoods: downtown San Pedro, with the cathedral and many Andalusian-style palaces; quiet San Diego, where merchants and the middle class lived; and Gethsemani, the 'popular quarter' with plenty of night clubs. Its fortifications, constructed by the Spanish, are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town the walls protected is also part of that World Heritage designation. Cruise visitors can walk those deeply textured alleyways today through some of the best-preserved colonial neighborhoods of the Americas. There are nice beaches ready to enjoy, such as the busy Bocagrande, which is close to the city and the quiet Playa Blanca, in the south, across the bay.

Puerto Limón or Limón is the capital city of Limón province in Costa Rica. It is an important city for cruise ships traveling through the Panama Canal. Puerto Limón contains two port terminals, Limón and Moín. Two small islands, Uvita Island and Isla de Pájaros, are just offshore.

Our visit to Puntarenas, the capital and largest city in the Province of Puntarenas, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a discovery of the richness of the area. If you choose a nature tour, you will see the rainforest from up high during a canopy tour through wispy ferns, winding lianas and delicate orchids. There is also a possibility to taste nature’s bounty at one of the plantations which produce the country’s famously rich coffee. If you prefer to relax, just lay back, surrounded by lush palms and crystal clear waters. You may also choose a trip to Monteverde National Park (80 kms distance), which is considered a major ecotourism destination in Costa Rica, an island which may look small, but it conceals mysterious cloud forests, quiet beaches and extraordinary wildlife, that have granted her the title "The Switzerland of Central America".

Corinto is a tranquil village located on the tropical Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Its port is the largest in the country. The area has to offer some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Guatemala's largest Pacific Ocean port is also the gateway to some of the most fascinating and beautiful sightseeing in the country. Head north, through plantations where the air is perfumed with sugar cane and coffee, across mountain ridges overlooking beautiful Lake Atitlan, take a rigorous hiking trip on Pacaya Volcano with a countryside drive or a full-day tour from the coast, past volcano-guarded mountains, to the colonial capital of Antigua, where cobblestone streets and period architecture evoke the area's age-old Spanish colonial heritage. The charming town, located 4,500 feet above sea level, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for both its colorful Spanish Mudéjar-influenced Baroque architecture and its many ruins of colonial churches. Naturalists can opt for Los Tarrales and a bird-watching trip to a nature reserve in the cloud forest or Auto Safari Chapin is a scenic drive through an open-air wildlife park. One tour of extreme historical interest is the Copan Route of the Mayas at Copan Archaeological Park.

Squeezed into the thin space between Banderas Bay and the verdant folds of the Sierra Madre, Puerto Vallarta might no longer be the well-kept secret of the artists, writers and Hollywood stars who first "discovered" it in the 1960s, however, it still retains the essence of the fishing village it once was.

The Old Town, Viejo Vallarta, is a mix of red-tiled buildings, cobbled streets, chic shops and busy open markets. During your visit, don't miss a walk at Gringo Gulch- known as the most romantic spot in the world- a swim at Mismaloya Beach and Conchas Chinasand for extra doses of adrenaline, choose hiking into the rugged canyons and luxuriant jungles of the mountains.

Cabo San Lucas is the entertainment hub and the end of the road, along the southern tip of Baja California and is rated as one of Mexico's top 5 tourist destinations. San The Old town, San Jose del Cabo, exudes classic Mexico. In between the two cities, the resort-fringed coast is slathered in sunshine. Combine fine shopping, blue surf and big fish at beaches that shine: Lover's Beach, Playa Medano (the most popular, 3,2 kms long), Chileno and Las Playitas, a series of mini-beaches tucked into weathered coves. Land’s End is by far the most impressive attraction Cabo has to offer. Hop on a tourist boat (panga) and head to El Arco (the Arch), a distinctive rock formation at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas. It is here that the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

San Diego is a huge coastal city on the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. The city is located north of the Mexican border, across from Tijuana. San Diego is an incredible place to visit almost any time of the year due to its mild Mediterranean climate. The city’s landscape is shaped by canyons, flat lands and rolling hills. The Old Town is within walking distance from the port.

