Mediterranean Cruise - from Nice - 124677

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.