Shore Excursions

Shor

e Ex

curs

ions

Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions

- 3 -

RomeOstia Antica, Square and Foutains

Ostia Antica:Leaving Rome and following the cost road it takes about

30 minutes to reach Ostia, the Roman city of the

Imperial age whose Latin name "Ostium" means "Mouth

of the river" reflecting its position along the Tiber river.

Ostia was founded around the 42th century BC by King

Anco Marzio and became the harbour of Rome around

which throughout the following centuries, a flourishing

trade and business centre developed. Your visit to Ostia

Antica itself starts at Via delle Tombe which leads to the

Porta Romana one of the city's three gates. Then you

will arrive at the Terme di Nettuno where you can

admire the beautiful black and white mosaics

representing Neptune and Amphitrite, the theatre built

by Agrippa and the Forum. At the end of Via dei Dipinti,

the Museo Ostiense displays some of the ancient

sculptures and mosaics found among the ruins

PantheonDuring classical antiquity this temple was dedicated to

all gods of pagan Rome. Marco Vispasiano Agrippa,

Agusto's favourite son, built it between 27 and 25 BC in

law, to celebrate bis victory against the Persians. The

original rectangular shape was modified after two fires

when Adriano rebuilt it in a circular shape in AD 125.

That is why it then became a Christian church and was

dedicated to "Santa Maria and Martyred", to all the

saints in substitution for the ancient pagan gods.

According to legend the opening on the dome was

made by a vicious demon, who, during the consecration

ceremony of the church wanted to escape and managed

to demolish this part of the roof with butts of his horns.

Piazza NavonaThe history of the square goes back to Ancient Rome. In

this area rose the large Circus of the Emperor Domitian.

As a matter of fact the vast elliptical shape of the square

matches exactly the outlines of the circus. Here were

carried out mock sea battles, grandiose public shows,

games etc. In the following centuries, although the

complex fell into ruins, the site was still a favourite spot

by the Romans.

In the Middle Ages several festivals took place in this

square, it was used for jousting, horse-racing, and water

festivals. During the latter, which often took place in the

stifling dog-days of August, the piazza was flooded and

Rome's aristocracy had their gilded carriages pulled

around the artificial lake, while throwing money on every

hand in order to increase popular gayety.

The square, with its fountains, the church of S.Agnese,

Palazzo Pamphilj and the buildings that surround it, was

already constructed between the 1600's and 1700's.

The church was designed by Borromini (1645-50).

Pope Innocent X was buried here. Once completed the

square, the Pope continued to embellish it with the

construction of two fountains. One of these, masterpiece

by Bernini, is the central Fountain of the Rivers.

On the group of rocks sit the giants symbolizing the

rivers of the four Continents: the Nile, the Ganges, the

Danube and the River of the Plata.

Today the square is surrounded by characteristic

coffees and wine-bars, in the centre of the square the

painters expose their works, and the Romans, adults

and kids, come to take a walk creating an indissoluble

harmony between art, history and true life.

Piazza di SpagnaIn the middle of the square rises the obelisk point of

convergence of different roads. Roman imitation of the

Egyptian obelisks, it dates back to the Imperial age, it

came from the Gardens of Sallustio, but it was put here

as element of link between the church and the stairway.

The hieroglyphs were carved in Rome imitating those of

the obelisk of Piazza del Popolo. At the corner formed

by the convergence of Sistina Street and Gregorian

Street stands Palazzetto Zuccari, planned by Federico

Zuccari and known with the appellative of "house of the

monsters" because the windows on the sides are

modelled on mouths of monsters. Here lived the queen

Shore Excursions / Rome

- 4 -

of Poland Maria Sobiesky.Proscenium to the church is

the monumental stairway of the church Trinità dei Monti

planned in 1726 by Francesco De Sanctis and realized

completely in travertine marble. He chose as reference

and for inspiration the number three, in honour of the

church of the Trinity, De Sanctis created a flight of steps

divided in three parts which unite and then converge

immediately in two opposite directions in an alternation

of convexity and concavity of the walls, of the staircases

and of its squares. Since 1951 in April and May a great

exhibition of azaleas gives to the stairway a particular

fascination.

