Western Mediterranean Cruise - from Civitavecchia / Rome - 124641

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.

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 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 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.