Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona Cruise on Seabourn Ovation 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. 

Amalfi (Italy)

Amalfi is a town and comune in the province of Salerno, in the region of Campania, Italy, on the Gulf of Salerno. It lies at the mouth of a deep ravine, at the foot of Monte Cerreto (1,314 feet), surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. Amalfi is the main town of the coast on which it is located, named Costiera Amalfitana, and is today an important tourist destination together with other towns on the same coast, such as Positano, Ravello and others. Amalfi is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Amalfi occupied a high position in medieval architecture; its cathedral of Sant'Andrea (Saint Andrew, 11th century), the campanile, the convent of the Cappuccini, founded by the Amalfitan Cardinal Pietro Capuano, richly represent the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy at the time of the Normans, with its tendency to blend the Byzantine style with the forms and sharp lines of the northern architecture.

Lipari, Italy

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily, and the name of the island's main town. It has a permanent population of 11,231; during the May–September tourist season, its population may reach up to 20,000. Lipari is the largest of a chain of islands in a volcanic archipelago that straddles the gap between Vesuvius and Etna. The archaeological museum covers human history of the Aeolian Islands from prehistoric to classical times, vulcanology, marine history, and the paleontology of the western Mediterranean.The opening sequence of Kaos by Paolo and Vittorio Taviani showed children sliding down the vast slopes of white pumice that flowed into the sea. Today the pumice slope stops about 1 metre from the sea. The annual feasts of St. Bartholomew. On July 25, 2013, the mayor of Lipari issued an ordinance banning the wearing of "bikinis, thongs or other swimming costumes in the town centre" with a fine of 500 euros.

Mgarr (Gozo - Malta)

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.

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.

Trapani (Sicily)

Trapani is a city and comune on the west coast of Sicily in Italy. The city is renowned for its Easter related Holy Week activities and traditions. Main attractions of Trapani are Old Town, Palazzo Giudecca,Santa Maria del Gesù, Biblioteca Fardelliana, Sant´Agostino, Palazzo Cavaretto, Chiesa del Collegio, Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Palazzo Riccio, Torre di Ligny Museum, Harbor, La Columbia, Santuario dell´Annunziata Museo Regionale Pepoli and Salt Works.

La Goulette (Tunis)

La Goulette is the port of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. La Goulette is linked to Tunis by the TGM railway. As you disembark the port it will bring you closer to a totally different and fascinating culture. Tunisia is one of the favorite most exotic destinations you can visit. There are several festivals each year, of which the largest is the Carthage International Festival which takes place in July and August with international attraction. Tourist attractions are: Camel ride, Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul, Dar Ben Abdallah, MuseumBab el Bahr French Gate, The Great Mosque, Old City Medina, Bardo Museum & Souks.

La Ciotat (Francia)

Rosas

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.

Port Vendres

Malaga (Spain)

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol, or Empire of the Light, as Ortega y Gasset described it in a poem. You’ll find the Picasso Museum, which is devoted to the most influential artist of the twentieth century. He was born in the city in 1881. You’ll be amazed to visit this cosmopolitan city as tourist, visiting the monuments of the Alcazaba and Giralfaro or ancient Roman theatre. Not to mention the beautiful and unfinished Cathedral of the Incarnation, erected on the site which was the largest mosque in Malaga. This has long been a popular port for cruise passengers because there is no shortage of things to explore, enjoy and sample. The city itself is easily navigated on foot and that’s probably the best way to see it. For sun lovers, there are no less than 16 beaches for you to choose from.

Gibraltar

It is a small British colony in southern Spain. The population is about 29,000 inhabitants in an area of 2.6 square miles. It is also a naval base of the British Armed Forces. Most interesting things are the Rock of Gibraltar, the famous rock monkeys,the dolphins and the main shopping streets.

Casablanca (Morocco)

Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco, situated in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the largest and most important cities in Africa. Casablanca is also Moroccos chief port and industrial centre. Casablanca is like any other European city and the most liberal and progressive of Moroccos cities. Most of the streets have signs, and passersby are extremely helpful in French or Arabic and, more rarely, Spanish or English. Young men flirt brazenly with scantily clad women, designer labels are the norm in the chic, beach front neighbourhood of Ain Diab and many young Moroccans speak to each other exclusively in French. The Medina historic district can be hard to navigate, but its so small that no matter how blindly you wander into it, youre never more than ten minutes from an exit. Places to visit: the Medina historic district, the Corniche, Octagon Square, the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman, the Mosque Hassan II, the largest in North Africa, and the third largest in the world.

Casablanca (Morocco)

Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco, situated in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the largest and most important cities in Africa. Casablanca is also Moroccos chief port and industrial centre. Casablanca is like any other European city and the most liberal and progressive of Moroccos cities. Most of the streets have signs, and passersby are extremely helpful in French or Arabic and, more rarely, Spanish or English. Young men flirt brazenly with scantily clad women, designer labels are the norm in the chic, beach front neighbourhood of Ain Diab and many young Moroccans speak to each other exclusively in French. The Medina historic district can be hard to navigate, but its so small that no matter how blindly you wander into it, youre never more than ten minutes from an exit. Places to visit: the Medina historic district, the Corniche, Octagon Square, the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman, the Mosque Hassan II, the largest in North Africa, and the third largest in the world.

Cartagena (Spain)

Cartagena is located on the sout east of Murcia. On the banks of the Mediteranean, with a very smooth climate and waters. It´s famous for it´s festivals of Carthaginians and Romans and the holy week processions, declared of international touristic interest.

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.