Shore Excursions / Rome

- 5 -

Vatican CityVatican City and Ancient Rome

Vatican City

After crossing the park of Villa Borghese we reach the

Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state

in the world.

In the Vatican Museum, you'll be show a fine collection

of antiquities, including:

• The sculpture museum

• The fascinating tapestry gallery

• The gallery of maps

• The world famous Sistine Chapel, decorated by

Michelangelo

The tour will then proceed to St. Peter's Basilica, when

you will view the art treasures of the largest Roman

catholic church in the world, including Michelangelo's

Pietà

Ancient RomePassing by Piazza Barberini, with the Triton Fountain by

Bernini, we proceed to Piazza Venezia, where you will

see the imposing memorial to Victor Emanuel II, the first

king of United Italy.

The tour will then proceed to the Roman Forum, the old

centre of Imperial City, where the Senate House, the

Basilicas and the Temples of the major gods are

located.

After walking down the Via Sacra and passing by the

Arch of Titus, you will visit the Coliseum, surrounded by

impressive monuments such as the ruins of the Arch of

Constantine the Great.

Duration 6 hours

Shore Excursions / Vatican City

- 6 -

Pompei and Sorrento

Pompei

It is my opinion that Pompeii is the most

important archeological site anywhere.

Almost every other ancient urban site is

simply the remains of a ghost town, long

ago deserted by its citizens who carried

away with them everything of value. Prior

to the eruption of Vesuvius, Pompeii was a

thriving city. Then it was buried with so little

warning in 79 A.D. that Pompeii was

literally frozen in time.

If we want to know details about what

life was like in a Roman city during the

first century, I think by studying Pompeii

we can get the very best perspective

with the least speculation. We can

understand how the privileged rich man

and the ordinary slave lived from day to

day in the Roman Empire during the

time when Christianity was beginning to

spread throughout the Mediterranean. A

better understanding of life in Pompeii,

a city with both Roman and Greek

inf luence, can help us to better

understand many of the writings of the

New Testament.

Sorrento

Sorrento is one of the best known

resorts in Italy, situated on a tract of

coastline of unrivalled beauty, on the

northern slope of the Sorrent ine

Peninsu la , in a she l tered spot ,

surrounded by luxuriant hills where

vines, olives and above all high quality

citrus fruits are grown. The site of

patrician villas during Roman times, it

has been a highly prestigious retreat

s ince 700 . Sor ren to has been

nicknamed "La Gentile" because of the

gentleness of its climate, the refinement

of its streets and gardens and of the

friendliness of its inhabitants.

Sorrento nestles on a tufaceous terrace,

50 meters high, which falls steeply

down to a blue, crystalline sea. This

peculiar geographical position gives it a

special character. The city does not

have a promenade, but looks down, like

a balcony, over the port and two

Marinas, with unexpectedly charming

views. Access to the sea is gained

mostly via stairs, passageways carved

into the rock and lifts.

Deaprture from Naples : 8:30 am returnby 5:00pm

Shore Excursions / Pompei and Sorrento

- 7 -

Duration 8.5 hours.

Shore Excursions / Pompei and Sorrento

- 8 -

CapriTour

Capri: Luxuriant, extraordinary, and such a mild climate.

Capri is a Mediterranean island of calcareous origin that

has been visited over the centuries by intellectuals,

artists and writers, all enthralled by its magical beauty. A

mix of history, nature, worldliness, culture and events

that daily blend together and bring the Legend of Capri

to life; a legend that sees no comparison anywhere in

the world.

08:30 am the couple meets the guide in port they

transfer to the hydrofoil to reach Capri within 30 minutes

-

leave by hydrofoil to the island of Capri. On arrival,

weather permitting, visit by rowing boat, the Blue Grotto

and tour of the island by car and guide with visit of Capri

and Anacapri . Stop for lunch ( on your own ). Back

again to Marina Grande to board to return to Sorrento

3:30 pm - take the hydrofoil depending on the times

4:00 pm Return to Sorrento in time to board your ship .

Shore Excursions / Capri

- 9 -

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi

When you come to Amalfi, the panorama is wonderful.

