European
Ports of Call |
Day
1 |
Rome,
Italy |
|
Start and end your
cruise in the "Eternal City" where the sights from the past are
everywhere intermixed with those of a great modern Rome. Visit the Roman
Coliseum with it's colorful history and the Pantheon where the vast 142'-cupola
is being restored. Enjoy a cup of espresso in one of the many cafes along
the Via Venito. Visit the Trevi Fountain - drop a coin in the fountain and
your wish may come true. |
Day
2 |
Naples,
Italy |
|
Naples, located in beautiful
southern Italy, is the country's third most populated city where
you'll immediately feel the friendly spirit of it's people in this sunny
metropolis as you sample its historic sights, fabulous shopping galleria
and irresistible cuisine situated on the Bay of Naples. Mount Vesuvius,
the Amalfi Coast and the romantic isle of Capri's famous Blue Grotto are
just a short drive from the city. |
Day
4 |
Dubrovnik,
Croatia |
|
This magnificent walled
city on the blue Adriatic Sea is an architectural wonder. As a centuries-old
trading center, it once rivaled the famed Venice. Today, its amazing history
is reflected in its many monuments and museums. You'll find it exhilarating
to explore the man-made treasures such as Old Town and the city's famous
wall, but don't miss such natural pleasures as the nearby beaches. |
Days
5 & 6 |
Venice,
Italy |
|
No city in the world is
as dazzlingly different as Venice, a seaport built on more than 100 islands.
In this magnificent Renaissance realm of canals, bridges and merchants on
the Adriatic, gondoliers stand up to sing while they row. Even the buses
are boats! You'll never forget the thrill of your first magical moments
in St. Mark's Square or being part of the aquatic parade that never ends
along the Grand Canal (left). |
Day
8 |
Messina
and Sicily, Italy |
|
This busy seaport, on the
Strait of Messina, has a colorful history that includes occupation by the
Arabs in the 9th century A.D. and an insurrection against the Bourbons in
the late 1700s. Today this charming city entices tourists with its historical
settings, including a museum with works by Caravaggio. Messina also serves
as the gateway to Taormina where visitors can experience amazing views of
snowcapped Mount Etna. |
Day
10 |
Barcelona,
Spain |
|
Walk
the main streets of downtown Barcelona and see Gaudi's buildings that
dot the area. Then proceed onto Gaudi's unfinished cathedral, La Sagrada
Familia, where the back wall is being completed using controversal plans
from a new architect. More of Gaudi's works can be seen in Parc Guell,
a must if you want to enjoy Gaudi's works. Finally, end your day at a
Spanish beach or the Placa del Rei, site of welcome home celebrations
for Christopher Columbus. Barcelona can be the highlight of your trip,
but keep a careful eye on your belongings. |
Day
11 |
Monaco,
French Riviera |
|
Spend a day soaking in
the sun on the beautiful beaches of Monaco, shop the very chic stores along
it's back streets or find yourself a table with friends and have a cup of
expresso and crepes. If you want more activity, just get a car and drive
along the French Riviera - Nice, St. Tropez, Cannes (site of the French film festival ), or Menton (near the Italian border) are all within driving distance. |
Day
12 |
Livorno,
Italy |
|
Livorno is the port for Florence and Pisa,
in beautiful Tuscany. Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance. Here you
will find some of the world's greatest artworks by Leonardo da Vinci and
Boticelli. You'll be astonished by the magnificent frescoes, ornate cathedrals
and Ghiberti's famous doors, the Gates of Paradise. But the masterpiece
you can't leave without seeing is Michelangelo's David (left). |
| Check photos for more. |
Photos and descriptions
courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line, Travel andLeisure, travel.yahoo.com
(Lonely Planet, flick.r), Insight.Guides, and Tan-S Designs. |
