Seabourn Quest - April 26, 2024

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.

The major island in the chain known as the Balearics, Mallorca is Spain's sunny outpost in the Mediterranean. The town of Palma boasts a shady plaza near the Gothic Cathedral. Visit the Roman ruins and the Drach Caves nearby, or journey to the enchanting village of Valledemosa. Leave time to shop for lovely majolica faux pearls and hand-made lace.

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.

Sousa or Susah is an important port for Tunisia. The town was originally a Phoenician settlement (called Hadrumetum) and you can actually visit a ninth century monastery and fortress, the "ribat", that dates back to that era. Search the local suqs (marketplaces) for olive oil or other bargains.

Alexandria was once considered the greatest city in the ancient world; today it is the second largest city in Egypt. As a port perched directly at the mouth of the Nile, it is the gateway to one of the world's most mysterious and intriguing regions. Walk along the Corniche, a seaside boulevard that is home to restaurants, beach huts, and an unbroken line of hotels and apartment buildings.

Alexandria was once considered the greatest city in the ancient world; today it is the second largest city in Egypt. As a port perched directly at the mouth of the Nile, it is the gateway to one of the world's most mysterious and intriguing regions. Walk along the Corniche, a seaside boulevard that is home to restaurants, beach huts, and an unbroken line of hotels and apartment buildings.

Visit the Ashdod Yam Fort, a Muslim fortress with its impressively tall that was built on the Mediterranean coast in the tenth century to protect against naval attacks. Stroll the streets of this bustling port town and shop for homemade knitted goods.

Tel Aviv is Israel's largest city, located on the Mediterranean coast. Visit Jaffa, the old section of Tel Aviv. Traverse the panoramic route along the Tower of David for a terrific panoramic view of the city and then step inside and see exhibits that focus on the rich history of the region, from the Canaanites to the Greeks and Romans to the Muslims and Israelis. Tel Aviv also features terrific entertainment and night life.

Limassol is the major port of the island republic of Cyprus. Atlthough it began as a small market town, Limassol today is a bustling commercial center for fruits, vegetables, wine, and manufactured goods. It is also home to many restaurants and taverns. Visitors should explore the Archaelogical and Folk museums. The annual Wine Festival and Carnival Celebration are also very popular.

Spetsai Island figures prominently in modern Greek history after playing a pivotal role in the War for Independence. Surrounded by crystal-clear water and covered with verdant pine trees, Spetsai stands in contrast to most of the other Aegean Islands. The island features numerous inlets and coves for visitors to explore. In town tourists can visit many museums and points of cultural interest.

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just snatched from the blue Aegean Sea, or shop for typical flokati rugs.

Dikili is the port for the ancient mountain citadel of Pergamum where you can visit Asklepeion, the site where psychiatry was first practiced. Also see the Sacred Pools, the Altar of Zeus, the Library, and the Serpent Altar which still serves as the symbol of the medical profession.

Built upon the remains of the city of Halicarnassus, Bodrum is now a beautiful resort village on the Aegean Coast with intriguing sights. Visit the ruins of the Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, or the Crusader Castle that guards the harbor.

This charming, picturesque resort where Antony and Cleopatra used to vacation is best known as the port for the ancients ruins of Ephesus - one of the world's most wondrous archaeological sites. Explorations should include such masterpieces as the Great Amphitheatre, where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians, the Library of Celsus, and the temples of Athena and Apollo - all connected by marble streets rutted by the wheels of countless chariots.

Though once ruled by Venetian doges, Turkish sultans and French invaders, today's Corfiot citizen is as Greek as they come. Marvel at the 17th-century icons in St. George's Church, the medieval Palace of Phrourio or the 19th-century Achilleion Palace. The greenest of the Greek Isles, Corfu also boasts thriving vineyards and olive orchards among its rugged mountains.

Venice enchants you from your first glimpse as your ship glides through the Grand Canal. A world power in the middle ages, its affluence lives on in its beautiful old buildings like those surrounding Piazza San Marco. Be sure not to leave without a romantic ride along the canals in a gondola.

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.

This natural harbor on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro was an important artistic and commercial center with famous masonry and iconography schools in the Middle Ages. A large number of its monuments, among which four Romanesque churches and the town walls, were heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1979 but the town is now completely restored.

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

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.

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.

Renowned as the birthplace of Napolean Bonaparte, Ajaccio is bursting with history and cultural diversity. The Greeks were the first to discover the unique beauty of the island early in the 6th century BC, calling it "Kalliste", or "the beautiful". Climbing through the foothills and the mountains, you'll be surrounded by the greenery covering the mountainside. The local term for this lush plant life is "maquis."

Nice, the pearl of the French Riviera, is a busy commercial city and the capital of the Alpes Maritimes department. Nonetheless, beauty, a fine climate and affable citizens keep its charm and year around appeal intact. The cuisine, like the city, is cosmopolitan, Mediterranean and delightful.

No introduction is needed for what is perhaps the world's best known and most fashionable resort on the Riviera. Immerse yourself in the splendid scenery of the Cote d'Azur with an excursion to the hilltop villages of Gassin and Il Ramatuelle, and the new town of Port Grimaud, built to resemble an old Mediterranean fishing village.

Sete, France, is the charming port which leads you to Carcassone, a walled city which dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. Explore the town's boutiques and cafes. Be sure to sample "cassoulet"--a delightful combination of meats cooked with beans. It's the specialty of the city.

The city of Almeria is located at the foot of a mountain range which is crowned by the magnificent Alcazaba, an Arab fortress built by the Calph of Cordoba. Almeria was a port of influx of ancient civilisations. Its Phoenician name was - Uci, Its Roman name was - Portus Magnus and its Moorish name was - "Almeriya", until it was conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1489. True historians will appreciate the Almeria Museum which contains numerous objects discovered by the well-known Belgian mining engineer, Louis Siret.

