Mediterranean Cruise

Begin your cruise in historic Barcelona, where the Catalans are fiercely independent from the rest of Spain in their spirit and culture. They city's Barri Gotic is one of the most intact Gothic quarters in the world, but Barcelona also has been at the forefront of modern art and architectural trends for the past 100 years. Enjoy a full day to explore its beaches and parklands, its monuments and world-famous Gaudi-designed cathedral.

From Sete, France, take an optional excursion west to Carcassonne, a handsomely preserved walled city along the banks of the Aude. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town offers towers, dungeons, moats and drawbridges much as they were in medieval France. Further east, the Andrea pauses for the day in Marseille. A full-day excursion is offered to Aix-en-Provence. Stoll along the shaded Cours Mirabeau and see the handsome monuments: the City Hall, Ancient Archbishopry, Pavillon de Vendome and 17th- and 18th-century mansions. Aix is also Cezannes city, and the Musee Granet has nearly 20 of his masterful works.

Portofino is one of the most attractive seaside towns along the Italian Riviera, featuring a beautiful mountain backdrop, evergreen forests and world-class villas. Known even in Roman times, the city survived as a fishing village until the 1950s when tourism boosted it into the public eye. Nevertheless, it remains a charming spot to visit. Granite hills rise high above the pastel-colored houses that line the harbor of Bastia, Corsica. Explore the narrow lanes of Terra Vecchia, the towns oldest neighborhood, with its shops and cafes, or the Place St.-Nicolas, Bastias central hub.

The harbor at Portoferraio on Elba Island is as enthralling today as it was to the mariners of antiquity. It was the refuge of Napolean for ten months in 1814-1815, when he set up his headquarters in the Villa dei Mulini and the hilltop summer residence of San Martino, now an interesting museum. On the island of Capri, explore the craggy coastline and numerous grottoes, with the Blue Grotto the most famous. The island retains a notable air of independence from the nearby Italian mainland. Syracuse on the island of Sicily once rivaled Athens itself as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. An optional tour begins with a visit to the archaeological district and its well-preserved Greek theatre, with seats carved from the limestone.

From our dock in Gallipoli, travel to Lecce, where its outstanding 15th-century architecture was said to rival the Baroque masterpieces of Florence. See the Church of the Holy Cross and the remnants of a roman amphitheatre built to accommodate 25,000 in the 2nd century. Cross the Adriatic to Dubrovnik, Croatia, a treasure trove of medieval art and architecture, all within the old towns massive walls of stone. The Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries are beautiful examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and other monuments of significance include the Onofrio Fountain, the Rectors Palace, the Sponza Palace and several fine churches.

Split is Croatias second largest city and a UN World Heritage Site. Within walking distance of the ship lies the remarkable palace of Diocletian, dating from the end of the 3rd century and one of the largest palaces of the Roman Empire. There are also opportunities to visit sculptor Ivan Mestrovics handsome gallery and studio on the nearby Marjan Peninsula. End your cruise in Venice, occupying 117 islands in the azure waters of the Adriatic. The citys enticing, exotic beauty attests to its historic role as a great Eastern trader. A walk through Saint Marks Square provides a wealth of sights from the Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs to the Campanile and St. Marks Cathedral.

Itinerary

Embark 4:00 PM

Depart 5:00 PM

Arrive 7:00 AM

Depart 7:00 PM

Arrive 7:00 AM

Depart 5:00 PM

Arrive 9:00 AM

Depart 5:00 PM

Bastia (Corsica)

Arrive 7:00 AM

Depart Noon

Portoferraio (Elba Island)

Arrive 3:00 PM

Depart 7:00 PM

Arrive 1:00 PM

Depart 7:00 PM

Arrive Noon

Depart 6:00 PM

Arrive Noon

Depart 6:00 PM

Arrive 10:00 AM

Depart 7:00 PM

Arrive 7:00 AM

Depart 4:00 PM

Arrive 7:00 AM

Disembark after breakfast