Rome, Italy      June 22, 2010

Arrive in Rome, Italy, your gateway to Civitavechhia, and check into your included hotel.

Rome / Civitavecchia, Italy      June 23, 2010

Travel through the Etruscan countryside to Rome, where you’ll embark on the guided portion of your tour in St. Peter’s Square. Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, one of Christendom’s most significant churches. Construction began in 1452 on the site where St. Peter is believed to be buried. During the ensuing 200 years such famous masters as Bramante, Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on the basilica’s design and created an unparalleled masterpiece. View Michelangelo’s “Pieta” and the 85-foot high Bernini Pulpit. Proceed by motorcoach to the Imperial City of Rome, where you’ll see Castle Sant’Angelo, Muro Torto, Borghese Park, Via Vittorio Veneto, Piazza Barberini, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza Venezia and Via dei Fori Imperiali, before reaching the Colosseum.

The Colosseum, considered to be one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, is one of the world’s most celebrated buildings. It was in this imposing structure that the ancient Romans came to watch gladiatorial contests and other spectacles.

Bonifacio, Corsica, France      June 24, 2010

Enjoy an overview of the charming town of Bonifacio. Ride a mini-tram through the Bosco quarter, past the St. Francis convent and a fascinating cemetery where generations of mariners are buried in wonderful mausoleums displaying a jumble of architectural styles. Look out across the Strait of Bonifacio and if it’s a clear day you’ll be able to see Corsica’s closest neighbor, the Italian island of Sardinia. Pass the church of St Dominique, a rare example of Corsican Gothic architecture. It was built in 1270, most probably by the Knights Templar.

Following your orientation by mini-tram, continue your visit on foot through narrow streets lined with tall granite houses. See the church of St. Marie Majeure, with its mixture of Romanesque and baroque styles dating from 14th century. Explore the heart of the historical part of town including Two Emperors Street, where Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles V spent several days, the Place des Armes, the Jardins des Vestiges, and the old market. Bonifacio sits high atop a 230-foot cliff and there’s a wonderful lookout adjacent to the old market where you can get a spectacular view.

Go through the Porte de Gênes, the former entrance of the citadel, to the Chapel St. Roch, built on the spot where the last plague victim died in 1528. At the end of your tour you can return to the ship with your guide or continue to explore the town on your own.

Porto Azzurro, Elba, Italy      June 25, 2010

Elba combines a rich and storied history reaching back to ancient times with all the charms of a rustic Mediterranean setting. Start your tour here with a visit to Villa San Martino. To escape the summer heat, the Emperor Napoleon chose this lovely place as his island retreat. Nestled among the woods of Colle San Martino, it was originally a modest country farmhouse. Later it was remodeled into a larger, grander residence. Its 19th century furnishings are quite interesting as is the Egyptian room with frescoes depicting Egypt’s countryside and reproduction granite columns covered with hieroglyphics. After Napoleon’s death in 1851, Anatolio Demidoff, a Russian nobleman married to Matilde Bonaparte, ordered the construction of the neoclassic-style gallery that now hosts a collection of Napoleonic memorabilia. The adjacent park is home to many plants, including a hackberry that is said to have been planted by the emperor himself.

Your next stop is Marina di Campo, situated between Mount Capanne and the central mountains of the island. The ancient part of the village is on the southwest side of town at the foot of a promontory. Until the early 1950s Marina di Campo was a small fishing village, but today "Campo" is an important destination for travelers. Although the municipality was founded in 1894, the area has been inhabited since ancient times. The remains of some graves discovered near Castiglione Hill date back to the 2nd millennium B.C. and the ruin there is probably an Etruscan fortress built in the 5th century B.C. to defend the island’s rich iron mines. After the fall of the Roman Empire and the onset of raids by Saracen pirates the village was abandoned.

Marina de Pisa / Florence, Italy      June 26, 2010

Explore Pisa and Florence on this captivating full-day tour, including lunch. In Pisa you’ll see the Field of Miracles and the exterior of the Campanile. Thanks to subsidence after its construction, the Campanile is now known as “The Leaning Tower of Pisa.” Galileo once conducted his experiments with gravity from the tower. Today it is 16 feet off from perpendicular alignment!

