Mediterranea sailing on November 5th, 2013

About Savona

A part of the Italian Riviera near Genoa, Savona is a city rich in history and enterprise, largely centered around its port. A tour of the city may include a visit to "Columbus's House," a former residence of Christopher Columbus nestled in the Savona hills. Or one may visit Savona's most important monument, the Priamar, a recently-restored castle stronghold located near the port.

Savona Activities

• Near the Rocca di San Giorgio, on the "Promontorio del Priamar", stands the fortress named Priamar, built after fall of Savona in Genoese hands (1528) by the Genoese in 1542, on the area of the old cathedral and old city and later used as a prison and military prison (italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned here).
• Near the Cathedral (built 1589 – 1604) is the Cappella Sistina, containing the tomb erected by the Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IV to honor his parents. The Cathedral has one of the most notworthy wooden choirs of XVI cent. European churches.
• Facing the cathedral is the unfinished Palazzo Della Rovere, built by Cardinal Giulio della Rovere (Pope Julius II) from the plans of Giuliano da Sangallo as a university.
• The old towers, survived after 1528 ruin (war with Genoa): the Campanassa (Commune tower where freedom of Savona was signed in 1191), towers Corsi and Riario, "Ghibelline Tower", and Torre della Quarda (also known as "a Torretta"), in Leone Pancaldo square.
• The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia.
• In neighbourhood of Savona remains a house documented as property of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, where they lived for many years (Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth).
  

About Barcelona

Founded by Romans in the first century BC, Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalonian Spain. Many of the worlds finest treasures can be seen in Barcelonas museums and monuments. Romanesque and Gothic frescoes and treasures can be enjoyed at the Catalan Art Museum. Among the most treasured sites is Gaudis masterpiece, The Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona Attractions

While you're in Barcelona, don't miss the Picasso Gallery. Several adjoining 15th-century palaces house a huge collection (over 2,000 pieces) of Picasso's work.

Barcelona Activities

• Stroll along Las Ramblas, a wonderfully vibrant part of the city where street vendors and performers vie for your attention.
• Explore the many churches and cathedrals of Barcelona and discover the city's modernist architecture along Paseo de Gracia.
• Visit Antoni Gaudí's unfinished Segrada Familia. With eight soaring spires and a spectacular main façade, this cathedral is a true architectural masterpiece.

About Palma de Mallorca

The largest of the Baleares Islands off Spains Mediterranean coast, Mallorca is a popular European resort. Enjoy the cosmopolitan charms of the city of Palma or use it as a base to explore Mallorcas Roman ruins, picturesque villages, beaches and spectacular caves.

Palma de Mallorca Attractions

Poised on a sea wall above the marina, the city's massive gothic cathedral is a breathtaking sight. Known locally as La Seo, it is home to the world's largest rose window as well as an ornate wrought-iron canopy above the altar designed by Baldacchino.

Palma de Mallorca Activities

• Explore Palacio Almudaina, a former Arabic fortress and residence for Moorish Kings.
• Visit Bellver Castle, a beautiful example of medieval military architecture.
• Go back in time at Pueblo Español, featuring architecture and crafts from different time periods and areas of Spain.
• Visit the Caves of Drach, which feature marvelous stalactite and stalagmite formations and a large underground lake where a daily light and sound show is staged.

About Ajaccio

The port city of Ajaccio on Corsicas southwest coast is the birthplace of Napoleaon Bonaparte. Stroll the pastel-painted town and appreciate its collections of Napoleonia at Maison Bonaparte and the Musee Fesch. Outside town, enjoy the islands Mediterranean vistas from a mountain walking trail.

Ajaccio Attractions

In this, the homeland of Napoleon Bonaparte, you can't miss his actual home. Located on the Rue de Letizia, just off Rue Saint Charles, Maison Bonaparte features period furniture and family portraits.

Ajaccio Activities

• Visit Ajaccio's 16th-century cathedral dedicated to La Madonuccia, the city's patron saint who is thought to have protected the residents from the Black Plague.
• Enjoy a rest in the Place Foch, the city's finest square. Lined with palm trees, it features a statue of Napoleon atop a fountain facing the Gulf of Ajaccio.
• Stroll through Musée Fesch, the city's finest art museum, which happens to be the former residence of Napoleon's uncle. Many of the paintings were presented to Joseph Fesch by his nephew Napoleon.

About Marseilles

Founded nearly 26 centuries ago, Marseilles is the oldest city in France, a mosaic of old and new with a dozen villages and eight islands, each offering a world of enchanting discoveries. At nearby Avignon, visit the magmificient Palace of the Popes and the hilltop Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde. Explore ruins of 13th century Palais Longchamps and colorful "Old Harbour" where you can browse open-air markets.

Marseilles Attractions

For the best view of the city, there's only one place to go: Notre Dame de la Garde. Entirely covered in gold leaf, it towers over Marseille at an impressive 500 feet tall (154 meters.) Throughout the years, it has served as a lookout post, a military zone and a place of worship.

Marseilles Activities

• Stroll around the Old Port, or Vieux Port as the locals say, which was once known as the gateway to the Mediterranean. Here you'll find the popular theatre, Théâtre National de la Criée, as well as many cafés and restaurants lining the streets.
• See the amazing history of the city - 26 centuries worth - at Musée d'Histoire de Marseille.
• Walk through Cours Julien, a pedestrian square with a beautiful water garden and fountain, as well as trendy shops, cafés and theatres.
• Visit Le Prado south of the city where you'll find Parc Borély, a magnificent city park with numerous ponds, a botanical garden and a greenhouse.

About Savona

A part of the Italian Riviera near Genoa, Savona is a city rich in history and enterprise, largely centered around its port. A tour of the city may include a visit to "Columbus's House," a former residence of Christopher Columbus nestled in the Savona hills. Or one may visit Savona's most important monument, the Priamar, a recently-restored castle stronghold located near the port.

Savona Activities

• Near the Rocca di San Giorgio, on the "Promontorio del Priamar", stands the fortress named Priamar, built after fall of Savona in Genoese hands (1528) by the Genoese in 1542, on the area of the old cathedral and old city and later used as a prison and military prison (italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned here).
• Near the Cathedral (built 1589 – 1604) is the Cappella Sistina, containing the tomb erected by the Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IV to honor his parents. The Cathedral has one of the most notworthy wooden choirs of XVI cent. European churches.
• Facing the cathedral is the unfinished Palazzo Della Rovere, built by Cardinal Giulio della Rovere (Pope Julius II) from the plans of Giuliano da Sangallo as a university.
• The old towers, survived after 1528 ruin (war with Genoa): the Campanassa (Commune tower where freedom of Savona was signed in 1191), towers Corsi and Riario, "Ghibelline Tower", and Torre della Quarda (also known as "a Torretta"), in Leone Pancaldo square.
• The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia.
• In neighbourhood of Savona remains a house documented as property of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, where they lived for many years (Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth).