PORTS OF CALL AND CRUISING HIGHLIGHTS

As Rome’s seaport, Civitavecchia is the gateway for excursions to the “Eternal City”.  Here the ancient capital of the western world and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years spread out before you in all its glory.  Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, or the fashionable boutiques around the Spanish Steps.  The entire city is a living museum.  This day you will discover some of the most famous churches, monuments and fountains in the entire world.

Nothing more than a tiny Principality, Monaco steals much more of the international limelight than its size decently permits. But it's the Grand Casino, of course, where you must peer into the enchanting Salon Rose to see its naked nymph-clad ceiling. It's also the palace and the cathedral, the Rock of Monaco and the harbor, packed to the gills with million-dollar motor yachts—and those are just the modest ones

Timeless treasures are around every corner in Florence, an hour's drive from Livorno-the Duomo that represents Brunelleschi's pinnacle of achievement, Giotto's bell tower, Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Closer yet, in Pisa see the Tower, still standing, if crookedly, after 650 years.

On Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is a fascinating blend of modern and medieval splendor.  Explore the Gothic Quarter, with its spectacular Cathedral and walk along the lively Las Ramblas promenade.  See the inspiring modern architecture of Antoni Gaudi and spend time in the Picasso Museum.

Floating gemlike off Spain's Mediterranean Riviera, these islands offer you pearls, pottery and perfectly sublime sandy beaches. Visit Valldemosa, where George Sand and Frederic Chopin spent a romantic winter in 1838

Stroll Tunis' spirited medina where close-packed souks offer silver, perfumes, spices, carpets and other treasures at fire sale prices. Sharpen your haggling skills here—it's anticipated! At the edge of the Sahara, the Phoenician city at Carthage now lies in windswept ruins, but once was the glorious rival of Rome.

Territory of the legendary Godfather, Sicily has hosted many film crews, and Palermo in particular is home to the Opera House where Al Pacino's character met his Waterloo in the Godfather III. Also in Palermo are a Spanish church with a Moorish cloister and a cathedral whose eclectic facade speaks volumes about all those who came, saw and conquered. Enjoy it all as you would the caponata—sweet and tangy and, not surprisingly, delicious.

Splendid scenery grace the surrounding areas of Naples.  Take a journey back into time by a visit to the ruins of Pompeii, which offered the world its first glimpse into ancient Roman life.  The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. left us with some of the best preserved ruins in the world.  Magnificent beauty awaits you on the magical island of Capri or the legendary drive along the Amalfi Coast.