| The Mediterranean is a fantastic destination for your | | | | of Italy and the largest city in Italy. Romes history as a |
| cruise vacation. The weather is fantastic and it has | | | | city spans over 2,500 years and it shows. The |
| some of the most stunningly beautiful places on the | | | | unbelievably beautiful architecture is everywhere. Be |
| earth. The Mediterranean Sea is a major body of | | | | sure to get yourself into the city when the ship stops |
| water south of Europe, west of Asia, and north of | | | | at this port. |
| Africa and cruise lines have been visiting this area | | | | 5. Genoa is another city in Italy but with a more |
| since cruise liners have existed! With mild, rainy winters | | | | traditional appearance. Parts of the old town area are |
| and hot, dry summers the Mediterranean is one of the | | | | inscribed on the world heritage list and as such are |
| most popular tourist destinations in Europe. | | | | untouched by modern architecture. A refreshing |
| Action-packed Mediterranean cruises are a great way | | | | change from the big city of Rome Genoa has a more |
| to explore this stunning part of the world and Below | | | | relaxed and countryside atmosphere. |
| we have listed and 9 of the top ports that your | | | | 6. St Raphael is on the French Riviera and has a more |
| Mediterranean cruise should call at. | | | | tolerable climate that some of the other Mediterranean |
| 1. Barcelona is the largest city in Spain and capital of | | | | ports. Immediately West of Monte Carlo St Raphael is |
| Catalonia. Being on the Spanish mainland the weather | | | | a lovely, quaint town on the South East of France and |
| is slightly warmer than the Spanish islands. Barcelona is | | | | has some of the most stunning beach front |
| a busy city but with a very relaxed atmosphere. | | | | boulevards in the world. Palm trees and little shopping |
| Coffee shops, small bars, busy town center squares | | | | boutiques are the sights you will see. |
| and shopping are the name of the game as well as | | | | 7. Another port in Italy is Naples. Being further south |
| glorious palm lined beaches. The city is clean and the | | | | than Rome the weather will be slightly warmer and |
| locals are friendly and welcoming. One of the most | | | | towards the winter months this difference will be |
| popular tourist destinations is the city football stadium | | | | noticeable. Naples is a known for its rich history, art |
| that is famous throughout the world. | | | | and culture. Naples is over 2,800 years old and the |
| 2. Palma is a port on the popular Spanish island of | | | | area is steeped in lovely old architecture and historic |
| Majorca. Majorca is one of the Balearic islands and is | | | | landmarks. Eating in Naples is an experience like no |
| a popular starting destination for many European | | | | other, they really put the extra effort in when it comes |
| cruises. The island is an extremely popular tourist | | | | to their food. Five start fresh seafood is on offer |
| destination for European travelers. The port itself is | | | | everywhere, your food will be as fresh as possible, |
| located on the south of the island, the rest of the island | | | | sometimes being caught a couple of hours before. |
| is easily explored via bus or public transport but | | | | 8. Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's administrative |
| because of the size of the island, a car rental will | | | | areas. Monte Carlo lies in the French Riviera on the |
| make exploration much easier. Half of the total | | | | Mediterranean Sea in Monaco surrounded by France |
| population of Majorca live in Palma so it is definitely | | | | and close to Italy. Monte Carlo is known across the |
| worth traveling the island to see the quieter side. | | | | world as a playground for the rich and famous and the |
| 3. Tunis is a city in Tunisia and will be a completely | | | | casinos are the main attraction. Monte Carlo is tiny. |
| different experience to the other Mediterranean cruise | | | | The permanent population is 3,000. If you are lucky |
| destinations. Tunisia is an Arabic country and it is worth | | | | enough to stop at the right time of the year you may |
| checking the beliefs before you land at port. Shore | | | | be able to watch the Formula 1 Grand prix. |
| excursions will reveal an old world type city with a | | | | 9. Corsica is a recently added destination to most |
| typical African appearance. The climate in Tunis is hot | | | | Mediterranean cruises and is the fourth largest island in |
| and dry and you should dress appropriately. Get your | | | | the Mediterranean sea. Located west of Italy it has a |
| haggling hat on, everything can be bartered here. In | | | | similar climate to Rome. Although located closer to Italy |
| fact the locals expect you to barter so don't be shy | | | | than France, Corsica is actually French owned. Corsica |
| and grab a bargain at the many street markets that | | | | is famous as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte |
| litter the area. | | | | and there are references to him everywhere. Corsica |
| 4. All roads lead to Rome...Or in this case, waters. | | | | is not as tourist populated as some of the other cruise |
| Rome is a must see. You have to see it to believe it. | | | | destinations and as such is extremely peaceful. |
| Some of the most famous monuments and | | | | This is by no means a complete list of Mediterranean |
| architecture in the world is in Rome. The Colosseum is | | | | destinations. The Med is one of the most popular |
| just one of the famous landmarks. Rome is the capital | | | | tourist destinations in the world. |