Old Country In Bloom

Known as the 'cruise capital of the world', Port Miami is is considered to be the world’s busiest cruise ship port. Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the superb view of the Miami skyline.

This multicultural city where the sun rules supreme is more than just a cruise port. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Miami’s famous Art Deco buildings, family-friendly zoos and romantic palm tree-lined streets filled with fantastic restaurants. Don’t forget about the white sandy beaches and year-round warm weather, perfect for relaxing before or after your Caribbean cruise from Miami.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the bustling capital of Tenerife, offers a delightful mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin your exploration at the Plaza de España, where you can admire the impressive artificial lake and historic fortifications. Nearby, the Auditorio de Tenerife, designed by Santiago Calatrava, stands as an architectural marvel, hosting an array of cultural performances.

Stroll through the García Sanabria Park, a lush green oasis perfect for a leisurely walk among exotic plants and intriguing sculptures. For a taste of local culture, visit the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, where vibrant stalls offer fresh produce, local delicacies, and crafts. Don't miss the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, showcasing Tenerife’s rich archaeological and natural history.

The Port of Cádiz is located directly adjacent to the city center, so you'll be able to explore the historic heart of Cádiz with a short 10-minute walk. The city is renowned for its ancient maritime heritage, beautiful beaches, and well-preserved landmarks such as the Cádiz Cathedral and the Torre Tavira, offering panoramic views of the city. If your plan is to visit Seville, it's about 120 kilometers (75 miles) away - roughly a 90-minute drive. Consider arranging a guided excursion to make the most of your time in this historic city.

Situated at the foothills of the Sierra de Gador mountain range, the Spanish coastal city of Almeria is renowned for its wonderful climate. The sun shines for more than 320 days a year and the city has a coastline of preserved beaches with an interior characterised by its typical desert ecosystem. Ships will dock at the Muelle de Levante.

Top Things to Do in Almeria:

• visit the Alcazaba, a medieval fortress
• explore the Cabo De Gata-nijar Natural Park
• 4x4 through the Tabernas Desert
• visit the Moorish village of Mojacar

Spain's third largest city, Valencia offers a little bit of everything, from historic sites and bustling city squares to placid beaches. Old world charm meets modern architectural wonders in this eclectic city that is steeped in art and culture. Ships will dock at the Port of Valencia.

Top Things to Do in Valencia:

• shop at the Mercado Central
• view the city from the Torres de Serranos
• visit the UNESCO listed Silk Market
• explore the Requena Caves
• visit the L'Oceanogràfic aquarium
• enjoy some Paella

Barcelona, a captivating city on Spain's northeastern coast, is renowned for its unique architecture and vibrant culture. Start your exploration at the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, where intricate designs and towering spires captivate visitors. Stroll down Las Ramblas, a lively street filled with street performers, shops, and cafes, leading to the historic Gothic Quarter.

In the afternoon, visit Park Güell, another Gaudí marvel, featuring colorful mosaics and stunning city views. For a taste of local life, explore the bustling La Boqueria market, offering a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies. Before leaving, take a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade, enjoying the Mediterranean breeze and scenic views.

A place of monasteries tucked into mountains, surreal art, and gorgeous beaches, Palamos is your gateway to the Costa Brava’s scenic beauty, and the cultural wonders of Catalonia. Palamos itself is a small and walkable city with beautiful beaches and a lovely promenade lined with restaurants and cafés. Ships will dock at Marina Palamos.

Top Things to Do in Palamos:

• tour Tossa de Mar by trolley train
• stroll through the Santa Clotilde Gardens
• roam the cobbled streets of Peratallada
• visit the Dalí Theatre Museum

The port town of Sete hugs the tiny Mont St. Clair, and is caught between the Mediterranean Sea and Thau Lake. This understated town has been nicknamed 'Little Venice' due to its canals, bridges and buildings with their beautiful colourful facades. Ships will dock at Port de Sete.

Top Things to Do in Sete:

• hike Mont Saint-Clair
• tour the medieval city of Carcassonne
• kayak the canals of Sete
• enjoy a wine tasting in Montpellier
• explore the Roman ruins in Arles

Marseille, France's oldest city, boasts a vibrant blend of cultures, history, and stunning Mediterranean scenery. Start your visit at the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and watch fishermen bring in their daily catch. Nearby, the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde offers panoramic views of the city and sea.

