Livorno.is claimed to be the cradle of the Renaissance and is home to the Uffizi Gallery which is only rivalled by the Louvre for its collection of Renaissance masterpieces. You can also make your way to the world-famous tower of Pisa which took over 177 years to build and has been leaning since construction began in 1173.
Cannes is of course famed mostly for its 10-day film festival held in May each year. The old town, called Le Suquet is quaint but small and whilst there are plenty of very up market shops in La Croisette, a tree lined boulevard whose prices may well take your breath away!
Day 3: Straights of Messina (Cruising)
The Strait of Messina is a narrow waterway between the eastern tip of Sicily and the southern tip of Calabria in the south of Italy. A cruise down this strait provides beautiful views of the neighbouring countries’ coastlines.
Day 4: Marseille
Marseille is France’s second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures with a salty city with a feel and culture all its own. Dominating the harbour is the infamous Chateau d’If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo escaped. Marseille is also your gateway to Provence. Also try the renowned bouillabaisse or tour the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence.
Day 5: Barcelona
Barcelona combines everything that is most charming about Mediterranean cities – a relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine, unbeatable food – with the cultural and design sophistication of almost any city in the northern hemisphere. Its patchwork of architectural styles displays dark, Gothic façades next to the harlequin buildings of the Modernistas and the skyline-piercing constructions of Jean Nouvel or Herzog and de Meuron, and a day spent admiring them can be topped off with a sun-downer on one of the city’s seven beaches before dinner at any number of Michelin-starred gastronomic temples or humble, family-run tapas bars.
Day 6: Palma (Mallorca)
Palma a major port, and the summer holiday spot of choice for Spain’s royal family. Explore the lovely old quarter and step into the past in the historic churches, then get a taste of contemporary Palma in the city’s lively tapas bars. Visit the Arab Baths, the Moorish Palace and the Mallorca Museum, buy a string of Mallorca pearls or for outstanding views of the harbour take a ride on the wooden train to Soller.
Day 7: Cagliari
Cagliari. On the beautiful Island of Sardinia, Cagliari will enchant you with its gorgeous expansive beaches at Poetto. Take in the views at the aptly named Gulf of Angels or visit the stunning 2nd century Roman amphitheater before heading to the one of the restaurants for traditional Sardinian food that is freshly prepared and beautifully presented.
Day 8: Malta
Malta. is a Mediterranean island of huge historical importance, influenced by many great empires. The capital fortress city of Valletta, described as an open-air museum, is mainly Baroque in character having been built in the 16th century by the Order of St John of Jerusalem. It offers some of Europe’s finest palaces, churches, and works of art. Valletta harbour is surrounded by cream coloured buildings and twisting streets.
Day 9: Straits of Messina
The Strait of Messina is a narrow waterway between the eastern tip of Sicily and the southern tip of Calabria in the south of Italy. A cruise down this strait provides beautiful views of the neighbouring countries’ coastlines.
Day 10: Naples
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Naples. Under the shadow of the mighty Vesuvius, Naples is best known for its cache of medieval and Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of the pizza. With Pompeii on its doorstep and as many churches as Rome, there’s a lot to see in this city on the romantic Bay of Naples. Sip a glass of Lacryma Christi wine from the slopes of Vesuvius or shop on Via San Gregorio Armeno. Or simply relax with a Margarita pizza at one of the many piazza café.
Day 12: Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia (Rome) is often described as the Eternal City and is filled with breath taking treasurers of almost every description – The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain where a tossed coin promises your return to this city of Romance. Take a walk along the famous (and expensive) Via Veneto which came to fame in the 1960’ as the centre of la dolce vita (the sweet life) attracting jet setters and stars from around the world. Tour its many historical landmarks and enjoy the food, the culture, the ambiance, and the surrounding scenery. There is no doubt you’ll learn the meaning of la dolce vita when you visit Rome.
Disembark your ship – Norwegian Spirit
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