Drive to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Picturesquely situated on either side of the Arno and surrounded by the Appennine Hills, Florence is the city where the torch once kindled by the ancient Greeks and Romans was reignited. From the 13th to the 15th centuries this affluent commercial center spawned a host of poets, painters, sculptors and architects who brought forth an astonishing profusion of great art. On your visit to the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), see three gems of Renaissance architecture: the Campanile, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. Soaring five stories above the piazza, Giotto’s Campanile is perhaps the most elaborate and graceful structure of its kind. The Cathedral, whose exterior is embellished with multi-colored marble, is one of the largest places of worship in the Christian world. Begun in 1296 in the Gothic style, it has a vast dome, which is both a technical and aesthetic masterpiece. The 11th century Baptistery is decorated with magnificent mosaics, and its east doors, executed in bronze by Ghiliberti with intricately worked scenes from the Old Testament, were dubbed "The Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo.

In the Piazza della Signoria, or Town Hall Square, you’ll find a copy of Michelangelo’s "David" (the original is in The Accademia) and the Loggia dei Lanzi, which includes original sculptures by Cellini and other Renaissance masters.

When you arrive at the Galleria del’ Accademia, we have arranged a special VIP entry and you’ll have ample time to savor some of Michelangelo’s most famous work, including the magnificent Statue of David, as well as paintings and sculptures by other 14th and 15th century Florentine masters — a truly unforgettable experience. After lunch at a beautiful rooftop restaurant, visit the Uffizi Gallery and its Botticelli masterpieces.

The Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a national park characterized by steep, terraced slopes covered with vines — a testament to man’s power to transform the land with hard work and vision. The region’s spectacular coastline features steep cliffs alternating with small creeks and enchanting beaches, along coastal waters that team with marine life.

Take a scenic cruise to Portovenere and the island of Palmaria. Stopping in Riomaggiore, the first of the five lands (Cinque Terre), stroll the “Street of Love,” a spectacular path along the seaside leading to Manarola. After re-boarding your motorboat, cruise to Vernazza, a picturesque fishing village you can explore as you wish. No visit to the Cinque Terre is complete without a stop at Monterosso al Mare, the most famous of the five lands thanks to its historic old town, tiny shops and delightful restaurants. Sample the famous wine of the Cinque Terre and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Cruise back to Portovenere where you can do some exploring on your own before returning to your ship.

Portofino, Italy      June 28, 2010

Discover the best of the Paradise Gulf on a visit to its three most famous resorts: Portofino, Rapallo and Santa Margherita. As you cruise the Portofino coast, admire the lush foliage of this natural reserve. Your first stop is the seaside town of Rapallo, with its colorful buildings shaded by palms and olive trees. Enjoy light refreshments at a local café, before setting off to explore the town and its 16th century castle, built as a defense against the Saracen raids.

Next is Santa Margherita, where you can admire a waterfront shared by both rustic fishing boats and luxurious yachts. Enjoy some free time here before you cruise back to the pier of Portofino for a walking tour of this picturesque seaside village. Wend your way through the bustling piazzetta and walk up the hill to the Church of St. George. The bones of the dragon-slaying saint are said to be buried here! Admire breathtaking vistas of the Tigullio Gulf. Then head back to the center of Portofino and enjoy some leisure time before returning to the ship.

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France      June 29, 2010

From Villefranche, our tour begins with a drive up the Lower Corniche, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the French Riviera, the principality of Monaco and the surrounding region. When at last we arrive at Casino Square, we’ll explore its most prominent and famous building, the Grand Casino, flanked by the Hotel de Paris and the Café de Paris. You’ll have some free time here, so you can see the casino, stroll around the square or admire the posh boutiques.

After leaving Casino Square, we’ll head to the Monaco rock, driving along a small part of the Grand Prix circuit to Monte Carlo. Monaco’s old city is at the top of a hill, but is easily accessible via elevator and escalator. On a guided walking tour through the charming district’s narrow streets, pass the Oceanographic Museum, the cathedral that contains the tomb of Princess Grace, and the exterior of the Prince’s Palace. At the end of the tour you’ll be at your leisure until it’s time to return to the ship.

Take a motorcoach ride from Port-St-Louis-du-Rhône to Avignon, a city of art and culture in the Vaucluse region along the banks of the Rhône River. Avignon was a small but prosperous town until the early 14th century when its destiny changed with the exile of the popes to France. This political and cultural shift led to a century of brilliance. This beautiful city is surrounded by ramparts and dominated by the Domes Rock, on which stand the Cathedral and the Palace of the Popes. The Palace of the Popes was one of the largest buildings of its time. Both fortress and palace, it covered over 2 1/2 acres in a luxurious, sumptuously decorated maze of galleries, chambers, chapels and passages.

