Italy, Monaco, France, Spain, Malta, Tunisia Cruise on Seabourn Sojourn 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.

Saranda (Albania)

Capital of the district of Sarande, Saranda in Albania is one of the most important attractions in the Albanian Riviera. It is opposite the Greek Island of Corfu and very near the ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sarande was founded in the 6th Century B.C and with a perfect location and warm weather, it's one of the preferred cities for Honeymooners to spend their holidays. You can learn about the region's past or visit the Blue Eye Spring and enjoy the beauties of this natural park. This charming historic town is a hidden gem on the Albanian Riviera, hosting a wealth of UNESCO protected archaeological treasures amongst other attractions. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the region, with a slightly cosmopolitan and lively vibe to it with plenty of ocean-side bars and restaurants which offer great local produce an freshly caught seafood.

Galipoli, Italy

Gallipoli meaning "Beautiful City" is a town and comune of 21,200 inhabitants in the province of Lecce, in Apulia, southern Italy. It is located by the Ionian Sea, on the west coast of the Salentina Peninsula. The town of Gallipoli is divided in two parts, the modern and the old city. The new town includes all the newest buildings including a skyscraper. The old town, instead, is located on a limestone island, linked to the mainland by a bridge built in the 16th century. Places of Interest: Angevine Aragonese Castle, built in the 13th century by the Byzantines. It was largely remade under the Angevines and the Aragonese, who added a polygonal wall fortified with round towers. The main additions were carried on by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, who worked for King Alfonso II of Naples. In 1522 it was added the eastern wall, known as Rivellino, defended by waters on three sides. 14th century walls Originally it had 12 towers or bastions. Baroque cathedral of Sant´Agata. It has a richly decorated façade in carparo, a local limestone rock, with niches featuring statues of saints. The interior is on the Latin cross plan, with Baroque altars, including a polychrome one by Cosimo Fanzago (high altar). Church of St. Francis of Paola, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of San Domenico al Rosario Church of the Holy Crucifix, Church of Santa Maria della Purità, Greek Fountain, Palazzo Pirelli (16th century), with mythological-theme decorations in the interior, Church of San Pietro dei Samari, outside the city. It was built in late Byzantine times. Spiaggia la Puritate beach

Taormina (Italy)

One of those charming places that italian geography hides, especially in the Isle of Siciliy. In this case we are talking about this city in the Mesina province. This city is famous because it was a rest and inspiration place for Truman Capote or Thomas Mann, and also well known artists as Salvador Dali and Orson Wells. As many cities in SIcily, Taormina is located on a mountain, 200 meters abouve love level, where you will find idyllic views that end up in beaches with clear waters. Some points of interest of this city are: The Greco-Roman Theatre, that was built by the romans three centuries b.C., the structure is mainly roman as it was restored by them on the first century a.C. You can also visit the Villa Comunale and see the wonderful views to Etna Volcano. Also outstands the Palaces Corvaia, Ciampoli, o dei Duchi di Santo Stefano.

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.

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.

Porto Cervo (Italia)

Calvi (Corsica)

Calvi is a commune of France, in the region of Corsica, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. We could say that in Calvi you cannot choose between a jazz concert, a walk, a music recital, a trip in the sea, a panting exposition or a horse ride, because all these activities can be done in Calvi.

Monte Carlo

It is excepcionally located, between the sea and the mountain, it´s gardens, it´s sports and cultural events, and so many other things... make of Monaco the ideal destination for an escape or for a unforgettable conference. Montecarlo has been for decades a meeting place for royals and big movie stars.

Portoferraio (Elba)

portoferraio is a city and municipality in the province of livorno, Italy, in the Island of Elba. The port has always been considered the safest in the Mediterranean. It is located in the center, respect the other 7 municipalities in the island. These aspects are interesting for the visitors nowadays, but years ago it was like a magnet for other villages.

Portovenere

Nice (France)

Nice is a large city in France on the French Riviera. It´s a popular destination for vacationers, with something to offer for everyone. It is well known for the beautiful view on the Promenade des Anglais, its famous waterfront, and is an ethnically diverse port city. The Colline du Chateau overlooking the Baie des Anges and harbour offers a spectacular vantage point overlooking the city. Among its many attractions are its beautiful beaches, lovely seaside promenade, interesting museums, famous city landmarks and other tourist attractions. Nice on the Mediterranean Cote d´Azur is a wonderful place, with its flower market, beautiful coastline, terrace restaurants and outdoor bars, great shopping and wonderful cultural experiences.

