CRUISING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

The name Mediterranean evokes history, culture, magnificent cities and seaside villages untouched by time.  Its vast waters and coastal areas are an invitation to explore and enjoy.  History has come alive here and there is so much to be seen and enjoyed.

Many Eastern Mediterranean cruise itineraries begin in Spain, Barcelona to be exact, and circle through French and Italian waters.  Barcelona is a wonderful port because of its location, right in the middle of town.  Cruisers can walk right up the Rambles into the center of old Barcelona.  Hop On Hop Off bus routes start near the cruise port and carry visitors to all the great sites of this wonderful town.  One can wander for days, if you want, through museums, churches, architectural sites of the architect Gaudi, Olympic villages and seaside areas.  All the while, enjoying the carefree ambiance and delightful cuisine.  It is definitely a city deserving of a before the cruise visit.

From Spain the typical Eastern Mediterranean cruise sails to France, perhaps Nice or Monte Carlo with its cliffs and famous casino.  Then on to ports in romantic scenic Italy.  Livorno, where one can travel to Pisa and the Leaning Tower or wonderful Florence with its overwhelming history and art.  The cruise continues to the port of Civitavecchia where the main interest is the city of Rome with all its regal splendor.  After Rome, cruisers may move on to Naples, Capri and Pompeii.  A choice of islands and then a return to Barcelona makes for a wonderful introduction to the Mediterranean.  Or one can continue one to other ports in the Mediterranean.  The choices are only limited by your time frame.  Cruises start with 7 day itineraries and range up from there.

One can also cruise out of Italy, perhaps Venice, to Croatia and ports in Greece.  Athens with its marvelous history, art and ruins is a definitely a highpoint of these central Mediterranean cruises.

Mediterean Cruise

Greece, and its islands, is a world to itself.  Picturesque islands such as Mykonos, with its iconic windmills and spectacular Santorini, with its whitewashed villages atop high cliffs.  Ephesus with its wonderful historic past and then on to the Croatian walled city of Dubrovnik.  The islands of Rhodes and Corfu may be essential parts of some itineraries.

Italy Cruise

The cradle of history, Egypt and its pyramids, Tunisia, and perhaps even the wonders  of the Holy Land are often included with the majestic city of Istanbul.

Colorful Morocco and Gibraltar with its towering caves and unusual Barbary apes.  often added to itineraries that venture out of the Mediterranean into the Atlantic Ocean towards Portugal and beyond.

There is SO MUCH to see in the Mediterranean.  SO MANY CHOICES!  One cruise may just a “teaser” and most cruisers find themselves drawn back again and again to this colorful, historic part of the globe.  It is just too much to absorb at one time.  Call us at 800/829-9781 for booking this marvelous area of the world.  You will love its cuisine, beauty and the many cultures that fill its shores.  E Mail us at axatravel@aol.com for advice on the best time frames and ships for your travel dollar value.  Our agents will help you have the “best cruise of your life” in the Mediterranean.