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Mediterranean
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Florence, Italy (Tours from
Livorno or La Spezia)
Reputedly the first city in Europe to boast paved
streets (in 1339 trivia fans), it’s not surprising that
Florence was able to steal a march on its rivals
when it came to creating some of the world’s
most beautiful churches, buildings and museums.
With the historic centre of the city a designated
UNESCO World Heritage Site, not for nothing is
Florence known as the cradle of the Renaissance.
The city’s famous duomo (cathedral) remains one
of the era’s masterpieces, and it’s worth climbing
the 463 steps to the top of the dome to fully
appreciate the 150 years of labour required to
create this staggering building. And this was in
the days before tea breaks caught on!
Pisa, Italy (Tours from Livorno
or La Spezia)
A city where even the cowboy builders can
somehow create an enduring masterpiece,
Pisa rises above the banks of the river Arno,
surrounded by spectacular Tuscan countryside.
This is very much Chianti region, with the
surrounding hills covered by vast swathes of
vineyards. It would almost seem rude not to
sample a glass or two of the region’s most
famous tipple whilst in town. Of course, it’s
impossible to visit Pisa without at least stopping
for a photo opportunity at the Leaning Tower,
but interestingly; there are actually a trio of tipsy
towers in Pisa, with the bell tower of San Nicola
church and the bell tower of San Michele of Scalzi
Church also featuring a pronounced lean.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona! Go on, admit it; in your head (or perhaps
out loud!) you sang it in the style of Freddie Mercury
and Montserrat Caballé’s famous 1987 hit! Whilst
mere mortals may not be able to hit the same
notes as Caballé, the city itself hits the high notes
time and again, no matter how many times you
visit. Explore the legacy of the 1992 Olympics, take
in the fabulous city views from Montjuïc, ramble
(it’s a variation of amble; you’ll know when it’s
time) along Las Ramblas, absorb the sights and
smells of La Boqueria market, gaze upon Gaudi’s
mesmerising architecture, or visit Camp Nou, home
of FC Barcelona, motto: “Mes que un club” (More
than a club). Barcelona: Más que una ciudad.
Venice, Italy
Oft imitated, never bettered. This incredible
floating city has being inspiring copycats since the
middle ages, but the “Venice of the north/south/
east or west” can’t hold a candle to the Venice
of the, well, just Venice actually. Since springing
from unpromising beginnings in the middle of a
northern Adriatic lagoon, Venice has attracted
visitors like nowhere else in the world, and arriving
by cruise ship offers a view unlike any other.
Innumerable highlights await in Venice, from the
bustling St Mark’s Square, to the Doge’s Palace
and the infamous Bridge of Sighs. Birthplace
of Casanova, it’s easy to see why this seductive
little city has so inspired the inner romantic in
generations of travellers.
Athens, Greece (Tours from
Piraeus)
Dating back to 3000 BC, Athens is one of the
world’s oldest cities, and prides itself on being
considered the “Cradle of Civilisation”. As the
birthplace of western philosophy, democracy, major
mathematical principles, the Olympic Games and
theatre, amongst many others, Athenians may
well have a point. As you’d expect, the Athenian
landscape, dotted with relics of its ancient past, is
nothing short of stunning. A trip to the Acropolis
is a must for any visitor to Athens, where the
spectacular ruins of the Parthenon and other
ancient temples have survived all manner of wars,
natural disasters and invasions for over 2000 years.
➀
Dubrovnik
➁
Barcelona, Palau de la Musica Catalana
➂
Rome, Trevi Fountain
➃
Rome, Colosseum
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