Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoys a mild climate all year round.Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most successful ports and one of the world’s leading cities in art and architecture.
From the modern cruise terminal at the docks you will need a taxi or tour to see the artistic beauty of this unique destination, credited to the talents of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi, Jose Clara and others. Stroll the mosaic-paved Ramblas, the city's social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays. See its unique Catalonian cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi and some outstanding museums.
Sights of interest include the Columbus Monument, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (1298 to 1454), the Maritime Museum, Picasso Gallery, La Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's unfinished cathedral), Palau Guell (Gaudi mansion) and the Olympic stadiums.
Things to See & Do
* La Rambla
* World-famous opera house El Liceu
* Plaça Reial (Royal Square)
* Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia
* The National Museum of Art of Catalonia
The principality of Monaco and city of Monte Carlo lie on the southern Mediterranean Sea coast of France, near the border with Italy, in Southern Europe. It is the second smallest independent state in the world. With no natural resources of its own, Monte Carlo is a haven for tourists and the wealthy jet-set.
Monte Carlo features a beautiful Riviera setting, yacht-filled harbor and elegant casino. Wander through the covered passageways of the old quarter, have a drink in the grand Hotel de Paris, or shop in chic boutiques favored by the princesses Caroline and Stephanie.
Things to See & Do
* Avenue Saint Martin
* Palais du Prince (Prince’s Palace)
* Grand Casino
* Jardin Exotique (Exotic Gardens)
* Salle Garnier (Opera House)
Portofino (Ligurian: Portofin) is a small Italian fishing village, comune and tourist resort located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town crowded round its small harbour is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports.
A stroll through the shady streets and sun-splashed quays of this tiny village on the Italian Riviera, will reveal the pastel houses, designer shops and charming sidewalk cafés which attract the chic elite.
Portofino's Things to See & Do
* Castello Brown - 16th century castle/fort
* Church of St Martin
* Portofino Beaches
* Shopping and restaurants around the Portofino harbor
* Paraggi - quaint beach town walking distance from Portofino
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence.
The city lies on the River Arno and is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; in fact, it has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.
The historic centre of Florence continues to attract millions of tourists each year and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.
Things to See & Do
* Ponte Vecchio
* Duomo's skyscraping dome
* Basilica di San Lorenzo
* Uffizi gallery
Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world and is a history lesson in itself. Key sites include the Vatican City, The Forum, the Colosseum and the ruins of the Circus Maximus. There are many museums and art galleries, with works by Raphael, Bottecelli, Pinturicchio and Belini and many more.
The Vatican City has many spectacular buildings and churches to visit principle amongst which is the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo ceiling. It is the world's smallest independent sovereign state and also features St. Peter's Basilica was built over 1,500 years ago the Vatican Library hand the Vatican Garden.
Modern Rome is a city of restaurants, open piazza's, wonderful shopping and more.
Things to See & Do
* Vatican City
* Sistine Chapel
* St. Peter Basilica
* The Colosseum
* Trevi fountain
Ajaccio is located on the west coast of the island of Corsica, 390 km southeast of Marseille, France. It occupies a sheltered position at the foot of wooded hills on the northern shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio. The harbour lies to the east of the town and is protected on the south by a peninsula.
Ajaccio is a relaxed and attractive place, with an exceptionally mild climate, and a wealth of cafés, restaurants and shops. The core of the old town holds the most interest in Ajaccio: a cluster of ancient streets spreading north and south of place Foch, which opens out to the seafront by the port and the marina. Nearby place de Gaulle forms the town centre and is the source of the main thoroughfare, cours Napoléon, which extends parallel to the sea almost 2km to the northeast. West of place de Gaulle stretches the modern part of town fronted by the beach, overlooked at its eastern end by the citadelle.
Things to See & Do
* The Imperial Chapel
* Napolean’s House - museum
* Ajaccio Cathedral
* The Citadel
* Old Town
