Seabourn Ovation - September 29, 2024

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.

Just southwest of Naples, you'll find the ancient port city of Amalfi. Visit the Cathedral of Amalfi, which dates back to the Ninth Century, and the Arsenal gateway to the sea. Five kilometers from Amalfi is the bay of Conca dei Marini, home of the Emerald Cave, named for the color that it takes when the light of the sun comes through its tunnel. Notice the Arab influence on the local architecture in the Cathedral of S. Andrew and the Duomo of Amalfi.

Be sure to visit the Aeolian Archeological Regional Museum in Lipari, with its impressive volcano, prehistoric, and classic archaeology sections.

Originally settled by Greece, Syracuse (Siracusa) is famous as the Greek headquarters in ancient Sicily and site of one of the world's first democratic revolutions. Much of the architecture only dates back to the early seventeenth century, due to an earthquake. Visit the island of Ortygia and the Great Harbour. See what remains from antiquity in Neapolis, including a Greek theater, a Roman amphitheatre and altar, the Euryalus fort, and the Baroque cathedral. Visit the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the gorgeous Montalto Palace as well.

Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta's coastline features many harbors, bays, sandy beaches and rocky coves. After a leisurely stroll through the Barracca Gardens you'll be awarded with a spectacular view of the harbor of Valetta.

The province of Trapani is extremely varied in its cultural and historical trappings. The influence of Italy, mainland Europe, and the Arab world.are present in the architecture and culture, and is especially noticable in the city's town centre. Be sure to visit the Ligny Tower, which dates back to 1761 and houses the Museum of PrehistoryVisit the Pepoli Museum, located within the Carmelite Monastery, for an interesting collection of coral works, which are Trapani's second most-famous feature, after the region's famed wine.

La Goulette, or Halq al-Wadi, serves as a gateway to the capital of Tunis, linked by a seven-mile long canal. La Goulette's proximity to both Lake Tunis and the Gulf of Tunis makes it a popular resort. Visit the ruins of forts that date back to the Spanish and Turkish occupation of the island.

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.