65-night Spice Routes & Roman Roads Voyage

Apr 11, 2027 - Yokohama (Tokyo)

Yokohama is located on the southern part of Honshu Island, on the western shore of Tokyo Bay, and is our gateway to Tokyo. It has excellent harbour facilities and is one of the leading ports industrial centres of Japan. There are numerous shrines, temples, and Christian churches and a number of beautiful parks. A small fishing village in 1854, Yokohama was almost totally destroyed in 1923 by an earthquake. Gradually reconstructed the city is now among the most modern in Japan. It was heavily bombed in 1945, during World War II.

Apr 12, 2027 - Yokohama (Tokyo)

Yokohama is located on the southern part of Honshu Island, on the western shore of Tokyo Bay, and is our gateway to Tokyo. It has excellent harbour facilities and is one of the leading ports industrial centres of Japan. There are numerous shrines, temples, and Christian churches and a number of beautiful parks. A small fishing village in 1854, Yokohama was almost totally destroyed in 1923 by an earthquake. Gradually reconstructed the city is now among the most modern in Japan. It was heavily bombed in 1945, during World War II.

Apr 13, 2027 - At Sea

Apr 14, 2027 - At Sea

Apr 15, 2027 - Miyakojima

Apr 16, 2027 - Taipei (Keelung)

Keelung is situated along East China Sea on Taiwan's northeast tip and has been an important Taiwanese seaport. It is gateway to the island's most magnificent coastal scenery and a convenient location to begin a journey overland to Taipei.

Apr 17, 2027 - Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is home to many green parks, temples, and museums for visitors to enjoy. At night visitors can take a relaxing river tour and take in the charming sights along Love River. Along the river you will find a variety of cafes and restaurants with unique themes and excellent service. The most scenic spot in the city is Lotus Lake, with it's Panping Mountain in the center, pavilions, and pagodas.

Apr 18, 2027 - At Sea

Apr 19, 2027 - Manila

Manila is the heartbeat of the Philippines. Multi-faceted, multi-layered, lusty and lively, it is the seat of government and center of arts and education. It is a city of contrasts and contradictions. Here streets pulsate with life at all hours; within its boundaries live the richest and poorest in the country. Occupied over decades by Spanish, Americans, British and Japanese, East meets West, giving the city a unique character. The Walled City, a medieval fortified town, was the heart and soul of the country for more than 300 years. This city fortress, surrounded by moats and turreted walls 30 feet thick, was known as Intramuros and comprises Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church - suggested priorities on any visitor’s itinerary. Manila attracts migrants who arrive from throughout to study or seek work. The cosmopolitan air in this fascinating city comes from its substantial Chinese and other foreign communities, busy port, multi-national corporations and constant flow of tourists. Other sights to see include Manila Cathedral, the Coconut Palace, and the National Museum.

Apr 20, 2027 - Coron

Apr 21, 2027 - Puerto Princesa

A lagoon of emerald and blue framed by dense ancient forests greets you as you approach Puerto Princessa's most renown attraction: the Subterranean River National Park, a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Tour the 8.2 kilometers of underground river by boat through otherworldly, spectacular caves. For mountain hiking and trekking, ascend to the Cleopatra's Needle, where wild rivers, lush forest and vibrant meadows all wait to be explored. Hop on a boat and spend an afternoon on the white beaches of the Honda Islands, with dive sites along Pandan Island and Arreceffi Island, and the Panglima Reef to see large coral masses and reef sharks. Remains left from WWII can also be visited, such as the Plaza Cuartel. Experience local and regional culture at the Vietnamese Village or by visiting the Palawan Museum, where artifacts of from Tabon Cave may be found.
 

Apr 22, 2027 - Kota Kinabalu

This state capital is strung out along the coast, with jungle-clad hills as a backdrop, and is home to a population of about 180,000. From an obscure fishing town, Kota Kinabalu has grown to a fashionable, modern town with deep-water anchorage. The highest vantage point, Signal Hill, offers an excellent view. Other sights include Papar - a scenic drive south from Kota Kinabalu, through paddy fields and jungle, the old town section (bandar lama) of Papar with several rows of quaint wooden shophouses, painted blue and laid out along spacious boulevards lined with palms and a large market in the center of the town; and Pulau Tiga National Park - a dip forest reserve virtually untouched and containing species not found on other islands.

