Legendary Mediterranean

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Athens has been called the “birthplace of democracy.” Its legacy looms large from atop Acropolis Hill, the pinnacle of ancient Greece. This open air museum is an astonishing repository of once-mighty structures. From its colonnaded Parthenon—built more than 2,600 years ago—revered Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle formulated new ideas of government and debated its role in civic life to captivated audiences. Remnants of spiritual life are also here in the several temples to Athena and Zeus.

Set in a picturesque bay, Argostolion, the capital of the Ionian island of Kefalonia, oozes charm and history. The town’s historic Vallianou Square, surrounded by cosy tavernas, is a great place to enjoy life, while the Church of Agios Spyridon is impressive with its richly decorated interior. The lively waterfront promenade invites you to take a relaxing stroll past impressive harbours and bustling markets, affording an insight into the local way of life. One of the highlights of the town is the De Bosset stone bridge, which stretches 690 m (755 yards) across the bay, connecting Argostolion to the opposite coastline. Just a few kilometres away is Makris Gialos beach with its crystal-clear waters – perfect for soaking up the sun and letting your mind drift.

Ground literally to ashes in World War II and wracked by a massive earthquake a decade later, the capital of Kefalonia once more shows pride in its native spirit and natural beauty. The vast harbor on Argostoli’s east side makes an especially attractive port for cruise ships full of visitors who never seem to tire of strolling the cobbled seaside promenade, sipping ouzos in cafés, and stocking up on the succulent Mediterranean fruits in the outdoor markets.

With mighty Mount Etna standing guard over the city, Catania follows its own rhythm of fire and zest for life. Lava rock features in the city’s Baroque facades and Sant’Agata Cathedral stands majestic over the lively piazza. Life is bustling in the narrow streets, the fish market is a spectacle for the senses and the Sicilian sun bathes everything in a warm light. The volcano tells a tale of past wrath, while Catania greets its visitors with warmth, hospitality and a deep love of its own culture.

Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

High above the turquoise sea lies the pearl of Calabria, Tropea, clinging to the clifftop. The old town is enchanting with its narrow streets and squares and the air is filled with the scent of lemons and the smiles of the people. From the church of Santa Maria dell’Isola, visitors have a magnificent view of the endless blue sea surrounding the town. Life in Tropea follows the rhythm of the waves and the sea breeze that rises up into the hills, and is bathed in the warmth of Calabria, which permeates through every corner of the town.

The sun’s rays are reflected in the deep blue sea and local life in Salerno promenades along the Lungomare Trieste. The cathedral, whose bells ring out over the roofs of the old town, dates back to Norman times with its tales of legends. Lemon groves give the city a warm embrace of yellow and green, while the scent of pasta and fresh herbs wafts through the air. The waterfront promenade takes you straight into the heart of southern Italy – a real meeting point between tradition, a zest for life and the eternal appeal of the sea.

Salerno is an Italian city located on the Gulf of Salerno. Famous for being home to the first medical university, Salerno is a great destination for anyone looking for gorgeous sea views filled with sunshine and Italian food.

Known as the port of Rome, the coastal city of Civitavecchia is the starting point for discovery tours of the region. From here, you can take excursions to Tuscany, Ostia, and of course the Eternal City itself. Rome is enchanting with its impressive cultural treasures and remnants of the Roman Empire: the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum being just some of the highlights. St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, was built over 500 years ago on the burial site of the apostle St Peter. With a capacity for 20,000 people and its dome designed by Michelangelo, St Peter’s Basilica is an impressive landmark that brings the history of Rome to life.

For centuries, Rome ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. More than 2,500 years of history live in the city’s streets. Ancient structures recall those heady days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance at the Pantheon. Along with the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world’s greatest repositories of history and civilization.

The capital city of the Tuscan province of Livorno bears the same name and offers a fascinating mix of historic heritage and lively harbour atmosphere. The old port, Porto Mediceo, is guarded by the impressive Fortezza Vecchia, a fort built in 1520 by the Medici in the Renaissance style. With its many canals and bridges, the charming old town is reminiscent of the lagoon city of Venice, which is why the area also goes by the name of Venezia Nuova. Its picturesque, maritime charm makes Livorno a wonderful place to discover Tuscany in a very special way.

Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.

The Catalan capital Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city after Madrid, impresses with its unique blend of history, culture and modern life. At its centre is the Plaza de Cataluna, from where Roman ruins, the medieval old town and famous modern architecture including Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Mila and Casa Batllo can be reached on foot. The Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, has been drawing visitors under its spell since 1882. One of the most famous streets in the city is Las Ramblas, an avenue stretching 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from the port into the city centre and forming the heart of Barcelona with its flower sellers, newspaper kiosks, street musicians and cafes.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city’s Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square’s perimeter.

Forests, vineyards, rolling hills and unspoilt bays for bathing: the natural beauty of Mahon, the capital of Menorca, is captivating. White houses cling to the hillsides above the deep blue natural harbour – one of the biggest in the world. The scent of tapas wafts through the narrow streets of the old town and people’s laughter rings out from the little bars and market places. The fortress of La Mola stands guard over the harbour like a silent witness to the past. The coastline is inviting with its crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, while the millennia-old caves at Cales Coves will enchant you with their fascinating prehistoric history of the island.

The capital of Menorca since 1721, Mahon has a impressive natural deep water harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. This, coupled with its strategic location, has made it a stronghold for many nations throughout history. Mahon has an abundance of historical buildings, the oldest being the Arch of Saint Roc which is all that remains of the wall that once encircled the whole town. The island was occupied by the British during the 18th century and Lord Nelson is thought to have stayed there. Indeed, San Antoni Mansion, located on the north side of the harbour, houses a collection of Nelson memorabilia. The legacy of colonial rule can be seen in the muted Georgian style of some of the buildings, but Mahon still boasts attractive examples of neo-Classical, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. With narrow streets to explore, pleasant shaded squares and welcoming pavement cafés, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please be aware that most shops in town close for a siesta between 1330 and 1730.

First-class restaurants, breathtaking views and a lively nightlife – Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, combines historic sights with modern charm. Stretched out along palm-lined promenades, the cultural centre of the city is Passeig des Born, where exclusive shops and tapas bars will tempt you in. The old town, criss-crossed by narrow streets, is dominated by the impressive Gothic cathedral, La Seu, while the former merchants’ stock exchange, Llotja de Palma, is another architectural highlight of the city. Its blend of Mediterranean charm and vibrant urban life makes Palma a perfect destination.

If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.