Seven Seas Voyager | Grand European Sojourn Voyage | Deal

Day 1 Port of Call Lisbon Arrival 7:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.

Day 2 Port of Call Porto Arrival 9:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. The greatest sites in Porto are its five bridges, three modern, two nineteenth century and all of them sensational. The valleys and tributaries that run along them form some of the most spectacular landscapes in the the country. The wealth that flowed into the city from the 15th century onward is evidenced throughout Porto. Trade in the commodities from Portugal’s newly claimed lands brought Brazilian gold and exotic woods to embellish Porto’s many elaborate churches and palaces. Prosperous merchants spent lavishly on paintings and the ever famous azulejos. The true fascination with Porto lies very much in the day-to-day life of the place, with its prosperous business core surrounded by well to do suburbs as well as depressed housing estates, tempered by a heart of cramped streets and ancient alleys wholly untouched by the planners. Porto is renowned for the great variety of light, fresh and often fizzy wines as well as the heavyweight Port wines. Vinho verde ‘sparkling wine’, is grown in the northwest. Country wines from the northeast are made in the area between the Spanish border to the north and east and four mountain ranges to the west. The Vinho verde region is best known for its slightly under-ripe wines, with a slightly sparkling character. They are mainly white, and the best are made from the alvarinho grape, as well as the azal, ljurerio and rabigato. Wines from the Douro region are beginning to be accepted as some of Portugal’s finest. Although excellent white wines are produced here, the area is best known for its great reds. The accommodations in Porto range from inexpensive rooms (south east of Sao Bento station) that will fit just about any budget to more expensive places around the city. They are generally a good value but in winter investing in a more expensive place with better facilities to counter the freezing cold is worth the a little extra.

Day 3 Port of Call Villagarcia de Arosa Arrival 7:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Vilagarcía, capital of the Arousa Bay and natural harbour of Santiago de Compostela, has a population of almost 35.000 inhabitants, so it is the eighth city in Galicia. Because of its geographical characteristics, Vilagarcía has become a focus of attention for many people who choose this city to establish their residence (main, second or holiday one). And this is not by chance. Few cities can offer a situation and a climate as those that Vilagarcía enjoys, at the seaside and without extreme temperatures. The town also has harbour, railway station, thirty-minute distant airport, hospital, exhibition site, a rich historical and artistic patrimony, a gastronomy which is in the elite of Galicia, traditional business and chain stores, beach and yachting harbour –both with the Blue Flag conceded by the UE-, Green Flag awarding the sustainable development of the city, promenade, sports complex with swimming pool and athletics stadium, several gardens and parks, local Fiestas of Tourist Interest and an extensive and varied free-time, cultural and sports offer. This offer will soon be increased with an auditorium with room for almost one thousand people, designed by César Portela (National Award in Architecture). For all this reasons, Vilagarcía de Arousa is a perfect place to live quietly, with all the commodities of a city without its stress and with the chance of enjoying the free time offer of the main Galician cities with no need of great travelling. Definitely, it is a place with quality of life. For the same reasons, Vilagarcía is a perfect place to establish our centre if we want to have an unforgettable holiday in Galicia. Vilagarcía, whose Fiestas have been declared of Tourist Interest (San Roque procession, Water Festival, Carril’s Clam Festival, Naval Battle of fireworks, Craft Albariño Wine Festival...), is half-an-hour distant from Santiago (World Heritage) and from Vigo, with its free-time and shopping proposals; 25 kilometres away from Pontevedra, the provincial capital; 12 km. from Cambados (Albariño Wine Festival and historical area); 30 km. from O Grove (Shellfish Festival) and A Toxa (Grand Hotel and spa); 8 km. from Catoira (Viking Festival); 25 km. from Sanxenxo (centre of the Galician tourism); and just an hour away from Portugal by main road. Besides, it is easy in Vilagarcía to practice any kind of sport. The majority of hotels of the town have an agreement with the Golf Club of Meis (12 kilometres away), the first Galician public Golf Club, of which the Town Council is main partner. And Vilagarcía and its bay are a paradise for people fond of sailing and water sports. Nice climate, cordiality, exceptionally good situation, quality of life, historical heritage, gastronomy, leisure, yachting sports, urban beach, local Fiestas of Tourist Interest... all this and more is offered to the traveller by Vilagarcía, City of Arousa, Sea of Compostela.

Day 4 Port of Call La Coruna Arrival 7:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Situated beside the Atlantic Ocean, A Coruna is a historic city whose history has maintained close links with its old fishing and commercial port. The peninsula on which the Old City stands also contains the Tower of Hercules, one of the symbols of the city, which is an interesting Romanesque collection of streets, squares and medieval churches. The Aquarium Finisterrae, the Domus and the Science Museum are some of the places that show the more modern, recreational side of the provincial capital, which offers one of its most beautiful facets in the wide beaches of Riazor and Orzán. All this is completed with cuisine recognised throughout the country, marked by the excellence of its seafood and meats coming from the inland parts of the province. The Aquarium Finisterrae, the Domus and the Science Museum are some of the places that show the more modern, recreational side of the provincial capital, which offers one of its most beautiful facets in the wide beaches of Riazor and Orzán. All this is completed with cuisine recognised throughout the country, marked by the excellence of its seafood and meats coming from the inland parts of the province. The harbour has always been the scene of some of the most important historical events in the city, like the defeat of the English privateer Francis Drake in 1589 thanks to the resistance of the people of Coruña, led by the heroine María Pita. The city's most important civil buildings also deserve a visit. The City Hall is situated in the Plaza de María Pita, the nerve centre of the city. It is an elegant, monumental building built at the beginning of the 20th century, characterised by its porches and galleries and by three towers finished with attractive cupolas. Another sight not to be missed in the centre of A Coruna is the San Carlos Garden, declared a Historic-Artistic site. The walls of the fortress of San Carlos, which dates from 1843, house this unusual space in which the Archive of the Kingdom of Galicia is based and whose centre is presided over by the tomb of Sir John Moore, a British general who died in 1809 during the battle of Elvina. Surrounding the Old City is the coastal area, where A Coruña mixes the traditional and the modern. Beside the port in the Avenida de la Marina, are the typical houses with white glazed galleries (19thC), architectural elements making up one of the best known features of A Coruna and which earned it the name of 'Glass City'. The Castle of San Anton, at one end of the harbour area, was built at the end of the 16th century with a defensive character and later altered in the 18th. It currently houses the Provincial Archaeological Museum, which takes an interesting journey through Galician prehistory using various pieces of metalwork, objects and tools corresponding to the hill fort culture. On the long Coruna promenade there are other outstanding cultural opportunities. The Acuarium Finisterrae, situated near the Tower of Hercules, houses one of the largest aquariums in Spain, and includes rooms with interactive exhibitions related to the sea. Human beings are the central theme of Domus or the House of Man, located in a futuristic building designed by the architect Arata Isozaki. Inside, various interactive rooms show man from a multidisciplinary point of view. The promenade finally leads to the wide Riazor and Orzan, beaches, the main areas for the people of A Coruna to relax. The tour of the museums can be completed by visiting the Science Museum, situated in Santa Margarita Park, one of the provincial capital's most important green areas. Its outstanding feature is the Planetarium, while its permanent exhibition approaches scientific, technological and natural principles in an interactive way. The cuisine of La Coruna brings together the best of the coast and the interior. From the coast comes excellent seafood: small crabs, barnacles, spider crabs, Norway lobster, etc. Succulent recipes based on fish are also cooked, such as angler fish stew, Galician-style hake (with onion, garlic and carrot) or griddled sole. Pasties serve as a transition to the interior as they can be made either with fish and shellfish or with meat. As for meat, pork can be used to make the famous pork shoulder with parsnip tops, while Galician beef is protected with a Denomination of Origin. Any of the magnificent Galician wines that have a Denomination of Origin (Monterrei, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro, Rías Baixas and Valdeorras) can be used to accompany these dishes. And, for dessert, there is the famous Santiago cake (with almonds, sugar and flour). Around the provincial capital you can visit interesting places like Betanzos, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, Santiago de Compostela, capital of Galicia and World Heritage City, or Ferrol.

Day 5 Port of Call Bilbao Arrival 10:00am Departure 11:00pm

Overview

Bilbao, city and seaport in northern Spain, on the Nervión River, near the Bay of Biscay, capital of Vizcaya Province, in the Basque Country autonomous region. Bilbao consists of an old section, on the right bank of the Nervión, and a modern section, dating from the late 19th century, on the left bank. Several bridges connect the old and new sections. Several railroads and highways and an international airport serve Bilbao. A subway system opened in 1995. One of the major industrial centers of Spain, the city is within a large iron-ore mining region. The chief industries are shipbuilding and the manufacture of cement, chemicals, foodstuffs, iron and steel, machinery, paper, and textiles. Bilbao is an important seaport, and iron ore, cereal grains, and wine are major exports. The chief imports are coal and timber. The Semana Grande is a major bullfighting event held in Bilbao each August. The city has several churches, among them the Gothic Church of Santiago, which dates from the 14th century. It also has a number of museums, including a collection of archaeological finds relating to the history of the Basques. In October 1997 the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, with its collection of modern art, opened on Bilbao's waterfront. Among the city's educational institutions is the University of Deusto, a Jesuit university founded in 1886. The author and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo was born in Bilbao.

Day 6 Port of Call Saint-Jean-de-Luz Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing town at the mouth of the Nivelle river, in southwest France’s Basque country. The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, where King Louis XIV married Marie-Therese of Spain in 1660, has a gilded baroque altarpiece and wooden galleries. The turreted Maison Louis XIV is a museum that recreates 17th-century domestic life with period furniture. It includes the King’s Chamber, where Louis XIV slept.

Day 7 Port of Call Montoir-de-Bretagne Arrival 10:00am

Overview

Montoir-de-Bretagne is a commune in the Loire-Atlantique department in western France.

Day 8 Port of Call Montoir-de-Bretagne Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Montoir-de-Bretagne is a commune in the Loire-Atlantique department in western France.

Day 9 Port of Call Concarneau Arrival 7:00am Departure 9:00pm

Overview

Concarneau is a commune in the Finistere department of Brittany in north-western France. Concarneau is bordered to the west by the Baie de La Foret.

Day 10 Port of Call Brest Arrival 7:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Brest is a port city in Brittany, in northwestern France, bisected by the Penfeld river. It’s known for its rich maritime history and naval base. At the mouth of the Penfeld, overlooking the harbor, is the National Navy Museum, housed in the medieval Château de Brest. Across the river stands Tour Tanguy, a medieval tower. To the northeast are the National Botanical Conservatory and the Oceanopolis aquarium.