Apr 23, 2027 - At Sea

Apr 24, 2027 - At Sea

Apr 25, 2027 - Singapore

One of Asia's great economic successes, Singapore has fused diverse cultures into one dynamic nation. Behind high-tech industries and high-rise buildings lives a society with an ingrained sense of conservative Confucian values. Beneath the westernized modernity beats a totally Asian heart. Strong beliefs center around extended families, filial piety, discipline, respect and Asian work ethics. Singapore’s name, meaning "Lion City," can be traced to the 13th century, and today there is the mythical Merlion, half-lion, half-fish, standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River as the symbol of Singapore. A recent advertising campaign billed Singapore as "A Fine City."

Apr 26, 2027 - Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)

Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan, modern business hub and government center. With a population of about two million, it is one of Southeast Asia's smallest capitals. Port Klang is gateway to Kuala Lumpur, a 42-mile distance away. Other sights include National Art Gallery - a permanent collection of about 2,000 works by Malaysian artists; Batu Caves - caverns discovered by American naturalist William Hornaby in the 1880s; the Selayang Batik Factory – known for their handmade and block-printed batiks; and Zoo and Aquarium - a complex home to 280 species of Malaysian and other exotic animals, birds, fish and reptiles.

Apr 27, 2027 - Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)

Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan, modern business hub and government center. With a population of about two million, it is one of Southeast Asia's smallest capitals. Port Klang is gateway to Kuala Lumpur, a 42-mile distance away. Other sights include National Art Gallery - a permanent collection of about 2,000 works by Malaysian artists; Batu Caves - caverns discovered by American naturalist William Hornaby in the 1880s; the Selayang Batik Factory – known for their handmade and block-printed batiks; and Zoo and Aquarium - a complex home to 280 species of Malaysian and other exotic animals, birds, fish and reptiles.

Apr 28, 2027 - Penang

Penang, or more properly Pulau Pinang, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country’s oldest British settlement. To the tourist industry, Penang has been marketed for a long time as the Pearl of the Orient. Although Penang is best known for its beaches, there is much more here than just sand and sea. The island is considered a cultural and architectural gem with Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. Other sights include St. George’s Church - built in 1818 of classic Georgian architecture; Penang Hill - a 2,500-foot hill with a splendid view over Georgetown; Botanical Gardens - the 74-acre landscaped gardens featuring many indigenous and exotic plant species, a waterfall, jungle-clad hills and two species of monkeys, the macaque and dusky leaf monkeys; Golf Courses - The Bukit Jambul Golf & Country Club is located on Penang Island, and other golf courses in Province Wellesley on the mainland are the Penang Golf Resort and Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.

Apr 29, 2027 - Phuket

Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," Phuket offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that rise above the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. With a culture all its own, it combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of indigenous ocean-going people. Phuket Town is the island’s capital located in the southeast. The architecture features the attractive Sino-Portuguese style which is reflected in the spacious residences built by wealthy Chinese tin barons as testimony to their success. Visitors come because of the glorious beaches, especially those on the west coast. Patong Beach is about a 45-minute drive from the port and offers a wide selection of watersports. Phuket still casts its spell on all who come to its shores.

Apr 30, 2027 - At Sea

May 01, 2027 - At Sea

May 02, 2027 - Galle

This capital city has a colorful history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most popular historical site here is the 300 year old Dutch clock tower and fort that has stood since the early sixteenth century, through the Colonial periods of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Shopping wise, visitors will be astonished by the beautiful wooden masks locals carve and paint by hand, and the hand-made lace.  They are truly works of art.

May 03, 2027 - At Sea

May 04, 2027 - Malé

The Maldives boast some of the finest tropical beaches in the world. The very name, Maldives, arouses visions of exotic tropical beach sun and barbeques on luxury island hotel resorts surrounded by clear calm coral reef fringed warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Visitors to the Maldives, blessed by superb underwater visibility and abundant coral life, are treated to breathtaking sights of underwater marine life. The Maldives offer the best diving spots in Asia, with most resorts having experienced diving instructors. With only 200 islands inhabited, over 75 islands have been reserved for development of tourist resorts which are among the most luxurious in the Indian Ocean. Male, the capital of the Maldives sits on a 1-sq-mi/2-sq-km island—the whole place can be seen on foot in about an hour.

May 05, 2027 - At Sea

May 06, 2027 - At Sea

May 07, 2027 - Mumbai

About 300 years ago, the area of Bombay was nothing more than seven islands occupied by small fishing settlements. Today this bustling city offers a seemingly endless array of sights and cultural activities. Mumbai is the glamour of Bollywood cinema, cricket on the maidans on weekends, bhelpuri on the beach at Chowpatty and red double-decker buses. It is also the infamous cages of the red-light district, Asia's largest slums, communalist politics and powerful mafia dons. This pungent drama is played out against a Victorian townscape more reminiscent of a prosperous 19th-century English industrial city than anything you'd expect to find on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Mumbai has vital streetlife, India's best nightlife, and more bazaars than a visitor could ever explore.