White houses clinged on the rocks are opposed to the

big Saint Andrew Church, located in the middle of the

town.

Amalfi is full of steps and to arrive to the Cattedrale di

S.Andrea there is a long way with 57 steps. On the right

side of the Cathedral, we find the church tower(XII

century) while above we discover the chiostro del

Paradiso and the chiesa del Crocifisso. Here the visitor

can discover the historical religious past of the Amalfi

Church.

From the Atrium of the Cathedral, which hoverhangs the

square, we discover little streets that go to discover new

places of Amalfi.Every street hides a square, where in

the past people used to sell his merchandise. Through

one of this street we discover Piazza dei Dogi, still

called Piazza dei Ferrari, because there were smith's

shop. From here, other streets go everywhere; one of

these takes us to the sea, where we find the entrance of

the Antichi Arsenali. Another street takes us to the

Vagliendola quarter, with its tower houses. This street

gets to the Hotel dei Cappuccini. It was a monastry

called San Pietro della Canonica and founded in the XIII

century

Positano

Roman origin, was founded by people from Paestum,

who founded shelter in these three little valleys. It has

followed the same destiny of the Amalfi Republic; it was

the place of the Naval Academy too. During the XVI and

XVII century, it became rich thanks to his trade.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta built in the XIII

century, which his dome is completely in majolica. We

can see, on the major altar, a Byzantine icon of the

Black Madonna with a child, which legend say that

came to Positano, on the wave of the sea.

We can see, on the seaside, some towers, used for

defensive purpose,against the pirates assaults, like the

"Torre Trasita" and "Torre Sponda"

Duration 8.5 hours :

Departure from Naples at 8:30 am return to ship by 5:00

pm

Shore Excursions / Amalfi Coast

- 10 -

FlorenceFull Day

" Florentia", the florid, was the name given by the

Romans to this small settlement located at the foot of

the ancient Etruscan Fiesole and founded in the first

century BC. The Etruscans, an ancient and mysterious

race, of whom we know very little, but who left

numerous testimonies around about Florence, had

settled on the hills surrounding the plain of the river

Arno as far back as the VII-VI centuries BC.

Florence has retained an extraordinary wealth of art

treasures, a glorious witness to its centuries of

civilization. Cimabue and Giotto, forefathers of Italian

painting, lived here; Arnolfo and Andrea Pisano,

renovators of architecture and sculpture; Brunelleschi,

Donatello and Masaccio, innovators of the Renaissance;

Ghiberti and the Della Robbia; Botticelli and universal

men like Leonardo and Michelangelo.

Famous monuments indicate the various stages of

Florentine art: the Baptistry with its mosaics; the Duomo

with its sculptures; medieval churches 'with their

frescoes; public and private palaces - the Palazzo

Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Palazzo

Davanzati; monasteries and cloisters; convents and

"cenacoli"; the Certosa. The Etruscan civilization is well

represented in the Archaeological Museum.

You will be picked up at dock and proceed towards

Florence - drive approx. 1 ½ hours

You will be met by local guide and have a walking tour

including visit of Accademia museum - Michelangelo's

David.

You will have free time to have lunch on your own and

shop .

Duration of Tour 8.5 hours

Departure from Livorno at 8:30 am Return to Dock by

5:00 pm

Shore Excursions / Florence

- 11 -

Livorno - Pisa - LuccaTour

Pisa & Lucca:This tour will give you the opportunity to admire the

leaning tower of Pisa, considered one of the wonders of

the world and the famous Square of Miracles. The tour

will continue to the town of Lucca where you can admire

the medieval wall which still today surrounds the city.

You will be able to walk through the charming alleys of

the historical centre.

The historical center of Lucca is walled, and traffic is

restricted, even motorbikes. Walking is therefore the

best, most enjoyable way to get around .Sights to see

are the Duomo, Palazzo Guinigi, Piazza del Anfiteatro

Romano,Museum of Palazzo Mansi.

8:30 am : Pickup at pier

9:30 am Arrive in Pisa spend time to visit piazza dei

Miracoli and the leaning tower of Pisa for a couple of

hours

11:30 am Depart Pisa for Lucca

Possibile sights : Duomo, Plalzzo Guinigi, Piazza del

Anfiteatro Romano etc.

