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Shore Excursions
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Shore Excursions
Shor
e Ex
curs
ions
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
- 3 -
RomeOstia Antica, Square and Foutains
Ostia Antica:Leaving Rome and following the cost road it takes about
30 minutes to reach Ostia, the Roman city of the
Imperial age whose Latin name "Ostium" means "Mouth
of the river" reflecting its position along the Tiber river.
Ostia was founded around the 42th century BC by King
Anco Marzio and became the harbour of Rome around
which throughout the following centuries, a flourishing
trade and business centre developed. Your visit to Ostia
Antica itself starts at Via delle Tombe which leads to the
Porta Romana one of the city's three gates. Then you
will arrive at the Terme di Nettuno where you can
admire the beautiful black and white mosaics
representing Neptune and Amphitrite, the theatre built
by Agrippa and the Forum. At the end of Via dei Dipinti,
the Museo Ostiense displays some of the ancient
sculptures and mosaics found among the ruins
PantheonDuring classical antiquity this temple was dedicated to
all gods of pagan Rome. Marco Vispasiano Agrippa,
Agusto's favourite son, built it between 27 and 25 BC in
law, to celebrate bis victory against the Persians. The
original rectangular shape was modified after two fires
when Adriano rebuilt it in a circular shape in AD 125.
That is why it then became a Christian church and was
dedicated to "Santa Maria and Martyred", to all the
saints in substitution for the ancient pagan gods.
According to legend the opening on the dome was
made by a vicious demon, who, during the consecration
ceremony of the church wanted to escape and managed
to demolish this part of the roof with butts of his horns.
Piazza NavonaThe history of the square goes back to Ancient Rome. In
this area rose the large Circus of the Emperor Domitian.
As a matter of fact the vast elliptical shape of the square
matches exactly the outlines of the circus. Here were
carried out mock sea battles, grandiose public shows,
games etc. In the following centuries, although the
complex fell into ruins, the site was still a favourite spot
by the Romans.
In the Middle Ages several festivals took place in this
square, it was used for jousting, horse-racing, and water
festivals. During the latter, which often took place in the
stifling dog-days of August, the piazza was flooded and
Rome's aristocracy had their gilded carriages pulled
around the artificial lake, while throwing money on every
hand in order to increase popular gayety.
The square, with its fountains, the church of S.Agnese,
Palazzo Pamphilj and the buildings that surround it, was
already constructed between the 1600's and 1700's.
The church was designed by Borromini (1645-50).
Pope Innocent X was buried here. Once completed the
square, the Pope continued to embellish it with the
construction of two fountains. One of these, masterpiece
by Bernini, is the central Fountain of the Rivers.
On the group of rocks sit the giants symbolizing the
rivers of the four Continents: the Nile, the Ganges, the
Danube and the River of the Plata.
Today the square is surrounded by characteristic
coffees and wine-bars, in the centre of the square the
painters expose their works, and the Romans, adults
and kids, come to take a walk creating an indissoluble
harmony between art, history and true life.
Piazza di SpagnaIn the middle of the square rises the obelisk point of
convergence of different roads. Roman imitation of the
Egyptian obelisks, it dates back to the Imperial age, it
came from the Gardens of Sallustio, but it was put here
as element of link between the church and the stairway.
The hieroglyphs were carved in Rome imitating those of
the obelisk of Piazza del Popolo. At the corner formed
by the convergence of Sistina Street and Gregorian
Street stands Palazzetto Zuccari, planned by Federico
Zuccari and known with the appellative of "house of the
monsters" because the windows on the sides are
modelled on mouths of monsters. Here lived the queen
Shore Excursions / Rome
- 4 -
of Poland Maria Sobiesky.Proscenium to the church is
the monumental stairway of the church Trinità dei Monti
planned in 1726 by Francesco De Sanctis and realized
completely in travertine marble. He chose as reference
and for inspiration the number three, in honour of the
church of the Trinity, De Sanctis created a flight of steps
divided in three parts which unite and then converge
immediately in two opposite directions in an alternation
of convexity and concavity of the walls, of the staircases
and of its squares. Since 1951 in April and May a great
exhibition of azaleas gives to the stairway a particular
fascination.
Shore Excursions / Rome
- 5 -
Vatican CityVatican City and Ancient Rome
Vatican City
After crossing the park of Villa Borghese we reach the
Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state
in the world.
In the Vatican Museum, you'll be show a fine collection
of antiquities, including:
• The sculpture museum
• The fascinating tapestry gallery
• The gallery of maps
• The world famous Sistine Chapel, decorated by
Michelangelo
The tour will then proceed to St. Peter's Basilica, when
you will view the art treasures of the largest Roman
catholic church in the world, including Michelangelo's
Pietà
Ancient RomePassing by Piazza Barberini, with the Triton Fountain by
Bernini, we proceed to Piazza Venezia, where you will
see the imposing memorial to Victor Emanuel II, the first
king of United Italy.
The tour will then proceed to the Roman Forum, the old
centre of Imperial City, where the Senate House, the
Basilicas and the Temples of the major gods are
located.
After walking down the Via Sacra and passing by the
Arch of Titus, you will visit the Coliseum, surrounded by
impressive monuments such as the ruins of the Arch of
Constantine the Great.
Duration 6 hours
Shore Excursions / Vatican City
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Pompei and Sorrento
Pompei
It is my opinion that Pompeii is the most
important archeological site anywhere.
Almost every other ancient urban site is
simply the remains of a ghost town, long
ago deserted by its citizens who carried
away with them everything of value. Prior
to the eruption of Vesuvius, Pompeii was a
thriving city. Then it was buried with so little
warning in 79 A.D. that Pompeii was
literally frozen in time.
If we want to know details about what
life was like in a Roman city during the
first century, I think by studying Pompeii
we can get the very best perspective
with the least speculation. We can
understand how the privileged rich man
and the ordinary slave lived from day to
day in the Roman Empire during the
time when Christianity was beginning to
spread throughout the Mediterranean. A
better understanding of life in Pompeii,
a city with both Roman and Greek
inf luence, can help us to better
understand many of the writings of the
New Testament.
Sorrento
Sorrento is one of the best known
resorts in Italy, situated on a tract of
coastline of unrivalled beauty, on the
northern slope of the Sorrent ine
Peninsu la , in a she l tered spot ,
surrounded by luxuriant hills where
vines, olives and above all high quality
citrus fruits are grown. The site of
patrician villas during Roman times, it
has been a highly prestigious retreat
s ince 700 . Sor ren to has been
nicknamed "La Gentile" because of the
gentleness of its climate, the refinement
of its streets and gardens and of the
friendliness of its inhabitants.
Sorrento nestles on a tufaceous terrace,
50 meters high, which falls steeply
down to a blue, crystalline sea. This
peculiar geographical position gives it a
special character. The city does not
have a promenade, but looks down, like
a balcony, over the port and two
Marinas, with unexpectedly charming
views. Access to the sea is gained
mostly via stairs, passageways carved
into the rock and lifts.
Deaprture from Naples : 8:30 am returnby 5:00pm
Shore Excursions / Pompei and Sorrento
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Duration 8.5 hours.
Shore Excursions / Pompei and Sorrento
- 8 -
CapriTour
Capri: Luxuriant, extraordinary, and such a mild climate.
Capri is a Mediterranean island of calcareous origin that
has been visited over the centuries by intellectuals,
artists and writers, all enthralled by its magical beauty. A
mix of history, nature, worldliness, culture and events
that daily blend together and bring the Legend of Capri
to life; a legend that sees no comparison anywhere in
the world.
08:30 am the couple meets the guide in port they
transfer to the hydrofoil to reach Capri within 30 minutes
-
leave by hydrofoil to the island of Capri. On arrival,
weather permitting, visit by rowing boat, the Blue Grotto
and tour of the island by car and guide with visit of Capri
and Anacapri . Stop for lunch ( on your own ). Back
again to Marina Grande to board to return to Sorrento
3:30 pm - take the hydrofoil depending on the times
4:00 pm Return to Sorrento in time to board your ship .
Shore Excursions / Capri
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Amalfi Coast
Amalfi
When you come to Amalfi, the panorama is wonderful.
