Istanbul is Europe's most populous city (the world's 4th largest city proper and 20th largest urban area) and Turkey's cultural and financial center. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait, and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. Part of Istanbul’s great attraction is its unique position on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus. Most of the population live on the European side; the Asian sector is reached via the high-level Bosphorus Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge or by ferry. With 13 million inhabitants Istanbul offers all the excitement of a cosmopolitan city. Its numerous monuments, mosques and museums, plus the famous Grand Bazaar, make it one of the world’s great destinations. Things to See & Do * Okapi Palace * Hagia Sophia * Yerebatan Sarayi * Sulemanye Mosque * Sultanahmet Square

Cruising at Sea

Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia, positioned at the terminal end of the Isthmus of Dubrovnik. It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts, a seaport and the center of the Dubrovnik–Neretva county. Nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic", Dubrovnik is a beautiful medieval walled city which is over 1,000 years old and virtually untouched by the modern world. The same light-coloured stone can be seen in the marble-paved squares, cobbled streets, tall houses, convents, churches, palaces, fountains and museums. The oldest pharmacy in Europe, located in the Friars Minor monastery is a highlight. Things to See & Do * Sponza palace * fortresses * Franciscan monastery * Medieval walls encircling the city

Cruising at Sea

Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world and is a history lesson in itself. Key sites include the Vatican City, The Forum, the Colosseum and the ruins of the Circus Maximus. There are many museums and art galleries, with works by Raphael, Bottecelli, Pinturicchio and Belini and many more. The Vatican City has many spectacular buildings and churches to visit principle amongst which is the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo ceiling. It is the world's smallest independent sovereign state and also features St. Peter's Basilica was built over 1,500 years ago the Vatican Library hand the Vatican Garden. Modern Rome is a city of restaurants, open piazza's, wonderful shopping and more. Things to See & Do * Vatican City * Sistine Chapel * St. Peter Basilica * The Colosseum * Trevi fountain

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoys a mild climate all year round.Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most successful ports and one of the world’s leading cities in art and architecture. From the modern cruise terminal at the docks you will need a taxi or tour to see the artistic beauty of this unique destination, credited to the talents of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi, Jose Clara and others. Stroll the mosaic-paved Ramblas, the city's social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays. See its unique Catalonian cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi and some outstanding museums. Sights of interest include the Columbus Monument, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (1298 to 1454), the Maritime Museum, Picasso Gallery, La Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's unfinished cathedral), Palau Guell (Gaudi mansion) and the Olympic stadiums. Things to See & Do * La Rambla * World-famous opera house El Liceu * Plaça Reial (Royal Square) * Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia * The National Museum of Art of Catalonia