Western Mediterranean Cruise
October 22- November 1, 2008

The Western Mediterranean – A Treasure Trove of historic sites. Join us as we explore Barcelona, home to Flamenco, Tapas and Gaudi; Marseille with its legendary port and gateway to Provence; Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus; Naples and the ancient Roman city of Pompeii; Palerno, a city of art and culture; Tunis, with its Roman ruins at Carthage and exotic bazaars; and finally, Palma de Mallorca with its famous beaches and medieval district.

Days One & Two: Welcome to Barcelona
Our flight departs on October 22 from Omaha, arriving early afternoon October 23rd. Your journey begins in bustling Barcelona, one of the most flambouyant and loved cities in the Mediterranean. Las Ramblas and Gaudi’s Sagrada Familla Church are among the favorite sights. Many galleries and the Picasso museum make it an art lover’s dream. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day Three: You have the morning at leisure with an opportunity for an optional excursion to Montserrat. This afternoon we transfer to the pier and embark the MSC Orchestra, your luxurious home for the next seven nights.
**All meals are included onboard ship

Day Four: Marseille, France
An Ancient City with Archeological Riches. With 26 centuries of history, Marseille is the most renowned city in France after Paris, with a population of more than one million people. It is the gateway to the spectacular scenery and well-preserved town and villages of Provence.
In modern times Marseille has been called “the New Orleans of France”. Dozens of cafes line the waterfront. With diverse ethnicity, interesting museums, and striking monuments, you’ll find Marseille a fascinating city, blending classic with contemporary culture.

Day Five: Genoa, Italy
The birthplace of Christopher Columbus is full of refined palaces and elegant churches, standing next to humble houses. Museums are filled with Renaissance art from the city’s illustrious past. A 19th century writer said, “I have never seen anything like Genoa! It is something indescribably beautiful, grandiose, distinctive,” words that remain as true today as they did then.

Day Six: Naples, Italy;
Home of the Original Pizza Pie
The third largest city in Italy, Naples is a lively and vibrant port, full of fascinating history, artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets. Make sure you taste the world’s best pizza, baked in wood-burning ovens and accompanied by a glass of the local vino. Nearby are the well preserved ashen Roman ruins of Pompei, excavated from the volcanic fury of Mount Vesuvius.

Day Seven: Palermo, Sicily; The Biggest Island in the Mediterranean
As Sicily’s largest, most cosmopolitan city, Palermo has a history that dates back some three thousand years with beautiful palaces and churches, colorful markets and a distinct cultural identity.

Day Eight: Tunis, Tunisia; Of Mosques and Mausoleums
With a history that dates back to the 2nd century, Tunis is the capital city of Tunisia. The medina of Tunis is an important World Heritage Site with more than 700 monuments of ancient mosques and mausoleums.
What you won’t want to miss is the marketplace where you can buy handicrafts of gold, bronze and olive wood as well as watch the artisans weave brightly-colored fabric with hand looms.

Day Nine: Palma de Mallorca, Spain; A Vibrant Port with a Historic Past
Amid fishing boats, pine groves and palm trees lies the capital of the island of Mallorca, famous for its beaches and beautiful sea. Stand in awe of the grand gothic cathedral, the Palace of L’Almudaina, a former residence of the Majorcan Monarchs, now a museum. Visit the fish market and Plaza Mayor. Behind the 18th century walls that kept pirates at bay, the historic quarter is concealed. Yet old church, palaces and stately mansions speak of its prosperous past.

Day Ten: Barcelona
Once you disembark MSC Orchestra, you will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour (included) of this dazzling European capital. The lively pedestrian Ramblas and stylish modern buildings create a cultural energy with glorious Art Nouveau architecture that lines the streets. Barcelona also boasts an astounding legacy of important Romanesque and Gothic works and modern galleries containing the life’s work of Joan Miro and collections from Pablo Picasso. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day Eleven: This morning we transfer from our hotel to the airport for our flight home, arriving back in Omaha late evening.

For more information write to: tconcepts@hamilton.net or call 402-694-5731 or 800-759-1006.

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