May 08, 2027 - Mumbai

About 300 years ago, the area of Bombay was nothing more than seven islands occupied by small fishing settlements. Today this bustling city offers a seemingly endless array of sights and cultural activities. Mumbai is the glamour of Bollywood cinema, cricket on the maidans on weekends, bhelpuri on the beach at Chowpatty and red double-decker buses. It is also the infamous cages of the red-light district, Asia's largest slums, communalist politics and powerful mafia dons. This pungent drama is played out against a Victorian townscape more reminiscent of a prosperous 19th-century English industrial city than anything you'd expect to find on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Mumbai has vital streetlife, India's best nightlife, and more bazaars than a visitor could ever explore.

May 09, 2027 - At Sea

May 10, 2027 - At Sea

May 11, 2027 - Dubai

Dubai is a member of the United Arab Emirates, the cluster of sheikdoms along the Arabian Sea. Located at the crossroads between East and West, the emirate's long-standing trading tradition has for centuries brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Now modernized, Dubai continues to attract many with its international facilities and its exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai has the best prices in the Arab Gulf states for gold, electronics, perfumes and is a tax-free city. It also has good beaches and excellent resort hotels. The town was the residence of the British political agent for the former Trucial States from 1954 until 1971. Known as the Venice of the Gulf, Dubai is the chief port and commercial center of the United Arab Emirates.

May 12, 2027 - Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. It is the center of government and business life in the UAE. The architecture of its modern buildings and sky scrapers is the finest in the Middle East. The promotion of tourism and various tourism related projects will elevate Abu Dhabi to a Singaporean status in the region. Large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, state-of-the-art communication services and transport, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centers and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience all the year round.

May 13, 2027 - Doha

Doha is not only the capital city of Qatar, but is also the largest holding half of all the total inhabitants of the country. There are several luxurious hotels in the city and several major shopping areas. As far as sights to see while visiting the city, there is the National Museum which is housed in a former palace. While at the museum, be sure to view the film clips of everyday Bedouin life. Around the city are clock towers, forts, zoological gardens, traditional bazaars and many mosques.

May 14, 2027 - Dubai

Dubai is a member of the United Arab Emirates, the cluster of sheikdoms along the Arabian Sea. Located at the crossroads between East and West, the emirate's long-standing trading tradition has for centuries brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Now modernized, Dubai continues to attract many with its international facilities and its exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai has the best prices in the Arab Gulf states for gold, electronics, perfumes and is a tax-free city. It also has good beaches and excellent resort hotels. The town was the residence of the British political agent for the former Trucial States from 1954 until 1971. Known as the Venice of the Gulf, Dubai is the chief port and commercial center of the United Arab Emirates.

May 15, 2027 - At Sea

May 16, 2027 - At Sea

May 17, 2027 - Salalah

Salalah is the capital of Dhofar province, which is the southern region of the Sultanate of Oman. Lovely parks and groves of banana, papaya, watermelon and vegetables give the city a tropical atmosphere and have earned it the name Garden City. Along the coast lie miles of uncrowded beaches, bordered by a brilliant blue sea. Other attractions include ancient forts, archaeological sites, fishing villages and the tombs of prophets. While it is mainly the rugged landscape and the beaches that appeal to visitors with a penchant for unspoiled locales, the modern and fast-growing city offers an interesting museum, architectural highlights such as the Al Husn Palace and colorful, bustling souks, where everything from frankincense and fragrant perfumes to gold and silver jewelry is sold. Most of all, Salalah has to be appreciated as an off-the-beaten-track location and for the uniqueness that marks the Dhofar region.