Day 11 Port of Call Saint Peter Port Arrival 9:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

St Peter Port, Guernsey's main town, is built into a steep valley leading down to the harbour, with spectacular views across to Alderney and the other islands. It has the most sheltered anchorage in the Channel Island and it has been a haven and eventually a harbour for over 2000 years. St Peter Port has been rated amongst the 50 most historic towns in England and Wales. Despite the predominance of international banks based here, the town has managed to retain its 17th century charm. The granite buildings now occupied by shops were once the homes of the town's wealthy residence and the High Street still has its original cobbles. The town was put on the map in 1855 when Victor Hugo, exiled from France, made his home at Hauteville House. Here he wrote Les Miserables. Renoir also painted a number of his masterpieces here. Several guided walking tours of St Peter Port begin at the Tourist Information Bureau during the summer months.

Day 12 Port of Call Honfleur Arrival 6:15am Departure 4:45pm

Overview

Visiting Honfleur means, travelling through history in the heart of an exceptionally preserved site. Our old maritime city is very wellknown for its old dock but we are inviting you to experiment its particular atmosphere walking through its old narrow paved streets. Honfleur is certainly proud of its prestigious past but the city is also definitely turned toward future. It is a dynamic harbour offering an increasingly number of cultural activities: exhibitions, concerts and traditional feast such as the Shrimp feast or the Russian Film Festival. Take the time to discover Honfleur.

Day 13 Port of Call Zeebrugge Arrival 8:00am Departure 11:00pm

Overview

Linked with Brugge, its historic metropolis, by a 7.5 mile canal, Zeebrugge is a seaside resort looking to the future. The international port, jutting far out into the sea, doesn't prevent holidaymakers from frolicking on the fine little sandy beach. On the sea front, hotels and cafés give tourists their warmest welcome. Being Belgium's leading fishing port, Zeebrugge has quite a lot of fishmongers' shops. Besides being a passenger port with regular ferry services between the United Kingdom and the continent, Zeebrugge also has an attractive marina which can accommodate some 100 vessels. Zeebrugge also enjoys a very convenient geographical location, just a few miles away from beautiful Brugge, the fashionable sea resort of Knokke, and the picturesque village of Lissewege. During the summer season the beach invites to (sun) bathing, playing and relaxing. Autumn and winter are the right seasons to take a firm walk along the seaside. On the western dam, a promenade reaches far out into the open sea. At the foot of the dam the "St. George Memorial" commemorates the Battle of Zeebrugge (23.4.1918) on which occasion the British Royal Navy finally put the German U-Boot base out of action. The City Community House on Marktplein is the seat of the city administration. The premises also have a socio-cultural function.

Day 14 Port of Call Antwerp Arrival 7:00am

Overview

Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. Some 60% of the ten million Belgians are Flemings. They speak Dutch. Like their French and German-speaking compatriots they have their own parliament and government. The capital of Flanders is Brussels, also capital of federal Belgium and the heart of Europe. The city's 468 717 inhabitants (as recorded on 02/2004) live in a territory, which covers approximately 22,076 hectares. The city is located between latitude 51°13'16' and 4°23'60' eastern longitude. It has a moderate maritime climate.

Day 15 Port of Call Antwerp Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. Some 60% of the ten million Belgians are Flemings. They speak Dutch. Like their French and German-speaking compatriots they have their own parliament and government. The capital of Flanders is Brussels, also capital of federal Belgium and the heart of Europe. The city's 468 717 inhabitants (as recorded on 02/2004) live in a territory, which covers approximately 22,076 hectares. The city is located between latitude 51°13'16' and 4°23'60' eastern longitude. It has a moderate maritime climate.

Day 16 Port of Call Amsterdam Arrival 10:00am

Overview

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths.

Day 17 Port of Call Amsterdam Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths.

Day 18 Port of Call Tilbury Arrival 7:00am Departure 9:00pm

Overview

Tilbury, town and port in Thurrock Borough, Essex, eastern England. It is situated about 35 km (22 mi) east of London on the north bank of the River Thames. A monastery was established at Tilbury by the Northumbrian bishop St Cedd (Cedda) in the middle of the 7th century. The settlement is mentioned in the Domesday book as Tilaburg, which means "Tila's fortified place". Since the 15th century Tilbury has been a ferry point for passengers crossing the Thames to Gravesend in Kent. In the 16th century Henry VIII built a fort at Tilbury to guard the Thames estuary. In 1588, when the Spanish Armada was threatening England, Elizabeth I famously addressed the royal troops assembled at Tilbury. The docks for which Tilbury is famous were built between 1884 and 1886. In the 1960s Tilbury docks became a containerized port and the Port of London's principal container centre, causing a decline in the Docklands of London.

Day 20 Port of Call Edinburgh/Newhaven Arrival 7:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Edinburgh is Scotland's compact, hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.

Day 21 Port of Call Invergordon Arrival 9:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Invergordon is a town whose history stretches back through two World Wars and has now developed into a centre for oilrig refurbishment and maintenance. It is also a major port of call for cruise liners, being the only deep water port in the area, 40 liners, with 21,000 visitors from all over the world, berthed in 2004. Ideally situated in the centre of the eastern Highlands, the town's High Street has recently been given a face lift with coloured granite blocks, speed controllers, a new restaurant and a mural has been painted on the Albyn Housing building. There are many places to eat, providing quick take-away food right through to a quality country house hotel and restaurant just inland from the town, Indian and Chinese food is also available as an alternative to the more traditional fayre. There is an Arts Centre, a Leisure and Sports Club, with swimming pool and an 18 hole golf course on the outskirts of town.

Day 22 Port of Call Lerwick Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Lerwick, the lively capital of Shetland, centres around its important and busy harbour, particularly during the summer months, when yachts, cruise liners, private yachts and motor cruisers arrive from ports all around the North Atlantic. Lerwick has a population of around 7,500, approximately one third of Shetland's total population. The shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses bustle all year with locals, visiting businessmen, tourists and seafarers. A mix of old and new, the town offers visitors a range of things to do and see. Places of interest include Clickimin Broch - an outstanding example of Bronze Age and Iron Age architecture; Fort Charlotte - built in 1665 and having good views from the gunports; the Bod of Gremista - an 18th century fishing booth; and the picture-postcard Lodberries - old merchants' houses with their own piers. The Museum has a fascinating collection of artefacts illustrating Shetland's history. Elsewhere special exhibitions depict Shetland tradition and crafts - knitting, spinning, lace-making, fiddle music and Up Helly Aa.

Day 23 Port of Call Portree Arrival 8:00am Departure 2:00pm

Overview

Although referred to by the locals as "the village", Portree is the only real town on Skye. It's also one of the most attractive fishing ports in northwest Scotland, its deep cliff-edged harbour filled with fishing boats and circled by multicoloured restaurants and guest houses. The harbour is overlooked by The Lump, a steep and stumpy peninsula with a flagpole on it that was once the site of public hangings on the island, attracting crowds of up to five thousand; it also sports a folly built by the celebrated Dr Ban, a visionary who wanted to make Portree into a second Oban. Up above the harbour is the spick-and-span town centre, spreading out from Somerled Square, built in the late eighteenth century as the island's administrative and commercial centre, and now housing the bus station and car park. The Royal Hotel on Bank Street occupies the site of the McNab's Inn where Bonnie Prince Charlie took leave of Flora MacDonald, and where, 27 years later, Boswell and Johnson had "a very good dinner, porter, port and punch". A mile or so out of town on the Sligachan road is one of Skye's most successful tourist attractions, the Aros Centre.Here, tourists can enjoy the dramatic Aros Experience an unsentimental presentation of episodes of the island's history, with stunning life-size figures and special effects, ending with an audiovisual show. If it's fine, there are waymarked forest walks and a Gaelic alphabet trail starting just outside. For a view of the contemporary visual art scene, it's well worth seeking out An Tuireann Arts Centre, housed in a converted fever hospital on the Struan road,which puts on exhibitions, stages concerts, and has an excellent small cafe where even the counter is a work of art, with an imaginative range of food on offer.

Day 24 Port of Call Belfast Arrival 6:15am Departure 10:00pm

Overview

Belfast offers the buzz and vibrancy of a capital city whilst being a gateway to the rural retreat of Northern Ireland. At the head of Belfast Lough, the city is compact and easy to get around, whether by car or on foot. Like all capital cities, Belfast offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all pockets, from cosy B&Bs around the university, to well appointed riverside self-catering establishments, to city centre boutique hotels.
Belfast is teeming with a multitude of stylish bars, gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs and some of the best shopping in the UK. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music in a local pub or dance the night away to the latest vibes – the choice is yours!
The birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast’s industrial heritage has shaped a city steeped in culture, portrayed at its best at the Ulster Museum, City Hall, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the many buildings still standing. The many parks, gardens and galleries offer a perfect haven to relax.
Within a couple of hours of Belfast, visitors can marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, walk the Mountains of Mourne, fish in Fermanagh or visit the many picturesque villages in Northern Ireland - a perfect location to discover the rest of Northern Ireland!

Day 26 Port of Call Waterford/Ireland Arrival 7:30am Departure 7:30pm

Overview

Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. A walled city of Viking origins, it retains much of it's medieval character together with the graceful buildings from its 18th century expansion. The parameters of the 10th century settlement can be clearly identified in The Viking Triangle. Reginald's Tower is the most historic urban medieval monument in Ireland. The elegant Chamber of Commerce building, the City Hall and the Bishop's Palace are prime examples of beautiful 18th century architecture. Waterford is the home of Waterford Crystal, the world-famous hand-crafted, cut glass product and is a sophisticated shopping venue for high fashion and craft & design centres. Ecclesiastical landmarks include St. Patrick's Churches, Black Friars, St. Olave's Church and Greyfriars. The Church Of Ireland Christ Church Cathedral, and the Catholic Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity were both designed by Waterford architect John Roberts (1714 - 1796). Waterford Treasures at the Granary is both a treasury of gold, bronze, silver, crystal and historical documents and a treasure trail that takes you through 1000 years of Ireland's oldest city. Waterford has a long theatrical and musical tradition, which centres on the historic Theatre Royal, which hosts the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera each year. In the Garter Lane Arts Centre, which is home to the local Red Kettle Theatre Company, other visiting groups and arts exhibitions. The "Large Room" in City Hall is the venue for the popular Waterford Show. The Forum Theatre is another theatrical venue in the city.

Day 28 Port of Call La Rochelle Arrival 8:00am Departure 10:00pm

Overview

La Rochelle is a coastal city in southwestern France and capital of the Charente-Maritime department. It's been a center for fishing and trade since the 12th century, a maritime tradition that's reflected in its Vieux Port (old harbor) and huge, modern Les Minimes marina. The old town has half-timbered medieval houses and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches.