La Joliette, Marseille

Marseilles is the second largest city in France and capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The emblematic Vieux port or Old Port, the heart of the city, is undoubtedly the greatest monument. Its beautiful beaches and islands and large nineteenth century avenues are some of the most prominent attractions. Marseille also enjoys several architectural gems such as the Cathedral, the Abbey of St. Victor, Palais Longchamp (Fine Arts Museum), the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Château d'If should not be missed.

La Joliette, Marseille

Marseilles is the second largest city in France and capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The emblematic Vieux port or Old Port, the heart of the city, is undoubtedly the greatest monument. Its beautiful beaches and islands and large nineteenth century avenues are some of the most prominent attractions. Marseille also enjoys several architectural gems such as the Cathedral, the Abbey of St. Victor, Palais Longchamp (Fine Arts Museum), the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Château d'If should not be missed.

Sète (France)

Sète is a commune in southern France known as the Venice of Languedoc and the singular island is a port and a seaside resort on the Mediterranean with its own very strong cultural identity, traditions, cuisine and dialect. It is also the hometown of many artists. Built upon and around Mont St Clair, Sète is situated on the south-eastern hub of the Bassin de Thau, an enclosed salt water lake used primarily for oyster and mussel fields. To its other side lies the Mediterranean. And the town has a network of canals which are link between the Étan de Thau and the Mediterranean Sea.

Rosas

Palamos (Spain)

Palamos is a town in the province of Girona, Catalonia, in the Mediterranean Costa Brava. It is found on the northern end of a bay and known for the peacful crytaline waters where you can swim, sail or practive windsurf. It has a major port, and one of the eldest fishing fleets found in the Mediterranean. The main fishing activity is dedicated to the prawns. The towns port is surrounded by bars and restaurants which are very animated specialy at night time.

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.

Palma (Majorca)

The capital of the island of Mallorca, Palma welcomes you through a magnificent view: the marina, the promenade, the Cathedral that is dominated by the Bellver Castle, situated on a hill which overlooks the harbour. Majorca is a favourite European destination for many cruise passengers. Great shopping centres and tourist services, beautiful and pristine beaches, the cuisine, and traditional products, not to mention the wonderful caves of Drach, all await you on your visit. Inland, you’ll find typical Mallorcan villages and mountain ranges reaching heights of 1,500 metres. 

Mahon (Minorca)

Mahon is the capital city of the island of Minorca that is a Spanish Balearic Island situated in the Mediterranean Sea. Mahon has the second deepest natural harbour in the world and the water is deep and clear. You will find the best prehistoric sites in Menorca, within the city limits of Mahon in the village Trepuco. Places of attraction are: Historic centre of Mahon, Fishing village at Fornells, Prehistoric sites of talaiots, taules and navetas, Bars and late night entertainment on the harbor front at Mahon and View from Monte Toro (highest point of the island).

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.

Mgarr (Gozo - Malta)

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.

Cagliari (Sardinia)

Founded by the Fenitians, Cagliari is one of the most important ports in Sardinia, located at the south of the island. A place to get lost and forget about the bustle of the city. It is also famous for having one of the most extensive urban beaches in Italy. The beach of Il Poetto. Like Spain in many ways, such as the habits, expressions, and even the gastronomy, because Sardinia belonged to Spain for 400 years. It is often noted that the best way to arrive in Cagliari is by sea, so visiting via cruise ship already allows you an advantage and a unique view. You’ll find something here for the whole family to enjoy, from local cuisines, museums, beaches, and great shopping opportunities to purchase locally produced goods. 

Olbia (Sardinia)

Olbia is a town in northeastern Sardinia in the Gallura sub-region.It is the economic centre of this part of the island (commercial centres, food industry) and is very situated very close to the famous Costa Smeralda tourist area. A popular destination, well known beaches, the beautiful and for the places of cultural interest to visit by the tourists. Places of interests: Medieval Castle of Pedres. Nuragic complex of Cabu Abbas. San Simplicio Church. Defence Wall. Thermal Baths

Bonifacio (France)

Bonifacio is a commune at the southern tip of the island of Corsica, in the Corse-du-Sud department of France. It's known for it's exceptional medieval patrimony, perched on a limestone cliff by the sea at the horizon in a lovely frame. This bastion to the sea invites to it's contemplation.

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.