May 18, 2027 - At Sea

May 19, 2027 - At Sea

May 20, 2027 - At Sea

May 21, 2027 - Jeddah

Although it's definitely a modern metropolis, Jeddah is also the most interesting and friendly of Saudi Arabia's big cities. Jeddah is centered on Al-Balad, the strip of buildings along its coast road and the old city directly behind them. Jeddah has some great museums, including the Municipality Museum. Located in a 200-year-old restored house built from Red Sea coral, the museum has interesting photos of the development of Jeddah, along with rooms done up in traditional style. The Museum of Abdel Raouf Hasan Khalil houses 10,000 items in 4 mock-Arab buildings. The museum is a mish-mash of kitsch exhibits, but there are a few gems among the flotsam. The Jeddah Museum is the regional museum of archaeology and ethnography. Jeddah has one of the best markets in the kingdom, the spectacular Souk Al-Alawi, which winds its way through the old city and is still a great place to spend hours strolling and browsing. Jeddah's 3 reconstructed old city gates are also worth a look, as are several good examples of traditional Jeddah architecture found around North City Gate.

May 22, 2027 - At Sea

May 23, 2027 - Luxor (Safaga)

The port city of Safaga, located on the western flank of the Red Sea, across from Saudi Arabia, has dusty streets that are for the most part quiet. Diving enthusiasts come to Safaga to take advantage of one of the world’s best locations for underwater exploration. For those guests who feel the 150-mile drive through the desert may be too much, Safaga offers bazaars where bargaining for souvenirs and handicraft items may be fun. Nearby are a few hotels offering resort and diving facilities.

Luxor: Aside from visiting the pyramids near Cairo, Luxor and Al Karnak are places not to be missed when in search of ancient Egyptian monuments and artifacts. Luxor is on the southern part of ancient Thebes, Al Karnak on the north. Between the two, visitors can lose themselves for days in the hundreds of temples, chapels, tombs and gardens in the area. Too extensive to list all of them, a few of the tombs not to be missed are the tombs of Nefertari, Amenhotep II & III, several Ramesses and Tutankhamen.

May 24, 2027 - Luxor (Safaga)

The port city of Safaga, located on the western flank of the Red Sea, across from Saudi Arabia, has dusty streets that are for the most part quiet. Diving enthusiasts come to Safaga to take advantage of one of the world’s best locations for underwater exploration. For those guests who feel the 150-mile drive through the desert may be too much, Safaga offers bazaars where bargaining for souvenirs and handicraft items may be fun. Nearby are a few hotels offering resort and diving facilities.

Luxor: Aside from visiting the pyramids near Cairo, Luxor and Al Karnak are places not to be missed when in search of ancient Egyptian monuments and artifacts. Luxor is on the southern part of ancient Thebes, Al Karnak on the north. Between the two, visitors can lose themselves for days in the hundreds of temples, chapels, tombs and gardens in the area. Too extensive to list all of them, a few of the tombs not to be missed are the tombs of Nefertari, Amenhotep II & III, several Ramesses and Tutankhamen.

May 25, 2027 - Aqaba

Jordan's only outlet to the sea, Aqaba is a popular holiday destination - with a superb climate and beach-edged Red Sea waters that boast some of the world's finest coral reef diving. Aqaba is the only seaport of Jordan. Visit fabled Petra, perhaps the finest archaeological site in the Middle East. The great monuments of this Nabatean 'rose-red city, half as old as time' were hewn from living sandstone some 2,000 years ago, and rediscovered only in 1812. Nearer Aqaba is the spectacular scenery of Lawrence of Arabia's Wadi Rum, where rugged jebel mountains rise sheer from the desert sands.

May 26, 2027 - Sharm El Sheikh

The land of the Sinai is the "great and terrible wilderness" of the Bible, across which the Israelis journeyed in search of the Promised Land. Sharm-el-Sheikh serves as starting point for an excursion into the desert and to St. Catherine’s Monastery, the oldest Christian monastery in the world. St. Catherine’s Mountain is at 7,926 feet the highest summit in Sinai, followed by Mount Sinai, where God is said to have given the Ten Commandments to Moses. The most popular pastime in Sharm-el-Sheikh as well as in Na'ama Bay is exploring the underwater marine life. The reefs are easily accessible; diving and snorkeling equipment can be rented at watersports centers and dive shops. Glass bottom boat cruises are also popular to see the colorful underwater world. The main shopping areas are at the resort area of Na'ama Bay, located five miles from the port. Egyptian cotton, Pharaonic souvenirs and gold cartouches are popular. There are plenty of eateries at Na'ama Bay, and the hotels offer a variety of restaurants with everything from seafood to international cuisine and fast food.

May 27, 2027 - Sokhna

Sokhna is situated in the northwestern coast of Egypt. The climate in this destination is classified as hot desert, with normal temperatures ranging in the high 90’s. The beautiful sandy turquoise water beaches bring in many tourists looking to relieve some stress and enjoy a calming yet memorable holiday. Relax and enjoy the calm waters of the red sea, or have a guide introduce you to some of the amazing pyramids Egyptian terrain has to offer. 

