NULL

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., Alexandria is Egypt’s center of culture, learning and science. Its lighthouse, the world’s first, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

At the entrance to the Suez Canal, Port Said is a bustling city and a free port. To the south, Cairo and the ancient monuments of the Egyptian empire have fascinated visitors throughout the centuries. The mystifying Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza, over four thousand years old, stand majestically on the outskirts of the city at the edge of the desert. Cairo’s Museum of Antiquities holds one of the finest collections of artifacts in the world, including the astounding treasures of King Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Part of the region of Provence, this ancient seaport - the oldest city in France- is now the second largest city after Paris. You will enjoy a walk through the picturesque old port of this cosmopolitan city rich in history, culture and folklore.

The ‘Rock’ guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean sea, offers a fascinating blend of Spanish and English culture. A ride to the 1400 foot high summit affords a breathtaking view.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete and its principal commercial port is just three miles away from the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and partially reconstructed, the eleborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the treasures found during the excavations.

Olympia was a sacred precinct built for the quadrennial games dedicated to Zeus during which all hostilities were ceased in the name of athletic competition. Much was destroyed when the games were outlawed as a pagan festival in 393 AD, but visitors can still see the Temple of Zeus and the stadium. The Archaeological Museum houses some exquisite sculptures, including the famous Niki "Winged Victory" by Paionios, "Hermes" by Praxiteles and Apollo from the Temple of Zeus.

On Mykonos you will find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques and elegant nightclubs. Beneath its sophisticated surface lies a quite essential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over its picturesque harbor.

Patmos, very often called as "The Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea", is known as the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St.John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of St.John, built on one of the island`s highest points and houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury.

Capital of Greece, cradle of democracy, birthplace of Western Civilization- Athens is a vibrant city where old and new coexist. The majestic Parthenon rises above the city, its ancient glory still visible in the timeworn stone, and the National Archaeological Museum holds countless treasures from Athens` Golden Age.

The beautiful "Island of Roses" has a rich and varied history. A mix of modern & medieval, fascinates and impresses each visitor. On a hill above the charming town of Lindos rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athens. Below lies the bay of St.Paul where the apostle landed during his voyages. The crusading Knights of St.John left the medieval city of Rhodes behind when they were defeated by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The Ottoman Turks then occupied Rhodes for almost 400 years, leaving mosques, minarets and a Turkish bath to mark their presence.

The island of Santorini is the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. The town of Fira with white-washed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep cliffs is accesible by cable-car or mule. The village of Oia is a "must", an inspiration to all artists with numerous art galleries and spectacular views. To the south is Akrotiri where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.

Syros Port

NULL

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and its main port. The city dates back to the pre-historic times and has been dominated by various people through the ages.

Civitavecchia is the port for the Eternal City-Rome. Take a tour of the city and see the Coliseum and the Forum, visit Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, or stroll along the city streets shopping for leather goods and Italian fashions. Be sure to toss a coin into Trevi Fountain which, the legend says, will guarantee your return to Rome.

Birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa has a long and proud history as one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean. The rejuvenated waterfront is home to an outstanding maritime museum and aquarium. The city has the second largest medieval quarter in Europe with superb examples of gothic architecture, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Tours to the nearby villages of Portofino and Santa Margherita are also available.

From Messina, Sicily`s most important city, you can take a tour to Taormina, a beautiful city overlooking Mount Etna. Visit the Palazzo Corvaia which dates from the 15th Century and the acoustically perfect Greek Theatre offers outstanding views of the Sicilian countryside.

A bustling port city in southern Italy, Naples is famous for its robust cuisine and for its inhabitants’ zest for life. Nearby you will find the extensive ruins of Pompei, an ancient Roman city destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Mt.Vesuvius.

The capital of Libya has been sedimented in the 12 th Century BC by the Phoenicians and after it became a Roman colony (Ocea). In 643 AD it came under the Arabic domination and then it became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1551. As an important gateway between Africa and Europe, commerce prospered through the years. The most important monuments are the Roman Triumphal Arch, which was erected in honour of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the mosques of Karamanli and Gurgi and a Spanish fortress of the 16 th Century. The ancient city of Sabratha, very close to Tripoli, is remarkable for its Greek-Roman Theatre and its byzantine churches.