Day 29 Port of Call Bordeaux Arrival 12:15pm

Overview

Visit a bottle of wine. It’s no secret. That’s what Bordeaux is known for and how you’ll likely spend your time in the world’s largest, premium wine district – savoring the wine and the sights. Bordeaux has long been synonymous with fine wines. Situated in the southwest of France in a graceful crescent along a bend in the Garonne River, you’ll find the region that delivers the full-bodied beverages known the world over. Connected to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean by the Gironde River (so wide it appears to be an inlet), the inland port of Bordeaux has been an important trading center since before the Roman era. (The city was founded in 3rd century BC by a Celtic tribe.) Bordeaux became incredibly prosperous during the 18th century, when the city was France’s most important port, and a hub for trade to and from the New World. Though its shipping industry has since declined, Bordeaux continues to be a regional transportation center, and its good fortune continues today with wine exports totaling the equivalent of nearly $10 billion US dollars each year. It was the Romans – not the French – who planted the first grape vines along the Garonne River in the 1st century BC. Wine became the life-blood of the region early on, and in many ways still is. Peak wine production in the 13th century produced export numbers that were not exceeded until the 1950s! The Bordeaux region is one of the largest purveyors of wine in the world, producing over half a billion bottles a year – more than 50% of France’s output. Area vineyards stretch to cover over 520 square miles producing wine that’s shipped to over 160 countries worldwide. No doubt, you’ve sampled more than a few of those bottles. Most of us have. But there is more to Bordeaux than wine. Most business and commercial areas are centered in the relatively small 18th century downtown area. The buildings that line the quays present stunning examples of the architecture of the Siecle des Lumieres, the Century of Enlightenment. The Place de la Bourse typifies this elegant style, with its slate roof, lower level arcades, and carved faces adorning the keystones of the arches. You can also visit the nearby Palais Gallien, a ruined Roman amphitheater; the Grand Theatre, the inspiration for the famed Paris Opera House; and the Musee des Beaux Arts, which features an impressive collection of French paintings. But art and architecture are not the only things the French do well. Gourmet dining is a specialty here, so be sure to indulge in a grand dinner with a fine regional wine. Gourmet shopping, of course, goes hand in hand with dining so take a stroll down the Rue Sainte Catherine, Porte Dijeaux, and the Course de Il’intendance, where you’ll find fresh foie gras, truffles, fine cheeses, and a broad selection of wines to enjoy right here or take home for later.

Day 30 Bordeaux

Overview

Visit a bottle of wine. It’s no secret. That’s what Bordeaux is known for and how you’ll likely spend your time in the world’s largest, premium wine district – savoring the wine and the sights. Bordeaux has long been synonymous with fine wines. Situated in the southwest of France in a graceful crescent along a bend in the Garonne River, you’ll find the region that delivers the full-bodied beverages known the world over. Connected to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean by the Gironde River (so wide it appears to be an inlet), the inland port of Bordeaux has been an important trading center since before the Roman era. (The city was founded in 3rd century BC by a Celtic tribe.) Bordeaux became incredibly prosperous during the 18th century, when the city was France’s most important port, and a hub for trade to and from the New World. Though its shipping industry has since declined, Bordeaux continues to be a regional transportation center, and its good fortune continues today with wine exports totaling the equivalent of nearly $10 billion US dollars each year. It was the Romans – not the French – who planted the first grape vines along the Garonne River in the 1st century BC. Wine became the life-blood of the region early on, and in many ways still is. Peak wine production in the 13th century produced export numbers that were not exceeded until the 1950s! The Bordeaux region is one of the largest purveyors of wine in the world, producing over half a billion bottles a year – more than 50% of France’s output. Area vineyards stretch to cover over 520 square miles producing wine that’s shipped to over 160 countries worldwide. No doubt, you’ve sampled more than a few of those bottles. Most of us have. But there is more to Bordeaux than wine. Most business and commercial areas are centered in the relatively small 18th century downtown area. The buildings that line the quays present stunning examples of the architecture of the Siecle des Lumieres, the Century of Enlightenment. The Place de la Bourse typifies this elegant style, with its slate roof, lower level arcades, and carved faces adorning the keystones of the arches. You can also visit the nearby Palais Gallien, a ruined Roman amphitheater; the Grand Theatre, the inspiration for the famed Paris Opera House; and the Musee des Beaux Arts, which features an impressive collection of French paintings. But art and architecture are not the only things the French do well. Gourmet dining is a specialty here, so be sure to indulge in a grand dinner with a fine regional wine. Gourmet shopping, of course, goes hand in hand with dining so take a stroll down the Rue Sainte Catherine, Porte Dijeaux, and the Course de Il’intendance, where you’ll find fresh foie gras, truffles, fine cheeses, and a broad selection of wines to enjoy right here or take home for later.

Day 31 Port of Call Bordeaux Departure 1:30pm

Overview

Visit a bottle of wine. It’s no secret. That’s what Bordeaux is known for and how you’ll likely spend your time in the world’s largest, premium wine district – savoring the wine and the sights. Bordeaux has long been synonymous with fine wines. Situated in the southwest of France in a graceful crescent along a bend in the Garonne River, you’ll find the region that delivers the full-bodied beverages known the world over. Connected to the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean by the Gironde River (so wide it appears to be an inlet), the inland port of Bordeaux has been an important trading center since before the Roman era. (The city was founded in 3rd century BC by a Celtic tribe.) Bordeaux became incredibly prosperous during the 18th century, when the city was France’s most important port, and a hub for trade to and from the New World. Though its shipping industry has since declined, Bordeaux continues to be a regional transportation center, and its good fortune continues today with wine exports totaling the equivalent of nearly $10 billion US dollars each year. It was the Romans – not the French – who planted the first grape vines along the Garonne River in the 1st century BC. Wine became the life-blood of the region early on, and in many ways still is. Peak wine production in the 13th century produced export numbers that were not exceeded until the 1950s! The Bordeaux region is one of the largest purveyors of wine in the world, producing over half a billion bottles a year – more than 50% of France’s output. Area vineyards stretch to cover over 520 square miles producing wine that’s shipped to over 160 countries worldwide. No doubt, you’ve sampled more than a few of those bottles. Most of us have. But there is more to Bordeaux than wine. Most business and commercial areas are centered in the relatively small 18th century downtown area. The buildings that line the quays present stunning examples of the architecture of the Siecle des Lumieres, the Century of Enlightenment. The Place de la Bourse typifies this elegant style, with its slate roof, lower level arcades, and carved faces adorning the keystones of the arches. You can also visit the nearby Palais Gallien, a ruined Roman amphitheater; the Grand Theatre, the inspiration for the famed Paris Opera House; and the Musee des Beaux Arts, which features an impressive collection of French paintings. But art and architecture are not the only things the French do well. Gourmet dining is a specialty here, so be sure to indulge in a grand dinner with a fine regional wine. Gourmet shopping, of course, goes hand in hand with dining so take a stroll down the Rue Sainte Catherine, Porte Dijeaux, and the Course de Il’intendance, where you’ll find fresh foie gras, truffles, fine cheeses, and a broad selection of wines to enjoy right here or take home for later.

Day 32 Port of Call Saint-Jean-de-Luz Arrival 8:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing town at the mouth of the Nivelle river, in southwest France’s Basque country. The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, where King Louis XIV married Marie-Therese of Spain in 1660, has a gilded baroque altarpiece and wooden galleries. The turreted Maison Louis XIV is a museum that recreates 17th-century domestic life with period furniture. It includes the King’s Chamber, where Louis XIV slept.

Day 33 Port of Call Gijon Arrival 7:00am Departure 3:00pm

Overview

Gijon, with almost 300 000 inhabitants, is the capital of the "Costa Verde". Gijon is a modern city with every single facility needed. The wide range of hotels, restaurants & shopping facilities is mainly in the city-centre, by Corrida Street. In addition to being the main city in Asturias, Gijon has the largest concentration of industries, backed up by the outer harbour "El Musel", one of the busiest in Spain. One of the most important tourist resources is San Lorenzo Beach, with a 3 mile-long promenade. The Marina, with its modern installs is also a must-see. But there are even more beaches in Gijon: Arbeyal, Poniente... There are lots of typical little towns around Gijon: green valleys, beautiful meadows... Both in the center and outskirts you can find spots to relax as Isabel la Católica Park or Monte de Deva. Gijon is the perfect place to have a lot of fun. Festivities in the city take place all through the year as "Antroxu" (Carnival)... but there are even more things going on during summer-time: "Semana Negra", "International Film Festival", "Day of Asturias", "Fiestas de Begona", "International Trade Fair of Asturias", concerts, parades, sporting events, cultural activities... All this makes Gijon unforgettable and makes you want to come back again.

Day 35 Port of Call Tangier Arrival 10:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

At the crossroads of Africa and Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, Tangier has an individual character. It is one of the oldest cities in Morocco. The Phoenicians and Carthaginians established trading posts here. The Romans made it a capital city. It was occupied by the Arabs and invaded by Vandals and Visigoths. Before the Spanish, the Portuguese controlled the town. In the early part of the 20th century, Tangier was an international city whose tax-free status and cosmopolitan image attracted European and American artists and writers. Although it has lost a little of its glamorous image, it is still a bustling city with an air of mystery surrounding it. For most visitors that arrive in Morocco by sea, it is their first point of contact with the country. The town beach has a great setting: it makes up a several kilometer long curve with the white houses of Tangier as a frame before it ends in the barren mountains of which there is nothing further north than sea and the European continent. One of the main centers of afternoon and early evening activities in Tangier is along the beach walk. Activities here are rather common, people walk up and down this avenue size street, looking at people and allowing others to look at them. There are several Atlantic beaches west of Tangier, which all offer a good alternative to the town beach. The setting of these beaches can be most attractive, with mountains on all sides, yet with a wide and clean beach with all necessary amenities. The medina of Tangier is a real one: Streets are narrow, houses in many different styles, and most of this medina is in good condition. That is a proof that even people with some money both live and work here. The medina is quite big, and there are many commercial areas. Most of these serve the tourist traffic, and it is more difficult to find any areas where real handcraft is performed.

Day 37 Port of Call Alicante Arrival 8:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Lying on the Eastern coast of Spain, Alicante has it all: parties, discos, festivals, castles - and if that isn't enough - hot sun, white sand beaches and a turquoise sea. Of course, something so good can't stay hidden for ever, and Alicante and the towns along the Costa Blanca (White Coast) are now among Europe's most heavily visited regions. If you want a secluded beach, or to be anywhere outdoors without being part of a crowd, don't come during the summer high season. But if you're looking for sunshine, all-night disco parties and hundreds of thousands of potential new friends, you've come to the right place. It's best to start exploring Alicante on the beachfront, along the city's main pedestrian walkway, the Expanada de Espana. Spread out in front of the main part of the city, this elegant boulevard, stretching around the harbour, is shaded with palm trees and lined with shops and cafes. In the midst of this Mediterranean Xanadu there is, sadly, one note of warning: be especially wary here of pickpockets and bag snatchers. Northwest of the Explanada, towards the center of the city, you'll see the imposing Catedral de San Nicolas, and around it, the narrow streets of the El Barro, or old quarter, which has most of the cheaper accommodation and the best nightlife. To the southwest, near the Calle de Italia, you'll find the main tourist office, post office, and the city's central bus and train stations. Alicante is a hive of activity throughout the year, not just in the summer months. It's a city where the sand seems to go on forever…and so does the entertainment. It's a city steeped in history, rich in culture, awash with every kind of shop and restaurant imaginable and literally bursting with beach life. Stroll along the palm-fringed Paseo de la Explanada - the impressive seafront promenade lined with street cafes and inlaid with red, cream and black marble. Stop at the music pavilion and enjoy a free al fresco concert by the sea. Concerts are held in the afternoons, on feast days and on Sunday mornings during the summer months.

