Italy, France, Spain Cruise on Queen Victoria 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. 

Livorno (Florence/Pisa)

Livorno is a port city on the Ligurian Sea on the western coast of Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Livorno. Places of Interest include the New Venice district, which retains much of its original town planning and architectural features such as the bridges, narrow lanes, the noblemen´s houses and a dense network of canals that once served to link its warehouses to the port. The Old English Cemetery is the oldest foreign Protestant burial ground in Italy. The Museo Mascagnano houses memorabilia, documents, and operas by the great composer Pietro Mascagni, who lived here. Every year some of his operas are traditionally played during the lyric music season, which is organised by the Traditional Theatre of Livorno. Also, the Terrazza Mascagni, a walkway divided from the sea by a handrail, is named in his honour. Up in the hills, the Sanctuary of Montenero, dedicated to Our Lady of Graces, the patron saint of Tuscany, is a destination for pilgrims. "Monument of the Four Moors", is dedicated to Grand Duke Ferdinando I de´ Medici of Tuscany and is one of the most important monuments of Livorno. The Piazza della Repubblica contains two important monuments of Italian politicians important to the unification. A large canal passes under the square, which serves as a bridge over it. The old red brick fortress was built during the Medici years and defended the city from attack by pirates. Livorno is also your gateway to the fascinating city of Pisa, where you can marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and maybe even climb its steps to the top. 

Villefranche (Nice)

Villefranche is a beautiful port in the Cote dAzure, near Nice. Villefranche is more than a disembarkation port, it is the example of a little village, elegant and exclusive of the Cote dAzure. A peaceful and distinguished place, with multicolores houses, charming corners and most of all tranquility and french good life. It is worth walking through the streets, have a taste of the local cuisine in the port restaurants, or visit the interesting monuments like the Saint Pierre Chapel, the Romanic Chapel of Jean Cocteau, Fort Saint Elmo, or the Dark Street. To continue the visit, nothing better than a quick getaway to Monaco, point of leisure par excellence, the city of glamor, one of the most visited places in the world. This city has three districts: City of Monaco, Condomine and Montecarlo, where the famous casino is found. The following places are of mandatory visit: The Grimaldi Palace, constructed on the Monaco Rock, the old part of the city, the Monaco Cathedral and the Opera.

Ajaccio (Corsica)

The capital of Corsica, Ajaccio lies in a calm bay on the west coast of Corsica, set against a backdrop of wooded hills. It is a relaxed rather than lively town and visitors come here to enjoy its wealth of cafes, restaurants and shops. The sights here mainly revolve around Napoleon, who was born here. The town's main sights are the magnificent cathedral where Napoleon was christened, the Bonaparte residence and numerous statues and street names related to his family. The peninsula carries the citadel and terminates in the Citadel jetty. To the south-west of this peninsula lies the Place Bonaparte, a quarter frequented chiefly by winter visitors attracted by the mild climate of the town. Apart from one or two fine thoroughfares converging on the Place Bonaparte, the streets are mean and narrow and the town has a deserted appearance. The house in which Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769 is preserved, and his associations with the town are everywhere emphasized by street-names and statues. The Musée Fesch, which contains the art collection of Napoleon's maternal uncle, Cardinal Fesch. The collection of Italian paintings is considered to rate second only to that of the Louvre

Valencia (Spain)

Valencia is the capital of the province with the same name, situated on the eastern coast of the Spanish territory, which is accessible by air, land (rail and highway) and sea. The Maritime Station is one of the most modern facilities in Spain. The modern style pier where the Cruises depart from or the “Golondrinas” boats that can take you for a nice ride along the dock. Nearby, you will find the Royal Atarazanas, a historic monument in the Maritime Museum.

Barcelona

The port of Barcelona was born about the same time as the city was. It is one of themost important ports in the Mediterranean, cruise ships leave the city to call on some of themost desirable cities in the Western Mediterranean. The port has modern facilities and allthe services needed to accommodate the many passengers who have Barcelona as anembarkation and a disembarkation port. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan andmulticultural capitals of Europe. Among many attractions that include the Sagrada Familia,Montjuic, Gaudi's Güell Park and the famous Ramblas. It’s a hub of activity and the city isalways bustling.