Western Mediterranean Cruise - from Barcelona - 129411

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.

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 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.

The city of La Spezia, which has a population of approximately 110,000 lies nestled among the green hills of Italy. The port borders to the North onto the steep mountain ridges of "Cinque Terre" and has wonderful beaches to the South near Carrara. La Spezia is known as a modern port and industrial city with a touch of Art Nouveau charm. Palms and oleander trees are characteristic of the cityscape. The city is shaped by both tourism and the naval base located here. Sights include: the large Friday market at "Viale Garibaldi", the Museum of Shipbuilding "Museo Navale" and "Castello San Giorgio".

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.