Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Civitavecchia / Rome - 131443

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.

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.

Lovingly referred to by the Turks as "beautiful Izmir", the town lies at the opening of a broad gulf, busy with ships and yachts. Behind the palm-lined waterside promenade the city is built in terraces up the slopes of the surrounding mountains. The Jewish quarter 'Asansör' has many lovingly restored houses. The Archaeological Museum not far from Konak square has an excellent collection of ancient works of art. The Hisar mosque is the largest and most important in the city.

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.

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.

Katákolon is a small town with a harbour and lots of shops selling souvenirs and jewellery. It is 13 km to the East of Pyrgos and is also known as the port of Pyrgos. A traditional and extremely impressive place for a daytrip is the ancient ruins of Olympia on the slopes of the Peloponnes at the foot of Mount Kronos. Excavation work, which was instigated by German archaeologists in 1875, and is still ongoing, has uncovered a great deal of information about this mystic and sacred place. Its walls enclose the Temple of Jupiter, the Doric Temple of Hera, the "Hall of Echos", the gymnasium and the stadium.

The seaside resort of La Goulette lies in the North of Tunisia. Here you can enjoy the beautiful hot summer evenings at outdoor restaurants and cafés, and sample the delicious fish specialities and a variety of other Tunisian dishes while savouring the fresh air.

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".