From the ancient port of Civitavecchia you will land in the heart of the Roman and Etruscan civilisations; the old town is also a fabulous mediaeval village. Civitavecchia of today is the result of a thousand-year long process of civilisation and urbanisation in the Lazio region. In the area, close to where this city is located (and just 70 km from Rome), there are important historical elements that, over the centuries, have overlapped and accumulated to confirm the presence and evolution of organised social groups as far back as the prehistoric age. In fact, numerous traces of primitive settlements are found along the coast of Civitavecchia. Equally numerous and important are the Etruscan, Roman and mediaeval structures that have made the city an important urban centre and renowned as the Port of Rome since antiquity. During a cruise departing from Civitavecchia, before continuing in the Mediterranean, you can take advantage of this stop to visit Rome, the grandiose capital with its world-famous monuments: the Forums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trajan‘s Column, the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Piazza di Spagna and many more.

Naples is the heart of the Mediterranean. A unrivalled city where everything becomes a pleasant experience. The port of Naples is located right in the heart of the city and you can easily reach the city centre on foot. One of Italy’s symbolic cities: a cruise to Naples will immerse you in a universe of flavours and traditions that have developed during a history of almost 3,000 years. A shore excursion around Naples is like a visit to an open-air museum watched over by the majestic slopes of Vesuvius. The true soul of the city is Spaccanapoli in the ancient heart of the Decumani—the streets built in the Greco-Roman era—where you dodge mopeds as you stroll among the artisan workshops. It would be sacrilege to take a trip to Naples and not enter at least one of the over 500 churches in the old city. Take advantage of the break to visit Pompeii. You will be offered two shore excursions to immerse yourself in the heart of history and visit the ruins of this ancient Roman city. Then, let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the landscapes between the Hill of Posillipo and Vesuvius. If you want to go shopping, take a trip to Spaccanapoli, the main artery of the city.

Strategically placed between Europe and Africa, the island of Sicily has for centuries been a focus of military and commercial activity. And the city of Palermo is still today a fascinating centre of culture and enterprise. According to historical research, the prehistoric inhabitants of Palermo, once named Panormus because of its deep bay and anchorage, lived in caves and shelters around the 660-metre high Mount Pellegrino, which dominates the city‘s skyline. The city has been ruled by all the great ancient powers of the region including Greek, Punic, Roman, Carthaginian, Byzantine, Saracen, Norman, Spanish and Bourbon.

Crete is part of the history of the Mediterranean. The myth about Theseus, the Minotaur in the labyrinth of Knossos and Ariadne‘s famous thread is among the best known in the world. The stop at Heraklion starts with a visit to the port of Crete. Situated in the centre of the island, this former British watchtower has a long history. You cannot land on the island that gave birth to the legend of the Minotaur without visiting the ancient Palace of Knossos. Its ancient Minoan ruins and its maze of corridors and rooms evoke the famous Greek myth of the labyrinth. Equally impressive is the island fortress of Spinalonga, which is well worth a visit. Heraklion embodies the charm of an era both ancient and medieval.

The cradle of Greek culture, Athens welcomes us to its port of Piraeus, watching us from above the wonderful Acropolis. Piraeus is the port of Athens, the largest in Europe, allowing you to visit the city, a place of dreams. A place of emigration, it has inspired numerous songs. Most ships will be making a stop in Athens before resuming the Mediterranean route or returning to the Atlantic. Take the time to visit the Acropolis and maybe the museum located at its base. Before flying out, enjoy the spectacle of a sunset at Capo Sunio. Try not to visit the city when it‘s too hot in summer, much of the population moves out of town. Not to be missed: • The mythical Parthenon • The Ancient Agora • The Olympic Stadium