Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Piraeus / Athens - 122951

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.

The former pirate's stronghold Kusadasi has developed into a well-known holiday destination in Turkey. The many fish restaurants by the harbour, the tempting boutiques, oriental antiques shops, bars and pavement cafés at the beach promenade are characteristic of this town. Sights include: the old "Mehmet Pascha Karawanserei" which dates from the 17th century, the beautiful marina, one of the most modern yacht marinas in Turkey and the fort on the little island known as 'bird island'.

This Turkish port town was built on the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Halikarnassos. Archaeological finds are evidence of a history going back 5,000 years. The multi-cultural city was home to various civilisations and was repeatedly conquered. Bodrum was annexed to the Ottoman Empire in 1523 A.D., following the victory of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent over Rhodes. Sights include: the amphitheatre, St. Peter's castle (built in 1495 by the Knights Hospitallers) and the Museum for Underwater Archaeology. The Mausoleum, which holds the tomb of King Mausolus, who died in 353 B.C., is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Alexander the Great also reached as far as Bodrum. The historian Arianus reported the prolonged battles at Myndos Gate.

The town at the North coast of Crete impresses tourists with its beautiful harbour, which lies in front of the old town. Aghios Nikolaos is characterised by its countless winding alleyways, filled with hoardes of little shops, taverns, rustic pubs, cafés and restaurants.

'The second-largest city in Egypt was founded in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great. The city has two ports. The eastern port flourished during the Middle Ages. Sights include: the Pompeii Pillar, Cleopatra's Obelisk within the old city walls, Abul Abbas Mosque (a stylistic masterpiece of Islamic architecture), Ras el Tin Palace, Montaza Palace, the Sultan Kait Bey Fort at the port with an amazing view of Alexandria. Other attractions include the remains of Alexandria's Roman period: Kom el Dikka (the only Roman amphitheatre on African soil), and the burial grounds at Kom el Shukafa.

'The second-largest city in Egypt was founded in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great. The city has two ports. The eastern port flourished during the Middle Ages. Sights include: the Pompeii Pillar, Cleopatra's Obelisk within the old city walls, Abul Abbas Mosque (a stylistic masterpiece of Islamic architecture), Ras el Tin Palace, Montaza Palace, the Sultan Kait Bey Fort at the port with an amazing view of Alexandria. Other attractions include the remains of Alexandria's Roman period: Kom el Dikka (the only Roman amphitheatre on African soil), and the burial grounds at Kom el Shukafa.

The ancient city of Syracuse on the South-East coast if Sicily is most well known for the island before its coast, Ortygia, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Narrow streets, picturesque squares, old churches and palaces give the old town is unique charm. There are traces of the Greek era all over the city. In the new town is the Parco Archeologico with Roman monuments and an ancient Greek theatre. Sights include: the temple of Apollo, Porta Marina, the elegant promenade Foro Italico, Castello Maniace, Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo.

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.

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.

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.

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.