Turkey, Greece, Italy, France Cruise on Norwegian Pearl from Istanbul

Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. It is also one of the largest cities in Europe and the world. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. Istanbul attracts visitors not only for its history and its monuments, but also for their way of life and its lovely people. It is the city of churches, synagogues and thousands of mosques Istanbul is the city of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi and Dolmabahce palaces.

Kusadasi (Turkey)

With a mix of modern beach resorts alongside traditional bazaars, Kusadasi is a popular tourist destination on the Aegean coast in the Aydin Province of Turkey. Aside from its golden sandy beaches and warm clear waters, Kusadasi boasts a variety of attractions most famous of which is Ephesus, the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical city. Marble pillars of the Library of Celsus support intricate friezes and sculptures, while the enormous theatre delivers superb views over the city. Visitors can also discover Kusadasi on horseback, swim with the horses at Pamucak Beach or take time to visit array of stalls and shops that comprise the local bazaar.

Mykonos

Probably the most famous of the Greek Islands, Queen of the Cyclades, and the most cosmopolitan. Mykonos, owes its fame to the beauty of its capital, its white houses narrow passages, and their numerous high quality beaches. Tourism is a major industry, and Mykonos is particularly renowned for its cosmopolitan nightlife; many international celebrities visit the island every summer and and its proximity to the island of Delos, rich in archaeological treasures.

Catania (Sicily)

Cataniais the second city of Sicily, after Palermo. The Cathedral square where we can find the Comune and the Cathedral of Catania, the Duomo, around the Elephant Fountain of Vacarini; the Pescheria market, and the market of Fiera, the theatre and the roman amphitheater, the odeon, Via Crociferi with an endless line of churches, the Bellini gardens, the theatre Massimo Vincenzo Bellini, Saint Nicolo and the Benedictine Convent (headquarters of the University di Lettere de Catania), without forgetting the Ursino Castle and multitude of baroque palaces proliferating in Catania.

Naples (Italy)

Naples is the capital of Campania, one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea. The Port of Naples is one of the largest Italian seaport and one of the largest seaport in the Mediterranean Sea. Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Naples has long been a major cultural centre with a global sphere of influence, particularly during the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. In the immediate vicinity of Naples are numerous culturally and historically significant sites, including the Palace of Caserta and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Culinary Naples is synonymous with pizza, which originated in the city. Neapolitan music has furthermore been highly influential, credited with the invention of the romantic guitar and the mandolin, as well as notable contributions to opera and folk standards.

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. 

La Spezia (Florence)

La Spezia sits at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia, in the Liguria region of northern Italy. It is the capital city of the province of La Spezia. For shopping, there are craft and antique shops in the lanes of the Cinque Terre villages, but the best thing to buy here is wine or local produce (such as the salted anchovies of Monterosso). The main attractions of La Spezia are: Public Gardens, Churches, Museums, Castle of San Giorgio, and Art Nouveau style villas. It’s a picturesque place to enjoy as part of your cruise holiday and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. Heading out of La Spezia will take you to other parts of Italy for the day, including Pisa and Cinque Terre - the iconic coast of five colourful villages that tops most “must see'' travel lists.

Cannes (France)

France is a busy tourist destination and host of the annual Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. The city is also famous for its luxury shops, restaurants, glitzy hotels, cars, beaches, and visitors. The Promenade de la Croisette is the waterfront avenue with palm trees. La Croisette is known for beaches and for restaurants, cafés and boutiques. Le Suquet, the old town, provides a good view of La Croisette. Places to visit in Cannes are: Old town, Port, Beaches, Palais des Festivales and Covered Market.

Marseille (France)

Marseille is the second largest city in France, after Paris and is the third largest urban area and metropolitan area after Lyon. Marseille is the capital of the Provence Alpes Côte dAzur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches du Rhône department. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market. The Old Port or Vieux Port is the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Things to see and do include the Old Port area, Abbey of Saint Victor, The Centre Bourse, and the adjacent Rue St Ferreol district, for the main shopping area, museums, and historical buildings. Marseille is always a popular cruise port because of its sheer beauty – it’s one of those cruise destinations that you’ll never forget.

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.