Day 38 Port of Call Palma de Mallorca Arrival 7:00am Departure 8:00pm

Overview

Palma is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca (Majorca), in the western Mediterranean. The massive Santa María cathedral, a Gothic landmark begun in the 13th century, overlooks the Bay of Palma. The adjacent Almudaina is a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence. West of the city, hilltop Bellver Castle is a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape. Most of the major buildings and monuments in Palma were constructed during the "Golden Age," between 1276 and 1344 under the rule of the Kingdom of Aragon. Among the most impressive is the graceful Gothic Cathedral, which was commissioned by King Jaime I of Aragon in 1230. Legend has it that on his way to recapture Mallorca from the Moors, Jaime the First's ship was struck by a terrible storm, and he vowed at that moment, to the Virgin Mary, that if he survived he would erect a church in her honor. He made good on his promise but it took a while. The Cathedral wasn't completed until 1601! You will find the people of Mallorca are quite charming, as their experiences have allowed them to perfect the art of hospitality. So relax and enjoy this unique multicultural island — you're in the hands of professionals.

Day 39 Port of Call Barcelona Arrival 6:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Barcelona is a charming, cosmopolitan port on the shores of the Mediterranean sea. This prosperous and bilingual (Spanish and Catalan) metropolis measures up to a city such as Madrid: its museums, theaters, art galleries and nightlife area of an impressive high standard. Besides that, this art and design centre has a lot of interesting sights to offer to its visitors. The best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax, is 'Las Ramblas', a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. Here, you’ll find flower-stands, book kiosks and small market stalls where they sell birds and small animals. You’ll also find an endlessly fascinating flowing receptacle of pageant-jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues and assorted oddballs on parade. Nearby is 'Plaça Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by the Catalan architectural genius Antoni Gaudi in his undulating art-nouveau style. After having seen these sights, stroll the narrow winding streets of the 'Barri Gotic', the medieval Gothic quarter full of interesting tapas bars and cafes. Check out Picasso’s old hangout, 'Els Quatre Gats', which has been renovated without losing its bohemian charm. Or head for the old Barceloneta section on the waterfront. This working-class area, which was always slightly rundown and scruffy-looking, is now packed with paella restaurants. The new beach area, which runs from Barceloneta to the Olympic village, is much cleaner than the old beach area. Although some people believe that it has been cleaned up considerably, it might be a wise idea to stay out of the water. Fortunately, the beach itself is already a feast for the eyes (and ears), with its huge and roaring waves.

Day 40 Port of Call Cannes Arrival 11:00am Departure 7:30pm

Overview

"Star" of the Riviera is a magical city, a place of pleasures : sport, gastronomy, leisure, shows, discovery... Cannes gives to every instant of your days and nights the personal touch that transforms your life into a festival. Cannes is opening its doors to allow you to discover a unique and memorable city, renowed around the world. The Suquet, the Croisette, the Royal Residences, the Palais des Festivals... are offered to you, along with the charms of history and the reality of a city entering the 21st century.

Day 41 Port of Call Porto Santo Stefano Arrival 8:30am Departure 5:30pm

Overview

A town on Argentario is Santo Stefano, a lively bustling port where you can catch the ferry to the neighbouring islands of Giglio and Giannutri. Although there has been a fishing village here for centuries much of the town was bombed during the war and so had to be recontructed. Cleverly, they used a lot of the old stone for rebuilding which makes its newness far less obvious. Along the front there is an excellent fish market and a profusion of restaurants, as well as the marina, where you can admire beautiful yachts and luxurious gin-palaces. It is the perfect place for a passeggiata – the Italian word for taking a stroll while watching the world go by.

Day 42 Port of Call Salerno Arrival 8:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Inhabited since antiquity, Salerno found its place as a Roman colony in 197 B.C. After the fall of Rome, a who's who of European kingdoms conquered the city including the Goths, the Byzantines and the Lombards. It's easy to see why. The warm Mediterranean sun and rolling hillsides beckon with new adventures and pinch-me-I must-be-dreaming experiences. Hike the jaw-dropping Mount Vesuvius, feel the centuries unfold as on a guided walk through the amazing cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, or soak up the scenery with a cruise along the dazzling Amalfi Coast. Whatever you choose, Salerno offers precious memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 43 Port of Call Taormina Arrival 8:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Taormina is a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. It sits near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit. The town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theater still used today. Near the theater, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches. A narrow stretch of sand connects to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve.

Day 44 Port of Call Crotone Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Crotone is a port city in Calabria, southern Italy. The monumental Castello di Carlo V is a 9th-century fortress that was modified in the 1500s. The National Archaeological Museum houses items, including a gold tiara, unearthed at the ancient Temple of Hera Lacinia in the nearby Capo Colonna Archaeological Park. Farther south is the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, with seagrass forests, barracudas and starfish.

Day 45 Port of Call Kotor Arrival 9:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovcen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Sveti Ðorde, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.

Day 46 Port of Call Igoumenitsa Arrival 10:00am Departure 8:00pm

Overview

Igoumenitsa is a coastal city in northwestern Greece. It is the capital of the regional unit of Thesprotia. Igoumenitsa is the chief port of Thesprotia and Epirus, and one of the largest passenger ports of Greece, connecting northwestern Mainland Greece with the Ionian Islands and Italy. The city is built on easternmost end of the Gulf of Igoumenitsa in the Ionian Sea and primary aspects of the economy are maritime, transport, services, agriculture and tourism. The 670 km (420 mi) long Egnatia Highway, which serves northern Greece, terminates at Igoumenitsa, making it a popular starting point for tourists coming from Europe and ending point for trucks from Turkey.

Day 47 Port of Call Argostolion Arrival 7:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Argostoli is the capital and main port of the island. It is also the largest of Kefalonia villages. Argostoli has been the capital of Kefalonia since 1757. The town is located in the centre of the southern part of the island at the far end of the bay of the same name, surrounded by many mountains and forests. As almost all the towns and villages of the island, it was destroyed by the huge earthquake of 1953 which shook the Ionians islands. The earthquake caused the loss of many of the town’s Venetian buildings. The town was rebuilt with the help of the Greek government but unlike the Capital of Zakynthos which made efforts to keep the traditional architectural style. To reach the town, the visitor must pass over a stone bridge of 650 metres long, the “Drapano” bridge. In the bridge’s middle way, there is a small pyramid called the “Colona”, a monument dedicated to the man who built the bridge, Charles de Bosset. Argostoli is a modern, cosmopolitan and busy town. The town has made efforts to produce interesting features. Argostoli has an attractive coastal road promenade lined with palm trees and paved with sea pebbles. Small caiques(fishing boat) sell every morning their daily catch. The coast road leads to the small ferry quay which proposes depart to the town of Lixouri every half an hour. The town also has a nice and large square, the Platia Valianou, surrounded by many restaurants, patisseries, café and bars. The square gets quickly crowded in the summer evenings and it is interesting to watch the Kefalonian way of life. The commercial street of the town is Lithostroro (Cobbled Road). It is a pedestrian road lined by many shops. The visitor, there, can also admire the church of Saint Spyridon and the clock tower of Campana square. The town of Argostoli also houses the Archaeological Museum and the Korgialenios History and Folklore Museum. The first one houses interesting archaeological finds from the Mycenean, Hellenistics and roman period: coins, swords, sculptures and ceramics. The second museum is located on the ground floor of the Corgialenian Library. It is a reconstitution of a traditional 19th century Kefalonian house. The visitor will also find there an interesting collection of photographs. The town also has an imposing library consisting of 50.000 books. A little further on from the library, there is a theatre called “Kefalos”. It is considered as one of the best theatres of Greece. Fanari (lighthouse) is situated a couple of kilometres from Argostoli. The Lighthouse of St. Theodore was built by the British Governor Napier. It is a small round building with white Dorian style columns which became one of the trademarks of Kefalonia. The nearest beach resort is Sami. It is situated just a few km from the town. It is a popular resort with some beautiful beaches awarded with the Blue Flag, many confortable accommodations, tavernas, bars and shops.

Day 48 Port of Call Monemvasia Arrival 8:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

At the far end of Peloponnese, on the south eastern coast of the peninsula looking on to Mirtoon Sea, at a distance of 95 km form the town of Sparta, stands Monemvasia. Today a causeway bridges the gap that separates the former peninsula from the mainland and leads us behind the fortification walls into a unique, intact medieval city - state, a refuge for many artists in our own day. Apart from old mansions, it possesses a wealth of Byzantine churches - around forty of them. Among the most outstanding are Ayia Anna, a 14th century basilica, Ayios Nikolaos (18th century), the Panayia Kritikia, Ayios Stephanos in Italian - Byzantine style (16th century), and Ayios Pavlos (10th century). The most important of all is the church of Christ Elkomenos (13th century), Monemvasia's cathedral, with its four Byzantine icons and its two marble imperial thrones. The architecture of the houses betrays a strong Venetian influence, with the chimneys facing east and the balconies overlooking the sea. On the top of the rock stands the Castle itself, while the church of Ayia Sophia (13th century) stands at its steepest point. This is a rare example of an octagonal church with dome; there are a few frescoes preserved within. The new village of Nea Monemvassia lies just a thousand metres from the causeway on the mainland. It is a modern tourist resort with fine beaches. Northwest of Monemvassia, on the road to Sparta, is the farming town of Molai, where there are the remains of a medieval fortress and an early Christian church. At Halasmata it's worth stopping to see the mosaic floors in the three ruined 6th century churches there. One of the prettiest sandy beaches in the Peloponnese, Elias, is just 9 km from Molai. Neapolis, a seaside resort much favoured by Greeks because of its beautiful, long beaches, lies to the south of Monemvasia. From Neapolis it is easy to cross over to Elafonisos, a small island blessed with beaches worthy of a tropical paradise, backed with sand dunes and pinewoods. Fresh fish abound in this part of the Peloponnese. Kiparissi, to the north of Monemvasia and southeast of Sparta, is a charming coastal village which has recently developed into a resort attracting those who like "to get away from it all". It has three marvelous stretches of beach lining three successive coves. If you have time, patience and a love for the Greek landscape, Laconia in the southern portion of the Peloponnese has countless more delightful spots to reward the explorer. A distinctly shaped great rock - "capsized ship" according to Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos - rising from the sea, only a few meters from the coast is often referred as the "Gibraltar of Greece". A thin strip of land links it with the Gefyra, a fishing village on the main land. It takes 15 to 20 minutes walking from Gefyra to Monemvasia. On the north side of the bay there are a few houses consisting the small village of Palea (old) Monemvasia. Walking along the road you find the cemetery where in 1989 the famous Greek poet Ioannis Ritsos was buried as it was his motherland. After the cemetery you reach the lower town of Monemvasia which is called "the Fortress" today. A wall protects the lower town from three sides east, south and west. There are several churches around like Panagia Chrisafitissa, Panagia Mirtidiotissa, Christos Elkomenos, Agia Sofia. On the east side of the main square stands the house with a garden containing the remains of the early Byzantine church. At the west end of the square there is the "Stellakis" house as it is known, that was reconstructed giving a lot of information about the architectural details and the appearance of the medieval town. A small zigzag path connects the lower town with the upper town and it was difficult not only for the attackers but for the residents to curry their supplies using their hands or their donkeys. The Fort city of Monemvasia with the one and only gate as its name suggests, turns a dream into reality. The site on which the rock now stands was called Minoa and was probably used by ancient Cretans seafarers as a base. That was where Greeks sought refuge from Slav invaders. They fortified the site using it as a harbour. The church of Agia Sofia overlooks the region at the bleakest part of the rock and is one of the most beautiful worship spots in Greece. You will walk past a mosque converted into a museum, along an uphill path that takes you to the Fort. Old stone built mansions now used as inns and hotels form arcades over steps and greenery creating an environment of superb beauty.

