mediterranean cruise

PORTS OF CALL VILLEFRANCHE Villefranche is a typically French fishing village which rises steeply from the sea. It offers numerous parks that meander their way throughout the village. Quaint walkways housing small shops, restaurants and bars make up the historic district., entered by walking up the steps just to the right when you have exited the tender wharf. The beach is found by following the ocean into the bay. CANNES Cannes is one of the best known cities of the French Riviera. Its chic elegance attracts an international clientele. A variety of shopping is available on the lively rue Meyandier. Stroll along The Croisette which follows the curve of the bay for three kilometres to view the flowering gardens, lawns planted with among others, palm trees and umbrella pines all the way to Port Canto, Palm Beach and a sea water health spa. There are plenty of historic sites to see, public and private sand beaches and flower fruit and vegetable markets. MONACO Bounded by the mountains and the sea, the principality of Monaco has become, over the years, a focus of attraction and a popular resort for tourists, well known the world over. The principality is made up of; the Rocher, or rock, which overlooks the port and on which the Prince’s Palace stands; and the Condamine, Moneghetti, Monte Carlo (containing the Casino) and the Tenao districts, as well as the new Larvotto and Fontvieille districts, recently built up on land reclaimed from the sea. The harbour, an innovative floating dock was built to prolong the Port of Hercules, providing the Principality with essential infrastructure for the expansion of its maritime activities and offering the great cruisers a quality stop-off place. It is possible , during one visit to take in most of the key sites on the tiny state, two kilometres long by one kilometre wide that is the Principality of Monaco. Luxurious yachts After a short clime to view the Palace a stroll along the harbour, which is filled with , a lift will take you up to the ‘Golden Square’ of the Principality, the official name of Monte-Carlo, The Belle Époque. Containing the Casino, the Hotel de Paris and the Café de Paris where multitudes of the rich and famous. VENICE Sailing into Venice is a memory that will last forever and an experience that few will ever experience. Venice lies in the centre of a vast, shallow lagoon ,connected to the sea by six “harbour mouths” through which, every six hours, sea water flows in and out. It is impossible to see all or even most of Venice in a day. It is advisable to purchase a guide book before you sail so that you can plan your day ahead. You will certainly want to return to Venice on another visit. One of the best ways to explore Venice is on foot, as no cars are allowed. The romantic among you may enjoy a gondola ride. Venice is a unique structure consisting of canals and over 500 bridges. No town-planning scheme was made: personal freedom built where and how it was necessary, and as a result every single corner of Venice is a surprise, a picture, an unrivalled heaven to painters. There is only one square in Venice. It’s called Piazza S. Marco (saint Marks Square) while any other square area is referred to as “campo” (literally field). The square is surrounded on three sides by a succession of buildings rather similar to one another even if they do belong to different times. The Campanile (98.60m. High) is an impressive brickwork building crowned by a belfry and topped in turn by a revolving gilded angel. It is worth climbing up to the top to admire the enticing view over Venice and the Lagoon. Venetians had an innate fine taste and loved to add a touch of art to everything. There are 167 churches in Venice, all richly decorated Palaces. The Rialto bridge and the Bridge of Sighs are worth seeking out.