May 27, 2027 - Suez Canal

The Suez Canal links two oceans and two seas the Atlantic and Mediterranean via Gibraltar to Port Said, and the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea via Bab Al Mandab and the Gulf of Suez to the port of Suez. It is the longest Canal that has no locks, it can be widened and deepened at any time when necessary. The Suez Canal's strategic importance lies in the fact it is essential for world trade and greatly shortens the distance between East and West. The distance between Tokyo (Japan) and Rotterdam (Holland) is shortened by 23% if it goes round Africa.

May 28, 2027 - Suez Canal

The Suez Canal links two oceans and two seas the Atlantic and Mediterranean via Gibraltar to Port Said, and the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea via Bab Al Mandab and the Gulf of Suez to the port of Suez. It is the longest Canal that has no locks, it can be widened and deepened at any time when necessary. The Suez Canal's strategic importance lies in the fact it is essential for world trade and greatly shortens the distance between East and West. The distance between Tokyo (Japan) and Rotterdam (Holland) is shortened by 23% if it goes round Africa.

May 29, 2027 - At Sea

May 30, 2027 - Limassol

Every night people celebrate events momentous and trivial. Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, housed in an old mansion. Walk ten miles of beautiful beaches, known as Cypriot Riviera. Stroll in the sea promenade or visit lush Municipal Gardens. On the coastal road to the east, just after luxurious hotels, you will find Amathus, one of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port. West of Limassol lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain a tower surrounding living quarters, and an ancient sugar factory. Visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, overlooking the blue Mediterranean. And explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo.

May 31, 2027 - Rhodes

Rhodes is one of Greece’s favored vacation centers and was an important cultural center with a well-known School of Rhetoric attended by such greats as Cicero and Caesar. Rhodes' most famous attractions originated with the Knights of St. John, who occupied parts of the island from 1310 to 1522 and left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and Knights' Hospital, which houses an Archaeological Museum with interesting exhibits of national archaeological finds. Rhodes has inspired many artists. The Old Town offers shopping opportunities and lively nightlife. At Mount Filerimos a church has been built on the site of an ancient temple. A popular excursion is to the charming village of Lindos. Its premier attraction, the ancient acropolis, stands atop sheer cliffs. Walls of a 13th-century Crusader castle enclose the site. Today, the winding path up to the acropolis is lined by stalls, where locals sell lace tablecloths and souvenirs. Mandraki Harbor's entrance is flanked by stone columns topped by figures of a stag and a hind, the town's heraldic animals.

Jun 01, 2027 - Kusadasi (Ephesus)

Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.

Jun 02, 2027 - Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Jun 03, 2027 - At Sea

Jun 04, 2027 - Igoumenitsa (Meteora)

Igoumenitsa has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period (250,000-9000 BC), initially within the Sideris Cave. This northwestern Grecian coastal city boasts of its rich history dating back to ancient times, and serves as a stop before boat vessels cross the Adriatic. Stroll along the waterfront promenade for views of the sea.

Jun 05, 2027 - Bari

Bari (ancient Barium) is an industrial city in the Apulia region of southern Italy and a seaport on the Adriatic Sea. The old quarter of the city sits on a promontory separating the old and new harbors. It is the site of two notable Romanesque churches: the Basilica of San Nicola (11th-12th century) and the cathedral (late 12th century). Bari was formerly a Greek colony and later a Roman trading settlement. It came under the domination of the Lombards, the Byzantines, and the Normans. It was a key Italian naval base during World War II and sustained heavy damage. From here it is easy to visit Alberobello and Egnazia.

Jun 06, 2027 - Zadar

Zadar's many promenadors on the shore have a feeling they are on board the starboards of which are being laved by the waves carried by the warm zephyrus. Zadar is a town on the seaside. It is floating on the reef and closing from times a gap between itself and land, a harbor which was a pulse of its history. All the maritime and land ways led to this harbour and on their crossings the ancient marketplace was made, which became the origin of the Town, the very springwell of its life.

Jun 07, 2027 - Koper

Koper is the main Slovenian port and the entrance to the inland of the Central Europe. It is located on the "top" of Istria. Koper was an island till the 19th century. Later the town and the island were connected with the mainland. Old town centre boasts with the rich architecture and cultural monuments.

