Buried Roman cities, teetering coastal villages, awe-inspiring art and sun-kissed beaches — the Mediterranean has a special magic that always leaves you wanting more!
For those looking for a little more than a cruise, World Journeys has combined the best of both worlds with some in-depth touring of Venice, Tuscany and the charming villages of the Cinque Terre, followed by an extensive 20-night Mediterranean cruise.
Departing Rome, you ‘set sail’ for the walled city of Dubrovnik with its polished limestone streets, theatrical architecture and charming cafes. The easiest way to explore is simply on foot. Take a walk on the city wall for a bird’s eye view!
On to Greece, the island of Corfu is infused with culture and history, set amongst stunning beaches, verdant mountains and traditional villages. From Katakolon head to Olympia, founded in the 8th Century BC and site of the original Olympic Games. Athens is deserving of the often over-used word ‘iconic’. Ancient structures neighbour modern apartments, performances are staged in old amphitheatres, and millennia-old monuments are scattered around the Acropolis. Santorini is just picture perfect, the white-washed buildings set against blue skies and azure seas. Turkey also boasts impressive ancient ruins – with one of most legendary cities of the ancient world at Ephesus.
Arriving in Naples, you have the chance to visit Pompeii, Sorrento and the Amalfi coast, but save some energy for Rome. Need we mention the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum, St Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Peter and the Sistine Chapel – dive in!
Visit the eclectic island of Gibraltar, and enjoy a real taste of Spain in Cadiz and Barcelona. Stop in at the famous Dali Museum of Palamos, then delight in the colourful Gaudi architecture, and salivate your way around the Bouqueria Markets of Las Ramblas.
Get a glimpse of the lives of the rich and famous in Monte Carlo, with its casinos, boutique-lined boulevards and glitzy restaurants, but make sure you wander off the main drag and you’ll find some charming old streets.
Livorno is the gateway to Pisa and Florence, but if you’re happy to enjoy a leisurely local lunch, we can recommend the cacciuco, a local spicy fish stew. Returning to Rome, reflect on the diversely amazing ports-of-call you have just experienced.
A small group of no more than 18 guests will be hosted on this journey, but that’s where any resemblance to a standard tour group ends. Special experiences have been included to provide that ‘wow’ factor, such as wine tasting in Tuscany, dinner at an olive farm and a private walking tour of the world’s oldest Jewish quarter in Venice. Your World Journeys host is there to take care of tipping and generally smooth the way, leaving you to simply relax and enjoy the very best of the Med. (Caroline Clegg, World Journeys)
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11/2019