Itinerary

August 14 - Embark Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy

August 15 - Porto Venere, Italy

August 16 - Florence/Livorno, Italy

August 17 - Portofino, Italy

August 18 - St–Tropez, France

August 19 - Monte Carlo, Monaco

August 20 - Monte Carlo, Monaco

August 21 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

August 22 - Mallorca, Spain

August 23 - Valencia, Spain

August 24 - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea

August 25 - Barcelona, Spain

August 26 - Disembark Barcelona, Spain

HIGHLIGHTS:

Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy: Civitavecchia was founded by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century. Today this port is noted for its fine seafood and attractive monuments. Located 90 minutes away is the Eternal City of Rome. Steeped in 2,500 years of history, Rome was for many centuries the center of Western civilization. It was both the focal point of the Roman Empire and of Christendom. Landmarks such as the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Spanish Steps are reminders of the legacy of its rich past.

Porto Venere, Italy: Porto Venere has all the essentials of an idyllic medieval town. It boasts two ancient churches, a 16th-century fortified castle, and a bell tower built on the ruins of a Roman temple. Its breathtaking natural beauty is enough to put it at the top of any traveler's list. Poised on the tip of the small peninsula that extends from the celebrated Italian Riviera, Porto Venere is the southernmost town on the walking trails connecting the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre, or five lands. With its sweeping views, brightly-colored houses, terraced gardens and three small islands — Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto — sitting prettily just off its rocky promontory.

Florence/Livorno, Italy: Goethe once observed that Tuscany "looks like Italy should [look]." Fortunately, little has changed in the two centuries since the German poet was himself a tourist in Tuscany. The Tyrrhenian port of Livorno was founded in the 15th century. It is the gateway to Italy's Tuscan region and to many spectacular sights; including the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa, the charming medieval village of Lucca, the lovely hill town of San Gimignano and the timeless city of Florence. No place is as imbued with such grace, dignity, serenity and history as is Florence. This city's wealth of architectural and artistic treasures includes works by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Truly Florence, cradle of the Italian Renaissance, is one of the world's most enticing cities.

Portofino, Italy: Located on the Italian Riviera, Portofino's brilliant bay is ringed by lush green hills serenely profiled against the sky. World renowned as a playground for artists and international jet-setters, this charming seaside retreat boasts spectacular vistas of natural treasures such as the Gulf of Rapallo and its coastline.

St–Tropez, France: St-Tropez has earned its glamorous reputation as a summer playground for celebrities, artists and writers. At the height of its popularity during the 1950s and 60s, one could easily find Pablo Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévet and the classic movie actress Brigitte Bardot vacationing here. Its famous beaches are still frequented by affluent guests who seek a lively night life and a piece of the "St-Trop" allure. Magnificent yachts line the port, as their owners rival to achieve titles for who has the biggest, the most luxurious or the best-kept vessel, or for which vessel has the most enthusiastic crew. You will certainly be enticed by the colorful sights and sounds of this "Gem of the Provençal Culture."

Monte Carlo, Monaco: Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. His mother, Princess Grace, is buried in the Cathedral. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world's oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino.

Mallorca, Spain: Palma de Mallorca, rich in monuments of many ages, was founded by the Romans more than 2,100 years ago. A magnificent rose-colored Gothic cathedral dominates the palm-fringed waterfront of its urban center. Mallorca, known as the "Island of Tranquility," is the largest and most developed of the Balearic group. Steep mountains, serene valleys and wide plains form its varied landscape. Don't miss seeing the island's quaint villages and the monastery where George Sand and Frederic Chopin spent a winter.

Valencia, Spain: One of the largest cities of Spain, Valencia is also one of the country's most dynamic. Its location on the Mediterranean offers a mild climate, bringing sun worshippers to Valencia's many beaches. Sports aficionados will find activities galore, including golf, diving, cycling and tennis. Given that Valencia was founded by the Romans and has been a witness to the history of the centuries, the city also is a showcase of art and architecture. Old Town boasts an early gothic cathedral. In the cathedral's museum are works of Goya and the paintings of the Valencia School. Spanning the river are three old bridges, one of which has 15th-century towers that were part of Valencia's fortified walls. Then there is Spain's national hero, El Cid, whose famous battle against the Moors was waged here in Valencia.

Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, is a celebration of history and heir to Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Gothic and Arab cultural legacies. It was the home of Picasso, Miró, Dali, Casals and Gaudí and has been described as a Mediterranean Manhattan, a cosmopolitan experimental center for political ideas and artistic movements. In addition to its abundance of artistic and architectural treasures, Barcelona serves as the gateway to one of the world's most impressive mountainside enclaves at Montserrat. Discover the secret legends of the Black Virgin and the alluring chants of monastic life high atop the Catalonian plains. Barcelona's ancient city walls and the narrow crooked streets of the town's old section are laid out for your discovery. You will find that Barcelona has something for everybody.