San Francisco is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California and a very popular tourist destination. It is known for its steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture, summer fog, and great ethnic and cultural diversity. The city’s landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, and the Chinatown district.

San Francisco is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California and a very popular tourist destination. It is known for its steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture, summer fog, and great ethnic and cultural diversity. The city’s landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, and the Chinatown district.

Visit the Hawaiian capital and its signature beach, Waikiki. From here, you can  explore the dormant volcano of Diamond Head, see Pearl Harbor U.S. naval base, the military target that ignited American entry into World War II and get to know one part of that history at the USS Arizona Memorial and another at the Punchbowl military cemetery.

Visit the Hawaiian capital and its signature beach, Waikiki. From here, you can  explore the dormant volcano of Diamond Head, see Pearl Harbor U.S. naval base, the military target that ignited American entry into World War II and get to know one part of that history at the USS Arizona Memorial and another at the Punchbowl military cemetery.

Apia is the capital city of Samoa, an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Apia is located on the north side of the island of Upolu. The island is a tropical tourist destination with breathtaking sights and natural wonders. The Museum of Samoa highlights the history of the island through artifacts and sculptures crafted centuries ago. Visitors can enjoy water parks, casinos, day tours and attractions and buy unique souvenirs such as handcrafted sculptures, jewelry and woodcarvings

Suva is situated on the southeast coast of Viti Levu,Fiji. Suva is the capital and the commercial and political centre of Fiji. There is evidence of a rich British Empire tradition in the city: wooden buildings, statues, parks and imperious public buildings. Travellers can stroll around town, take a look at locations like the produce and seafood markets or visit the National Museum and the Botanical Gardens. 

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.

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.

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. Wellington overlooks the picturesque harbour and has forest clad hills as a background. The city is full of museums, galleries, boutique shopping, trendy cafés and fine restaurants. Wellington's proximity to the ocean and forests makes it an ideal place to enjoy nature.

Townsville is coastal city in Far North Queensland, Australia. It’s the gateway to Magnetic Island, an island located directly off the city’s coast, whose most of the land area is a National Park. Townsville’s waterfront is full of parks, pools, cafes and hundreds of palm trees.  On its northern tip there is an enormous artificial rock pool surrounded by lawns and sandy beaches. Visit the Reef Aquarium and the Museum of Tropical Queensland with displays on North Queensland’s history from the dinosaurs to the rainforest and reef.

Cairns is located on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula in the North region of Queensland, Australia. It is a cosmopolitan city and a very popular tourist destination. Cairns is surrounded by rainforest and it is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Yorkeys Knob is a calm bay on the northern side of Cairns, with a fabulous beach. It is a famous kite surfing destination. 

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay. Manila was completely destroyed during World War II but today it is a cosmopolitan city with luxury hotels, vast shopping malls and casinos and vibrant nightlife. Apart from being cosmopolitan, Manila also has a colorful multi-cultural heritage, a colonial history and a flourishing art scene. Finally, its natural beauty is stunning, with its waterfalls, volcanoes and abundant wildlife. Manila is a destination that combines everything.

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay. Manila was completely destroyed during World War II but today it is a cosmopolitan city with luxury hotels, vast shopping malls and casinos and vibrant nightlife. Apart from being cosmopolitan, Manila also has a colorful multi-cultural heritage, a colonial history and a flourishing art scene. Finally, its natural beauty is stunning, with its waterfalls, volcanoes and abundant wildlife. Manila is a destination that combines everything.

Keelung is a port city near Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Taiwan is an island nation located off the coast of southwest Okinawa, Japan and north of the Philippines. Taiwan is known for its crowded cities, its steep mountains and its lush forests. The city of Keelung is within walking distance from the pier. Visit the Yingee Museum, a museum dedicated to the preservation of the ceramic’s history in Taiwan or head towards Miaokou Market, known for its wide variety of tasty snacks.