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.

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 city of Bilbao, hemmed in by massive green hills on three sides and a river valley to the north, sprawls itself out across the remaining open spaces in an ungainly and awkward mess. Its 14th-century historic district and more modern commercial centre hug the banks of the Nervion River, while its working class suburbs, the rusting shipbuilding and steel factories, the fish canning plants and assorted relics of its more lucrative industrial past stretch out along the widening river and up into the rugged hills.

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.

Cherbourg is located in Normandy, which is a province of France. Ever since the reign of Louis XIV, Cherbourg has been an important port town to all of Europe. The city is dominated by Mount Roule, which is the site of a fortress. From the terrace at Mount Roule, one can view a magnificent panorama of the area, which includes the Naval and arsenal, as well as the lush Emmanuel Liasis park, which houses an impressive display of subtropical vegetation.

Cruise along the Seine through the pastures and apple orchards of Normandy en route to medieval Rouen. See the gothic cathedral spire and rose windows, a favorite subject of Monet. Stand in the cobbled square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Or venture out to Giverny to see Monet's home, lily-pond and gardens.

Cruise along the Seine through the pastures and apple orchards of Normandy en route to medieval Rouen. See the gothic cathedral spire and rose windows, a favorite subject of Monet. Stand in the cobbled square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Or venture out to Giverny to see Monet's home, lily-pond and gardens.

Cruise along the Seine through the pastures and apple orchards of Normandy en route to medieval Rouen. See the gothic cathedral spire and rose windows, a favorite subject of Monet. Stand in the cobbled square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Or venture out to Giverny to see Monet's home, lily-pond and gardens.

Located along the North Sea, Zeebrugge is located ten miles north of Brugge (Bruges) and serves as its port. The Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal connects the seaside resort with the cultural mecca that is its sister city. Visitors to Brugge will see stunning representations of gothic and roman architecture and collections of Dutch and Belgian art.

One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Hamburg's port on the river Elbe has been busy since medieval times, when it was a cornerstone of the Hanseatic League. It is a graceful city of parks and lakes, and grand old buildings like the Rathaus (City Hall). Brahms and Mendelssohn were born here, and Hans Leip, who wrote Lili Marlene.

Hamburg's port on the river Elbe has been busy since medieval times, when it was a cornerstone of the Hanseatic League. It is a graceful city of parks and lakes, and grand old buildings like the Rathaus (City Hall). Brahms and Mendelssohn were born here, and Hans Leip, who wrote Lili Marlene.

The Kiel Canal also known as the Nord-Ostsee Kanal is an artificial waterway in northwestern Germany that links the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The canal extends in a northeastern direction across the state of Schleswig-Holstein from Brunsbuttelkoog, near the mouth of the Elbe River, to Kiel, on the Baltic.

Located just off the coast of Sweden, Ronne on Bornholm Island is the Danes' most popular vacation spot and best-kept secret. Visit the characteristically round churches built in the 12th century or follow the picturesque trail to the remains of Hammerhus, Scandinavia's largest castle.

Gdansk, formerly Danzig, is one of the chief Polish ports on the Baltic Sea. Hitler's demand for the city's return to Germany in 1939 was the principal immediate excuse for the German invasion of Poland and thus of World War II. Gdansk has numerous educational and cultural facilities. Historic landmarks include the Gothic Church of St. Mary.

Beautifully preserved medieval walls and towers still stand tall in the Old Town section, shadowed by the hilltop Toompea Castle. Stroll and shop along cobblestone streets, walk up to the Baroque Palace, and drop in at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and find inspiration in the gleaming mosaics and tiles. This is, by far, one of the most atmospheric locales in Europe.

Finland's national capital is a spacious Neoclassical city in fine white granite, whose upbeat pace and fashion sense belie the Finnish reputation for conservatism. The massive Temppeliaukio Church is carved out of solid stone, while on the Esplanadi, famous Finnish designers like Marimekko or Iitala demonstrate a lighter, more modern style.

Distributed across fourteen immaculate islands in a sheltered Baltic bay, crisscrossed by scenic bridges, Sweden's capital is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. It is a sightseeing smorgasbord, including the medieval "city between the bridges," the vast Royal Palace, and the City Hall, which hosts the yearly Nobel Prize ceremonies.

Situated on the Swedish isle of Gotland, Hanseatic Visby was one of the most powerful cities in Europe. Today quaint homes and churches huddle together inside 13th-century walls. In former times, it was called "the city of ruins and roses," for along with its rose-covered churches, there is one somber sight - Gallows Hill, a place of execution so villains "might die looking at the loveliest spot on earth."

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, and travelers find it incredibly charming. For historical interest, explore the streets of Christianborg and Amelienborg palaces. Leisure seekers can stroll the streets or lounge in the cafes of Stroget. Visit Tivoli Gardens, too, and don't forget to see the statue of the Little Mermaid, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen.

Stavanger, the southern gateway to the Fjordlands, is also the home port of much of the fleet that serves the North Sea oil fields. Visit for historical investigation or to soak up the majesty of the natural terrain. View its medieval Cathedral and other highlights of the town or travel out to Pulpit Rock, a breathtaking vista high above the fjords.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, more commonly known as simply Newcastle, is the largest city in northeastern England. For many years, almost one-quarter of the world's shipbuilding industry was centered in Newcastle. Today, the city is renowned for its plentiful shopping. It also boasts a bustling nightlife and cultural offerings. Some parts of Newcastle's massive medieval walls remain standing to this day.