Western Mediterranean Cruises
Written by admin on May 25th, 2009Â
A European cruise in the western Mediterranean is something of a fantasy which is what your dreams are made of. Imagine yourself on a Romantic tour around France, Spain, Portugal and Italy.
There are many flagship cruise lines operating in the western Mediterranean, with the changing world the cruise lines are always having special offers so make sure to check them out and not only that but note that all cruise lines keep adding new destinations to there list and ports of call or regular basis.
Ports on the Spanish coast include Valencia, Malaga (for Granada), Gibraltar and through the Straits to Cadiz (for Seville). Majorca and the Balearics are popular ports of call and both Corsica and Sardinia have lots to offer. The French Riviera can be explored from Nice or Monte Carlo and the Italian west coast offers Livorno (for Florence), Civitavecchia (for Rome) and Naples. Further south volcanic Sicily, Malta and Tunis on the North African coast are interesting ports of call.
A European cruise in the western Mediterranean often includes a stop in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. For a great view of the city, take the wrought iron Elevator de Santa Justa. Other fun shore excursions include a visit to the 16th century monastery, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and an afternoon of wandering through the Alfama quarter. A “must-see” in Lisbon is the Praca do Comercio, also called the Terreiro do Paco, site of the former royal palace. Some European cruise lines include a stop on Portugal’s island of Madeira at the town of Funchal. While in Funchal, make a point to see the Praca do Municipio with its black and white stones.
Popular European cruise line destinations in Spain include Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca on the island of Mallorca. Some cruise lines offer packages that actually begin in Seville or Madrid, and then travel by land to Barcelona for embarkation. Barcelona offers tremendous opportunities to view great works of Gothic and modern art and architecture; don’t miss the Museu Picasso and the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. Spain’s island of Mallorca offers you a lush and varied natural environment, and the massive Palma Cathedral. If your shore excursion allows it, try and get a glimpse of the Cathedral at night. Other western Mediterranean cruise itineraries in Spain include stops in Gibraltar, Malaga and Cadiz.
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