Mediterranean

The Mediterranean area, the cradle of the Renaissance, has attracted enthusiastic travelers from around the world by countless marks left by artists and scientific geniuses in human history numerous historical sites. Ethnic cuisines directly reflect different national characters, including the enthusiasm of the people in North Africa, the naturalness and big-heartedness of the people in Northern Europe, and the frankness of the people in Eastern Europe. Most countries in this area have their own coastlines created by the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Biscay Sea, the Black Sea, the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea, etc. The Mediterranean route allows you to travel to Asia and almost all the European countries by cruise. Besides, the route makes it possible to reach North Africa overnight by cruise. That is why the Mediterranean route is one of the most popular routes in the world.

Worth seeing: On the westward line, you can visit many famous cities in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and other countries, such as Tallinn, Monte Carlo, Naples, Florence and Pisa. On the eastward line, you can tour Greek Islands, the Aegean Sea, and the coast of Turkey. The westward line if a good choice for travelers who want to visit as many places as possible.

The sceneries in the eastern Mediterranean area are unique. The short line, which is via Greek Islands and Croatia, usually takes seven nights. The long line, which extends to Monaco and Turkey, take more than ten days.

Hot sights: Roman, Venice, Santorini, Marseilles, St. Petersburg, Cinque Terre, Tallinn, and Tallinn

Cruises on this route: Costa Pacifica, Costa Fascinosa, Princess Cruise, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Harmony of The Seas, Celebrity Reflection, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Epic, MSC Splendida, MSC Poesia, and MSC Magnifica

Travel to the ancient West Mediterranean

Along the route are many famous ancient cities with historical significance, including Italy and Tunisia. You can appreciate various architectural, cultural and artist treasures of different historic periods. Besides, West Mediterranean covers a wider sea area and owns unparallel seascapes. Touring in this area provides you with interesting onshore sightseeing itineraries and wonderful cruise life.

The best duration of this travel is seven days. You can set out from Genoa, pass Naples and Palermo, visit Carthage in Tunisia, and then go to Barcelona and Marseilles. Every destination has scenic spots that are worth seeing. Travelling among lanes in the ancient city of Genoa, the birthplace of the great voyager Christopher Columbus, you may feel as if you were in the Medieval Period. Naples has La Villa Comunale, which is a beautiful park built along the sea and includes the oldest aquarium in Europe. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, owns architectures with the styles of the Norman Dynasty, Byzantium and Islam. Some architectures in Palermo have strong Arabic features, such as circular columns and wall sculptures. No wonder that the Italian literary giant Dante acclaimed Palermo as “the most beautiful Islamic city in the world.”

Visit former residences of celebrities in Mediterranean

Northwest Spain, South France and Italy along the Mediterranean Sea are rich lands that foster talents. In these places, you can not only enjoy leisure holidays and beautiful sceneries but also explore humane culture. If professional tour guides are on hand, you can know numerous interesting things. Besides, you can taste different delicacies, such as French cuisines, Italian pasta and Spanish paella.

One cruise itinerary centers on former residences of celebrities and interesting places in South France and Italy. The 20-day itinerary starts from Monte Carlo (the capital of Monaco) and stops in Livorno, a city situated off the western coast of Italy and designed by an architect called Bernar do Buontalenti. Livorno has gained fame since 1577. During the Renaissance period, Livorno was considered “an ideal town”. At present, architectures of that period still remain in the small city. And you can visit these architectures and learn about stories about the establishing of the city. The cruise itinerary also involves Ajaccio of Corsica Island, Cagliari and Naples of Italy, Barcelona of Spain, Cannes, Marseilles and Provence of France. Many small cities and towns on the way are former residences of celebrities: in Provence, you can find marks of Van Gogh; St. Tropez is the birthplace of sexy Brigitte Bardot.

Experience ancient cultures in Mediterranean

Mediterranean, which is close to ancient Egypt and Babylon, is one of the origins of human civilizations. Cultures of ancient Greece and Byzantium are well preserved here, especially in the area along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cruises allow you to visit all the important central cities boasting ancient cultures, without resorting to multiple transportation manners and travelling for a long time. Such a “cultural tour” starts from Cannes. Everyone knows the Cannes Film Festival, but few people know about the history and culture occurring since the Middle Ages. The elegance and cultural value of ancient abbeys in Cannes can seldom be seen across France. Then, the tour will lead you to ancient cultural sites in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Croatia and other countries. And Venice is set as the embarkation spot. This tour is suitable for travelers who have preferences for or have done research on Mediterranean ancient cultures of the Middle Ages. Of course, it is a good choice for families traveling with school-age children, for it not only bring them a lot of fun but also enrich their knowledge.

Explore historical mysteries

Ancient Greece and Turkey have profound historical connotations and mysteries. Nafplio, a small city nestled at the hill foots and beside the sea, enjoys an advantageous geographical location. It has been an important military site. Strongholds and fortresses at that time still remain on the Palamidi Hill behind the city and small islands within bays. And the reasons why they were built have remained mysteries in the architectural history, attracting many professions to come for exploration.

Taste delicious food

South Europe boasts most delicious food and drinks of the whole Europe. Therefore, some shipping companies have designed a food tour for gourmets. On this tour, you can enjoy comfortable services on cruises, appreciate onshore sceneries, and expect various delicious food and local delicacies. Cruises start from Venice and pass Croatia, Sicily, cities along the western coast of Italy and South France. In Croatia, you can taste prime campfire grills and prosutto. In Sicily, you cannot miss delicious seafood and wine. In port cities along the coasts of Italy and France, you can experience various delicacies and drinks.

(Source: Internet)