Civitavecchia (Rome) to Venice Cruise on Insignia from Civitavecchia (Rome)

Civitavecchia (Rome)

 Civitavecchia is the city of Rome´s port on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The harbour is formed by two piers and a breakwater, on which is a lighthouse. The name Civitavecchia means Ancient Town. There, the Eternal City lies before us in large format architectural and artistic sculptures such as the Colosseum, the most important monument of ancient Rome and used for public entertainment. Do not miss the Trevi Fountain and make a wish while you throw a coin over your shoulder and then continue to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of antiquity, Piazza Navona, and the Vatican City. Take a walk through the Plaza of Spain and rest on the steps of Trinita dei Monti before heading to Via Condotti, a wide avenue lined with shops. Civitavecchia is always popular with cruise passengers because, as noted earlier, it is the gateway to Rome. All cruise lines tend to offer shore excursions here to the Eternal City and we highly recommend that you book one. 

Sorrento (Italy)

Sorrento has multiple reasons to be an attractive city in the Amalfi Coast: it has a beautiful architecture, an imposing coast between beaches and cliffd, a variety of places to eat, cafès, restaurants, and shops willing to receive the tourists. Also, from the city we can start our tour to visit cities like Pompeii and Ercolano. We can also catch the ferry and in a short time be in the island of Capri. If we are thinking of taking a souvenir typical of Sorrento, nothing better than Limoncello, a liqueur done with lemon that has a known production for its quality in the whole world.

Messina (Sicily)

Messina is the capital of the Italian province of Messina. It is situated near the Northeast corner of Sicily and is the 3rd largest city on the island. The campanile holds the largest astronomical clock in the world and is full of animated mechanical statues that put on quite the show at noon. The city has been a Roman Catholic Archdiocese and Archimandrite seat since 1548 and is home to a locally important international fair. Things to see and do include the Archaeological Museum of Reggio di Calabria, Torre Faro observation tower over Messina Strait, Lungomare promenade at Reggio, The Fountain of Orion, The Four Fountains and The Senatory Fountain. Sicily has long been a key feature on Mediterranean cruise itineraries and for good reason. This wonderful little island is a true gem and there’s so much to keep all the family occupied.

Valletta (Malta)

Valletta is the capital of Malta, situated in the east central portion of Malta. It is the second southernmost capital of Europe. The city was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. The city is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas. The city consists of buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. The official name given by the Order of Saint John was Humilissima Civitas - Valletta the Most Humble City of Valletta. The bastions, curtains along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens, and churches, led the ruling houses of Europe to give the city its nickname Superbissima - Most Proud. Valletta cruise port is stunning and the views from your ship of the harbour will blow you away. There’s lots to see and do in the immediate port area, and shuttle buses are sometimes provided to take you further into the city. A day of exploring here will not disappoint.

Crotone, Italy

Crotone is a city and comune in Calabria, southern Italy, on the Ionian Sea. Founded c. 710 BC as the Achaean colony of Croton, it was known as Cotrone from the Middle Ages until 1928, when its name was changed to the current one. In 1994 it became the capital of the newly established Province of Crotone. Places of Interest: the Cathedral, originally from the 9th-11th centuries, but largely rebuilt. It has a neo-classical façade, while the interior has a nave with two aisles, with Baroque decorations. Noteworthy are a baptismal font (12th century) and the Madonna di Capo Colonna, the icon of the Black Madonna which, according to the tradition, was brought from East in the first years of the Christian era.The 16th-century Castle of Charles V. It houses the Town Museum, with findings excavated in the ancient site of Kroton. Notable are also the remnants of the walls, of the same century, and of various watchtowers.The ancient castle built on an island, with accessibility on foot limited to a narrow strip of land, is referred to as Le Castella.

Corfu

Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands,[2] and, including its small satellite islands, forms the edge of the northwestern frontier of Greece. The island is part of the Corfu regional unit, and is administered as a single municipality. The municipality includes the island Corfu and the smaller islands Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi. The principal city of the island and seat of the municipality is also named Corfu. The island´s history is laden with battles and conquests. The legacy of these struggles is visible in the form of castles punctuating strategic locations across the island. Two of these castles enclose its capital, which is the only city in Greece to be surrounded in such a way. The city´s old city was designated for the UNESCO World Heritage List.Corfu is a very popular tourist destination.

Kotor (Montenegro)

Kotor is a coastal town in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor in Montenegro. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. It is located on the Bay of Kotor , one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. Some have called the southernmost fjord in Europe, but it is a ria, a submerged river canyon. Together with the nearly overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen, Kotor and its surrounding area form an impressive and picturesque Mediterranean landscape. In recent years, Kotor has seen a steady increase in tourists, many of them coming by cruise ship. Visitors are attracted both by the natural beauty of the Gulf of Kotor and by the old town of Kotor. Kotor is part of the World Heritage Site dubbed the Natural and Culture Historical Region of Kotor. Kotor has one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Narrow streets, contiguous houses, bulwarks, churches, cathedrals, squares, carnivals and feasts. It is home to numerous sights, such as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and the ancient walls which stretch for 3 miles directly above the city. Sveti Ðorde and Gospa od Skrpijela islets off the coast of Perast are also among the more popular destinations in the vicinity of Kotor.

Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Dubrovnik is situated on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia, at the terminal end of the Isthmus of Dubrovnik, Nerevta country. Places to visit: Lokrum is an island in front of Dubrovnik and because it takes only 15 minutes by ferry to get there from the Old Town it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Zaton, another place to find natural peace and beauty, it takes 20 minutes by bus to get from Dubrovnik to Zaton. Other tourist attractions are: Franciscan monastery, fortresses, Medieval walls encircling the city and Sponza palace.

Zadar (Croatia)

Is a city in the Dalmatian Region, in the modern Croatia, capital of the county of Zadar, in the centre of the country and infront of the islands od Uglian and Pasman, from which it is separated by the Zadar Strait. The different layers of the walls of the city, are the renaissance, baroque and gothic monuments, that prove the turbulent past of the city.

Koper (Slovenia)

Found in the Istrian Region of southwestern Slovenia, Koper is home to the largest commercial port in Slovenia. Just 5km from Slovenia's boarder with Italy, the Italian influence can be felt thought the city. The 15th-century Praetorian Palace and the Loggia Palace are prime examples with their Gothic Venetian architecture. The 12th century Carmine Rotunda church, and the Cathedral of St Nazarius, with its 14th-century tower also offer a view into the citys long history.

Venice

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. On both sides of the Grand Canal you will find historical palaces and bridges. The city along with its lagoon is listed as a World Heritage Site. Places of interest: St. Mark's Square and visit the Ducal's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Bordering the islands via Della Giudecca canal you will find the Lido Island, famous for hosting the Venice Film Festival. Of course do not forget to take a gondola ride through the tiny channels.