Ishigaki also known as Ishigakijima, is a Japanese island west of Okinawa Hontō and the second-largest island of the Yaeyama Island group. It is within the City of Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture. The city functions as the business and transport center of the archipelago. The island is served by New Ishigaki Airport, the largest airport in the Yaeyamas. Much of the island and surrounding waters including Mount Omoto and Kabira Bay are protected as part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park

Naha is the largest city in Okinawa Prefecture. Located in the southern part of Okinawa Main Island, it is the political, economic and transportation center of the prefecture. Kokusai Street is surely the most crowded place in Naha. This approximately 1.6-kilometer-long street is lined with department stores, restaurants, coffee shops, general shops, clothing shops, travel agencies, banks, and of course souvenir shops which account for about 40% of the businesses and facilities on the high traffic street. The Makishi Public Market is located on Main Market Street, running south from a halfway point on Kokusai Street. The market, known as the "kitchen of Naha," is always full of energy and excitement with old women called "Obaa" working actively amongst the brisk talking venders.

Tokyo is a huge city and is both the capital and largest city of Japan. The city could be described as a natural park itself since a major part of the area is designated as Natural Park. The Chichibu Tama Kai, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu, and the Ogasawara National Parks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Others attractions include many of the city’s museums like the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science as well as its Zoo. Tokyo is also known for its many restaurants, luxurious hotels and its wonderful  and vibrant nightlife. 

Tokyo is a huge city and is both the capital and largest city of Japan. The city could be described as a natural park itself since a major part of the area is designated as Natural Park. The Chichibu Tama Kai, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu, and the Ogasawara National Parks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Others attractions include many of the city’s museums like the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science as well as its Zoo. Tokyo is also known for its many restaurants, luxurious hotels and its wonderful  and vibrant nightlife. 

Nagasaki is located on a large valley on the island of Kyushu in Japan. It is a beautiful harbor city that can be explored on foot. Nagasaki was the second city targeted by an atomic bomb during World War II, after Hiroshima. The Peace Park with its soaring Peace Statue is set directly on the site of the nuclear explosion, next to the Atomic Bomb Museum.  Above the park lies the Nagasaki International Cultural Hall, with exhibits on victims of the bomb.

Busan is a port city located at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula in South Korea. It is known for its mountains and beaches, hot springs, nature reserves and seafood. Busan International Film Festival is held here each fall. If you are looking for something traditional and tranquil visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a 6th Century Bhuddist Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Otherwise wander around Centum City, the world’s largest shopping complex and feel the pace of modern Busan.

Shanghai is the largest city in Mainland China, located on the south edge of the mouth of the Yangtze. Shanghai a former tiny fishing village and textile town, has developed into a sophisticated, cosmopolitan and dynamic metropolis. It is a tourist destination widely known for its historical landmarks such as the City God Temple and Yu Garden, many skyscrapers, and major museums like the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum. The Bund, the sweeping waterfront is lined with Gothic, Art Deco and other historic buildings. Pudong, Shanghai's newest district, on the other hand, houses many modern, space-age towers.

Hong Kong is an autonomous territory on the southern coast of China at the Pearl River Estuary and the South China Sea. Hong Kong is one of the world's most densely populated metropolises and most vertical cities.  It is known for its modern architecture, its skyline, its cloudy mountains and rocky islands and its deep natural harbor. Hong Kong is a city that has experienced cultural influences from diverse places. The cruise terminal is located in the Tsim Sha Tsui District, close to tourist attractions such as Avenue of Stars, Clock Tower, Hong Kong Culture Centre, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Space Museum.

Shekou is an area at the southern tip of Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. It faces Hong Kong across the Shenzhen Bay. 

