Western Mediterranean Cruise - from Piraeus / Athens - 134803

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.

The former pirate's stronghold Kusadasi has developed into a well-known holiday destination in Turkey. The many fish restaurants by the harbour, the tempting boutiques, oriental antiques shops, bars and pavement cafés at the beach promenade are characteristic of this town. Sights include: the old "Mehmet Pascha Karawanserei" which dates from the 17th century, the beautiful marina, one of the most modern yacht marinas in Turkey and the fort on the little island known as 'bird island'.

This Turkish port town was built on the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Halikarnassos. Archaeological finds are evidence of a history going back 5,000 years. The multi-cultural city was home to various civilisations and was repeatedly conquered. Bodrum was annexed to the Ottoman Empire in 1523 A.D., following the victory of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent over Rhodes. Sights include: the amphitheatre, St. Peter's castle (built in 1495 by the Knights Hospitallers) and the Museum for Underwater Archaeology. The Mausoleum, which holds the tomb of King Mausolus, who died in 353 B.C., is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Alexander the Great also reached as far as Bodrum. The historian Arianus reported the prolonged battles at Myndos Gate.

Rhodes, the island of the Sun God Helios, is the largest and most popular island in the south-eastern Aegean. Due to its favourable geographic position it was once an important link between the Orient and the Occident. The 220 km long coastline is a mix between coves with beautiful flat sandy beaches and steep cliffs. The landscape inland is dominated by mountains, valleys and plateaus. Rhodes' history goes back more than 3,000 years. There are many archaeological excavation sites of ancient buildings, bearing witness to Rhodes' eventful past. Sights include: ruins from the Mycaean era, the ancient theatre, the gothic buildings, the round fort dating from the time of the Knights of St. John, the Turkish mosque and the Turkish baths.

'The second-largest city in Egypt was founded in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great. The city has two ports. The eastern port flourished during the Middle Ages. Sights include: the Pompeii Pillar, Cleopatra's Obelisk within the old city walls, Abul Abbas Mosque (a stylistic masterpiece of Islamic architecture), Ras el Tin Palace, Montaza Palace, the Sultan Kait Bey Fort at the port with an amazing view of Alexandria. Other attractions include the remains of Alexandria's Roman period: Kom el Dikka (the only Roman amphitheatre on African soil), and the burial grounds at Kom el Shukafa.

'The second-largest city in Egypt was founded in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great. The city has two ports. The eastern port flourished during the Middle Ages. Sights include: the Pompeii Pillar, Cleopatra's Obelisk within the old city walls, Abul Abbas Mosque (a stylistic masterpiece of Islamic architecture), Ras el Tin Palace, Montaza Palace, the Sultan Kait Bey Fort at the port with an amazing view of Alexandria. Other attractions include the remains of Alexandria's Roman period: Kom el Dikka (the only Roman amphitheatre on African soil), and the burial grounds at Kom el Shukafa.

The ancient city of Syracuse on the South-East coast if Sicily is most well known for the island before its coast, Ortygia, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Narrow streets, picturesque squares, old churches and palaces give the old town is unique charm. There are traces of the Greek era all over the city. In the new town is the Parco Archeologico with Roman monuments and an ancient Greek theatre. Sights include: the temple of Apollo, Porta Marina, the elegant promenade Foro Italico, Castello Maniace, Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 capital of the Balearic Islands is the economic and cultural centre of Majorca. During the 13th and 14th century the town developed into one of the most important centres of trade in the Western Mediterranean. Trade brought the town much wealth and prestige. The majority of the historic buildings of Majorca also date from this period. In Palma both the shady splendid street of Passeig des Born and the small streets of the old town reverberate with life. For a modern city, Palma has managed to retain a particularly attractive city centre. Sights worth seeing include: the cathedral la Seu (with Gothic towers, measuring 120m long and 40m high, and fascinating rose windows – measuring 12.5m across and covering a total area of more than 100 square metres); the Palace Almudaina (former residence of the Majorcan royal family, with a beautiful garden); the stock exchange La Llotja (founded in the Middle Ages, often confused with a church due to the adornment of the building. Nowadays it is often used for exhibitions); the market hall Mercat Olivar; the monestary church of Sant Francesc (a Gothic church dating back to 1232 with impressive late Gothic cloisters).

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 small town of Motril has had a small sugar-cane industry since the 18th century, which is why it has also been called 'little Cuba'. It is one of the oldest settlements in Spain and was founded by the Phoenicians, then ruled for many centuries by the Arabs. The port is the most important in the province of Granada. Sights include: "Parque de los Pueblos de America", the "Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Cabeza", the Baroque town hall, and the 16th century church "Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnacion".

Melilla is a 12 km2 Spanish enclave at the eastern side of the peninsula of Guelaia and has a population of approximately 80,000. The city's port has experienced a new upswing in recent years thanks to fishing and the export of iron and steel from the city of Nador. From the Plaza de España in the centre of the new town you can reach the small old town area of Melilla, called Medina Sidonia. Some of the fortified architecture dates from the 16th century. Sights include: the municipal museum with a small collection of prehistoric, Punic and Roman artefacts.

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.

Portugal's unofficial capital, Porto, is the name-giver for the entire country. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is known primarily for its famous port wine. Those who enjoy the city atmosphere will love Porto, the second-largest city in the country. The harbour is where the renowned Portuguese fleet was built. Now, there are lots of cafés and bistros here. The houses in the city are packed close together on the steep slopes, often close behind and beside one another, forming really lovely terraces. Sights incude: Praça da Liberdade, Câmara Municipal and the Soares dos Reis National Museum.

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".