Main port and capital of the island of Malta, Valletta is located on a rocky peninsula surrounded by two gulfs. The city has been a crossroad since the time of the Phoenicians because of its strategic location between Africa, Europe and the Middle East. It used to be a naval base for the British as recently as 1979. As from 1570, the city owes its name to the Great Order of Malta, Jean Parisot of Valletta. Built in the style of an ancient city, Valletta hides a superb collection of palaces and baroque style churches. Vallettas magnificent fortifications appear on the horizon like an elaborate sand castle. Within its walls are the riches of the crusading St. John, who fled here from Rhodes in 1530 and ammased great treasures of art and architecture, before they were expelled by Napoleon.

On the North coast of Africa, Casablanca is a historic city teeming with exotic sights and sounds. Bargain for treasures at the local souks or take an optional tour to legendary Marrakech.

Tangier retains the aura of mystery and glamour it acquired as an ‘international free zone’ from 1923 to 1956. Located in the kingdom of Morocco, at the western tip of North Africa, Tangier will give you a chance to bargain for treasures at the Grand Socco, especially brass, silver, amber, leather and rugs.

NULL

Portugal’s charming and historic capital is also one of the busiest ports in Europe. Explore the old town’s winding streets on foot, or take an excursion to nearby Cabo de Roca and Estoril.

A city rich in history, art and tradition, Alicante is one of Spain`s most popular tourist destinations. The port is separated from the rest of the city, which developed further inland from the coast.

A lively Mediterranean port, famous for its’ celebrated grapes of the region. The sunny, mild climate in Almeria together with the warm temperament, Spanish culture offers are perfect blend for the visitors.

Fabulous architecture, world class museums, fine foods and wines, fashionable shopping - Barcelona has it all. Take a walk along Ramblas to feel the essence of the city.

This picturesque seaport, founded circa 1000 B.C. by the Phoenicians, is distinguished by the many Moorish style buildings and lovely promenades. It is also your gateway to Seville.

This pulsating isle is the third largest of the Balearic Islands. It is popular for its excellent beaches, secluded bays, lively nightlife and rising terrain speckled with fig and olives trees.

Malaga is perfectly situated in the heart of Spain’s famous Costa de Sol. The Moors occupied this area of Spain for eight centuries and their influence is seen in the architecture, folklore and native costumes.

One of Europe’s favorite vacations spots, Palma de Mallorca boasts sunny weather and sandy beaches in addition to a medieval castle, cathedral and monastery.

The commercial and financial center for the northern Tunisia is divided into three parts, the old city medina; the French or the center; and the modern regions of the south and the north. It features diverse landmarks, such as the Zitouna mosque and the leftovers of ancient Cartage. Stroll along the streets of the old town –through vegetable stands, the meat and fish market and numerous cafes and live the oriental culture which brings memories of a civilization which contributed a great deal to modern culture.

As you approach Istanbul from the sea, the graceful minarets of countless mosques appear on the horizon and the Islamic call to prayer carries over the water. Istanbuls blend of East and West has resulted in some of the most magnificent architecture in the world, including Agia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. At the Topkapi Museum, formerly Sultans Palace, the treasures of the Ottoman Empire are on view. Bargain for your own treasures in the Grand Bazaar.

A picturesque town on the coast with many opportunities for Flea Market shopping. Nearby lies the Ancient city of Ephessos, founded by the Athenians. A tour to Ephessos will allow you to discover a treasure of Greek, Hellenistic and Roman monuments which witness the past power and prosperity of this city. Walkimg towards the ancient harbor, down a marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots, you pass architectural masterpieces like Forum, Odeon, Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika, the magnificent Great Amphitheatre where St.Paul was arrested and cast out of the city and that is still eminent for its remarkable acoustics.