Day 49 Port of Call Athens/Piraeus Arrival 6:00am Departure 9:00pm

Overview

Today Piraeus is the home base of Greek shipping, the largest commercial fleet in the world, apace bound to the sea like few others. The harbours of Zea and Mikrolimano as well as Phaliro play host to countless yachts and sailing craft throughout the year. Piraeus was known in medieval times as Porto Leone, a name due to the enormous stone lion, which guarded the port's entrance. Today, the life of Piraeus is centred on its three ports: the main, central one and those of Zea and Mikrolimano. You can walk around the central harbour, shared by cargo and passenger ships alike, and watch the constant comings and goings of goods and people from around the world. Having completed your tour of the central harbour of Piraeus you will then head south traversing the peninsula and arrive at Peiraiki, one of the most picturesque neighbour hoods in the city. Here one finds the harbour of Zea, one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean. If the night finds you in the area, you can try one of the many bars found nearby. You can continue your tour along the waterfront heading towards Kastella but a small deviation toward the city centre will be useful for then you can visit the verdant square of the municipal Theatre with cafeterias and shops of all kinds surrounding it. The magnificent building housing the Municipal Theatre as well as the Town Hall and the Library complete the picture presented by the main square in the city. Piraeus's little natural harbours are among its busiest and most touristy areas: Mikrolimano, Passalimani, Zea, Freatida and Hatzikiriakio. Countless seaside tavernas provide delicious seafood washed down with the uniquely Greek drink, ouzo. The fresh smell of the sea and the sounds made by the assortment of caiques, yachts and sailing ships, which are moored next to the tables, complete the enjoyment of the food Beyond the port, the most impressive spots are the hills of Profitis Ilias and Kastela with their neoclassical mansions and modern buildings which look as they are hanging over the sea.

Day 50 Port of Call Syros Island Arrival 8:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Syros or Siros or Syra is a Greek island in the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea. It is located 78 nautical miles (144 km) south-east of Athens. The area of the island is 83.6 km2 (32 sq mi) and it has 21,507 inhabitants (2011 census).[1] The largest towns are Ermoupoli, Ano Syros, and Vari (el). Ermoupoli is the capital of the island and of the Cyclades. It has always been a significant port town, and during the 19th century it was even more significant than Piraeus. Other villages are Galissas, Foinikas, Pagos, Manna, Kini and Poseidonia.

Day 51 Port of Call Thira/Santorini Arrival 7:00am Departure 11:00pm

Overview

Fira is a comparatively modern town, with houses built mostly during the 19th century when the old Venetian capital at Skaros became untenable due to earthquakes. The architecture is a jumble of Cycladic and Venetian, side by side, the similarities between the two being the stark whiteness. The impact of Aegean tourism has made itself felt in Fira, judging from the abundance of taverns, hotels, discotheques and shops. It is the largest town on the island and has gained preference with travelers because it is central and access to other parts of Santorini is made easy by either taxi or bus. From there you can indulge in some inspiring coastal walks. Wandering through the white cobbled streets of Fira, a town of about 2,000 inhabitants, one gets the feel of the old-world charm blended in with the modern day comforts. The town's archaeological museum is crammed with finds from excavations at Akrotiri. But besides being so interesting archaeologically, Santorini is essentially a beauty spot, an island whose cliffs seem to glow under an exceptionally clear light all day, but which at sunset glow redly, evoking that vast explosion more than 3000 years ago.

Day 52 Port of Call Patmos Island Arrival 7:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

A small volcanic island in the Egean Sea, off the coast of Asia Minor, to the south of Samos and west of Miletus, in lat. 37° 20' N. and long. 26° 35' E. Its length is about ten miles, its breadth six miles, and its coast line thirty seven miles. The highest point is Hagios Elias (Mt. St. Elias) rising to over 1050 feet. The island was formerly covered with luxuriant palm groves, which won it the name of Palmosa; of these groves there remains but a clump in the valley called "The Saint's Garden". The ancient capital occupied the northern isthmus. The modern town of Patmos lies in the middle part of the island. Above it towers the battlements of St. John's Monastery, founded in 1088 by St. Christobulus. The Island of Patmos is famous in history as the place of St. John's exile: "I, John . . . was in the island, which is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus there according to general belief the Beloved Disciple wrote the Apocalypse, the imagery of which was in part inspired by the scenery of the island. The spot where St. John was favoured with his revelations is pointed out as a cave on the slope of the hill, half way between the shore and the modern town of Patmos. "The Jerusalem of the Aegean" is one way of describing Patmos as it was referred to in one 5th century inscription. It was here that St. John the Theologian was exiled between 95 and 97 A.D. and was inspired to write the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse. Later the emperor Alexios Komninos ordered the monk Christodoulos Letrinos to found a monastery in honour of the Apostle. Thus the holy monastery of Patmos was built, the most important landmark on the island. In September 1995 it was celebrated the anniversary of the 1900 years from the date that the Book of Revelation was written. Patmos, situated between Leros and Ikaria, is a mountainous island with rocky soil and an abundance of small coves. The majestic fortress - monastery crowns the hill above the port, surrounded by dazzling white, cubelike houses which spill down its flanks. Interspersed among them are miniscule churches and grand sea captains' mansions, separated from each other by narrow lanes, high walls and small squares opening onto breath - catching views over the Aegean. The construction of the monastery began in the 11th century. It is circumscribed by massive grey stone walls with battlements that protected the main church and another five chapels. Its extraordinary treasury contains Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, sacred vessels, 9th century embroideries and other pricelless objects, while its library houses parchment documents, patriarchal seals, illuminated manuscripts and rare old books. In the chapel dedicated to Our Lady frescoes can be seen which date to 1210-1220.

Day 53 Port of Call Skiathos Arrival 9:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Skiathos Town (khora) is the chief place and indeed the island's only real town, where almost all the permanent inhabitants of the island live. It was built in 1830 on two low-lying hills, when after the War of Independence people left the town located at Kastro and settled near the harbour. It was reconstructed after heavy German bombardment during World War II. Skiathos officially became a town in 1965 and today has a population of 5.000.

Day 54 Port of Call Bozcaada Arrival 8:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Tenedos or Bozcaada is an island of Turkey in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Administratively, the island constitutes the Bozcaada district of Çanakkale province.

Day 55 Port of Call Istanbul Arrival 8:00am

Overview

Istanbul is an international art and cultural center. The International Arts and Cultural Festival is held each year in June and July with famous artists coming from all over the world. These performances are held mostly at the Ataturk Cultural Center. Those who enjoy classical music can hear it at the Cemal Resit Rey Hall. Operas, operettas, ballets, films, concerts, exhibitions and conferences all contribute to the cultural palette of the city. Istanbul also has a rich program of light entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to belly-dancing. Istanbul is a preffered city in terms of international art activities . This is because the art-lovers of Istanbul are respectful to the art and the artist. The famous performance artists feel themselves very comfortable in Istanbul concerts. Because the audience is very well aware of "the rituel of watching an artistic performance." The artist knows that he or she will not come across with impudent or disrespectful behavviours. It is the same for the international picture galleries, biennials, and visual activities. Neither the spectator nor the critic leave their "respectful attitude aganist the artist. " Hence the myths of traditional pop-rock genres, giants of jazz contempoporarylegends of classical western music are always in Istanbul, on the stage. To sum up; Istanbul is a city that can add compassion next to its giant size in terms of living area and population, and siling to assimilate the universal culture while "welcoming" it with utmost hospitality: a "world city" In this case, it deserves to be called "universal culture capital"

Day 56 Port of Call Istanbul Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Istanbul is an international art and cultural center. The International Arts and Cultural Festival is held each year in June and July with famous artists coming from all over the world. These performances are held mostly at the Ataturk Cultural Center. Those who enjoy classical music can hear it at the Cemal Resit Rey Hall. Operas, operettas, ballets, films, concerts, exhibitions and conferences all contribute to the cultural palette of the city. Istanbul also has a rich program of light entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to belly-dancing. Istanbul is a preffered city in terms of international art activities . This is because the art-lovers of Istanbul are respectful to the art and the artist. The famous performance artists feel themselves very comfortable in Istanbul concerts. Because the audience is very well aware of "the rituel of watching an artistic performance." The artist knows that he or she will not come across with impudent or disrespectful behavviours. It is the same for the international picture galleries, biennials, and visual activities. Neither the spectator nor the critic leave their "respectful attitude aganist the artist. " Hence the myths of traditional pop-rock genres, giants of jazz contempoporarylegends of classical western music are always in Istanbul, on the stage. To sum up; Istanbul is a city that can add compassion next to its giant size in terms of living area and population, and siling to assimilate the universal culture while "welcoming" it with utmost hospitality: a "world city" In this case, it deserves to be called "universal culture capital"

