Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Fusina / Venice - 131904

Kotor is a picturesque little town in the bay of the same name which was founded by Greek settlers. It now belongs to the Republic of Montenegro. Despite the severe earthquake in 1979, all of the old buildings stayed standing. These buildings are also the most important sights: the 12th century Romanesque cathedral of St. Tripun with its opulent interior, St. Luka church, built in the Greek-Byzantine style, a clock tower dating from the 17th century and the fortress St. Ivan with its triple defensive wall. The maritime museum is also worth a visit. The Bay of Kotor, "Boka Kotorska", has some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. It cuts deep into the land in the shape of a fjord and is surrounded by high mountains. Several small bays are perfect for swimming. The asymmetric fronts of the narrow streets and squares feature many precious monuments in the medieval architectural style, which helped Kotor gain its status as a World Heritage Site.

Small, winding streets, a fresh sea breeze and handsome buildings – a description that sums up the unique charm of Monopoli. The small port with a popular name is situated at the Adriatic coast of Apulia in Southern Italy. Still considered an inside tip, Monopoli’s atmosphere is marked by locals. The former fishing village today represents an important port for the area. Ancient buildings like the Castillo di Monopoli with its remained town wall can be discovered. One of the most beautiful buildings is the baroque cathedral on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Mural arts can be admired insight of it. Moreover, Monopoli’s long beaches are worth visiting.

The town is Greek in origin and in the 11th century belonged to the Norman Kingdom of Sicily and from 1282 until the founding of Italy in 1861, was the capital of the Kingdom of Naples. The Piazza Garibaldi is a must-see - it is the main square in Naples, located in front of the main train station and the site of the Garibaldi monument, Via Umberto I. with many shops, fruit and fish markets and lots of streets sellers everywhere in between; the old town with the harbour, the city gate Porta Capuana, the Franciscan church, the town hall and Galleria Umberto I.; the former royal palace Palazzo Reale, which also houses the national library; Castel Sant Elmo dating from the 14th century and built on a hilltop overlooking the city; the San Gennaro cathedral, built in the 13th century, which houses the grave of the city's patron, -St. Januarius; the National Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Alexander mosaic; the National Museum with many finds from Herculaneum and Pompeii.

Even 2,000 years ago, Portofino ("Portus Delphini") was a town with resident coral fishers and was mentioned in Roman writings. In the 20th century this sleep fishing village developed into a popular holiday destination for the 'jet-set'. Today there are luxury villas atop beautiful hills and although Portofino has retained the look of a fishing village, most of the vessels moored in the harbour are luxury yachts. For nature lovers the Portofino Nature Park is a must-see.

The capital of the Cote d'Azur stretches along the wonderful Baie des Anges. Thanks to its favourable geographical and climactic position, this location has had a settlement since early days. Nice is a flourishing modern town with cultural activities on a grand scale (congresses, exhibitions, festivals). The town nevertheless retains its old traditions, e.g. the famous carnival and the charm of its picturesque old town with bustling little streets, the colourful flower market and the old harbour. As soon as you say 'Nice', people immediately think of the famous "Promenade des Anglais'‚ which has become the town's landmark and is now an international meeting place. Sights worth seeing: the Palais Lascarris, the Hotel Négresco, Place Masenna, Museum Massena, the harbour area, the castle hill and the Cadran solaire humain de Rauba Capeu.