White houses clinged on the rocks are opposed to the
big Saint Andrew Church, located in the middle of the
town.
Amalfi is full of steps and to arrive to the Cattedrale di
S.Andrea there is a long way with 57 steps. On the right
side of the Cathedral, we find the church tower(XII
century) while above we discover the chiostro del
Paradiso and the chiesa del Crocifisso. Here the visitor
can discover the historical religious past of the Amalfi
Church.
From the Atrium of the Cathedral, which hoverhangs the
square, we discover little streets that go to discover new
places of Amalfi.Every street hides a square, where in
the past people used to sell his merchandise. Through
one of this street we discover Piazza dei Dogi, still
called Piazza dei Ferrari, because there were smith's
shop. From here, other streets go everywhere; one of
these takes us to the sea, where we find the entrance of
the Antichi Arsenali. Another street takes us to the
Vagliendola quarter, with its tower houses. This street
gets to the Hotel dei Cappuccini. It was a monastry
called San Pietro della Canonica and founded in the XIII
century
Positano
Roman origin, was founded by people from Paestum,
who founded shelter in these three little valleys. It has
followed the same destiny of the Amalfi Republic; it was
the place of the Naval Academy too. During the XVI and
XVII century, it became rich thanks to his trade.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta built in the XIII
century, which his dome is completely in majolica. We
can see, on the major altar, a Byzantine icon of the
Black Madonna with a child, which legend say that
came to Positano, on the wave of the sea.
We can see, on the seaside, some towers, used for
defensive purpose,against the pirates assaults, like the
"Torre Trasita" and "Torre Sponda"
Duration 8.5 hours :
Departure from Naples at 8:30 am return to ship by 5:00
pm
Shore Excursions / Amalfi Coast
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FlorenceFull Day
" Florentia", the florid, was the name given by the
Romans to this small settlement located at the foot of
the ancient Etruscan Fiesole and founded in the first
century BC. The Etruscans, an ancient and mysterious
race, of whom we know very little, but who left
numerous testimonies around about Florence, had
settled on the hills surrounding the plain of the river
Arno as far back as the VII-VI centuries BC.
Florence has retained an extraordinary wealth of art
treasures, a glorious witness to its centuries of
civilization. Cimabue and Giotto, forefathers of Italian
painting, lived here; Arnolfo and Andrea Pisano,
renovators of architecture and sculpture; Brunelleschi,
Donatello and Masaccio, innovators of the Renaissance;
Ghiberti and the Della Robbia; Botticelli and universal
men like Leonardo and Michelangelo.
Famous monuments indicate the various stages of
Florentine art: the Baptistry with its mosaics; the Duomo
with its sculptures; medieval churches 'with their
frescoes; public and private palaces - the Palazzo
Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Palazzo
Davanzati; monasteries and cloisters; convents and
"cenacoli"; the Certosa. The Etruscan civilization is well
represented in the Archaeological Museum.
You will be picked up at dock and proceed towards
Florence - drive approx. 1 ½ hours
You will be met by local guide and have a walking tour
including visit of Accademia museum - Michelangelo's
David.
You will have free time to have lunch on your own and
shop .
Duration of Tour 8.5 hours
Departure from Livorno at 8:30 am Return to Dock by
5:00 pm
Shore Excursions / Florence
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Livorno - Pisa - LuccaTour
Pisa & Lucca:This tour will give you the opportunity to admire the
leaning tower of Pisa, considered one of the wonders of
the world and the famous Square of Miracles. The tour
will continue to the town of Lucca where you can admire
the medieval wall which still today surrounds the city.
You will be able to walk through the charming alleys of
the historical centre.
The historical center of Lucca is walled, and traffic is
restricted, even motorbikes. Walking is therefore the
best, most enjoyable way to get around .Sights to see
are the Duomo, Palazzo Guinigi, Piazza del Anfiteatro
Romano,Museum of Palazzo Mansi.
8:30 am : Pickup at pier
9:30 am Arrive in Pisa spend time to visit piazza dei
Miracoli and the leaning tower of Pisa for a couple of
hours
11:30 am Depart Pisa for Lucca
Possibile sights : Duomo, Plalzzo Guinigi, Piazza del
Anfiteatro Romano etc.
