Western Mediterranean Cruise - from Civitavecchia / Rome - 131543

The Italian capital of Rome is also often called "the eternal city", as this buzzing metropolis still has many precious treasures from ancient times, which are known around the world. The most impressive sights include the "Thermae of Caracalla", the emperor's forum, the Colosseum, the Piazza Navona, the Fountain of Neptune and of course St. Peter's Basilica, with the dome designed by Michelangelo.

The capital of the Balearic Islands is the economic and cultural centre of Majorca. During the 13th and 14th century the town developed into one of the most important centres of trade in the Western Mediterranean. Trade brought the town much wealth and prestige. The majority of the historic buildings of Majorca also date from this period. In Palma both the shady splendid street of Passeig des Born and the small streets of the old town reverberate with life. For a modern city, Palma has managed to retain a particularly attractive city centre. Sights worth seeing include: the cathedral la Seu (with Gothic towers, measuring 120m long and 40m high, and fascinating rose windows – measuring 12.5m across and covering a total area of more than 100 square metres); the Palace Almudaina (former residence of the Majorcan royal family, with a beautiful garden); the stock exchange La Llotja (founded in the Middle Ages, often confused with a church due to the adornment of the building. Nowadays it is often used for exhibitions); the market hall Mercat Olivar; the monestary church of Sant Francesc (a Gothic church dating back to 1232 with impressive late Gothic cloisters).

The town is a harmonious mixture of the traditional and the modern and you will find both historic buildings dating from medieval times and ultra-modern architecture. Barcelona is the most important economic centre in Catalonia. This Mediterranean metropolis also has lots to offer in cultural terms, including, among other things, the Picasso Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Catalonia. The cathedreal "La Seu", which dates from the 13th century, is situated in the gothic old town "Barri Gotic". But Barcelona's landmark is the "Sagrada Familia", the church designed by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona is busy by day and lively by night. One of the other main attractions is "Las Ramblas", the splendid promenade in the city centre with countless pavement cafes, shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Other must-sees include "El Puerto", the harbour with a wonderful view of Barcelona, and the nearby boulevard "Paseo de Colón".

The picturesque town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, which is not far from Nice, was an important Mediterranean port even in Medieval times. The town played an important strategic role for a long time, as the fort bears witness to today - although nowadays it is a museum exhibiting works by Picasso and Miró, as well as artists from the region. Sights worth seeing in the "free city", which did not levy taxes in the 13th century, include the 'Rue Obscure', the covered street that runs below the houses of the old town, and the port chapel of St-Pierre built in the 14th century and redesigned in 1957 by multi-talented artist Jean Cocteau.

Livorno is around 20 km from Pisa. With a population of 180,000 it is the second-largest town in Tuscany. Via the "Fossi Medici" (italian meaning Medici moat), the canals of "new Venice" that connect the fort with the harbour, you come to the "Piazza Grande" with the San Francesco cathedral. Along the "Viale Italia" you can take a walk all the way to the Terrazza Mascagni, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sea and the island of Gorgona which lies directly opposite. The seafront is also where you can find the municipal aquarium "Diacinto Cestoni", which is also the university's centre for marine biology.

The Italian capital of Rome is also often called "the eternal city", as this buzzing metropolis still has many precious treasures from ancient times, which are known around the world. The most impressive sights include the "Thermae of Caracalla", the emperor's forum, the Colosseum, the Piazza Navona, the Fountain of Neptune and of course St. Peter's Basilica, with the dome designed by Michelangelo.

Salerno lies directly at the Gulf of the same name, which is also home to Capri, and is the capital of the region of Campania. The romantic old town is totally enchanting, in the shadows of the San Matteo cathedral and the Castello di Arechi with its splendid bell tower. Sights include: the cathedral and its museum, the aquaeduct, the Archaeological Museum, the local museum and the old town with its Roman, Byzantine and Norman influences.

Messina is the most easterly regional capital of Sicily and lies at the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. The city was once a famous trading town at the straits and was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C., then conquered by the Romans in 264 B.C., after which it experienced a history dominated by the upheaval of changing rule on account of its strategic location. Sights include: the regional museum, the Norman cathedral, Campanile bell tower with an integrated astronomical clock and the Ave Maria church.

The inviting capital city is located on a peninsula at the centre of the East coast. The old town is full of narrow strees and tall houses. It combines Venetian, French, British and traditional Greek architectural elements to a harmonious overall style that is truly unique. The city was heavily fortified by the Venetians; visitors still always immediately notice the two citadels. Sights worth seeing include: the new fort (Nero Frourio), the old fort (Paleo Frourio), the esplanade or 'Spinada', the Museum.

The Croatian port of Dubrovnik is known as an important spa resort. It was founded by the Slavs at around the beginning of the 7th century. Today, the city by the Adriatic Sea is known for its excellent shopping, many shops and cultural facilities. The main street of the old town is the "Stradun" (also called "Placa"). From here, all of the important sights in the city are just a short walk away. The entire old town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Sights include: the city walls dating from the 13th century, a Franciscan monastery with its own apothecary, the 15th century Duke's palace, "Sponza Palace", the Museum of Popular Art, the Cathedral and St. Blasius' church.

The old town of the Mediterranean port of Split on the eastern Adriatic coast in Dalmatia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The heart of Croatia's second-largest city beats in the walls of the 1,500-year-old Diocletian palace. Even upon entering the port, Split presents itself at its best: the palm-lined waterside promenade in front of the Emperor's palace and the rooftops of the old town create a truly unique panorama. Sights include: the medieval old town, Diocletian Palace, the waterside promenade Riva, the Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery, the Goldern Gate, the cathedral and the old town hall.

Ravenna in the East of the Italian province of Emilia Romagna is one of the most important towns in Italy, both in historical and artistic terms. It was the last capital of the West-Roman empire, after which it was the centre of Byzantine culture in Italy. A famous location for music festivals, Ravenna has a broad range of recreational activities to offer. The bars, cafés and shops around the Piazza del Popolo and the adjacent streets are buzzing with life. This is also where visitors can find the early Christian San Vitale basilica with its famous frescoes and the tombs of Theodor the Great and Dante Alighieri, who completed "The Divine Comedy" here. The city is also famous for its Christian mosaics (a mosaic image depicting two doves). The town was once completely surrounded by a city wall; today, only the gates remain. The beautiful park is also worth a visit and in the Summer there is an outdoor cinema here.