Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Civitavecchia / Rome - 120925

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 little town of Sorrento lies surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs in a beautiful setting above the bold white cliffs and provides a fantastic view of the Gulf of Naples. For 2,000 years, breathtaking sunsets and fragrant orange and lemon gardens have been drawing in visitors from around the world. You can follow in the footsteps of the Greeks and Romans. The small fishing port of Marina Grande, the Piazza Tasso, named after the poet Torquato Tasso (1544 - 1594), whose statue can also be seen, and the Duomo SS. Filippo e Giacomo dating from the 15th century are particularly worth seeing. Other sights include: the Archaeological Museum Villa Fondi, the old town and Chiesa del Rosario.

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.

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.

Vólos, the regional capital and the economic centre at the Pagasaean Gulf, with its waterside promenade, wide boulevards lined with cafés and a long shopping street, is the perfect place for a stroll. Sights include: the Archaeological Museum

A world city with a unique character. A city filled with beauty and contrast, with a breathtaking history - from Byzantium to Constantinople to the present day. But Istanbul has more to offer than culture - inexpensive shopping, oriental cuisine or meeting new people are just examples of the many things one can do here. The city is full of buildings, monuments, churches and mosques, all steeped in history.