Have lunch in Lucca
15:30 Depart from Lucca
16:00 Arrive in Livorno
If you prefer to do only Lucca , then you may go directly
there and spend more time to sightsee.
Shore Excursions / Livorno - Pisa - Lucca
- 12 -
VeniceMurano and Burano
The island of Murano became famous in 1291, the year
in which the glass production was transferred here from
the old city center due to fear of fires in the kilns. To get
to the "glass island" you must go to Fondamenta Nuove
. You will catch a glimpse of the San Michele island
while traveling between le Fondamenta Nuove and
Murano. This is Venice's cemetery where famous
people such as Stravinsky and Diaghilev are buried.
Once you get to Murano, get off at the Colonna stop and
walk along the Fondamenta dei Vetrai, where you can
see the famous kilns lined up one after the other. Some
of these are open to the public: choose one to watch the
expert master glass blowers creating an object in glass.
You can also buy blown glass things at the kilns directly.
One of the oldest glassworks is Venini, a company that
exhibits its own work in many Museums of Modern Art
around the world. Just before the Vivarini Bridge you will
see the Church of San Pietro Martire on your left, where
there are some frescoes by Bellini, Tintoretto and del
Veronese. Cross over the bridge and walk along the
Fondamenta Cavour, where the Glass Museum is
located, housing 4000 pieces that shown the
development of glass blowing techniques over the
centuries. One of the items on shown is the wonderful
Barovier cup, made from enamel-painted blown glass
and decorated with allegorical figures. Just a short walk
from the museum there is also the Basilica dei Santi
Maria e Donato, which was built in the 8th century. Here
you can admire the Vergine Orante, a splendid mosaic
that depicts the Virgin Mary. The Basilica also has a
curious fact: the apse in Venetian Byzantine style is
facing the Canal.
Burano
Burano can be reached from the Fondamenta Nuove or
from the Murano Faro stop, Burano is one of the
prettiest islands in the lagoon: it is a miniature Venice
where all the houses are painted in bright colors.
Burano is famous for its lace work, an art carried out
since the sixteenth century and which is famous
worldwide.
As soon as you get off the boat you will walk along Via
Marcello and then turn right to the Fondamenta of San
Mauro: You will soon come to Via Baldassare Galuppi
that opens onto the square with the same name. Here
you will find the Lace Museum, where you can see old
pieces of lace and can watch the various stages of work
carried out by the experts. In the square there is also
the Church of San Marino, which houses the
"Crocefissione" painting by Tiepolo and also Palazzo del
Podestà.
Shore Excursions / Venice
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La Spezia & Cinque Terre
To visit the Cinque Terre means to visit five villages
suspended between sea and earth, clinging to the cliffs
and surrounded by green hills. Here the sea, the hills,
the vineyards, the old ancient vil lages and the
Genovese-style churches combine to result in
breathtaking scenery.
Option 1:You will visit the towns of Riomaggiore. After visiting the
village you will move on to the village of Manarola, by
walking through the famous "Via dell'Amore." This
gentle walk will offer you a wonderful view over the
coastal sandstones and Punta Mesco promontory. This
trail, which will take about 20 minutes to walk!
You will continue for Vernazza, passing by Corniglia and
lastly Arrive at Monterosso, the last stop.
8:30 am: Pick up at La Spezia Pier
4:30 pm: Return to La Spezia pier
This tour can be done only by car as quoted or a
combination of car with guide and ferry boat between
towns as option 2 below .
Option 2:Half an hour after you leave your cruise ship you will
arrive in Portovenere, where you will board the ferry with
your guide to reach the first village, Riomaggiore. After
visiting the village you will move on to the village of
Manarola, not by boat but by walking through the
famous "Via dell'Amore." This gentle walk will offer you
a wonderful view over the coastal sandstones and
Punta Mesco promontory. This trail, which will take
about 20 minutes to walk, is suitable for everyone in
your family - and it is unforgettable!