Have lunch in Lucca

15:30 Depart from Lucca

16:00 Arrive in Livorno

If you prefer to do only Lucca , then you may go directly

there and spend more time to sightsee.

Shore Excursions / Livorno - Pisa - Lucca

- 12 -

VeniceMurano and Burano

The island of Murano became famous in 1291, the year

in which the glass production was transferred here from

the old city center due to fear of fires in the kilns. To get

to the "glass island" you must go to Fondamenta Nuove

. You will catch a glimpse of the San Michele island

while traveling between le Fondamenta Nuove and

Murano. This is Venice's cemetery where famous

people such as Stravinsky and Diaghilev are buried.

Once you get to Murano, get off at the Colonna stop and

walk along the Fondamenta dei Vetrai, where you can

see the famous kilns lined up one after the other. Some

of these are open to the public: choose one to watch the

expert master glass blowers creating an object in glass.

You can also buy blown glass things at the kilns directly.

One of the oldest glassworks is Venini, a company that

exhibits its own work in many Museums of Modern Art

around the world. Just before the Vivarini Bridge you will

see the Church of San Pietro Martire on your left, where

there are some frescoes by Bellini, Tintoretto and del

Veronese. Cross over the bridge and walk along the

Fondamenta Cavour, where the Glass Museum is

located, housing 4000 pieces that shown the

development of glass blowing techniques over the

centuries. One of the items on shown is the wonderful

Barovier cup, made from enamel-painted blown glass

and decorated with allegorical figures. Just a short walk

from the museum there is also the Basilica dei Santi

Maria e Donato, which was built in the 8th century. Here

you can admire the Vergine Orante, a splendid mosaic

that depicts the Virgin Mary. The Basilica also has a

curious fact: the apse in Venetian Byzantine style is

facing the Canal.

Burano

Burano can be reached from the Fondamenta Nuove or

from the Murano Faro stop, Burano is one of the

prettiest islands in the lagoon: it is a miniature Venice

where all the houses are painted in bright colors.

Burano is famous for its lace work, an art carried out

since the sixteenth century and which is famous

worldwide.

As soon as you get off the boat you will walk along Via

Marcello and then turn right to the Fondamenta of San

Mauro: You will soon come to Via Baldassare Galuppi

that opens onto the square with the same name. Here

you will find the Lace Museum, where you can see old

pieces of lace and can watch the various stages of work

carried out by the experts. In the square there is also

the Church of San Marino, which houses the

"Crocefissione" painting by Tiepolo and also Palazzo del

Podestà.

Shore Excursions / Venice

- 13 -

La Spezia & Cinque Terre

To visit the Cinque Terre means to visit five villages

suspended between sea and earth, clinging to the cliffs

and surrounded by green hills. Here the sea, the hills,

the vineyards, the old ancient vil lages and the

Genovese-style churches combine to result in

breathtaking scenery.

Option 1:You will visit the towns of Riomaggiore. After visiting the

village you will move on to the village of Manarola, by

walking through the famous "Via dell'Amore." This

gentle walk will offer you a wonderful view over the

coastal sandstones and Punta Mesco promontory. This

trail, which will take about 20 minutes to walk!

You will continue for Vernazza, passing by Corniglia and

lastly Arrive at Monterosso, the last stop.

8:30 am: Pick up at La Spezia Pier

4:30 pm: Return to La Spezia pier

This tour can be done only by car as quoted or a

combination of car with guide and ferry boat between

towns as option 2 below .

Option 2:Half an hour after you leave your cruise ship you will

arrive in Portovenere, where you will board the ferry with

your guide to reach the first village, Riomaggiore. After

visiting the village you will move on to the village of

Manarola, not by boat but by walking through the

famous "Via dell'Amore." This gentle walk will offer you

a wonderful view over the coastal sandstones and

Punta Mesco promontory. This trail, which will take

about 20 minutes to walk, is suitable for everyone in

your family - and it is unforgettable!

