The Med, Andalusia & the Azores Cruise on Costa Fascinosa from Barcelona

Barcelona

The port of Barcelona was born about the same time as the city was. It is one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean, cruises leaving to tour the most desirable cities in the Western Mediterranean. It has modern facilities and all the services needed to accommodate the many passengers who have Barcelona as a starting point and end of their trip. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural capitals of Europe. Among many attractions that include the Sagrada Familia, Montjuic, Gaudi's Güell Park and the famous Ramblas.

Marseille (France)

Marseille is the second largest city in France, after Paris and is the third largest urban area and metropolitan area after Lyon. Marseille is the capital of the Provence Alpes Côte dAzur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches du Rhône department. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market. The Old Port or Vieux Port is the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Things to See & Do: Old Port area, Abbey of Saint Victor, The Centre Bourse and the adjacent rue St Ferreol district the main shopping area & Museums and historical buildings.

Savona (Italy)

Savona is a seaport and comune in the northern Italian region of Liguria, capital of the Province of Savona, in the Riviera di Ponente on the Mediterranean Sea..Savona used to be one of the chief seats of the Italian iron industry, having iron-works and foundries, shipbuilding, railway workshops, engineering shops, and a brass foundry.One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Coliumbus, who farmed land in the area while chronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills, lay between vegetable crops and fruit trees. It is just one of many residences in Liguria associated with Columbus.

Malaga (Spain)

Malaga is the capital of Costa del Sol, or Empire of the Light, as Ortega y Gasset described it in a poem. Youll find the Picasso Museum that is devoted to the most influential artist of the twentieth century and meets the need of the artist that his work was present in the city where he was born in 1881. Youll be amazed to visit this cosmopolitan city as tourist, visiting the monuments of the Alcazaba and Giralfaro or ancient Roman theater. Not to mention the beautiful and unfinished Cathedral of the Incarnation, erected on the site which was the largest mosque in Malaga.

Funchal (Madeira)

The city´s name comes from the abundance of fennel (funcho) found on the island. It was an important shipping center during the 15th-17th centuries. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. It is a modern, cosmopolitan, rejuvenated city, well known for its many top class restaurants, stunning new 4 & 5 star hotels and warm climate all year round. The city itself is nestled in a great natural amphitheatre, facing the blue Atlantic with a backdrop of dramatic mountains. It is located in the stunning south of Madeira, on it’s sunniest coast amidst banana plantations and wonderful gardens. Funchal has also for many years been one of the Atlantic Cruise-ship’s main ports of call, with the Liner harbour right in the middle of the town. Once ashore, the cafés, restaurants and history that mark this famed capital are just a stroll away. Tourists in Funchal can also enjoy activities such as diving in the crystal-clear waters, surfing the waves, taking day excursions along the coast and through the eucalyptus smelling mountain woods.

Ponta Delgada (Azores)

ponta Delgada is the capital od the Azores Islands, a portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. The historical neighbourhood of Ponta Delgada is lcoated behind the Avenida do Infante dom Enrique, a large avenue with paved sidewalks in black and white that surrounds the port. The tangled streets are beautiful and inspired in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Praia da Vitoria (Azores)

This unspoilt and wild island is the third largest island in the Azores archipelago. With many picturesque towns, churches, springs, caverns, lakes and pastures, it brings peace to anyone that has the privilege to visit. Praia da Vitoria, with a sheltered natural harbour and a modern marina, was named after the Battle of Praia Bay when the Miguelists were defeated on the beach by Portuguese loyalist troops in 1829.Visit the naturally formed volcanic caves (Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal) on the interior of the island. There are many natural rock pools in place of beaches of coastal towns. Visit Biscoitos and enjoy swimming between lava rocks.Visit in Angra do Heroismo, a medieval Castle (Castelo de São João Batista) where great batlles were fought, between the portuguese and the spanish.

Cadiz (Spain)

Cadiz is a city and port in southwestern Spain. The older part of Cadiz within the remnants of the city walls is commonly referred to as the Old Town It is characterized by the antiquity of its various quarters, among them El Pópulo, La Viña, and Santa María, which present a marked contrast to the newer areas of town. While the Old City's street plan consists of narrow winding alleys connecting large plazas, newer areas of Cadiz typically have wide avenues and more modern buildings. In addition, the city is dotted with numerous parks where exotic plants flourish, including giant trees supposedly brought to Spain by Columbus from the New World. Cadiz, situated on a peninsula, is home to some of Spain's most beautiful beaches. La Playa de la Caleta is the best-loved beach of Cadiz. It has always been in Carnival songs, due to its unequalled beauty and its proximity to the Barrio de la Viña. It is the beach of the Old City, situated between two castles, San Sebastian and Santa Catalina. La Caleta and the boulevard show a lot of resemblance to parts of Havana, the capital city of Cuba,

Barcelona

The port of Barcelona was born about the same time as the city was. It is one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean, cruises leaving to tour the most desirable cities in the Western Mediterranean. It has modern facilities and all the services needed to accommodate the many passengers who have Barcelona as a starting point and end of their trip. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural capitals of Europe. Among many attractions that include the Sagrada Familia, Montjuic, Gaudi's Güell Park and the famous Ramblas.