Day 57 Port of Call Mykonos Arrival 1:30pm Departure 9:30pm

Overview

Mykonos is world-famous. It is no coincidence that this, the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands, attracts so many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals. Here, the steep mountains to be encountered in most of the Cyclades give way to low, rocky hills which combine with superb beaches to make up the landscape of the island. The capital, Hora (Chora), with its colourful harbour in which little fishingboats nestle happily side by side with luxury yachts, presents quite a different picture from the majority of Aegean island towns. While it is usual for island villages to be built on naturally amphitheatrical sites, Mykonos is spread out over a flat area and conveys an impression of lid aesthetic cohesion. Along the whitewashed streets stand brilliant white box-shaped houses with stepped walls for sitting on, wooden doors and windows and brightly-coloured balconies. These are interspersed with small but impressive churches, pretty little tavernas and shops selling souvenirs and other goods, and the overall sense is of being inside a film set. On the low Kastro hill is the complex of churches known collectively as Our Lady 'Paraportiani', a superb arrangement of whitewashed masses created over the centuries and now recognised as a national cultural monument. Of particular historical and aesthetic interest are the medieval houses in this district of the town, which stand like a wall above the sea protecting the west side of Hora. The Archaeological Museum of Hora contains finds from tombs on the nearby island of Rhenia, sculptures, vases and figurines. The Folklore Museum brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture and folk musical instruments. Mykonos is also the home of the Nautical Museum of the Aegean, which has interest all of its own. The countryside of Mykonos is a mixture of grey-green rocks ringed by prickly pear plants and little fertile areas carpeted with wild flowers. Here and there are tiny whitewashed chapels and windmills. Ano Mera is, after Hora, the most important of the older villages on the island. Standing 8 km. to the east of the town, Ano Mera has the interesting monastery of Our Lady Tourliani, ornamented with fine wood-carvings. The church has a collection of valuable ecclesiastical vessels, vestments and embroideries. The courtyard contains an interesting bell-tower and a marble fountain. Here lovers of the sea will find outstanding golden beaches such as Agios Stefanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Platis Gialos, Ornos, Elia and Panormos. Miykonos is a busy island with all the amenities of a modern resort and with plenty to do - by day or night for those who want to have a lively time. Yet visitors fond of more peaceful holidays will still find quiet corners in which to relax.

Day 58 Port of Call Athens/Piraeus Arrival 5:30am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Today Piraeus is the home base of Greek shipping, the largest commercial fleet in the world, apace bound to the sea like few others. The harbours of Zea and Mikrolimano as well as Phaliro play host to countless yachts and sailing craft throughout the year. Piraeus was known in medieval times as Porto Leone, a name due to the enormous stone lion, which guarded the port's entrance. Today, the life of Piraeus is centred on its three ports: the main, central one and those of Zea and Mikrolimano. You can walk around the central harbour, shared by cargo and passenger ships alike, and watch the constant comings and goings of goods and people from around the world. Having completed your tour of the central harbour of Piraeus you will then head south traversing the peninsula and arrive at Peiraiki, one of the most picturesque neighbour hoods in the city. Here one finds the harbour of Zea, one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean. If the night finds you in the area, you can try one of the many bars found nearby. You can continue your tour along the waterfront heading towards Kastella but a small deviation toward the city centre will be useful for then you can visit the verdant square of the municipal Theatre with cafeterias and shops of all kinds surrounding it. The magnificent building housing the Municipal Theatre as well as the Town Hall and the Library complete the picture presented by the main square in the city. Piraeus's little natural harbours are among its busiest and most touristy areas: Mikrolimano, Passalimani, Zea, Freatida and Hatzikiriakio. Countless seaside tavernas provide delicious seafood washed down with the uniquely Greek drink, ouzo. The fresh smell of the sea and the sounds made by the assortment of caiques, yachts and sailing ships, which are moored next to the tables, complete the enjoyment of the food Beyond the port, the most impressive spots are the hills of Profitis Ilias and Kastela with their neoclassical mansions and modern buildings which look as they are hanging over the sea.

Day 59 Port of Call Thira/Santorini Arrival 7:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Fira is a comparatively modern town, with houses built mostly during the 19th century when the old Venetian capital at Skaros became untenable due to earthquakes. The architecture is a jumble of Cycladic and Venetian, side by side, the similarities between the two being the stark whiteness. The impact of Aegean tourism has made itself felt in Fira, judging from the abundance of taverns, hotels, discotheques and shops. It is the largest town on the island and has gained preference with travelers because it is central and access to other parts of Santorini is made easy by either taxi or bus. From there you can indulge in some inspiring coastal walks. Wandering through the white cobbled streets of Fira, a town of about 2,000 inhabitants, one gets the feel of the old-world charm blended in with the modern day comforts. The town's archaeological museum is crammed with finds from excavations at Akrotiri. But besides being so interesting archaeologically, Santorini is essentially a beauty spot, an island whose cliffs seem to glow under an exceptionally clear light all day, but which at sunset glow redly, evoking that vast explosion more than 3000 years ago.

Day 60 Port of Call Gythion Arrival 7:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Gythio is a small seaside town 40Km south of Sparta, in the northeast part of Mani in the South of the Peloponnesse ,Greece.. The permanent residents amount to no more than 2000 but during the summer this number reaches the 20000, as tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the beaches and the laid back atmosphere. The main attraction are the beachside cafes serving sun-dried octapus and ouzo, the numerous fishing boats in the harbor, an ancient theatre (where ancient Greek plays take place during the summer) and the tall houses along the bechfront. Just outside the harbor is one of the most scenic parts of the area, the island of Kranae (Marathonisi). The legend has it that when Paris of Troy stole Helen from Sparta he anchored his boat in the island and during his departure forgot his helmet ("Kranos")- hence the name of the little island. The church of "Aghios Petros" and a "tarsanas" (small traditional shipyrad for fishing vessels) occupy one end of the small (about the size of a football field) island. At the center of the island is the Tzanetaki's tower, (built circa 1700) and even some prehistoric ruins can be seen a few yeards away.

Day 61 Port of Call Corfu Arrival 11:00am Departure 8:00pm

Overview

Corfu Town (Kerkyra) is a principal port and the largest town in the Ionian islands. It is built between two Venetian castles, having its own unique atmosphere. It is a thriving mass of shops and businesses, set amongst a captivating and charming assortment of elegant buildings, churches, imposing fortresses and narrow alleyways leading to hidden squares. The tall buildings with the 'volta' (arches), the 'cantounia' (narrow flagstoned streets), the 'mouragia' (sea-walls) are showing all a clear Italian influence. One of the most beautiful walks in the town is around the Esplanade (Spianada square), one of the biggest squares in Europe which is the hub of the Corfiot's life. Here you can walk around or sit in one of the many cafe bars underneath the arches of the 'Liston', a name probably derived from a similar promenade in Venice. Liston was built during the imperial French occupation and is reminiscent of the larger 'Arcades' of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. On the upper side of Esplanade stands a memorial to the British Lord High Commissioner Sir Thomas Maitland, built in 1816 in the shape of a circular building with Ionian columns. The Corfiots call this building 'sterna' (cistern) because this was where the entrance to the largest underground cistern of the town was to be found. Near the Maitland's monument, in front of the building where the Ionian Academy was housed, stands the statue of John Capodistrias, the first President of Greece. It is a work from the end of the 19th century showing the Governor standing deep in thought. Opposite the Liston is the the Old Fortress and 'Anthonas', the Municipal Gardens. In the gardens is the statue of Lord Guilford, showing the founder of the Ionian Academy in his academic robes holding an open book. Nearby are the busts of two famous Corfiots, the poet Lorenzo Mavilis and the writer Dinos Theotokis. At the northern end of Esplanade stands the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, one of the most elegant buildings in Corfu. Opposite the west front of the palace is a beautiful building which now houses the Reading Society of Corfu, the oldest cultural institute in modern Greece, founded in 1836. The Reading Society contains a unique library of Greek and foreign books as well as a large collection of manuscripts, newspapers, periodicals, paintings, maps and engravings mostly related to the Ionian islands. As one's gaze leaves the Esplanade, after lingering on the palace, it embraces a magnificent view towards the coastal road (Arseniou Street) with its sea-walls. Following along this road will take you to the Old Harbour of Corfu and the other Venetian castle, the one called the New Fortress. Along this road the narrow lanes ('cantounia') lead to the Campielo, the oldest quarter of the town. Here the visitor can find the oldest houses and many of the historic churches in Corfu. At the northern end of Capodistria Street stands the Capodistria Mansion, an excellent example of neo-classical architecture. It was built in 1835 by the Corfiot architect John Chronis and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Greece. Here John Capodistrias, the first President of Greece, was born. Another notable landmark in the old town is the central market. The most interesting street here is Nickiforou Theotoki as the rows upon rows of 'volta' standing on their stone columns and the tall buildings form one of the most characteristic aspects of Corfu Town. In a little square on Nickiforou Theotoki Street stands the building of the Ionian Bank, which was built in 1846 displaying a well-proportioned facade with finely detailed Ionian pilasters and pediment. On the first floor of the building the Paper Money Museum is housed. At the far end of the square is the Church of St. Spyridon. It shelters the body of St. Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu and one of the great Saints of Greek Orthodoxy and draws a constant stream of pilgrims from all over Greece every year. On the Evgeniou Voulgareos Street stands the crenellated belfry of the Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation a venerable building from the end of the 14th century. The whole building was destroyed in the World War II bombing, and the only remains are the belfry, two inscriptions and a bas-relief representing war trophies. Between Evgeniou Voulgareos Street and a modern square stands the most elegant of the Venetian buildings in Corfu, the Town Hall in baroque style. At the end of Moustoxydi Street stands another building of the period of British rule, the historic the Ionian Parliament. At the junction of the Garitsa coastal road and Alexandras Avenue stands the Douglas Obelisk, which also belongs to the same period, erected in honour of the Lord High Commissioner Sir Howard Douglas, to whom Corfu owes a lot of public works and philanthropic institutions.

Day 62 Port of Call Kotor Arrival 9:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovcen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Sveti Ðorde, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.