Once in Manarola you can take the boat again to reach

Vernazza, passing by Corniglia. Arrive at Monterosso,

the last stop, where you will find your driver waiting for

you.

Same pickup time

Same return

Shore Excursions / La Spezia & Cinque Terre

- 14 -

Taormina

It has long been Sicily's most famous resort town. It was

here, in romantic Taormina, that a self-exiled D.H.

Lawrence was inspired to write Lady Chatterly's Lover,

one of the most passionate and erotic love stories of its

era. Taormina has endlessly winding medieval streets

and tiny passages, each with its own secrets --great

restaurants, cafés and ice cream bars. Some of these

intriguing places are secluded gardens hidden by stone

walls, others are set on terraces overlooking the coast

or in more public but equally pleasant squares.

Of particular architectural interest are the Greco-Roman

theatre, the Odeon, and the medieval palaces and

churches. Wherever you are in Taormina, Taormina is

beautiful by day but in the evenings its atmosphere is

simply enchanting, whether you stroll the illuminated

streets or indulge in the view of the coast over a

delicious dinner. second largest city.

• Depart Messina at 8:30 am

• Depart Taormina at 3:00 pm and drive through

Messina - highlights of Messina before returning to ship

Shore Excursions / Taormina

- 15 -

Mount Etna

Mount Etna, towers above Catania, Sicily's second

largest city. Etna is Italy's highest and most voluminous

volcano and it has a history that is long and complex.

The oldest lavas, exposed on the lowermost flanks of

the volcano, erupted 300,000 years ago. Between

150,000-100,000 several volcanic centers coalesced

and calderas formed and filled. Between 65,000-25,000

years ago a major vent grew to the southeast of the

present summit. Phreatomagmatic eruptions were

common during this period. Most of the summit of this

volcano was removed by subsequent caldera collapse.

Between 18,000-5,000 years ago four major volcanic

centers continued to construct Etna and three calderas

formed. Valle del Bove is a depression that formed

about 5,000 years ago by gravity sliding on the east

flank of the volcano. Most of the cones, craters, and pre-

historic lava flows and tephra deposits at the summit of

Etna formed within the last 5,000 years.

4WD from 1.900m Rifugio Sapienza up to 2900m

Climb of one hour approx, to the top craters Bocca

Nuova and Central.

Descent passing by the craters of the last eruptions of

2002/03 and 2001 with visit of the Valle del Bove.

Return to departure point after approx 4 hours walk.

Equipment: Mountain boots, rucksack with picnic lunch

and water, wind & water proof jackets, woolen hat and

gloves.

Shore Excursions / Mount Etna

- 16 -

Barcellona

Barcelona's Old city is, without doubt, one of the nicest

and most romantic of Europe. Its small streets, little

shops, everything invites you to wander around, getting

to know every place of this charming area. The centre of

the city is of course Pl. de Catalunya, to the south of

which you can find the old town and most of the

museums and other historical places of interest of the

city. Between Diagonal and Pl. Catalunya is most of the

"Eixample" area ("expansion" in English), which arose

from the famous "Pla Cerdà" (Cerdà's city plan), aimed

at joining the old town with the nearby villages, which

are now part of Barcelona. These villages, such as

Gràcia, Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, etc. have

remained untouched over the years and have kept most

of their own historic and cultural identity. L' Eixample,

with its square blocks of houses forming a grid pattern,

has as its main boulevard the Passeig de Gràcia, where

you will find the famous "Pedrera" of Gaudi. Other

important landmarks are: Sagrada Família, Parc de la

Ciutadella, Barri de la Ribera and L'Illa Diagonal.

Duration : 6.5 hours

Departure dock 9:00 am - Return to dock 15:30

Shore Excursions / Barcellona

- 17 -

Tour Gaudi

The aim of this tour is to visit the main modernist art

route in Barcelona. The dynamism of the Modernist in

he arts at the turn of the 20th century is reflected in the

architecture of the "Eixample" district. The "Eixample"

meaning "expansion", refers to the area where from

1860 onwards the city began to spread beyond the

medieval city walls, key works by Barcelona's genius

architect Gaudì and other leading Modernist movement

but went far beyond it. His unique style, which stemmed

from providing wildly creative solutions to technical

problems and an extravagant ornamentation, still

causes a sensation today. Two of his most striking

works are on the "Passeig de Gracia", the Casa Batllò, a

dazzling example of his use of different materials and

abstracts forms, and further up the Casa Milà, popularly

known as La Pedrera. Gaudi's church Sagrada Familia

is probably the most impressive building in the city and

an unmistakable landmark.

