Travel

Mediterranean Adventure Tours:

One by Land and Another by Sea

icturing a get-away filled with Rome: Discover Historic Ancient intrigue, history and charm? Let the Ruins Psplendor of the Mediterranean direct your way to a dream vacation. Promising Your exciting tour begins in historic joyful memories to last a lifetime, there Rome, set amidst the glorious backdrop are two brilliant ways to tour the region, of ancient ruins. You’ll be greeted to a by land or by sea. Explore quaint villages, welcome dinner with wine at a specially dramatic cathedrals, ancient cities and selected local restaurant. Commence ruins, and historic sites. Travel through your sightseeing with a guided tour picturesque countryside and visit of The Colosseum of Rome, the large charming ports on emerald colored seas. amphitheater where deadly combat Delight your senses tasting regional of gladiators and wild animals took mouthwatering cuisine and enjoy place long ago. Built to hold 50,000 staying in luxurious accommodations. spectators, it was commissioned by observe the 2,000 year old red-granite Learn history on a fully-escorted seven- Emperor Vespasian and later completed Egyptian obelisk. Walk along the lines of day Italian land tour from Rome to by his son in AD 80. Just outside is travertine, as you stand facing St. Peter’s Venice or delight in a smorgasbord of the Arch of Constantine, a 25 m high Basilica, known as “the greatest of all excursions aboard a seven night Western monument built in AD 315 to mark Churches of Christendom.” This Late Mediterranean Cruise. Here are sample Constantine’s victory over Maxentius. Renaissance church is a crowned jewel ways to explore: Stop at the Vatican Museums, resonating of Vatican City, regarded as one of the with history, art, culture and faith. Step holiest sites of the Catholic religion. ■■ A LAND TOUR: 7 Days from Rome to inside the Sistine Chapel, location for Venice Papal Conclaves and important Catholic Florence: Explore the Cradle of services. The Chapel of the Apostolic Italian Culture Palace is well-known for Michelangelo’s High Renaissance artwork on the Let scenic Italian countryside lead your way to Florence, capital city of by D.J. Wilson ceiling and wall frescos. St. Peter’s Square, the massive plaza located in the Italian region of Tuscany. Tuscany front of St. Peter’s Basilica, is a must-see is located in central Italy and stretches destination along your tour. There, you’ll from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The ancient city of Florence, Travel

Travel through picturesque

countryside and visit

charming ports on emerald

colored seas. Delight your

senses tasting regional

mouthwatering cuisine and

enjoy staying in luxurious

accommodations. Learn

history on a fully-escorted

seven-day Italian land tour

from Rome to Venice or

delight in a smorgasbord

of excursions aboard

a seven night Western

Mediterranean Cruise

cradle of Italian language and culture, between 1501 and 1504 to represents stunning visuals as you board a private offers many treasures in architecture, the Biblical hero. Originally placed in boat for your personal tour of this religious buildings, squares, gardens, the city’s most important square near romantic location. A guided walking and monuments. Picturesque Florence the seat of the government, the marble tour with historical interpretations lies in the basin of the Senese Clavey statue is currently conserved in the awaits your visit. Explore St. Mark’s Hills, with the Arno and three minor Academy Gallery. A replica replaces the Square, constructed in the 9th century, rivers flowing through the town. The original one in the L-shaped Signoria and the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica. majority of the city was built during the Square. Nicknamed “Church of Gold” due to its Renaissance, with the historic center opulence, the Basilica is the seat of the offering much old-world charm. The Venice: Embrace history, beauty Patriarch of Venice, archbishop of the Gothic style domed cathedral of Santa & romance. Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. Maria del Fiore stands as a symbol of Explore Doge’s Palace, dating to the early religious faith and architectural beauty. Complete your land tour in the 15th century, the Palace was residence to Relax in a lovely Florence hotel, complete northeastern city of Venice, capital of the supreme authority of the Republic with gracious accommodations. Set your the Veneto region. Titled “Queen of the of Venice. Enjoy posing for photographs sights on adventure on a guided walking Adriatic,” this floating city is considered tour to observe the statue of David, which to be one of the most beautiful man- Renaissance artist Michelangelo created made places in the world. Experience Travel

Mediterranean Adventure Tours: One by Land and Another by Sea beside one of the most famous bridges examples. Please note that all excursions ■■ Provence (Marseilles), France: which connects Doge’s Palace to prisons are subject to change. To experience Provence, a guided tour of the 16th century which lie across excursion via luxury coach delivers an the canal. The Bridge of Sighs, built of ■■ Barcelona, Spain: intimate look at French Provencal village limestone in 1600, is an enclosed bridge Offering late departure options, life. Ride through the town of Cavaillon adorned in ornamental decorations. sightseeing and city tours are and see the high cliffs which look down Learn the legends of the bridge and of available to view landmarks along the upon the charmingly antiquated town. its reference in poet Lord Byron’s 1812 picturesque streets of Barcelona. Enjoy Head to Saint- Rémy, the famous location book. Culminate your travel to Venice a trip to Montserrat Mountains and where Vincent van Gogh painted a with a live glass-blower demonstration see where the Benedictine Monastery famous landscape, , depicting the view with surprise gift, followed by a farewell of Montserrat was founded in the 11th outside of his sanitarium room window. drink at Italy’s oldest café. Take pleasure century. Montserrat is one hour from Saint- Rémy, nestled in the hills, is full of in the elegant service of Caffé Florian, intriguing medieval alleyways, fountains, well-known for its delicious pastries, and buildings like Nostradamus’ native coffee, teas, porcelains, fine chocolates house and Renaissance mansions. and gorgeous frescoed rooms.

