Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Trieste - 120865

Trieste has an extremely picturesque setting, framed as it is by the sea and the mountains on the northern Adriatic. Narrow streets line the old town. At the Piazza Unità d'Italia, the heart of the city and the traditional meeting place for the people of Trieste, you can see impressive neoclassical buildings; in contrast, the ancient monuments of the town can be found in Colle di San Giusto. At the foot of this mountain you can visit the baroque church Santa Maria Maggiore. The San Giusto cathedral is the town's most important symbol, while the waterside promenades are the perfect place for a stroll. Sights include: Duino castle, the huge caves, the remnants of the city wall and the Roman heart of the town, the marine aquarium, the victory lighthouse and the old stock exchange.

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.

Gythion is a picturesque little town with painted white houses nestled up against the mountainside. Legend has it that this city at the eastern Mediterranean was founded by the the Greek gods Heracles and Apollo. In addition to the houses typical of the region, there are several buildings at the harbour dating from the era of Classicism, some with wrought iron balconies and stucco fronts. Business is centred around the harbour promenade, with its many banks and travel agencies.

Piraeus, today a modern port town, has been Athens' port since ancient times and used to be connected with the capital by means of city walls. Only remnants of these wall remain. Piraeus has made a name for itself primarily on account of its appealing nightlife and the romantic fish restaruants by the sea. Sights include: the ancient harbour Zea Marina, the remnants of the long walls (5th century B.C.), the Archaeological Museum with ancient shipwrecks, statues of Apollo and Athena, the Hellenic Marine Museum and the Veakio Theatre.

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands. Sights include: the ruins of the Venetian castle "Agios Georgios", the 17th century monastery "Agios Andreas" with interesting frescoes and the remnants of the ancient city of Krani, which was the island's capital in the Mycenean age. The main attraction of the islands are, however, the "Sea Mills", which are not far from the town. They are driven by sea-water surging along a channel cut through the rock and then disappearing into hidden underground passages. For many years where the water went was a mystery until scientists finally discovered that the water flows through caves below the island before re-emerging on the east coast of the island.

The Italian port lies at the foot of Mount Etna. Catania is the second-largest town in Sicily and the most important industrial centre in the region. The town on the Ionian coast is also famous for its fertile citrus gardens. Sights include: the old town area with St. Agatha's cathedral, baroque palaces owned by the aristocracy, Ursino castle; funicular railway to Mount Etna.

Valletta is the first city in modern times to be built entirely on the basis of the drafts drawn by Jean de la Valetta of the Order of St. John. The capital of Malta is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Upon entering the harbour you can see the huge fortifications of the old town with its splendid buildings. The city invites tourists to visit the ceremonial church of San Giovanni and the Hospital of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, which dates from the 16th century. Republic Street, which is always very busy, is a testament to the convivial nature of the residents and shows how much fun shopping here can be. Other sights include: Baracca Gardens, the National Archaeological Museum, Fort St. Elmo with its Defence Museum and the old palace.

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".