Once in Manarola you can take the boat again to reach
Vernazza, passing by Corniglia. Arrive at Monterosso,
the last stop, where you will find your driver waiting for
you.
Same pickup time
Same return
Shore Excursions / La Spezia & Cinque Terre
- 14 -
Taormina
It has long been Sicily's most famous resort town. It was
here, in romantic Taormina, that a self-exiled D.H.
Lawrence was inspired to write Lady Chatterly's Lover,
one of the most passionate and erotic love stories of its
era. Taormina has endlessly winding medieval streets
and tiny passages, each with its own secrets --great
restaurants, cafés and ice cream bars. Some of these
intriguing places are secluded gardens hidden by stone
walls, others are set on terraces overlooking the coast
or in more public but equally pleasant squares.
Of particular architectural interest are the Greco-Roman
theatre, the Odeon, and the medieval palaces and
churches. Wherever you are in Taormina, Taormina is
beautiful by day but in the evenings its atmosphere is
simply enchanting, whether you stroll the illuminated
streets or indulge in the view of the coast over a
delicious dinner. second largest city.
• Depart Messina at 8:30 am
• Depart Taormina at 3:00 pm and drive through
Messina - highlights of Messina before returning to ship
Shore Excursions / Taormina
- 15 -
Mount Etna
Mount Etna, towers above Catania, Sicily's second
largest city. Etna is Italy's highest and most voluminous
volcano and it has a history that is long and complex.
The oldest lavas, exposed on the lowermost flanks of
the volcano, erupted 300,000 years ago. Between
150,000-100,000 several volcanic centers coalesced
and calderas formed and filled. Between 65,000-25,000
years ago a major vent grew to the southeast of the
present summit. Phreatomagmatic eruptions were
common during this period. Most of the summit of this
volcano was removed by subsequent caldera collapse.
Between 18,000-5,000 years ago four major volcanic
centers continued to construct Etna and three calderas
formed. Valle del Bove is a depression that formed
about 5,000 years ago by gravity sliding on the east
flank of the volcano. Most of the cones, craters, and pre-
historic lava flows and tephra deposits at the summit of
Etna formed within the last 5,000 years.
4WD from 1.900m Rifugio Sapienza up to 2900m
Climb of one hour approx, to the top craters Bocca
Nuova and Central.
Descent passing by the craters of the last eruptions of
2002/03 and 2001 with visit of the Valle del Bove.
Return to departure point after approx 4 hours walk.
Equipment: Mountain boots, rucksack with picnic lunch
and water, wind & water proof jackets, woolen hat and
gloves.
Shore Excursions / Mount Etna
- 16 -
Barcellona
Barcelona's Old city is, without doubt, one of the nicest
and most romantic of Europe. Its small streets, little
shops, everything invites you to wander around, getting
to know every place of this charming area. The centre of
the city is of course Pl. de Catalunya, to the south of
which you can find the old town and most of the
museums and other historical places of interest of the
city. Between Diagonal and Pl. Catalunya is most of the
"Eixample" area ("expansion" in English), which arose
from the famous "Pla Cerdà" (Cerdà's city plan), aimed
at joining the old town with the nearby villages, which
are now part of Barcelona. These villages, such as
Gràcia, Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, etc. have
remained untouched over the years and have kept most
of their own historic and cultural identity. L' Eixample,
with its square blocks of houses forming a grid pattern,
has as its main boulevard the Passeig de Gràcia, where
you will find the famous "Pedrera" of Gaudi. Other
important landmarks are: Sagrada Família, Parc de la
Ciutadella, Barri de la Ribera and L'Illa Diagonal.
Duration : 6.5 hours
Departure dock 9:00 am - Return to dock 15:30
Shore Excursions / Barcellona
- 17 -
Tour Gaudi
The aim of this tour is to visit the main modernist art
route in Barcelona. The dynamism of the Modernist in
he arts at the turn of the 20th century is reflected in the
architecture of the "Eixample" district. The "Eixample"
meaning "expansion", refers to the area where from
1860 onwards the city began to spread beyond the
medieval city walls, key works by Barcelona's genius
architect Gaudì and other leading Modernist movement
but went far beyond it. His unique style, which stemmed
from providing wildly creative solutions to technical
problems and an extravagant ornamentation, still
causes a sensation today. Two of his most striking
works are on the "Passeig de Gracia", the Casa Batllò, a
dazzling example of his use of different materials and
abstracts forms, and further up the Casa Milà, popularly
known as La Pedrera. Gaudi's church Sagrada Familia
is probably the most impressive building in the city and
an unmistakable landmark.