Stroll through the historic Le Panier district, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and artisan shops. Dive into the city's maritime history at the MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. Don’t miss tasting bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous seafood stew, in one of the local restaurants.

Located on the stunning French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its captivating seaside views and vibrant culture. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, where the azure Mediterranean Sea meets the bustling city. The historic Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, offers a delightful maze of artisan shops, cafés, and the famous Cours Saleya market.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Marc Chagall National Museum and the Musée Matisse, both housing impressive collections. For a taste of local life, visit the Liberation Market, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties. Don’t miss Castle Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a perfect spot for photographs.

Marvel at masterpieces in Florence's Uffizi Gallery and stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Visit the awe-inspiring Florence Cathedral with its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi. The city's rich history is reflected in its stunning architecture and vibrant street life, making it a treasure trove for art and history enthusiasts.

A short trip away, Pisa beckons with its world-famous Leaning Tower. Climb the tower for a breathtaking view of the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the beautiful Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery. Explore the quaint streets of Pisa, enjoying its delightful cafes and shops. This city offers a perfect blend of history, art, and Italian charm.

Cinque Terre, on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, comprises five charming villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village offers breathtaking views, colorful houses, and narrow winding streets. Monterosso features a lovely beach and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, while Vernazza captivates with its picturesque harbor and ancient Doria Castle. Indulge in local seafood delicacies and savor the region's renowned Sciacchetrà wine. 

A busy port town and home to the country's largest naval base, La Spezia wears its maritime heritage proudly. Sandwiched between the hills and the sea, this atmospheric town has a great combination of historical buildings and beautiful scenery. From La Spezia, Florence is approximately 150 km (93 miles) away, reachable in about 2 hours. Pisa is 80 km (50 miles) away and the picturesque Cinque Terre villages are 30 km (18 miles) away.

Marvel at masterpieces in Florence's Uffizi Gallery and stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Visit the awe-inspiring Florence Cathedral with its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi. The city's rich history is reflected in its stunning architecture and vibrant street life, making it a treasure trove for art and history enthusiasts.

A short trip away, Pisa beckons with its world-famous Leaning Tower. Climb the tower for a breathtaking view of the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the beautiful Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery. Explore the quaint streets of Pisa, enjoying its delightful cafes and shops. This city offers a perfect blend of history, art, and Italian charm.

Cinque Terre, on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, comprises five charming villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village offers breathtaking views, colorful houses, and narrow winding streets. Monterosso features a lovely beach and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, while Vernazza captivates with its picturesque harbor and ancient Doria Castle. Indulge in local seafood delicacies and savor the region's renowned Sciacchetrà wine. 

The gateway to the Tuscany region and one of Italy's oldest port cities, Livorno is a small but historically rich city. Best known for its red-hued Fortezza Nuova and the surrounding area known as 'New Venice' where you can take a boat ride through its charming canals. While in Livorno, don't miss the Terrazza Mascagni, a picturesque promenade offering stunning views of the Ligurian Sea.

Cruise ships docking in Livorno typically use the Porto di Livorno, which is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the historic city center of Pisa, and about 95 kilometers (59 miles) from Florence, requiring a 1.5-hour journey by coach.

The ancient capital of the Western World and the centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast of historical and cultural landmarks to explore. Visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, view the splendours of the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.

Don't forget to treat your taste buds to the delights of authentic Roman cuisine, which is as captivating as the city's ancient wonders. Indulge in creamy gelato, savour the perfection of al dente pasta, and relish the thin, crispy crust of Roman-style pizza. Buon Appetito!

Serving as Rome’s seaport since the 13th century, Civitavecchia is located about an hour (80km/50mi) from the centre of Rome. For guests arriving and departing from the airport in Rome, a transfer to Civitavecchia port should be organised ahead of time with your cruise line. Details will be provided in your travel documentation after booking. The port area itself offers diverse dining options, and inside, facilities include accessible bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a spacious waiting area. The port also offers complimentary shuttle buses to transfer guests between the ship and the port terminal.