When you arrive in Avignon you’ll walk through the narrow streets past the Pont d’Avignon, made famous by the eponymous children’s song. Continue your tour with a visit of the Palace of the Popes. After a refreshing lunch in Avignon, you’ll be driven to the amazing eagle’s-nest village of Les Baux de Provence. Built high atop a rocky spur in the Alpilles range, the town offers great views of the countryside and vineyards. In the village of Les Baux de Provence, visit Gothic and Renaissance houses; the 12th century Church of St. Vincent and the 17th century Chapel of the White Penitents. You’ll also have some free time to walk along the winding streets lined with shops featuring the work of local artisans. After visiting Les Baux you’ll return to Port St. Louis and the ship.

Explore a beautiful place that is truly a world apart — Fontfroide Abbey. The abbey is a self-sufficient community that has intentionally withdrawn from the secular world. It’s designed in accordance with one basic principal: "If possible, the monastery is to be constructed in such a way that everything that is indispensable — the water, the mill, the garden — is within the concourse and can be utilized there."

The monastery is more than a group of buildings connected to a church. It’s a fully functioning monastic community. After a guided tour, enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the monastery. Then travel to Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique fortified town. People still live in this medieval city! Its 52 towers and two concentric walls form some two miles of battlements. The castle, the towers, the city walls and the list between the two walls belong to the French State; the remainder of the city is administered by the municipality of Carcassonne.

During your visit here you’ll see the outside of the Narbonne Gate, with its two huge towers forming an impressive pointed buttress. In olden times access was barred by heavy chain, backed up by traps and portcullises providing a double-closure system. See the exterior of the lists, the area between the two city walls that was leveled in the 13th century when the second wall was erected. A stroll along the lists is like reliving 20 centuries of history, and gives a good idea of the various styles of military architecture. Explore the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire "The Jewel of the Old City.” All that remains today of the Romanesque cathedral, begun in 1096 and completed sometime before 1130, is the barrel-vaulted nave, supported by two side aisles with semi-circular vaults. Towards the end of the 13th century the Romanesque apse was replaced by a Gothic transept and choir.

Mahón, Menorca, Spain     July 3, 2010

Drive east along the main road from Mahón to Ciudadela, the former capital of the island, located on the West coast. Unlike Mahón, Ciudadela is a typical Mediterranean town with colorful narrow lanes, mansions and palaces, a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral, and a very picturesque natural port.

On our return trip to Mahón we’ll make a stop at the lovely farm of the S’hort de Sant Patrici to taste the locally made cheese, sample the Catalonian wine and see the impressive gardens and vineyards. We’ll resume our drive along the very picturesque north coast, stopping at the fishing village of Fornells before returning to the ship. (Zodiac landing or touring)

Pollensa Bay, Spain     July 4, 2010

Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is the largest of the Balearic islands, with an area of more than 1,400 square miles (3,626 square kilometers) and more than 300,000 inhabitants. The scenery is magnificent, with cliffs along indented shorelines jutting out of the sea and mountain ranges sheltering the plains from harsh sea breezes. Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the archipelago. A cosmopolitan city with sophisticated shops and restaurants, it offers buildings of spectacular Moorish and Gothic architecture. In the western part of Mallorca, nestled in the mountains, lies the village of Valldemosa known for its Carthusian Monastery where Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-39. Experience the scenic beauty and historic legacy of both of these lovely destinations while enjoying a taste of some regional refreshments.

Drive along the seafront with its yacht-filled marina on one side, and hotels and restaurants on the other. Continue along the Maritime Promenade to the cathedral and Almudaina Palace. The cathedral and the Bellver Castle frame the silhouette of Palma and are its two best-known landmarks. With its huge flying buttresses, the La Seo Cathedral looms over the Parque de la Mar and the sight has drawn the admiration of numerous literary figures, including the French writer, George Sand. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries the cathedral is a prime example of pure Gothic style. Next to it stands the Almudaina Palace, a monument that was converted from an Arab fortress into the residence of the kings of Mallorca. Enjoy a photo stop in front of the Cathedral before continuing your excursion.

Travel on through the Old Quarter, Palma’s most beautiful and impressive section, filled with stately Mallorcan buildings. Next it’s time to leave Palma behind as you visit a beautiful town surrounded by lush, green vegetation, high up in the mountains. Relax for the scenic drive to Valldemosa, which is renowned for its picturesque setting between the Mediterranean and the slopes of Mallorca’s northern “Tramuntana” mountains and mountain range. Upon arrival enjoy a visit to the Carthusian Monastery. This 17th century monastery, also known as ‘Cartuja,’ is notable for its beautiful cloisters and gardens. It is however most famous for housing two illustrious guests, composer Frédéric Chopin and novelist George Sand, during the winter of 1838-39. A guided tour of the monastery includes the cloisters, the 18th century pharmacy, the former monks’ cells and the rooms once occupied by the famous couple. (Zodiac landing or touring)