Visit the impressive SeaWorld Plaza, which was built around the legendary Minghua Ship. Explore the plaza's wealth of international brand boutiques, restaurants and vibrant nightlife, or enjoy the outdoors with a refreshing walk along the beautiful coastline.

Da Nang is the biggest city on the South Central Coast of Vietnam and one of the biggest and most important port cities in Vietnam. The city’s port is an easily accessible and well-sheltered one. Da Nang has spectacular scenery and amazing beaches. There are many attractions like the Cham Museum which is home to 300 Cham sculptures, the Da Nang Cathedral and the Dragon Bridge, a stunning, golden-hued bridge that spouts fire and water from the dragon's head, located near the Han River's eastern bank. 

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s most famous seaside resort. The city enjoys a stunning setting ringed by hills, with a sweeping crescent beach and a turquoise- water bay dotted with tropical islands. The shoreline has parks and gardens spread along the impressive promenade, while the streets inland reveal exceptional boutiques, cosmopolitan restaurants and centuries-old Cham towers. Nha Trang is a city with vibrant nightlife. It is also the scuba diving center of Vietnam. 

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.

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.

Stretching along the southernmost shores of the Arabian Gulf, cosmopolitan Dubai is often described as a city of contrasts. On one side, sparkling tall buildings, glitzy shops and sun-soaked beaches of a glamorous seaside destination, on the other side, a city rooted in tradition and history. Wander the narrow streets of the Al Bastakiya historic district, where you can take in the sights and sounds of bustling souks (markets) or the quiet wonder of local mosques. Dubai is a wonderful word for shopping, in the most impressive shopping malls, such ast the Mall of the Emirates that also hosts the ski centre, and the Dubai Mall, which are a tempting world of shopping opportunities.

Stretching along the southernmost shores of the Arabian Gulf, cosmopolitan Dubai is often described as a city of contrasts. On one side, sparkling tall buildings, glitzy shops and sun-soaked beaches of a glamorous seaside destination, on the other side, a city rooted in tradition and history. Wander the narrow streets of the Al Bastakiya historic district, where you can take in the sights and sounds of bustling souks (markets) or the quiet wonder of local mosques. Dubai is a wonderful word for shopping, in the most impressive shopping malls, such ast the Mall of the Emirates that also hosts the ski centre, and the Dubai Mall, which are a tempting world of shopping opportunities.

Khasab is a city in the area of Oman and the capital of the Musandam peninsula. It is frequently called the "Norway of Arabia" because of its extensive craggy inlets that look like fjords and desolate mountainscapes. The city is home to the Khasab Castle which is definitely worth visiting, as it has many replicas of traditional Musandam houses and traditional Musandam artifacts on display. The region's archaeology and its natural history are of great interest. 

The capital and largest city of the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat is a beautiful Middle Eastern city offering visitors diverse attractions, a low-rise gem, wedged between Arabian Gulf and scenic mountains. Once ashore witness lavish palaces, Zawawi Mosque, its pink marble crowned by a gilded dome and Muttrah Souq, a jumble of crafts and clothing perfumed with spices and frankincense. Take time and explore Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the impressive forts Al-Jalali, in the harbor of the old city of Muscat and Al Mirani, which overlooks the Sea of Oman, visit the spectacular Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, enjoy a stroll through Qurum National Park. Muscat also offers several museums and, further afield, the unique opportunity to watch camel racing and bull fights. 

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.

Ηere in the island’s capital and largest city, you can wander among the squares and fountains or gaze out over the azure blue waters of the Cretan Sea, as you enjoy fresh seafood in a local taverna on the promenade. Don't miss the Palace of Knossos, the largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centres, situated not more than 5 kms from Heraklion. It is the most visited archaeological site in Crete. The palace was the seat of the legendary King Minos and has been associated with famous Greek myths, like that of Daedalus and Icarus, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. The incredible complex houses a warren of rooms decorated with columns and frescoes

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.