AAANow! TM
Sea For Yourself
Ports of Call Lure Cruisers
to the Mediterranean
By Craig Haberle, CTC
AAA Travel - AAA Central Penn
Ifvarietyisthespiceoflife,acruisetogreatportsof
the Mediterranean Sea certainly provides plenty of
spice!
The cultural diversity displayed in the countries
dotting the rim of the Mediterranean's European
coast is the result of the diaspora of di erent
cultures through these regions. Some traditions
were maintained while new customs were
introduced, giving rise to the colorful and
distinctive blends exhibited in the local travel
experiences we enjoy today.
Villefranche, France: This is the heart of the French
of Pompeii or a ride to fashionable Sorrento and along
One of the advantages of a sea cruise is the ship's
Riviera, where you can travel along the spectacular
the awe-inspiring Amal Coast to pretty Positano.
ability to sail considerable distances while you savor
coastal routes to the gracious boulevards of Nice,
While in Naples, be sure to sample the Neapolitan
dinner, watch a show, sleep, or dance the night away.
Cannes, and nearby Monte Carlo in the Principality
pizza, for here ­ as the tale is told ­ is where this
Each morning brings you to a new port and fresh
of Monaco. Visit tented markets resplendent with
favorite pie was rst baked two centuries ago.
opportunities to visit nearby cities, towns or regional
owers and fruits, stroll the palm-lined promenades,
sites. Well-organized guided tours with convenient
or maybe try your luck at the casino. Jaunt o to the
The variety of enriching and enjoyable experiences
and comfortable transportation are o ered by the
medieval mountaintop village of Eze, the perfect
available at these ports of the Western Mediterranean
ship's shore excursion experts, who are pleased to
place for a classic Provencal lunch of just-caught
is sure to bring spice to your cruise vacation and
counsel you on which trips may suit your interests
Mediterranean seafood while overlooking the
invigorate your travel memories for a lifetime!
and be within your scope of energy.
sparkling sea below.
Even though Spain, France and Italy are connected
by their coastlines along the
La Spezia, Italy: Tuscany beckons
Mediterranean Sea, each presents
you ashore for a drive through its
a face and style that clearly
surrounding countryside of rolling hills
distinguish its country from its
blanketed with vineyards and olive
neighbors. Let's take a peek at
orchards. A guided tour of the lively
several of the ports and their
piazzas of Florence and its Renaissance
local attractions you could visit
palaces, revitalized as museums and
when cruising in the western
art galleries, can be paired with Pisa for
Mediterranean.
its leaning bell tower and the nearby
marble baptistery with its astounding
MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE
Barcelona, Spain: Nicknamed the "Paris of Spain,"
acoustics akin to a ne musical instrument. Be sure to
October 16-26, 2014
this city is only 90 miles from France. As one of
sample the local fazzoletti, a pasta lled with ricotta
From $3,209* per person, double occupancy
Europe's major centers of culture and art, it is
cheese and spinach.
renowned for its cathedral's idiosyncratic design
PORTS OF CALL: Barcelona, Spain · Provence (Marseilles),
by Gaudi and its Picasso Gallery displayed in 15th
Civitavecchia, Italy: Now's the time to tour the
France · Villefranche (Nice), France · La Spezia (Florence/
century palaces. Please your palate with paella ­ the
Eternal City's ancient Coliseum and Forum, visit the
Pisa), Italy · Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy · Naples, Italy
national dish ­ for a vibrant mix of seafood, chicken,
Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel, and
INCLUDED FEATURES:
vegetables and sa ron rice.
toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return.
· Round-trip transfers to JFK
· Seven-night cruise aboard
After ascending the Spanish Steps, take a break with a
International Airport
Liberty of the Seas
Marseille, France: A lively port city dating back
refreshing gelato before photographing the fabulous
· Round-trip airfare to Barcelona, Spain
· All onboard meals and
to a Greek settlement in 600 B.C., Marseille's array
fountains'mythical creatures at Piazza Navona.
· Round-trip transfers airport/hotel/
entertainment (specialty restaurants have
of architecture reveals its history and importance
pier (driver gratuities included)
nominal fee)
· $75 onboard credit per stateroom
to centuries of trade and travelers. Journey inland
Naples, Italy: A historic crossroads of sea voyages,
· Two-night pre-cruise hotel at Le
· Baggage handling
to the quintessential South of France countryside
Meridien in Barcelona, Spain
this city is home to the country's premier museum of
· Half-day sightseeing tour of
· AAA escort
of Provence to visit delightful hillside villages and
Greek and Roman sculptures and antiquities. Maybe
Barcelona
preserved walled towns. Smell the native owers and
the nearby idyllic Isle of Capri calls you to see its
local perfumes, shop in nearly-hidden alleyways, and
lovely gardens and villas, cli -side vistas and designer
For more information or reservations,
taste the fresh sh bouillabaisse.
boutiques. Perhaps your preference is a guided tour
contact your local AAA Central Penn o ce.
14
SUMMER 2014

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