Transatlantic Cruise - from Piraeus / Athens - 121109

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.

Die Hafenstadt beherbergt den größten Teil der ca. 3.500 Einwohner der griechischen Insel Mykonos. Die Altstadt ist am besten vom Ufer aus zu betreten. Im Zentrum der Stadt befindet sich der Drei-Brunnen-Platz "Platia Tria Pigadia" mit drei Ziehbrunnen, die noch bis in die Fünfzigerjahre des 20. Jh. hinein die Altstadt mit Wasser versorgen. Sehenswürdigkeiten: "Nautiko Moussío", eines der reizvollsten Museen aus dem 19. Jh. zum Thema Seefahrt in Griechenland mit schönem schattigen Garten, das "Haus der Lena", das ca. 200 Jahre alt, mit Möbeln und Kunst ausgestattet ist und einen Einblick in ein Bürgerhaus des 19. Jh. gibt, die kleine "Agios-Nikolaos-Kirche", das Rathaus mit rotem Ziegeldach.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The island of Bonifacio, located at the most southerly tip of Corsica, towers above the bay, the other small islands and the cliffs. Bonifacio's architecture reflects the style of the middle ages and the late French era. The beaches and the sea surrounding the Corsican port are perfect for diving, swimming or sailing. The historic old town and the surrounding area are a lovely place to take a long walk. Sights include: the marina, the upper part of the town, the citadel, Saint Dominique church, the lighthouse "Pertusato", the "Pass de la Trinité" and the sailboat marina.

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.

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".

The beauty of the French marine port of Toulon is best seen when approaching by sea: the coast has deep bays, golden sandy beaches and picturesque little fishing vilages. The Quai de Stalingrad borders the old inner harbour, with houses newly built after 1945. The entranceway of the old town hall, supported by the famous titan figures by the sculptor Puget (mid-17th century) was integrated into the facade of the Maritime Museum, behind which lies the old town with its pretty little streets. Other important museums are the Musée de Toulon, the Musée d'Art, the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle and the Musée du Vieux Toulon. The most remarkable buildings include the romanesque church Sainte Marie Majeure, Saint Louis' church and the large military hospital. The Cours La Fayette, where the fruit and vegetable market is held in the mornings, is always bustling with life.

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".

Valencia on the East coast of Spain was founded by the Romans and occupied in the early Middle Ages by the Moors, before being recaptured by the Christians. The old town has many must-see buildings, such as the cathedral, built in 1262, whose clocktower is the city's landmark, or the Church of Santa Catalina. Visitors can also take a close-up look at the two well-preserved towers of the medieval city. Those looking to relax should take a trip on the modern tramway to one of Valencia's many beaches. Sights include: the cathedral, the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, the imperial monastery, San Nicolas church, San Martin church, La Lonja de la Seda, the town hall, the Mercacado Central, Mercado de Colon, Estacion del Norte, Jardines del Turia and Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

The British city of Gibraltar lies to the south of the coast of Spain. Its 27,300 inhabitants are protected by a heavily fortified naval and trading port. The reasons for this are to be found in the unique location of the island of the same name, whose waterway, "the strait of Gibraltar" (60 km long and 14 km wide at its narrowest point) connects the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Gibraltar was the subject of many battles in early history: conquered by the Spanish in 1462, they were forced to surrender the island to the British in 1704 and Gibraltar was made a Crown Colony in 1830. Nevertheless, Spain still lays claim to the city and its bay. Sights include: the Catholic cathedral "St. Mary the Crowned", the Anglican "Holy Trinity" cathedral, the Gibraltar Museum and the Governor's palace "The Convent", where you can watch the changing of the guard several times a day, all of which are on Main Street. The most well-known inhabitants of the famous Rock of Gibraltar are the Barbary Macaques, imported by the British from North Africa in the 18th century.

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 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.

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.

Ponta Delgada is the port and the main city on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The city, which has a population of around 30,000 is colourful and lively. The relatively small town with the historic centre is known for its pretty parks and small streets and squares. A stroll along the long waterside promenade or around the yacht marina is particularly enjoyable. Sights include: the parish church, the market, the regional museum with an exhibition on local culture, city gates dating from the 18th century.

Horta is the capital of the Portuguese Azores Island of Faial. The city's image is dominated by beautiful old colonial buildings. One of the unique features of this city with a population of 7,000 is its pavements, which are paved with images of typical island scenes, such as windmills, sailing ships or ferry boats. Sights include the "Museum da Horta", the church "Igreja de Sao Francisco" with a museum of church history, the yacht marina with a panorama view of the island of Pico and the volcano of the same name.

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.