Cruising the Mediterranean
There are often two sides to things – coins, thoughts, ideas. If you’re heading into the Mediterranean for a cruise, the same holds true for the ports you visit.
The Mediterranean is one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, and for good reason. Coastlines that vary from untouched cliffs and sandy bays to busy resorts, brimming with activities. The Mediterranean also spans three continents and few seas can claim to span so many different cultures, sights, sounds and experiences.
Visiting the northern coastline of the Mediterranean you’ll find Spanish coasts where sun, sea and sangria are the order of the day, there’s Italy with all its art and culture, the south of France which is the land of the grape, a myriad of Greek islands, and the Croatian coastline.
To the south, you can cruise past Arabia, Africa, and the Holy Land, and even spot the tip of Asia too. Ancient civilisations, Saharan sand dunes, and some of the first trading capitals of the world are all at your fingertips here.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for cosmopolitan resorts in the north, or historical monuments in the south, a cruise in the Mediterranean will take you on a voyage of discovery from beginning to end.
Shopping, Sights and Splendour – The North
Palma
Majorca is for many people an island of sunshine, cheap resorts and excellent beaches. Palma, its capital, is one of the most accessible Spanish cities, and has been voted (by the Spanish) as one with the best quality of life. In Palma you’ll find a vibrant and stylish island community with a passion for life and celebrating. Within the old town you’ll find fantastic tapas restaurants which are celebrated throughout Spain. You’ll also see avenues of shops full of Spanish fashion and designer brands and a marina where wonderful yachts are moored while their owners enjoy a drink in one of the many bars.
Rome
Just a short transfer from Civitavecchia, lies Rome. Start by the Colosseum, and you can almost hear the roar of the crowd, as the gladiators and animals once did in this immense arena. Cross over the street, and you’re at the ancient Roman Forum and from here you can go on to the Trevi Fountain fed with water from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct since 1762! Then comes the Parntheon in the Piazza della Rotunda – this, the best preserved of all the ancient Roman Monuments, was constructed for Hadrian in 125 AD and has the widest dome in the world. St Peters Basilica in the Vatican may have a dome that’s narrower (only by three feet though), but this amazing religious shrine is an incredible gallery to some of the greatest of the Renaissance artists such as Bernini and Giotto.
Dubrovnik
This jewel of a city was affected during the breakdown of Yugoslavia, but has risen like a phoenix and remains one of the diamonds of the region. Its fortifications and port are classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It was probably in its hey-day in the 16th Century, and had palaces and stately home; even today their facades still seem ornate and elaborate.
Placa, the main (pedestrian only) thoroughfare is a wonderful mixture of shops and cafes with monuments at either end. Every side street is peppered with churches, monasteries, museums, arcades and galleries, and walking among them is a delight. The best view is to walk along the city walls in the early morning sunshine and look out over the red tiled roofs, glistening in the early morning light.
History, Mystery and Gastronomy – The South
Algiers
A thriving metropolis with somewhere in the region of 3,500,000 inhabitants,Algiers may seem to be living in the now, but it does have a historic heart. The old part of Algiers is the ancient city of the Deys which rises from the slopes of the steep hillside. At its highest point is the Casbah or Citadel standing a full 400 feet above the sea. This historic city dates to the 17th century and has many coffee shops, mosques, souks, and museums, and its history can be seen in the architecture. Moorish mosaic lined mosques, Palaces with Ottoman influences and Berber fortifications, and then modern tree lined boulevards and peaceful squares with colonial houses brought in by the French.
The Notre Dame d’Afrique standing high on a cliff looking out over the bay of Algiers, is one of the city’s best known landmarks, and is said to be the spiritual sister to the church of Notre Dame in Marseille on the other side of the Mediterranean.
Hammamet
A melting pot of cuisine styles combines here to create some really memorable meals. With blends of traditional Tunisian, Moorish influence, Mediterranean and African foods all rolled together. The Avenues de la Republique, a 15th century medina on the sea front, will serve you Tunisian food at it’s most colourful and spiciest, while you dine al fresco, on terraces looking out over the sea.
In the daytime, Hammamet is a vibrant resort ,with stores selling wonderful wares of carpets, pottery, silverware, jewellery and slippers. A btrip to the Municipal market in Avenue de la Republique may find you the same treasures a little more cheaply. The theme park Carthageland, in the rue de la Medina has thrilling rides that are based on the colourful history of Tunisia – children love it!
Alexandria
This is the second largest city in Egypt. Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, it became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt, and home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – a giant lighthouse. Very little of the city that can be seen today - mostof the city was created in the 19th century, when the port was becoming more popular.
Despite its promenade being lined with casinos and world class hotels, Alexandria is still a very cultural city. It was once known as the city of libraries after the Library of Alexandria, reportedly the largest library in the ancient world. Its most famous museum is the Greco-Roman museum which is home to the largest Greek and Roman collections in Egypt. The Alexandria National Museum holds over 1800 archaeological pieces and there’s also the Royal Jewellery Museum.