A SEA TOUR: A Spectacular 7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise Excitement awaits you aboard the well-appointed MS Liberty of the Seas, a newly renovated Royal Caribbean photo: CNeumann International Freedom class cruise Barcelona and offers stunning views ship. Home-ported in Barcelona, from the mountaintop monastery where Spain, travelers enjoy a 7 night sail to pilgrims come to worship the black beautiful Mediterranean destinations, Madonna. Visit the Sagrada Familia, an photo: Snapshots of the Past where temperate climates and stunning important Roman Catholic Cathedral Enjoy guided tours of the Remparts and coastlines entice and enlighten spirits. located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. visit the dominant structure of Saint- Relax on deck or enjoy many of the ships The cathedral has become Barcelona’s Martin Church. Originally built in 1122, extensive sports facilities including a most popular tourist attraction and is the church collapsed in 1818. Standing rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, considered by many to be an unfinished today is the Greek-Revival design dating mini-golf, and surf simulators. Your masterpiece of modernist architect, from 1821, except for the 14th century choice of dining options are plentiful, Antoni Gaudi. Currently undergoing bell tower. After discovering the town’s offering a three level formal dining construction, the dramatic cathedral main attractions, you’ll have some free room, casual traditional dining, a café, will have eighteen towers when time to shop in the village. Return to ice cream shop, steakhouse, a diner, completed. Four towers on three facades the coach and enjoy a short drive to Les Italian fare and an Asian themed casual are designed to represent the twelve Baux de Provence to visit the interesting dining. Whether at port or at sea, your apostles, four more symbolize the four town, with much of it amazingly carved Western Mediterranean sail is bound to evangelists, another is dedicated to the in the limestone of Alpilles range. deliver immense pleasure. Virgin Mary, and the tallest dedicated Beautiful Ports you’ll visit along to Jesus. Tower tours are also available, ■■ Villefranche (Nice), France: leading you to the top to discover Enjoy a beautiful coastline drive from the way: breathtaking views of Barcelona. Villefranche to Old Monaco, where Various excursions are offered at leisure you’ll begin with a guided walking for additional fees. Here are some tour of the town. Explore the Rock of Travel

Mediterranean Adventure Tours: One by Land and Another by Sea

tower’s inclination remains a mystery, from the Etruscans who predated the though soil composition may play a Romans. Enjoy the bronze sculptures, role. Enjoy learning the significance of vases, sarcophagi, and sophisticated art the surrounding historic buildings from and jewelry to remind us of their legacy. your expert tour guide, followed by free time to explore. The nearby cathedral, or ■■ Naples (Capri), Italy: Duomo di Pisa, is an impressive example Noted for its picturesque beauty, the of Romanesque architecture. So, too, is region is adorned in classical Greek The Baptistery of St. John, constructed of and Roman style architecture. Many marble and the largest one of its kind in Italy. See the historical edifice of at the northern edge of the Cathedral Square. photo: Bamzin Monaco, home of the principality’s royal Grimaldi family. A visit to Old Town of Monaco includes views of the façade of Prince’s Palace, residence of the current Prince of Monaco. During th th the 19 and 20 centuries, the palace interesting tours are available of the and its residents became symbols of city, as well as to intriguing places decadence associated with Monte Carlo just outside of Naples, such as shore and the French Riviera. After marrying excursions to Capri and Pompeii. Travel Prince Rainier in 1956, American Actress via a 40 minute boat ride to Capri and by Grace Kelly became Princess Consort of Learn about the sacred soil brought back funicular into the town which overlooks th Monaco and brought further glamour from Golgotha in the 12 century and the marina and Sorrento Peninsular. to the palace until her untimely death. observe the impressive cloister. Enjoy La Piazzetta, which comes alive for On your visit, explore Saint Nicholas shopping and night club activities. Head th ■ Cathedral, the 19 century Monaco ■ Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: back to Naples via boat and proceed to Romanesque church and the final resting Your tour begins with a 30 minute drive Pompeii on a 30 minute drive via bus. place of Grace Kelly. Leaving Monaco, from Civitavecchia to the ancient city of Enjoy a delightful lunch, complemented travel along portions of the Grand Prix Tarquinia. Discover the quaint medieval with Italian champagne or house wine, Motor Circuit on route to Monte Carlo village, founded in 449 BC, on your own. at a specially selected local restaurant. to visit the famous Casino Square, an Located in the heart of the Etruscan Next, visit the archaeological site of attractive gambling and entertainment region, you’ll have one hour to explore Pompeii to discover a Roman town complex, and its surrounding area. the historical center, including the 14th- buried under 20 feet of ash and stone Expect to do a fair amount of walking century Town Hall Lodge, beautiful and caused by the eruption of Mount on this tour. Upon your return, you’ll churches and the 15th century Palazzo Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walk the intriguing discover stunning panoramic views and dei Priori. If time allots, enjoy a visit to ruins and excavated sites to discover sweep past medieval seaside villages. the National Etruscan Museum featuring how the civilization once lived and a priceless collection of art and artifacts prospered. ■■ La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Italy: The port city of La Spezia is set amidst the beautiful Tuscan surroundings. You may choose to take a 30 minute drive to For more information on these travel the historic piazza of Field of Miracles to opportunities, contact Hometown Travel view the infamous bell tower, the beloved at xxxxxx Leaning Tower of Pisa. The reason for the