With
its rich history and diverse cultures, the Mediterranean
is ideal for exploration by cruise ship. And imagine
cruising to the land where Julius Caesar and Cleopatra once
reigned. Mediterranean sailings are a great way to visit
many enticing cities of Italy. Since the world-famous boot-shaped
peninsula is the dividing line between the Eastern and Western
Mediterranean, ships with a variety of exciting itineraries
call in numerous Italian ports.
Bon
voyage!
Director, www.lux-cruise.com
The Allure of the Mediterranean
Voyages
through the Mediterranean Sea, which spans from Spain and
France to Greece and Turkey, offers travelers a host of experiences
relatively unmatched in any other part of the world. Cruisers
to this exotic region, well known for its colorful history
that dates back to the dawn of civilization, can walk in
the footsteps of the pharaohs, sit in ancient ruins, and
visit a host of museums that house fantastic treasures.
In
particular, these cruises are a perfect way to visit famous
coastal cities and sites of Italy, as the country is centrally
located in the Mediterranean Sea. And now, because of the
popularity of the region and its generally mild winters,
it is becoming a year-round cruise destination.
Popular
Ports of Italy
Here are just a few of the Italian ports frequently included
on Mediterranean cruises:
Venice – considered
by some to be the most romantic city in the world, this enchanting
city with old-world architecture offers a number of discoveries
certain to provide memories that will last a lifetime. The
island of Murano is a short boat ride away from the some
of the most creative glassmaking in the world. And a visit
would be incomplete without a water-level tour of the city
in a gondola.
Naples – this
vibrant city – the largest in Southern
Italy – is home to the National Archaeological Museum
of Naples, with a world-class collection of Greek and Roman
antiquities. Many objects came from nearby excavations, and
tours are available of the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Rome – one
of the great centers of the ancient world, this attractive
city offers magnificent churches and imposing structures – including
the remains of the Forum, once the political and commercial
center, and the Coliseum. Art surrounds the city – and
includes Michelangelo"s frescos in the Sistine Chapel.
Palermo – this
Sicilian city, once regarded as Europe's
most beautiful city, has many memorable sites to see, including
the Norman Cathedral, the Capuchin catacombs and "Quattro
Canti" (Four Corners). Quattro Canti marks
the heart Palermo's historic district and features four buildings,
each with three levels covered with Baroque sculptures.
Intriguing Itineraries
Here are two spectacular Mediterranean cruises that include
many Italian ports of call:
Holland
America – Mediterranean Enchantment
Sailing
Dates: May 1 & 21, June 10 & 30, July 20, Aug.
9 & 29, Sept. 18
Number of Nights: 10
For
cruise travelers interested in spending a little more time
in Italy, Noordam offers a 10-night Western Mediterranean
voyage that sails roundtrip from Rome. Italian ports of call,
in addition to Rome, include Livorno, Palermo, and Naples.
Other ports visited include Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Palma
and La Goulette. Per person fares begin at $1,925 (excluding
air transportation).
www.hollandamerica.com
Princess
Cruises – Grand Mediterranean
Sailing Dates: May 16, June 9, July 27, Sept. 13, Oct. 7
Number of Nights: 12
This
sailing aboard Grand Princess travels through both
the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, embarking in Venice
and ending in Barcelona. Along the journey, she visits 10
ports of call, including Athens, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey;
Naples, Rome and Florence, Italy; and Provence, France. Per
person fares begin at $2,040 (excluding air transportation).
www.princess.com
