Western Mediterranean Cruise - from Genoa - 120105

This northern Italian port lies at the Gulf of Genoa and is the capital of Liguria and the province of Genoa. It has a population of 660'000. Academic highlights in the city, which was built in the 10th century, are the university founded in 1783, the academy of arts and the college of music. Other sights include the magnificent churches built on the hillside in the shape of terraces, "San Lorenzo" and "Santi Abrògio e Andrea" and the palaces "Palazzo Durazzo", "Palazzo Ducale" and "Palazzo Bianco".

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.

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 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.

Trapani, the ancient city of Drepanon, juts into the Mediterranean on the West coast of Sicily in the shape of a sickel. At the outermost edge of the harbour town is 'Torre di Ligny', which today houses the Prehistorical Museum. An exhibition of fine works of art made from coral can be seen at the Museo Pepoli in the old Carmelite monastery. Directly next to that is the Santuario dell'Annunziata with a marble statue of the 'Madonna von Trapani'. The Jewish Quarter with the Palazzo della Giudecca is also worth a mention. Casalicchio, the oldest part of the town consists of an almost Arabic-style labyrinth of narrow streets.

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 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.