You will pass by the Paseo de Gracia to arrive to the
Park Guell. It was first intended as a residential garden
suburb but was later converted into a colorful,
magnificent, city park. It is blend of nature and
modernist architecture.The park affords impressive
views over the city, which stretches as far as the sea.
Then you'll heard to the Sagrada Familia where you will
receive the explanations of your guide will point the
most relevant modernist buildings. Then you will arrive
to the shopping mall "L'I lla Diagonal" with a range of
different retailer shops, unique gift shops and boutiques
where you will enjoy a limited shopping time before
returning to the cruise.
Duration 4 hours :
Shore Excursions / Tour Gaudi
- 18 -
Cannes, Montecarlo e Monaco
Cannes, Jewel in the crown of the "Côte d'Azur" since
the dawn of time, focal point for festivals throughout the
world and a cultural melting pot, the city of Cannes
welcomes you.
It is the sun which first playfully with the azure blue of
the sea, before laying down to sleep in the arms of its
wooded mountains. It's lush vegetation prospers
languidly in the idyllic climate. The perfect getaway for
those who appreciate the finer things in life.
With its Old Port, the illustrious "Croisette" and the Old
Town, scented with Italian fragrances , Cannes is a
festival of discovery. And with the "Rued'Antibes",
which reads like an honours list of the best known
designers and is the last word in luxury and elegance,
Cannes is also a festival of shopping.
Once in your life you have to go for a trip in Monaco.
This mythic place, between the Alpes and the
Mediterranean sea will offer you dreams and reality.
Alone, both or with your family, for romantic holidays,
simple tourism or a business trip, the Principality of
Monaco will offer you a universe of many facets.
Monaco Monte-Carlo provides you many discoveries, a
highly cultured place with its many museums, nice
welcome with its nicest hotels in the world, sumptuous
gastronomy with his well known restaurants. Everything
is done for your satisfaction! Take the advantage of
what the Principality has to offer by planning your stay in
advance.
Duration : 8.5 hours
Pick up at 8.30 Cannes dock transfer to Monaco, visit
Montecarlo.
Drive through the French Riviera.
Return to Cannes at 17:00
Shore Excursions / Cannes, Montecarlo e Monaco
- 19 -
Nice
It's worth taking the time to discover Nice in depth:
wander at random through the narrow streets of the old
town and then stroll along the famous "Promenade"
before entering into the heart of the city with its rich
architectural and cultural heritage and its parks and
gardens.
Nice has a total of 19 museums and galleries, 32
classified historical monuments and 300 ha of parks and
gardens, woodland and green areas in addition to 150
ornamental lakes and fountains.
IN OLD-NICEWhilst wandering through the old town, take a look at
the "ogival arches" above some of the shops, dating
back to medieval times. They have been carefully
restored, especially in the Rue du Pont Vieux and Rue
de la Préfecture. You can also see many examples of
stone lintels on the facades of private houses.
Le PALAIS de JUSTICE
(Place du Palais)
Law courts built in neo-classical style at the end of the
last century. The courthouse annex occupies Caserne
Rusca, former barracks across the square. A pleasant
pedestrian area separates the two buildings.
Le PALAIS de la PRÉFECTURE
(Rue de la Préfecture)
Formerly the "Palais Royal", built at the beginning of the
17th century to accommodate the Governors and
Princes of Savoy when they came to stay in Nice. After
Nice was reunified with the rest of France in 1860, the
building became the headquarters of the "Préfecture
des Alpes-Maritimes". Since the inauguration of the new
administrative centre to the west of Nice, it has been
home to the President of the General Council and the
Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes. At n° 18 rue de la
Préfecture, there is a very fine house dating back to the
16th century.
Shore Excursions / Nice
- 20 -