Mediterranean Horizons

Barcelona, located in Catalonia Spain, is Europe's largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, and one of the world’s major global cities. Today, Barcelona balances itself on the cutting edge of architecture, intellectual life, and style. Indeed Barcelona won the 1999 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture, the first time that the winner has been a city, and not an individual architect. Read more about Barcelona, Spain

Palamos is a Spanish town in the heart of the Costa Brava, washed by the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and close to the coastal mountains. The town was originally founded in 1277, and the old town and the fishing port are separated from the new tourist resort by a headland. With many beautiful beaches such as Cala Estreta and Carla Margarida, diving and water-sports that include sailing and wind-surfing are well catered for. Read more about Palamos, Spain

Toulon is a French city that borders the Mediterranean in the SE of Provence. Better known as France’s main naval base than a cruise port, there are some excellent beaches a short drive along the coast, and many visit the beautiful and often dramatic Provencal countryside, while others prefer to drive east to the French Riviera resorts. Bobbing sailing boats dot its busy harbour where French warships also constantly come and go. Read more about Toulon, France

Villefranche, aka Villefranche-sur-Mer, is a Mediterranean port in the Côte d'Azur region of the French Riviera. It is located about 6 km E of the city of Nice and 10 km SW of Monaco in one of the deepest natural harbours of any port in the Mediterranean Sea, and provides a safe anchorage for large ships. It is built on terraced hills that offer delightful views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding area. Read more about Villefranche, France

Portofino, part of the Italian Riviera, sits on a peninsula in the Tigullio Gulf east of Genoa. It is a picturesque half-moon shaped seaside village, with shops, restaurants - with their famous sea food - and cafes, lining the shore. The crystalline green waters invite visitors to enjoy diving as there are 20 dive sites, as well as boating, in specified areas. Read more about Portofino, Italy

Livorno is the third largest port on the west coast of Italy, and is well known for supporting cruise ship tourism to Florence, the Tower of Pisa, the hill towns of Tuscany, Cinque Terre with its enchanting villages, and the Chianti wine region, generally with time allowed for visiting some famous outlet stores of famous fashion houses. However the port of Livorno itself has a lot to offer visitors. Criss-crossed by Medicean canals that are still navigable, and with its port overlooked by towers and fortresses, this well-planned city is most appealing. Read more about Livorno, Italy

Ajaccio (aka Aiacciu, Aiaccio) is a port on the west coast of the island of Corsica, 390 km SE of Marseille. It occupies a sheltered position at the foot of wooded hills on the northern shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio. The city not only encloses the entire harbour but takes up the better part of the Gulf. Read more about Ajaccio, France

Olbia is a seaport in a NE wedge of Sardinia, and the main connection from the island to mainland Italy. It is fast becoming a popular tourist centre, primarily as the gateway to the famous and delightful stretches of coast, the Costa Smeralda. The people of the town are very friendly and there is a variety of bars, pubs and fine Italian restaurants to be enjoyed. Read more about Olbia, Italy

Rome, sometimes referred to as "The Eternal City," is the capital city of Italy. Cruises from Rome depart the Rome Cruise Terminal which is approximately 1.5 hours by train North-West of the city centre. Rome is renowned across the world for its rich past, impressive archaeological sites, delectable cuisine, gorgeous gardens, homes of local nobility, and significant structures including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Read more about Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy