Istanbul to Barcelona Continental Quest 2013

Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and quite unique – after all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon? Must sees include Haghia Sophia, decorated in 30 million tiny mosaic tiles, the greatest church in Christendom for 1000 years, then a mosque and now a museum; and Topkapi, palace of sultans, complete with harem quarters. And of course shopping in the Grand Bazaar, a medieval version of a mall, for unusual gifts to take home, stopping along the way in a café for a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.

 

The town of Mitilini spreads upwards from the harbor into the hills, and is crowned by an enormous castle whose foundations were laid during the time of the Byzantine emperor Justinian. It is an excellent starting place for visits to picturesque mountain villages, their cobbled streets and pastel-hued houses set on pine and olive covered slopes, This is the real Greece, where life revolves around the village square, and much local flavor can be absorbed by spending time in the cafes that surround it. This is best accomplished over a glass of ouzo, the anise flavored spirit that is Greece’s most popular drink, and for which Lesbos is famous.

 

Kusadasi is your gateway to Ephesus, a city created by the Ionians in the 11th century B.C. and later expanded by the Romans. Now considered one of the grandest reconstructed sites in the ancient world, the region also hosted the likes of Cleopatra, Mark Antony, the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle.

 

Venture to Knossos, site of the highly advanced Minoan civilization, to discover the traditions of the island people and sample their delicious food. Or enjoy people-watching from your vantage point at a café overlooking the enchanting harbor of Aghios Nikolaos.

 

This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled onboard or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book poolside.

 

While Milan may be home to all things chic, Florence to all that is worthy in art and Rome to hisrical grandeur, Naples can outdo them all in one count with its sheer ‘Napoletanità’!Naples offers a mix of breathtaking beauty and a strong sense of life being lived to its limits. Squeezed between Vesuvius, Europe’s second-largest active volcano on one side and the sulphurous springs and boiling mud pools of the Flegrean fields on the other, Naples and its famous blue bay is a ‘must-see’ city along your cruise vacation.

 

Rome is the capital of the Italian Republic.It is the city with the highest concentration of historical and architectural riches in the world. Its historical centre, outlined by the enclosing Aurelian Walls, layering nearly three thousand years of antiquity, is an invaluable testimony to the European western world’s cultural, artistic and historical legacy and in 1980 it was, together with the Holy See’s property beyond the confines of the Vatican State as well as the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List .

 

Livorno, in the Tuscan region of Italy, is ideally located for exploring some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, including Florence. Florence is most noted as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Highlights include impressive piazzas and an incomparable 15th-century skyline - sure to offer charm and an unforgettable experience to any visitor.

 

Casinos, super-yachts and movie stars – Monte Carlo is the capital of the tiny sovereign state of Monaco, located on France ’s Côte d'Azur. Monte-Carlo is a highly cultural vacation destination with many sights and will certainly offer a warm welcome to all visitors.

 

France’s second largest city and the capital of the Provence- Côte d'Azur region, the cosmopolitan city of Marseille lies on the southeast coast of France .

As France’s most important port, Marseille boasts connections with Africa, Italy and Spain. The strong mistral wind blows away all traces of pollution and provides a clarity of air so pure that many famous artists have been attracted to the city: Cézanne; Braque; Derain; Dufy and Marquet.

Although Marseille is the economic and industrial capital of France , it manages to remain true to its own traditions and culture, reflected in the Marseille way of life and its numerous museums, theatres and opera houses

 

Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest and physical beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain." You're likely to agree. The city is a major cultural center with a fascinating history. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau décor and architecture.

 

Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the country, 90 miles south of the French border. People from all around the world enjoy visiting this city for its individuality, cultural interest and physical beauty. When Hans Christian Andersen visited in 1862, he remarked that Barcelona was the "Paris of Spain." You're likely to agree. The city is a major cultural center with a fascinating history. Everywhere are archives, libraries, museums and buildings of interest - plus superb examples of modernist and Art Nouveau décor and architecture.