Civitavecchia (Rome) is often described as the Eternal City and is filled with breath taking treasurers of almost every description – The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain where a tossed coin promises your return to this city of Romance. Take a walk along the famous (and expensive) Via Veneto which came to fame in the 1960’ as the centre of la dolce vita (the sweet life) attracting jet setters and stars from around the world. Tour its many historical landmarks and enjoy the food, the culture, the ambiance, and the surrounding scenery. There is no doubt you’ll learn the meaning of la dolce vita when you visit Rome.
Naples. Under the shadow of the mighty Vesuvius, Naples is best known for its cache of medieval and Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of the pizza. With Pompeii on its doorstep and as many churches as Rome, there’s a lot to see in this city on the romantic Bay of Naples. Sip a glass of Lacryma Christi wine from the slopes of Vesuvius or shop on Via San Gregorio Armeno. Or simply relax with a Margarita pizza at one of the many piazza café.
Day 3: Straights of Messina (Cruising)
The Strait of Messina is a narrow waterway between the eastern tip of Sicily and the southern tip of Calabria in the south of Italy. A cruise down this strait provides beautiful views of the neighbouring countries’ coastlines.
Day 4: Malta
Malta. is a Mediterranean island of huge historical importance, influenced by many great empires. The capital fortress city of Valletta, described as an open-air museum, is mainly Baroque in character having been built in the 16th century by the Order of St John of Jerusalem. It offers some of Europe’s finest palaces, churches, and works of art. Valletta harbour is surrounded by cream coloured buildings and twisting streets.
Day 5: Cagliari
Cagliari. On the beautiful Island of Sardinia, Cagliari will enchant you with its gorgeous expansive beaches at Poetto. Take in the views at the aptly named Gulf of Angels or visit the stunning 2nd century Roman amphitheater before heading to the one of the restaurants for traditional Sardinian food that is freshly prepared and beautifully presented.
Day 6: At Sea
Day 7: Malaga
Malaga. Gateway to Andalusian and the famed Costa del Sol resorts the Spanish port of Malaga stands out as a bustling destination with its own unique character. Rising high above the city with spectacular views, are the ruins of the 14th century Moorish castle, and of course its most famous son Pablo Picasso is recognized with a history of the artist’s life at the city’s fascinating Picasso Foundation.
Day 8: Almeria
Almeria is a small Spanish port with outstanding beaches and a wide variety of water-based activities and considered by many as the perfect place to really experience Andalucian culture. There are lots restaurants, shops galleries, museums and of course historic landmarks.
Day 9: Valencia
Valencia is a popular and picturesque tourist resort known for its paella and pavement cafes. The old city is a great place to begin your visit where you will find the Valencia Cathedral and once inside you can climb the octagonal Miguelete Bell Tower. Two decades of bold development has given Spain’s third-largest city some of the most striking architecture in the country, adding to the wealth of elegant art nouveau buildings that line the streets, as well as Gothic and Renaissance monuments. With dynamic museums, a flourishing restaurant scene, lively nightlife, great shops and miles of beach, Valencia is bursting with Mediterranean exuberance.
Day 10: Palma (Mallorca)
Palma a major port, and the summer holiday spot of choice for Spain’s royal family. Explore the lovely old quarter and step into the past in the historic churches, then get a taste of contemporary Palma in the city’s lively tapas bars. Visit the Arab Baths, the Moorish Palace and the Mallorca Museum, buy a string of Mallorca pearls or for outstanding views of the harbour take a ride on the wooden train to Soller.
Day 11: Marseille
Marseille is France’s second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures with a salty city with a feel and culture all its own. Dominating the harbour is the infamous Chateau d’If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo escaped. Marseille is also your gateway to Provence. Also try the renowned bouillabaisse or tour the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence.
Day 12: Barcelona
Barcelona combines everything that is most charming about Mediterranean cities – a relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine, unbeatable food – with the cultural and design sophistication of almost any city in the northern hemisphere. Its patchwork of architectural styles displays dark, Gothic façades next to the harlequin buildings of the Modernistas and the skyline-piercing constructions of Jean Nouvel or Herzog and de Meuron, and a day spent admiring them can be topped off with a sun-downer on one of the city’s seven beaches before dinner at any number of Michelin-starred gastronomic temples or humble, family-run tapas bars.
Disembark your ship – Norwegian Spirit
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