Round-the-world Cruise - from Barcelona - 131044

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".

The capital of the Balearic Islands is the economic and cultural centre of Majorca. During the 13th and 14th century the town developed into one of the most important centres of trade in the Western Mediterranean. Trade brought the town much wealth and prestige. The majority of the historic buildings of Majorca also date from this period. In Palma both the shady splendid street of Passeig des Born and the small streets of the old town reverberate with life. For a modern city, Palma has managed to retain a particularly attractive city centre. Sights worth seeing include: the cathedral la Seu (with Gothic towers, measuring 120m long and 40m high, and fascinating rose windows – measuring 12.5m across and covering a total area of more than 100 square metres); the Palace Almudaina (former residence of the Majorcan royal family, with a beautiful garden); the stock exchange La Llotja (founded in the Middle Ages, often confused with a church due to the adornment of the building. Nowadays it is often used for exhibitions); the market hall Mercat Olivar; the monestary church of Sant Francesc (a Gothic church dating back to 1232 with impressive late Gothic cloisters).

Sète - a hill, a harbour, four canals and the longest beach in the Languedoc. Sète has the largest fishing harbour on the Mediterranean coast. When the fishing boats drop anchor and hand over their catch it is a fascinating sight, as well as the perfect opportunity to try fresh fish or even oysters. From Mont St. Clair you can enjoy a wonderful view of the harbour, the town and the surrounding area. The canals have earned the town the nick-name of "French Venice".

Marseille is considered to be the largest and oldest port on the French Mediterranean coast and a glamorous metropolis. The city was founded in a picturesque bay in the 6th century B.C. by the Greek colonists. Initially it thrived from trading and quickly developed into an important port. Marseille is a welcoming cosmopolitan tourist town with a wide variety of shopping, entertainment and recreational facilities. Sights include: St. Victor's basilica, the old harbour, the poor house "la Ville Charité", the cathedral of la Major, the town hall, the historical museum, the Roman Docks Museum, the Archaeological Museum, Longchamp Museum, Grobet-Labadié Museum, Cantini Museum.

Cannes, which has a population of 70,000, lies on the Côte d'Azur in the South of France. Every year, in mid-May the famous film festival is held here, where all the movers and shakers come to see and be seen. Another highlight is the splendid promenade, the "Boulevard de la Croisette" lined by palms and bedecked with flowers. Due to the many festivals, regattas, races, flower parades and countless other spectacles, this Mediterranean town is also a popular tourist destination. Other sights include: the Lérins islands "St. Marguerite" and "St. Honorat". The old town is atop the hill "Mont Chevalier" with a castle dating back to the time of the Crusades. This is also where you will find the museum and the pilgrimage church "Notre-Dame de l'Espérance".

Livorno is around 20 km from Pisa. With a population of 180,000 it is the second-largest town in Tuscany. Via the "Fossi Medici" (italian meaning Medici moat), the canals of "new Venice" that connect the fort with the harbour, you come to the "Piazza Grande" with the San Francesco cathedral. Along the "Viale Italia" you can take a walk all the way to the Terrazza Mascagni, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sea and the island of Gorgona which lies directly opposite. The seafront is also where you can find the municipal aquarium "Diacinto Cestoni", which is also the university's centre for marine biology.

The capital of the French island of Corsica and the "Département Corse-du-Sud" is surrounded by beautiful mountainous countryside, valleys and little villages that make it the perfect place for walks and daytrips. But this city, which has a population of 59,300, is not only a popular winter resort, but also the birthplace of Napoleon I., who was born on August 15th 1769 in a house in the Rue Saint Charles. Today, many streets, statues and monuments commemorate the city's most famous son. The town hall also has some impressive exhibits relating to the coronation of the former emperor. Sights include: the Saint-Erasme church where Napolean was christened in 1539 , also dedicated to the patron of seafarers and decorated with model ships. The Fesch Museum has a collection of works by Boticelli, Bellini und Titian -donated by Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon's uncle. Sporting activities in Ajaccio focus mainly on water sports: all year round, visitors can enjoy diving trips, jet-ski, sailing, fun-boards and angling.

Olbia, the most important port and airport of Sardinia, lies at the end of a large bay. Olbia has a small tourist harbour and a yacht club and is framed to the North and the South by many beautiful beaches. Olbia is an excellent starting point for excursions to the renowned holiday destinations on the north-eastern (Golfo Aranci) and the south-eastern coastline to the bay of "Caletta di Siniscola". Among the interesting monuments in the old town is the former cathedral of San Simplicio. Just a few kilometres from Olbia, tourists can visit the castle Castello di Pedres.

