CME Cruise Conference

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Extraordinary architecture, millennia of turbulent history, magnificent basilicas concealing unimaginable riches, and ornate fountains splashing at the heart of sun-drenched piazzas are just some of the many reasons to visit Rome. Art greets you on every corner, from elaborate statues to delicate frescoes. Stroll the ancient center and history comes to life as you explore the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Enjoy Italian café culture in Trastevere, where you can wander the narrow streets and soak up a sense of la dolce vita, or throw a coin into the baroque Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to this vibrant, intoxicating city.

Amalfi, Italy - The Amalfi coast has been called the greatest meeting of land and sea on earth. Situated in the Campania region between Sorrento and Salerno, Amalfi is one of the main towns, the other being Positano, on the world famous Amalfi Drive - known as the most romantic drive in Italy. The road is gouged from the side of rocky cliffs plunging into the sea. Erosion has contorted the rocks into mythological shapes and hollowed out fairy grottoes where the air is turquoise and the water an icy blue. During the Middle Ages, Amalfi was an independent maritime state with a population of 50,000. The ship compass was invented here in 1302. Approximately 10 miles away from Amalfi is the village of Ravello. An enchanting village with wonderful views and quiet lanes, Ravello boasts romantic gardens that showcase medieval ruins, and afford magnificent views of the entire Bay of Salerno.

Trapani, Italy - Bright stone buildings, Phoenician fortifications and centuries of monuments - these are just a few of Trapani's delights. The scythe-shaped town extends out to sea with Mount Erice towering above and the Tower of Ligny, a majestic landmark. Under Arab rule, Trapani was a thriving port for the production of salt, tuna, and coral. The city became famous in the 16th century for the beautiful pieces produced by Trapanese coral artisans. A lovely collection of their work can be seen in the Pepoli Museum.

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy - Traces of ancient settlements are found all over the island of Sardinia: neolithic ruins at Nora; Phoenician, Cathaginian and Roman relics near Cagliari; and Arab, Genoese and Iberian heritage evident in architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. Cagliari, the capital, climbs a hillside overlooking the aptly named Gulf of Angels. In the old Castello Quarter, the streets are narrow and shaded and the buildings are old, but the beaches of Sardinia are wide and expansive, basking in the Mediterranean sun.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Ile-Rousse, Corsica, France - Located on the northwest coast of Corsica, L’Ile-Rousse was originally founded in the 18th century to compete with the Genoese-controlled port of Calvi. Snaking islets of red porphyry rock in the bay give it its name. Stroll the main square, shaded by plane trees and enormous 120-year old date palms, and quiet except for the click of petanque balls and the soft exclamations of the players. Or venture inland to the rugged maquis backcountry, refuge of the fictional Corsican Brothers.

Antibes (Cannes), France - Regally situated between Nice and Cannes on the Cote d’Azur, Antibes has been a prestigious address for millennia. On a coast renowned for its ravishing vistas, none is more striking than the Cap d’Antibes thrusting into the sea from the Provencal hills. The castle-like Chateau Grimaldi now houses one of the most extensive single collections of art by Pablo Picasso, who lived there for six months in 1946 and left a trove of works for the city. The opulent villas of seaside Juan-les-Pins and the botanical gardens at Villa Thuret are justly famed, and the crown is perhaps the Grand Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc, one of the world’s most celebrated hostelries.  

Sanary-Sur-Mer, France - This small town is one of the rarest things on the Cote d’Azur - a real working fishing port. Recapture the atmosphere that first captivated artists and writers, who migrated here for inspiration and ended up inspiring the renaissance of the Riviera as we know it today. Sanary is also a portal to the South of France beyond the beaches. Ascend the seaward slopes of the Provencal Alps to Aix-en-Provence, to stroll beneath the plane trees along the Cours Mirabeau or gaze at the rocky profile of Montagne St. Victoire that fascinating Cezanne. Or stick to the coastline, and visit the picturesque village of Cassis, for a taste of fresh, briny sea urchins chased with a crisp, local white wine.

Rosas (Roses), Spain - Roses is a municipality in the comarca of the Alt Empordà, located on the Costa Brava, in Catalonia, Spain. It is the site of the former bishopric of Rotdon, now a Latin Catholic titular see. It is situated on the coast at the northern end of the Gulf of Roses, and is an important fishing port and tourist centre.

Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain - Alcúdia is a venerable walled city near the northeast coast of Mallorca, about five minutes’ drive from the coastal resort community of Port d’ Alcúdia. The latter is a popular family beach destination, with long strands of golden sand and warm, clear waters. Alcúdia itself has a long history, from the prehistoric inhabitants who built rock tombs at La Cova de S’Hort del Rectoria and under the more recent Roman Theater, through Greek and Phoenician occupants, to a heyday under the Roman empire as Pollentia in the last century B.C. The crenellated city walls were built in a period of Spanish rule in the 14^th Century, marked by the massive Xara Gate. Much of the town’s Roman and Ottoman architecture has been restored, drawing new tourism to the town and supporting numerous thriving cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops. The Ca’n Torro Library is a notable 14^th Century building, and the Roman theater is open to the public as well. The Sa Bassa Blanca museum displays art from the 16^th through the 20^th century.

Barcelona, Spain -

Barcelona is a one of the world's great cities. Stroll down her tree-lined boulevards, the magnificent Passeig de Gràcia or the more touristed Las Ramblas. On the Passeig, shop a serious fashion district while marveling at examples of Mordenisme architecture, seemingly sculpted from the stuff of dreams (Gaudi's masterpiece of a family home, Casa Batlló is well worth a visit). If a trip on the Passeig hasn't convinced you of Gaudi's genius, a visit to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral will do the trick; this fantastic, soaring marvel will live on in your memory long after you've returned.

Not far from the Passeig and just north of Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter (the Barri Gotic) provides an abundance of shopping opportunities for all tastes, and a bit of European history to boot - check out the tranquil Cathedral of Barcelona. To see a bit of local life a visit to a food market is a quick, fun detour: try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas.

Barcelona's food is also a highlight: stop into a tapas bar and try a variety of delicacies. "Standard" restaurants of every style are available, too. And, there's music, too! Visit an underground jazz club or the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana; or stop by the Palau Dalmases for a stunning, flamenco performance (it's near the Picasso museum). Did we mention art? One of the largest collections of Picasso's art is found at the Museau Picasso, and a great collection of contemporary, figurative (i.e not abstract) painting and sculpture is housed at the European Museum of Modern Art just around the corner.

It's probably clear by now that you really can't get it all done in a day (even if all means "just the must-sees"). So, stay for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya and really get a feel for what makes Barcelona such a wonderful place. Partly it's the result of the "accidents" of its history and present: as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya region, Barcelona has a "flavor" that is a bit of a mix between Spanish and French (it's located quite close to the French border). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here - it attracts Spaniards from throughout the country - but you'll also see and hear Catalan with it's own charm. You won't regret your time here.