Seven Seas Voyager - June 13, 2025

Rijeka is situated on the coast of the Kvarner Bay. The museums of Rijeka shelter a rich collection of weaponry from the Far East, as well as numerous articles of applicable and artistic value from all parts of the world. University of Rijeka goes as far back as the Jesuit College of 1627. Having 11,500 students, the University is responsible for the town's feature of thriving youth and life.

Dubrovnik, a Croatian port, is considered the most beautiful city on the Dalmatian coast. Dubrovnik sits high on a cliff overlooking the sea, and is nestled in the shadow of Mount Srdj. The walls of the city are one of its landmarks, and many structures from the medieval era remain standing, despite the many battles fought in Dubrovnik throughout history.

Located on the east coast of Italy, Bari features beautiful beaches on the Adriatic Sea. Walk through the town and see the gothic style of the twelfth century cathedral and the Basilica di San Nicolo. See a bit of Italy's past in the archaeological museum or walk the stone pathways of a Norman castle.

Argostolion is the capital town of Kefallinia, one of the seven islands comprising the Estanisa, an island group in the Ionian Sea.

Steep, rugged Sicily had bred a race of fierce, funny and passionate people. From this important port, drive up the coast to visit Taormina. First Greeks, then Romans used this as a place of worship and reward. View the temples and the theater, Mt. Etna in the distance, or take a stroll and shop in the little village before you leave.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.

The world's most famous casino (a must see even if you do not gamble), glittering nightlife, first-class dining and shopping, make it one of the world's most glamorous destinations. The casino is an elaborate Italianate structure capped by four towers and a copper-tin roof.

Menorca is considered the gem of the Balearic Islands. Mahon, its most important port, is also its capital. Journey to the top of Monte Toro, the highest mountain on the island, and savor a most spectacular view. Occasionally as far as Majorca. Explore Binibeca, a fishing village rich in vacation homes and villas built in the old Catalan style. Or escape to the lighthouse at Favoritz and enjoy a secluded beach.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

A major seaport and naval base, it has a fine natural harbor, protected by forts. It was founded in 225 B.C. and soon became a flourishing port: the chief Carthaginian base in Spain. The medieval Castillo de la Concepcion, whose ruins are surrounded by fine gardens, commands a splendid view of the city and harbor. No traces of the ancient city remain.

Situated on Spain's Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region's capital and a popular holiday destination. At the same time, the city is known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and for the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. Other points of interest include impressive Gothic architecture, remains of a Moorish castle, and several interesting museums.

The "Gateway to Africa," located at its northwestern tip, Tangier is a fashionable resort that retains all of its age-old mystery and excitement. French and Islamic influences meet and merge in this fascinating old city. Mosques and minarets overlook the shadowy streets of the bazaar, while the higher part of town, with its broad boulevards and lovely parks, looks down on the ocean.

Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.

The Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse, shone over the sea and city of La Coruna for the first time over 2,000 years ago. Since then, it has guided thousands of vessels to the safety of the port - a rich melting pot of culture and that of the many visitors. Today, the city of La Coruna is one of Europe's main ports. By sea, road or air, the city welcomes you with its classic friendliness like it welcomes thousands of people who, every year come to visit the city and contemplate the oldest lighthouse of the world which is still working.

Santander is a seaport, fishing center, and a popular resort. On the nearby peninsula of Magdalena is a former royal summer palace. An ancient port, Santander became, after the discovery of America, one of the busiest harbors of northern Spain. The 13th-century cathedral and the business district were destroyed by fire in 1941, but have been restored. There is an international summer university named for the writer Marcelino Menendez y Pelayo.

Lorient is a town in the Bretagne region of western France. The town was almost entirely rebuilt after suffering heavy damage in World War II. One of Lorient's modern claims to fame is its famous inter-Celtic festival. The Bretagne region, though chilly, is very beautiful. Also known as Brittany, it was once the longtime focus of struggles between England and France.

Picturesque fishing harbors, white sandy beaches, lovely homes, and buckets of sunshine combine to make St. Peter Port a pleasant stopover. See the 11th century parish church of St. Peter, from which the city derives its name. Walk the cliffs that border the island and see the coastline of France, 8 miles away--the area from which Guernsey's early inhabitants migrated.

The walled inner town of St. Malo dominates the view as you sail into the harbour of this historic city, making this ancient naval port one of France's top tourist attractions. It is possible to walk the perimeter of the inner town on the ramparts on top of the walls. The walk not only gives fine views of St. Malo itself but also up the valley of the Rance towards Dinard and out over the numerous off shore islets.

Southampton is the gateway to the immensely civilized city of London. There are museums to visit, pubs to try, and shops to browse, ranging from Harrods to open-air markets. There are more parks and green belts here than in any other city in the world. There are also caches of stately squares and noble monuments, holdovers from a time when the island ruled a significant portion of the globe.