The largest city in Sicily rises up from the Conca d'Oro bay (Golden Shell Bay), surrounded by glorious orange and citrus groves. It was founded in the 8th century B.C. by the Phoenicians and has been variously ruled by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, the Spanish and the Bourbons, all of whom have left their mark on the city. Parlermo's historic centre is one of the largest in Europe; it has 158 churches, 55 monasteries, more than 400 stately homes and 7 theatres. Tours of the city can be organised depending on the various eras one is most interested in, but the cathedral dating from 1185 and the famous Cappella Palatina are not to be missed. Over the last few years the city has been undergoing a transition and wants a new image, to encourage culturally-interested tourists to visit. The Teatro Massimo, the former monastery of Spasimo, the Albergo delle Povere, Villa Niscemi, the Palazzo Merlo, the Chiesa di San Domenico and many other sights have now re-opened their doors for visitors following extensive restoration work.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and both the largest and the oldest town on the island (evidence from the 8th century B.C.). It was founded by the Phoenicians and lies in the south of the island. Sights include: Caralis fort, dating from the 13th century, the National and Archaeological Museum, "Siamese Cardu", the Roman necropolis of Travixeddu and Bonaria, San Saturino church, which dates from the 5th century A.D., a 14th century cathedral, the elephant tower and the San Pancrazio tower, the Roman amphitheatre and the Botanic Gardens.

The affluent city at the Spanish Mediterranean has both interesting buildings and monuments and beautiful beaches. Sights include: the baroque town hall, the huge Santa Barbara Castle, San Fernando Castle, which dates from the 19th century, and the ruins at "Tossal de Manises", which bear evidence to the origins of Alicante. The Spanish port has many opulent town houses, countless churches and two palaces - Gravina Palace and the palace that houses the regional government.

Melilla is a 12 km2 Spanish enclave at the eastern side of the peninsula of Guelaia and has a population of approximately 80,000. The city's port has experienced a new upswing in recent years thanks to fishing and the export of iron and steel from the city of Nador. From the Plaza de España in the centre of the new town you can reach the small old town area of Melilla, called Medina Sidonia. Some of the fortified architecture dates from the 16th century. Sights include: the municipal museum with a small collection of prehistoric, Punic and Roman artefacts.

Malaga was founded in around 8 B.C. by the seafaring Phoenicians. Today, Malaga is a modern city with an important trading port, an airport and a university. It also has an excellent climate all year round, making it one of the most important holiday destinations on the Iberian peninsula. Sights include: The King's Palace, "Alcazaba", built in the 11th century and featuring an archaeological museum; the city cathedral, built around 1528 with the pretty chapels "Capilla Mayor" and "Capilla del Sagrado Corazón"; various churches; the house in which Pablo Picasso was born; buildings dating from the 18th century - "Casa del Cosulado", "Palacio de la Aduana", "Casa Palacio del Marques de Valdeflores"; the parks "Puerta Oscura", "de Ricasso", "de Pedro Luis Alonso".

The southern Spanish coastal town in Andalucia has a trading port and a naval port. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land measuring 9km in length and by a bridge. It has a population of 154,000. Sights in this city founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 B.C. include the medical faculty at the University of Seville, the old cathedral (13th and 16th century) and the new cathedral, built in the 18th/19th century. In historical terms, Cádiz gained huge importance as the starting point for the Spanish expeditions to the West Indies.

The white city by the sea, built on seven hills and framed by the natural harbour of "Rio Tejo" was founded by the Phoenicians in around the 9th-7th century B.C.. Today it is the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Lisbon is rich in architectural monuments. The Portuguese capital also has a varied and interesting cultural scene with theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions. "Bairro Alto" (the upper city) is well known for its nightlife. Sights include: Jerónimo's Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Comércio Square, São Jorge castle, and "Baixa Pombalina".

The small, modern town of Portimao on the Algarve has lots to offer visitors that like to go out: Praia da Rocha, the "cliff beach", and the disco 'Katedral'. Recreational activities, sunshine, shopping and sardines are what make Portimao special. One of the best shopping streets is the 'Rua do Comércio', the "street of trade", a pedestrian area that begins at the old market square close by the local church in the highest area of the town.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.

'The island capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a lively, friendly city with picturesque streets, parks and squares as well as a world-renowned botanic garden. The centre of Santa Cruz is a mixture of old areas and modern architecture. The famous beaches of Las Gaviotas and Las Teresitas are very close nearby the city. Monte de la Esperanza, which towers over the city is also worth a visit, since the view from the summit is truly breathtaking. 'Sights include: the Plaza de Espana with its war memorial, the Museums of Archaeology and Anthropology, Carta Palace, the baroque church of Iglesia de la Concepción, the Museum of painting and sculpture, Castillo de Paso Alto.

San Juan, the capital of the Greater Antilles island of Puerto Rico, is known as the 'oldest American city'. It was from here that the expeditions set out to explore the New World. The historic old town with the university, the fort 'La Fortaleza', the gothic cathedral and the historic buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era are all well worth a visit. Since 1983, San Juan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 'New' San Juan boasts luxurious resorts, hotels, casinos and exclusive discos, while nature lovers can explore the nearby rainforest with its mountain lakes and waterfalls.

Miami is a city at the South-East coast of the US state of Florida. The "Coconut Grove" district was the heart of the settlement in 1884. Today, the city is dominated by elegant boutiques and pavement cafés. Often, free street concerts are held in the side streets - usually reggae or jazz music. The city has numerous high-rise buildings, hotel complexes, areas with palm trees, shopping centres, cultural and recreational facilities. Sights include: the Southeast Financial Center - the tallest building in Florida at 55 storeys high; Dade Country Courthouse; Metro Dade Cultural, a cultural centre that houses Miami Dade Main Library; the Centre for Fine Arts and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredias, a Spaniard and companion of Columbus, as a naval port. The historic old town and the harbour are listed and have been a World Heritage Site since 1984. Due to the flourishing trade in gold from Peru, silver from Bolivia and emeralds from Muzo, the city developed quickly and magnificently. Today, mainly oil coffee and platinum are exported and the city has been able to make a name for itself as one of the most beautiful colonial cities of South America. Sights include: the Gold Museum, the cathedral dating from the 16th/17th century and the San Felipe de Barajas fort with its amazing system of tunnels.

In the middle of Central America lies the tropical region of the Panama Canal with its lush vegetation and rainforests. The Panama Canal is a technical masterpiece and one of the most important waterways in the world. It takes just a day to travel along the canal, but visitors are sure to remember the trip for many a long year.

Puntarenas means 'sandy tip' and the town lies on a tongue of land that sticks out into the Gulf of Nicoya. For a long time it was the most important Pacific port in the country, and even today the harbour is lined with fishing boats, giving the town its incomparably maritime character. This beach resort, which is steeped in tradition, is the perfect place for a stroll along the southern beach promenade, Paseo de los Turistas, which is particularly busy at the weekends. In the evening you can watch the glowing red sun sink down into the Gulf von Nicoya while enjoying a cocktail at the popular beach.

Corinto, located in the Chinandega province is really a peninsula and lies on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Corinto is almost entirely surrounded by water and connected to the mainland by means of two bridges. The city itself is just 2.5 metres above sea level. Mangrove swamps, which stretch along more than 10 square kilometres of the coastline, are a natural reservation with huge ecological importance. But this fragile ecosystem is under threat from deforestation at the hands of Corinto's population, since more than 90% of the population still depend on the wood for their livelihood. Since 1875, Corinto has been the most important port in Nicaragua. The lighthouse, built in 1876, is one of the city's attractions. The sandy beach is also the perfect place to take a dip.

The Pacifc port of Puerto Quetzal is around 2 hours south of the capital, Guatemala City, and is named after the Quetzal bird, the heraldic symbol of this Central American country. Puerto Quetzal is the starting point for trips inland on the trail of the Mayans and into the tropical rainforest.

'Acapulco is a Mexican harbour town on the Pacific coast. The "Costa Miguel Aleman", the town's splendid boulevard is home to countless shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Local sights include the "Casa de la Cultura", the Historical Museum and the cliff-divers at the cliffs of "La Quebrada", who plunge into the ocean from a height of 40 metres. Acapulco is the only place in Mexico with a submerged statue of its patron saint, the Virgin of Guadaloupe, which can be viewed from one of the popular glass-bottomed boats. The glass-bottomed boats also provide a breathtaking view of the magical underwater world. Sun-worshippers will be spoilt for choice with the Playa Icacos, Playa Hornos, Playa Revolcadero, Playa Diamante and Barra Vieja beaches all providing the perfect spot to relax for a few hours.

This romantic city at the Mexican Riviera with its palm-lined beaches and the almost primeval vegetation provides pure relaxation. In the North of the city there are long beaches, while the South has little coves that are just perfect for sunbathing, snorkelling and diving. Liz Taylor is a big fan and settled here because of the peaceful atmosphere and the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.