Day 63 Port of Call Dubrovnik Arrival 8:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

Dubrovnik - the city of a unique political and cultural history (the Dubrovnik Republic, the Statute from 1272), of world-famous cultural heritage and beauty (inscribed on the List of World Heritage Sites by Unesco) - is one of the most attractive and famous cities of the Mediterranean. Apart from its outstanding natural beauties and well-preserved cul-tural and historical heritage, Dubrovnik also offers high-quality visitor opportunities. It is also the city of hotels, of high ecological standards and tourist programs, and is equally attractive in all seasons. Its geographical isolation is compensated by high traffic and communication standards - especially through air traffic and fast hydrofoil boats. The tourist development of Dubrovnik started before the First World War; quite soon, the exclusiveness of its attractions made Dubrovnik a powerful international tourist centre. The sightseeing of Dubrovnik and its monuments requires several days. However, already a walk through Stradun, through narrow streets and small squares, monumental ramparts and fortreses, provides enough opportunities to experience the millennial beauty of its shell-shaped urban core, centuries of building, stone-cutting, carving and engraving, the history of the Duke's Palace, libraries, the oldest pharmacy in the south of Europe, etc. Dubrovnik offers individual choice among numerous museums and galleries, which contain the jewels of Croatian heritage. The Dubrovnik Museum in the Duke's Palace keeps 15,500 exhibits in its cultural and historical department. A collection of furniture from the 17th-19th century, uniforms of dukes and councillors, aristocratic garments and many other items are exhibited in the authentic halls of the palace. The Maritime Museum (situated in the fortress Sveti Ivan) has a number exhibits on a permanent display, related to the maritime affairs of Dubrovnik and Croatia on the whole, with a particular emphasis on the history of the Dubrovnik Republic. The museum of the Franciscan monastery keeps all inventories of the old pharmacy, as well as the works of Dubrovnik jewel-lers, painters and embroiders. The museum of the Dominican monastery exhibits valuable examples of Dubrovnik painting from the 15th and the 16th centuries, as well as sculptures, jewellery, manuscripts, incunabula and notes (music). The treasury of the Dubrovnik cathedral keeps the relics of St. Blaise, patron of Dubrovnik, and numerous paintings and works of art. The Rupe Ethnographical Museum presents traditional occupations and the rural architecture of the region of Dubrovnik, national costumes and hand-made textiles. Very attractive is also the Aquarium of the Institute of Biology, situated in the fortress Sveti Ivan, comprising interesting marine species. Dubrovnik has a number of churches, monasteries and hotels scattered all over the town. Its coastal belt is adorned with several marinas, piers and promenades. Because of a magnificent view on the mediaeval Dubrovnik, a walk along the town ramparts is a must for each visitor. A great number of Dubrovnik restaurants and taverns offer delicious specialities of local and international cuisine. Sports and recreational facilities include playgrounds, courts and requisites for all sports in the sea and on the ground, from tennis and table tennis to sailing and yachting. There are also several gyms and fitness centres with swimming pools, saunas, massage, aerobics, solarium, box gyms, etc. Dubrovnik is famous for quality hotels. Most of them are situated on the Lapad peninsula and in the area of Ploce, southeast of the old town. The hotel complex Dubrava - Babin Kuk on Lapad has all features of a small town. It has a shopping centre, a bank, an out-patient department, many restaurants and cafés, and a street called the "New Stradun", which connects all hotels. Dubrovnik is the city of an outstanding cultural and artistic life. The most important event in the cultural life of the city is the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (10th of July - 25th of August), traditionally held since 1950. It is a theatre and classical and folk music festival, since 1956 included in the calendar of world festivals and as such one of the most famous cultural events in the world. Concerts and other performances take place on open stages in the town (Gunduliceva Poljana, Drziceva Poljana, Lovrijenac, Revelin) or in beautiful interiors of the most famous buildings (Duke's Palace, cloisters, churches). The repertoire includes works of Croatian and world classics, performed by the leading personalities from Croatia and abroad, including a number of world-famous actors, directors, conductors, etc. So far several hundreds of them have performed in Dubrovnik. An important part of the Festival are performances of local (Lindo, Lado) and foreign folk music ensembles. The artistic life of Dubrovnik is characterized by numerous exhibitions taking place throughout the year. Apart from already renowned galleries - the Art Gallery (Put Frana Supila 23), its exhibition space Luza Art Centre (Stradun), Sebastian - occasional and permanent exhibitions are also held in other spaces as well. Very famous are also Dubrovnik carnival festivities - so-called Dubrovnik "karnevo" (local variant of the word "carnival"), held ever since the early Middle Ages, when they were brought from the neighbouring Italy. Another important event is the Feast Day of St. Blaise, also the Day of Dubrovnik (3rd of February). The feast takes place for the whole week, including religious ceremonies, a procession through the town, concerts, sports events, entertainment and carnival programs. Excursions to Dubrovnik during that week are regularly organized.

Day 64 Port of Call Split Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

The City of Split marks 1700 years since the beginning of the construction of Diocletian's Palace. Split, a city where every epoche since antiquity has left its traces, was conceived within the walls of the palace which was built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian as his private residence. The well-preserved palace has been listed as UNESCO's register of the worlds cultural heritage. During these 1700 years plus, Split has played an important role in Croatian history. Today, Split is the center of cultural and scientific life, with many institutions, museums, gallerys and theatres. Split is the second biggest city of Croatia. Due to its central position on the Adriatic coast and its exceptional environment, Split soon developed into the leading and biggest city of South Croatia, its large port, commercial and industrial center and an important European touristic resort. The present city of Split is an organic fusion of its antique heritage and of modern architecture, set up in the beautiful Mediterranean environment and full of a sober and thoughtful atmosphere of a big city.As the scientific centre of the region, Split's scientific institutions have had remarkable results in many fields including the protection and study of cultural and natural heritage, oceanography, fishery, Adriatic agricultural cultures, etc. Split is also known for great accomplishments in sports, notably basketball, soccer, tennis, handball, rowing, sailing, and waterpolo. Split hosted the Mediterranean Sport Games and the European Athletic Championships. Split is connected by rail to the hinterland, by ferry boats to the Adriatic islands, Italy and Croatia, and to the rest of the world by its international airport.

Day 65 Port of Call Venice (Trieste) Arrival 7:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Trieste is the capital city of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. A port city, it occupies a thin strip of land between the Adriatic coast and Slovenia’s border on the limestone-dominated Karst Plateau. Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Slovenian influences are all evident in its layout, which encompasses a medieval old city and a neoclassical Austrian quarter.

Day 66 Port of Call Rijeka Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Rijeka is the third largest city in Croatia and has the largest harbour in the country. It is a city of industry, culture, history, an academic center and a popular tourist destination. Because of its developing tourism, many nightclubs, discotheques, caffe bars and restaurants have been opened for guests to enjoy. Rijeka also offers a wide range of hotels and appartments where guests can stay at. Life in Rijeka is fulfilling. Visitors can enjoy its many shops, go to the theatre and take part in many manifestations which take place in the city. One of them being Biennale Mladih(youth) which is an exhibition set up by young artists (painter and sculptors) who come toe show their works. Other events which take place during the summer are musical and dramatical performances which all take place in the old part of the city, the Assumption in Trsat, the days of Zajec as well as Rijeka's carneval. Being a business centre, Rijeka's tourism is also directed towards business and congressional tourism. Rijeka and nearby Opatija are the largest congressional destinations in the country. They the perfect places to hold meetings, conferences and symposiums. The oldest part of Rijeka is Trsat which is popular for visitors who want to enjoy a spiritual holiday. The natural and cultural features of Rijeka, the mediterranean climate and the closer and broader surroundings of the mountainous landscape of the Primorsko-Goranska County add to the value of the city and its tourism.

Day 68 Port of Call Valletta Arrival 11:00am Departure 8:00pm

Overview

If you've ever wondered what sort of prize you'd get for saving Europe, look no further than Valletta. Named after La Valette, the Grandmaster who masterminded Malta's successful stand against the Turkish siege of 1565, Valletta became the city of the Knights of the Order of St John and the seat of Malta's government. While travelling through the Mediterranean, Sir Walter Scott described Valletta as 'the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen'. Today it's a beautifully preserved 16th-century walled city, small enough to cover in a few hours without sweating too much in the Mediterranean sun. In fact, the streets were carefully laid out to channel cool breezes in from the harbour. Situated on the northeast coast of Malta, Valletta is the capital, and is built on the promontory of Mount Sciberras which juts out into the middle of a bay. This dissects the bay into two deep harbours: the Grand Harbour to the east and the Marsamxett to the west. Valletta is a rough rectangle at the tip of a peninsula on the coast, just a few hundred metres across in either direction and thus surrounded by water on its northern, eastern and southern sides. The city was named after Jean Parisot de la Valette who was the Grand Master of the Order of the Knight Hospitallers (Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem). This famed religious order of hospitallers was founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century and made their base in Malta after they were expelled from Rhodes by the Ottoman Turks. During the time of Grand Master La Valette, in 1565, the Knights and the Maltese managed to suppress a siege on the island by the forces of Süleyman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in what was to become known as one of history's greatest sieges. Following the siege, the building of the city began in the same year 1565 in order to create a base for the defence of the island. Although Grand Master La Valette managed to lay the first stone, he died before its completion. Most of the embellishments of Valletta were done during the time of Grand Master La Cassiere, especially the magnificent St John's Co-Cathedral. The reign of the Knights of St John eventually came to an end with the successful invasion by Napoleon who occupied Malta on his way to Egypt. A Maltese revolt against the French garrison was the catalyst for the occupation of Valletta by the British in 1800. Valetta is also the spot where the Italian fleet surrendered to the Allies in 1943. Valletta's network of streets is laid out in an orthogonal grid dominated by a main artery which crosses the length of the entire city and opens up into a series of squares at its geometric centre, around the Palace of the Grand Masters. The city architecture is inspired by Italian Renaissance planning principles, and served as an early model of urban design. Valletta is one of the most important planned towns of the Renaissance. It equals in its noble architecture, any capital in Europe, while its timeless beauty and artistic treasures make it a well-deserved World Heritage site. There are a number of superb museums here as well as historical sites that are worth visiting. The main thoroughfare in the city is Republic Street. You'll find all the main shops and character-filled side streets leading off from here. For those interested in shopping, Merchant's Street and Lucia Street are the places to go for the most interesting merchandise. Lucia Street is famous for the exquisite silver and gold filigree jewellery sold there. Merchant Street specializes in souvenirs and is also home to a large open market.

