Western Mediterranean Cruise - from Lisbon - 122647

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.

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.

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 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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The little town of Sorrento lies surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs in a beautiful setting above the bold white cliffs and provides a fantastic view of the Gulf of Naples. For 2,000 years, breathtaking sunsets and fragrant orange and lemon gardens have been drawing in visitors from around the world. You can follow in the footsteps of the Greeks and Romans. The small fishing port of Marina Grande, the Piazza Tasso, named after the poet Torquato Tasso (1544 - 1594), whose statue can also be seen, and the Duomo SS. Filippo e Giacomo dating from the 15th century are particularly worth seeing. Other sights include: the Archaeological Museum Villa Fondi, the old town and Chiesa del Rosario.

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.