Jun 08, 2027 - Ravenna

Ravenna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy and is connected to the the Adriatic Sea by the Corsini Canal. The city is famed for its buildings that date from the 5th, 6th, and 7th centuries and for the mosaics that decorate many of the interiors. Most notable are the tomb of Galla Placidia; the octagonal baptistery of Archbishop Neon (flourished 5th century), which may have been transformed from a Roman bath; the octagonal Arian Baptistery (5th-6th century); and the Church of San Vitale (consecrated in 547). Ravenna also contains the tombs of the Ostrogothic emperor Theodoric, and of Dante.

Jun 09, 2027 - Split

Split, the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast, is the heart of Dalmatia. The old town is built around the harbor on the south side of a high peninsula sheltered from the open sea by many islands. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian (245-313), noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here from 295 to 305. Since 1945 Split has grown into a major industrial city with large apartment-block housing areas. Much of old Split remains, however, and this combined with its exuberant nature makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.

Jun 10, 2027 - Dubrovnik

Classed as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO, Dubrovnik is a place of ancient streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. The city is enclosed by stone walls, and the highlight is a leisurely walk atop these massive walls for a great view of the city and the sea. Entering Dubrovnik, you are greeted by an impressive pedestrian promenade, the Placa, which extends before you all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town. The Orlando Tower here is a favorite meeting place. Just inside the city walls near the Pile Gate is the Franciscan Monastery housing the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. For a fantastic panorama of the city, take a cable car ride to the summit of the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj.

Jun 11, 2027 - At Sea

Jun 12, 2027 - Valletta

Valletta is the capital of Malta. This remarkable fortified city with its massive bastions followed the most advanced Renaissance ideas in town planning, with streets laid straight on a grid looking over the Grand Harbour. Outside the 'City Gate' is the famous Triton Fountain. 'City Gate' has public buses and vendors selling soft drinks and all sorts of traditional fresh Maltese bread and sweets. Freedom Square shows an extraordinary capital with buildings of fine architecture of different tastes and styles ranging from the Mannerism to Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism. Valletta is a fascinating city for wandering around looking at what used to be the Knight's own cathedrals and Auberges. The city's backbone is Republic Street, which runs straight through the city center to Fort St. Elmo. Valletta has several narrow, steep side streets decorated with traditional Maltese pastel colored balconies and a statue on almost every street corner. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.

Jun 13, 2027 - Messina, Sicily

Situated on the western shore of the Strait bearing its name, the port at the entrance to Sicily is one of the deepest and safest in the Mediterranean. The city's was rebuilt low buildings to minimize the danger of earthquakes. This gives the center a pleasant, open townscape combining sea, sky and hills. Train-ferries, car-ferries and hydrofoils make the connection across the Strait of Messina to Reggio Calabria on the Italian mainland. Among the main attractions is the Norman-Romanesque cathedral, with an adjoining bell tower. The works of Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina and two large Caravaggios can be seen at the Museo Regionale - which features an interesting collection of material salvaged after the 1908 earthquake. From Messina, excursions are possible to Taormina, Mount Etna and across the Strait to mainland Italy.

Jun 14, 2027 - Sorrento

Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty and is known as a popular gateway to Italy's most spectacular stretch of coastline - the Amalfi Drive lined with fishing villages and famous resorts. The seaside resort of Amalfi sits with weathered houses scrambling up steep cliffs. Visitors marvel at its location and its magnificent cathedral. The religious sanctuary of Cloister of St. Francis is worth a visit. The tiny, exclusive resort of Positano has its famous world-class hotel, San Pietro. Excavations of the ruined city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 A.D. during the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, give visitors a vivid impression of life in a very wealthy ancient city and the tragic end of its population. The Isle of Capri ranks as one of the most beautiful islands and has captured visitors for centuries with excellent climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns. Capri has lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants. Museo Correale contains a death mask of poet Torquato Tasso and some special editions of his works, pictures, furniture and porcelain.

Jun 15, 2027 - Rome (Civitavecchia)

Civitavecchia is the port city for Rome. Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City. With its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafés and elegant shops, Rome is one of the world’s most attractive cities. Among the most famous monuments is the Colosseum where spectators watched combats between muscled gladiators and ferocious animals. Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once a political and commercial center. Rome’s squares were enhanced with such imposing structures as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di Trevi. Awe at Christendom’s most magnificent church, the Sistine Chapel. The busy square Piazza Venezia is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. Take a stroll to Rome's famous Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is the site of lovely St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, where for 200 years, Renaissance masters worked on its design and created an unparalleled masterpiece. Visit Vatican Museum.