Day 70 Port of Call Rome/Civitavecchia Arrival 7:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Located about 80 kilometers northwest of Rome, the Port of Civitavecchia is the port of Rome and a busy ferry and cargo port serving Italy and southern Europe. Lying on Italy’s eastern shores on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Port of Civitavecchia has excellent direct connections to Rome. It is an important cruise and ferry port with regular passage to Sardinia, Malta, Sicily, Tunis, and Barcelona. Fishing is of secondary importance to the Port of Civitavecchia. In addition to ocean-going traffic, the Port of Civitavecchia also contains a thermoelectric center and metallurgical works. In 2006, over 51 thousand people called the Port of Civitavecchia home. The Port of Civitavecchia was built on an earlier Etruscan settlement. Emperor Trajan founded the Port of Civitavecchia in the early 2nd Century, calling it Centumcellae. Today, Trajan’s Port is preserved within today’s Port of Civitavecchia. A busy growing town during the late Roman era, the Port of Civitavecchia was attacked by Vandals and then destroyed by the Saracens in 828 AD. Residents escaped to the nearby Allumiere Mountains where Pope Leo IV built a walled town in 854. Eventually, the people returned to Civitavecchia (the name means “old city”). At the end of the 15th Century, the Port of Civitavecchia was under frequent attack by pirates. The naval arsenal was constructed in 1508. Pope Paul III commissioned the building of the keep, which was designed by Donato Bramante and then finished by Michelangelo in 1537, to protect the Port of Civitavecchia from the pirate attacks. In 1696, Civitavecchia became a free port under Pope Innocent XII. Because it was Rome’s main port, the French occupied the Port of Civitavecchia in 1849. The Port of Civitavecchia was linked to Rome by the Rome and Civitavecchia Rail Road in 1859. When the Port of Civitavecchia became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, it was one of the Papal State’s most strongly-fortified towns when Papal troops welcomed General Nino Bixio on behalf of the Italian unification forces into the Port of Civitavecchia fortress. World War II brought destruction to as much as three-quarters of the Port of Civitavecchia. Reconstruction enlarged the Port of Civitavecchia beyond its pre-war area. The Autorita Portuale Civitavecchia (Port of Rome) is responsible for managing and operating the Port of Civitavecchia as well as the ports of Fiumicino and Gaeta. The modern Port of Civitavecchia is at the center of rail, road, and air networks that link it with central Italy and the world. The Port of Civitavecchia has capacity to handle about 11 million tons of cargo per year and over 1.5 million passengers. Cargoes include forest products, cereals, iron and steel, chemicals, automobiles, containers, and liquid bulk. In 2007, the Port of Civitavecchia welcomed 856 cruise vessels carrying 1.6 million passengers, and the total number of passengers using ferries and cruise vessels was 3.8 million. In 2007, the Port of Civitavecchia handled a total of 7.7 million tons of cargo. This total included 1.5 million tons of liquid bulk, 1.7 million tons of solid bulk, 4.6 million tons of packages, and 31.1 thousand TEUs of containerized cargo. The Port of Civitavecchia contains 28 berths of a total 5.6 thousand meters in length with alongside depths from 6 to 18 meters. Port properties include five warehouses containing 36 thousand square meters for handling and storing cargoes. The intermodal terminal includes seven thousand square meters of storage space and 12.5 thousand square meters for loading/unloading rail cars and parking. The Port of Civitavecchia is one of the busiest ferry ports in the world. Just 80 kilometers northwest of Rome, it is the main tourist destination for people traveling to the Eternal City. It is also a central port for ferries carrying passengers to more local destinations. The ferry terminal offers a complete line of amenities. Different ferry companies offer services to the various destinations. Moby Lines handles crossings to Olbia, Sardinia. Corsica Sardinia Ferries runs services to Golfo Aranci. Grimaldi Ferries carries passengers to Barcelona and Tunis, and Grand Navi Veloci operates a route to Tunis. Ferrovie dello Stato operates a combined rail-ferry service to Golfo Aranci.

Day 71 Port of Call Naples Arrival 7:00am Departure 3:30pm

Overview

Naples, a city in southern Italy, sits on the Bay of Naples. Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture. The city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is filled with frescoes. Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle.

Day 72 Port of Call Livorno Arrival 10:00am Departure 10:00pm

Overview

Livorno is situated along the coast of the Ligurian Sea, is one of Italy’s most important ports, both as a commercial and touristic port of call, an industrial centre of national importance and, among all of the Tuscan cities, it is generally considered the youngest, even though its territory holds historical testimonies of remote times that have survived the mass bombings of the Second War World. The city, developed from the end of the XVI century upon request of the Medici family, is famous for being the birthplace of prestigious personalities such as Amedeo Modigliani, Pietro Mascagni and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. In the past, until the first years of the 20th century it was also a tourist destination of international importance for the presence of important seaside and thermal establishments, that give the city its the name of Montecatini-on-the-sea. Livorno, which at the end of the XIX century counted around 100,000 inhabitants and was the 11th most populated city in Italy and the 2nd in Tuscany, in the last decades has had a notable decline in the number of inhabitants and now is the 3rd most populated city in Tuscany after Florence and Prato.

Day 73 Port of Call Saint-Tropez Arrival 9:00am Departure 5:00pm

Overview

Saint-Tropez is a coastal town on the French Riviera, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of southeastern France. Long popular with artists, the town attracted the international "jet set" in the 1960s, and remains known for its beaches and nightlife. The cobblestoned La Ponche quarter recalls its past as a fishing village, although yachts now outnumber fishing boats in the Vieux Port (Old Port).

Day 74 Port of Call Barcelona Arrival 10:00am Departure 10:00pm

Overview

Barcelona is a charming, cosmopolitan port on the shores of the Mediterranean sea. This prosperous and bilingual (Spanish and Catalan) metropolis measures up to a city such as Madrid: its museums, theaters, art galleries and nightlife area of an impressive high standard. Besides that, this art and design centre has a lot of interesting sights to offer to its visitors. The best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax, is 'Las Ramblas', a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. Here, you’ll find flower-stands, book kiosks and small market stalls where they sell birds and small animals. You’ll also find an endlessly fascinating flowing receptacle of pageant-jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues and assorted oddballs on parade. Nearby is 'Plaça Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by the Catalan architectural genius Antoni Gaudi in his undulating art-nouveau style. After having seen these sights, stroll the narrow winding streets of the 'Barri Gotic', the medieval Gothic quarter full of interesting tapas bars and cafes. Check out Picasso’s old hangout, 'Els Quatre Gats', which has been renovated without losing its bohemian charm. Or head for the old Barceloneta section on the waterfront. This working-class area, which was always slightly rundown and scruffy-looking, is now packed with paella restaurants. The new beach area, which runs from Barceloneta to the Olympic village, is much cleaner than the old beach area. Although some people believe that it has been cleaned up considerably, it might be a wise idea to stay out of the water. Fortunately, the beach itself is already a feast for the eyes (and ears), with its huge and roaring waves.

Day 75 Port of Call Palma de Mallorca Arrival 8:00am Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Palma is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca (Majorca), in the western Mediterranean. The massive Santa María cathedral, a Gothic landmark begun in the 13th century, overlooks the Bay of Palma. The adjacent Almudaina is a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence. West of the city, hilltop Bellver Castle is a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape. Most of the major buildings and monuments in Palma were constructed during the "Golden Age," between 1276 and 1344 under the rule of the Kingdom of Aragon. Among the most impressive is the graceful Gothic Cathedral, which was commissioned by King Jaime I of Aragon in 1230. Legend has it that on his way to recapture Mallorca from the Moors, Jaime the First's ship was struck by a terrible storm, and he vowed at that moment, to the Virgin Mary, that if he survived he would erect a church in her honor. He made good on his promise but it took a while. The Cathedral wasn't completed until 1601! You will find the people of Mallorca are quite charming, as their experiences have allowed them to perfect the art of hospitality. So relax and enjoy this unique multicultural island — you're in the hands of professionals.

Day 76 Port of Call Mahon Arrival 8:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

The capital of Menorca is the main port Mahon otherwise known as Mao. Mahon is a small town with a population of approximately 20,000. The ancient town of Mahon has an abundant amount of restaurants and fashionable shops. The harbour front is a popular area due it’s wide choice of restaurants and bars. The harbour of Mahon is over 5 kilometres wide and is one of the finest and deepest natural harbours in the world. Local to Mahon are many of the purpose built resorts including Punta Prima, Binidali, Cala en Porter, Sant Lluis and Cala d’Alcaufar. Mahon airport is approximately 5 kilometres from Mahon on the West side of the island. The airport has a number car renatl companies at the airports arrival hall. Tourist information about the island and where to stay is available from Menorca tourist office in the airport.

Day 78 Port of Call Malaga Arrival 7:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Malaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andaluz city with a gritty individualism untouched by tourism and, to a large extent, the passage of time. The Moors occupied the city until the mid fifteenth century, after which it grew to become one of the foremost merchant centres in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum. Also worth a visit is the nearby castle which was rebuilt by the Moors and is today a traditional parador (state hotel) with superb panoramic views. During the nineteenth century, Malaga was a popular winter resort for the wealthy famed for its elegance and sophistication. The impressive park on Calle Alameda dates back to this era and is recognised as being one of the mostcelebrated botanical collections in Europe. During the winter, open air concerts are held here every Sunday which makes a refreshing change from the bucket and spade scenario on the coast. Pablo Picasso is the city’s famous son (not counting Antonio Banderas of course!) and there are several galleries showing his work, including the 16th century Museum of Fine Arts, adjacent to the Cathedral His birthplace in Plaza Merced is today an archive of his life and works and open tothe public; the entrance is absolutely free (so are all the services: Documentation Centre, exhibitions, museum, video projections...) Málaga's main theatre is the "Theatro Cervantes" where Antonio Banderas once trod the boards. He still visits. As well as being a cultural centre, Malaga is also a great place to eat out. The Malaguen´os love their food and the bars and restaurants here are where the real social life takes place. The choice in unlimited and, on the whole, reasonable with some bars offering a menu of the day with bread and wine for as little as 700 pesetas. Tapas, small portions of many different dishes is an Andalusian tradition and a wonderfully inexpensive way to try a variety of local food. The best known local fare in Malaga is pescaito frito, an assortment of fried fish, including small sardines and red mullet, best washed down with a glass of ice cold fino at one of the many old fashioned bodegas in town. But it is El Palo, to the east of the city which is a typical fisherman’s village and the place to go if you want that veritable ‘catch of the day’ freshness. In the centre try a tapas and a glass of Malaga wine at Malaga's oldest tapas bar called "Antigua Casa de la Guardia". Keep to the north side of the Alameda and find no. 16. Malaga is always closed for the siesta period, so this is a perfect time for a long relaxing lunch. These days, Malaga prides itself on being a modern city with the heart of commerce dominated by Calle Larios which is the local Bond Street equivalent. This is the recommended place to start exploring the city as it is surrounded by attractive small streets and plazas, as well as the magnificent cathedral (Renaissance cathedral with a Baroque façade and choir by Pedro de Mena) which offers daily guided tours. Garden lovers won't be disappointed in Malaga either. In the centre of the city is the beautiful Alameda Gardens, and just outside on the way to Antequera one finds the extensive Jardines de la Concepcion. Málaga airport is of course on of the major airports in Spain due to the number of tourist arrivals on charter flights from Northern Europe using Malaga airport as a gateway to the Costa del Sol.

Day 79 Port of Call Portimao Arrival 10:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

It traces its origins back to a small trading port of the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians. Some historians have indicated that the place was originally the famous Portus Hannibalis named by the famous Roman general, Hannibal Barca. During the following Moorish occupation they renamed the place “Burj Munt”. Located at the mouth of the River Arade it provides a natural harbour and has at times been known in its past as a home for smugglers and pirates. The river also provides the sea access to the up-river ancient city of Silves which was the capital of the Algarve during the Moorish occupation.

Day 80 Port of Call Lisbon Arrival 7:00am Departure 7:00pm

Overview

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.

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	Wheelchair accessible suites have shower stall instead of bathtub
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