7 Nights - Mediterranean Cruise

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second-largest city; it is also one of the world’s most gracious cities. Dominated by Montjuic, Vallvidrera and the Tibidabo Hills, sophisticated Barcelona is rich in ancient and modern architectural and artistic treasures. Many talented artists, sculptors and architects lived here, including Picasso, Gaudi, Miro and Mares, who found the warm days and lively nights an inspiration for their art.

The city was founded by the Phoenicians. As a port it really began to develop under the Romans. The most significant period was during the Middle Ages when Barcelona's wealth equaled that of the whole Catalonia province. In the 19th century Barcelona grew into a major European port. The city developed around its Gothic Quarter. The splendid buildings from the 13th and 15th centuries and the medieval ambiance remain major attractions for the thousands of visitors every year.

In addition to the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter there are the magnificent avenues cutting through the modern part of the city. They are lined by elegant boutiques and the whimsical facades of buildings designed by the famous Catalonian architect Antonio Gaudi.

Discover the city's outstanding museums dedicated to such masters as Picasso, Miro and Mares. No visit to Barcelona would be complete without seeing the most unique edifice, the Church of the Holy Family, or Sagrada Familia. Gaudi began this fantastic creation in 1883 but was unable to finish. Work was restarted in 1940 but has been greatly hindered because Gaudi left no plans or notes to assist in completing his masterpiece.

There are endless sites to see and things to do in this wonderful city warranting more than a one-day visit. Just strolling the popular Rambla or stopping at one of the many sidewalk cafes will be highlights of your visit to Barcelona.

Ajaccio

Ajaccio is located on the west coast of the island of Corsica, 210 m. southeast of Marseille. It occupies a sheltered position at the foot of wooded hills on the northern shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio. The harbour lies to the east of the town and is protected on the south by a peninsula.

The present town of Ajaccio lies about two miles to the south of its original site, from which it was transferred by the Genoese in 1492. Occupied from 1553 to 1559 by the French, it again fell to the Genoese after the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis in the latter year. The town finally passed to the French in 1768.

Genoa, Italy

Situated along the Gulf of Genoa, the capital of Liguria is also a leading Italian port, university town and a major commercial and industrial center. Its history dates back to 218 B.C. when the city was founded by the Ligurians as a commercial port.

During the following centuries the port developed close trading relations with Greeks, Etruscans, Romans and Carthaginians.The city continued to gain importance after defeating Pisa, and by the 14th century it fought with Venice over the control of trade with the East. Internal fighting and rivalry with Venice led the government to pursue a political alliance with France, only to later fall under its ally’s rule.

Celebrated General Andrea Doria regained Genoa’s independence, except by then the city’s power was in decline. In the beginning of the 17th century, following an extended period of war, Genoa became part of the Napoleonic Empire for approximately ten years before it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia and Piedmont.

Today, the old town boasts narrow, busy streets with a typical Mediterranean ambiance, while the new town features modern buildings, gardens and villas. Visitors will also find a number of splendid marble palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries. Well-preserved churches, museums, piazzas, and a fairly new aquarium are additional attractions.

Florence, Italy

Florence, with its vast and beautiful landscapes, is rich in culture and history. In the region of Tuscany, Florence is the main city after which the province is named. It rises on the banks of the Arno river that divides the city into two sections. The local economy is supported by tourism, industries such as textile, metalwork, pharmaceuticals, glass and ceramics, and chemistry and on Florentine craft such as jewelry and embroidery. Throughout the year, Florence has a rather variable climate with breezy, cold winters and hot, humid summers.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world. With Rome’s establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory began.

Today’s Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafés and elegant shops, is one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between muscled gladiators and ferocious animals. Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city’s political and commercial center.

In later times, Rome’s squares were enhanced with such imposing structures as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short, precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Cannes, France

Once the site of a small Ligurian port and later a Roman outpost, it wasn’t until the 19th century, when aristocrats began to winter in the area’s mild climate, that Cannes became popular. It is said that due to the area’s few natural harbors, most ancient activity took place on the Lenin Islands, just off the coast of Cannes.

Consequently the history of Cannes is mixed with the history of the islands. In the 1950’s, with the beginning of the film festival and a flood of stars, mass tourism transformed this quiet retreat into today’s fashionable resort. Unlike other cities on the French Riviera, Cannes radiates energy. The city is centered on the old port, with a compact central part. Bordered by palm trees and flowers, La Croisette is one of the city’s hottest spots and the main promenade running alongside the narrow beach. The old town, Le Suquet, where Gallo-Roman tombs were discovered, provides a medieval feeling and magnificent views of the bay from atop its hill. Cannes can also be used as starting point to visit the Riviera and the interior. Grasse and St. Paul de Vence are a short drive away. If staying in Cannes, enjoy strolling through the promenade or people watching at a café.

With its glitzy hotels, sandy beaches and famous visitors this cosmopolitan and sophisticated resort attracts a great variety of tourists. While some travel here for the city’s festivals, others come in the hopes of getting close to the wealthy and famous. Whatever the reason, it would be a shame to forego Cannes during a visit to southern France.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca is the largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and is located just off the east coast of Spain. The island's coastline is marked by a series of small caves and beautiful beaches. Palma de Mallorca is the capital city of the Balearic Islands and nearly two-thirds of the total population live in Palma. The number of people greatly increases in the spring, as the island is a favorite European resort.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second-largest city; it is also one of the world’s most gracious cities. Dominated by Montjuic, Vallvidrera and the Tibidabo Hills, sophisticated Barcelona is rich in ancient and modern architectural and artistic treasures. Many talented artists, sculptors and architects lived here, including Picasso, Gaudi, Miro and Mares, who found the warm days and lively nights an inspiration for their art.

The city was founded by the Phoenicians. As a port it really began to develop under the Romans. The most significant period was during the Middle Ages when Barcelona's wealth equaled that of the whole Catalonia province. In the 19th century Barcelona grew into a major European port. The city developed around its Gothic Quarter. The splendid buildings from the 13th and 15th centuries and the medieval ambiance remain major attractions for the thousands of visitors every year.

In addition to the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter there are the magnificent avenues cutting through the modern part of the city. They are lined by elegant boutiques and the whimsical facades of buildings designed by the famous Catalonian architect Antonio Gaudi.

Discover the city's outstanding museums dedicated to such masters as Picasso, Miro and Mares. No visit to Barcelona would be complete without seeing the most unique edifice, the Church of the Holy Family, or Sagrada Familia. Gaudi began this fantastic creation in 1883 but was unable to finish. Work was restarted in 1940 but has been greatly hindered because Gaudi left no plans or notes to assist in completing his masterpiece.

There are endless sites to see and things to do in this wonderful city warranting more than a one-day visit. Just strolling the popular Rambla or stopping at one of the many sidewalk cafes will be highlights of your visit to Barcelona.