Saturday, March 21, 2015

Mediterranean Cruise

Cruising with Norwegian.
Embark on a 12-day Mediterranean voyage for the vacation of a lifetime. Depart from Barcelona towards Provence, the first stop on a series of remarkable European cities. Stroll through the historic town of Pisa, shop and explore fascinating Florence, sample the rich wines of the Tuscan countryside, take a dip in the waters of Mykonos, and experience one of our newest ports, Ephesus in Turkey. All but a few of the things you'll delight in while enjoying the comforts of home aboard Norwegian Spirit.

1st Day, Start in Barcelona:





    The capital of Catalonia, and one of its provinces, Barcelona, is a place of palpable history, where you can lose yourself strolling down the medieval streets of the Barri Gotic. It's a city designed to delight the senses: visit other-worldly Modernista churches like Gaudi's La Pedrera, or treat yourself at a street side cafe to Patatas Bravas or a Passion Fruit Mojito. Explore more of Barcelona on a European cruise! 
    2nd Day, Toulon & Marseille, France.
    Situated in Southern France on the Mediterranean Coast, Toulon is known for its military history and today remains as an important naval base. The old town of Toulon is the most charming neighborhood to walk around with streets adorned with small squares, fountains, quaint shops and cafes. You'll find the locals shopping the open-air Provencal market which is held on the Cours Lafayette every morning. 
    3rd Day, Florence and Pisa:
    How lucky to visit the Tuscan region, Florence & Pisa, resplendent in art and history. What's even more fortunate is that all the main attractions in Florence are centrally located for the perfect walking tour. See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Michelangelo's David. Explore more of Florence & Pisa on a European cruise! 
    4th Day, Rome:
    Endless adventures await in Rome. With two and a half thousand years of history, art and culture, it is no wonder Rome is one of the most visited cities on the planet. Gaze at the masterpieces of the Vatican or walk into the past with visits to ancient relics, historic monuments and legendary museums. Or people-watch while sipping on an espresso in a quaint cafe. 
    5th Day, Naples (Pompeii) & Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Capri & Anacapri)
    Cruise to Naples, located on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast, a city rich in history. A tour around Naples' grand piazzas, cathedrals and castles in the old center will take you back centuries. Pompeii is not too far either, a dashing city which boasts diverse cultural offerings and charming streets. Explore more of Naples on a European cruise!
    6th Day, Day at Sea!
    Much needed, we slept pretty much the whole day!
    7th Day, Mykonos Greece!
     Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you'll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. Explore more of Mykonos on a European cruise! 

    8th Day, Istanbul Turkey!
    There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this center of the Ottoman empire has become one the world's focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there's always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you'll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. Explore more of Istanbul on a European cruise! 
    9th Day, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey!
    Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Kusadasi was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, among several other ancient remnants. 
    10th Day, Athens Greece!
    This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise! 
    Day 11th At Sea!
    Day 12th, Venice, Italy!
    You could start a discussion about Venice by praising its restaurants, wine bars, marble churches or blown glass. But you probably won't. You'll likely start with the fact that Venice is built on water. It is a place where people either float slowly down palace-lined man-made waterways or stroll down narrow alleyways. There's no more extraordinary place to find yourself, or lose yourself. Be sure to stay in Venice before your next European cruise. 
    Day 13th, Venice, Italy!
    We did the Venetian Islands today, Murano and Burano.

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