You will pass by the Paseo de Gracia to arrive to the

Park Guell. It was first intended as a residential garden

suburb but was later converted into a colorful,

magnificent, city park. It is blend of nature and

modernist architecture.The park affords impressive

views over the city, which stretches as far as the sea.

Then you'll heard to the Sagrada Familia where you will

receive the explanations of your guide will point the

most relevant modernist buildings. Then you will arrive

to the shopping mall "L'I lla Diagonal" with a range of

different retailer shops, unique gift shops and boutiques

where you will enjoy a limited shopping time before

returning to the cruise.

Duration 4 hours :

Shore Excursions / Tour Gaudi

- 18 -

Cannes, Montecarlo e Monaco

Cannes, Jewel in the crown of the "Côte d'Azur" since

the dawn of time, focal point for festivals throughout the

world and a cultural melting pot, the city of Cannes

welcomes you.

It is the sun which first playfully with the azure blue of

the sea, before laying down to sleep in the arms of its

wooded mountains. It's lush vegetation prospers

languidly in the idyllic climate. The perfect getaway for

those who appreciate the finer things in life.

With its Old Port, the illustrious "Croisette" and the Old

Town, scented with Italian fragrances , Cannes is a

festival of discovery. And with the "Rued'Antibes",

which reads like an honours list of the best known

designers and is the last word in luxury and elegance,

Cannes is also a festival of shopping.

Once in your life you have to go for a trip in Monaco.

This mythic place, between the Alpes and the

Mediterranean sea will offer you dreams and reality.

Alone, both or with your family, for romantic holidays,

simple tourism or a business trip, the Principality of

Monaco will offer you a universe of many facets.

Monaco Monte-Carlo provides you many discoveries, a

highly cultured place with its many museums, nice

welcome with its nicest hotels in the world, sumptuous

gastronomy with his well known restaurants. Everything

is done for your satisfaction! Take the advantage of

what the Principality has to offer by planning your stay in

advance.

Duration : 8.5 hours

Pick up at 8.30 Cannes dock transfer to Monaco, visit

Montecarlo.

Drive through the French Riviera.

Return to Cannes at 17:00

Shore Excursions / Cannes, Montecarlo e Monaco

- 19 -

Nice

It's worth taking the time to discover Nice in depth:

wander at random through the narrow streets of the old

town and then stroll along the famous "Promenade"

before entering into the heart of the city with its rich

architectural and cultural heritage and its parks and

gardens.

Nice has a total of 19 museums and galleries, 32

classified historical monuments and 300 ha of parks and

gardens, woodland and green areas in addition to 150

ornamental lakes and fountains.

IN OLD-NICEWhilst wandering through the old town, take a look at

the "ogival arches" above some of the shops, dating

back to medieval times. They have been carefully

restored, especially in the Rue du Pont Vieux and Rue

de la Préfecture. You can also see many examples of

stone lintels on the facades of private houses.

Le PALAIS de JUSTICE

(Place du Palais)

Law courts built in neo-classical style at the end of the

last century. The courthouse annex occupies Caserne

Rusca, former barracks across the square. A pleasant

pedestrian area separates the two buildings.

Le PALAIS de la PRÉFECTURE

(Rue de la Préfecture)

Formerly the "Palais Royal", built at the beginning of the

17th century to accommodate the Governors and

Princes of Savoy when they came to stay in Nice. After

Nice was reunified with the rest of France in 1860, the

building became the headquarters of the "Préfecture

des Alpes-Maritimes". Since the inauguration of the new

administrative centre to the west of Nice, it has been

home to the President of the General Council and the

Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes. At n° 18 rue de la

Préfecture, there is a very fine house dating back to the

16th century.

Shore Excursions / Nice

- 20 -