Fortuna sailing on November 20th, 2013

About Savona

A part of the Italian Riviera near Genoa, Savona is a city rich in history and enterprise, largely centered around its port. A tour of the city may include a visit to "Columbus's House," a former residence of Christopher Columbus nestled in the Savona hills. Or one may visit Savona's most important monument, the Priamar, a recently-restored castle stronghold located near the port.

Savona Activities

• Near the Rocca di San Giorgio, on the "Promontorio del Priamar", stands the fortress named Priamar, built after fall of Savona in Genoese hands (1528) by the Genoese in 1542, on the area of the old cathedral and old city and later used as a prison and military prison (italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned here).
• Near the Cathedral (built 1589 – 1604) is the Cappella Sistina, containing the tomb erected by the Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IV to honor his parents. The Cathedral has one of the most notworthy wooden choirs of XVI cent. European churches.
• Facing the cathedral is the unfinished Palazzo Della Rovere, built by Cardinal Giulio della Rovere (Pope Julius II) from the plans of Giuliano da Sangallo as a university.
• The old towers, survived after 1528 ruin (war with Genoa): the Campanassa (Commune tower where freedom of Savona was signed in 1191), towers Corsi and Riario, "Ghibelline Tower", and Torre della Quarda (also known as "a Torretta"), in Leone Pancaldo square.
• The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia.
• In neighbourhood of Savona remains a house documented as property of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, where they lived for many years (Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth).
  

About At Sea

Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want.

About Malaga

A perfect setting of charm, this alluring port is located on Spains Costa del Sol amidst a profusion of exotic wildflowers in perpetual bloom. View the famous natural wood carvings of artist Pedro de Mena at the Malaga Cathedral.

Malaga Attractions

At the heart of town is the unusual Cathedral of Málaga, built over two centuries ago on the site of the former main mosque. It features 17th-century carved choir stalls, fine pictures and 103 individually carved saints.

Malaga Activities

• Explore the numerous museums of Málaga, as well as the Gibralfaro Castle.
• Visit the town of Nerja and its famous cave, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Inside the cave are impressive stalagmites and stalactites and the exceptional 105-foot-high central column in the Cataclysm Chamber.
• Behold the arabesque fantasy of Grenada's Alhambra Palace - one of Spain's greatest architectural accomplishments.

About Casablanca

Catch the flavor of Casablanca in the open spice markets and herb alist shops on the Quarter Balilida in New Medina. A delightful blending of French and Moroccan cultures is found in street bazaars where artisans and enchanters barter their crafts a mere stone´s throw from the hushed secret gardens of the Royal Palace.

Casablanca Attractions

Casablanca's beaches are found to the east of the city along the Corniche. This is a very trendy area with four-star hotels, restaurants and bars.

About Cadiz

Cadiz is the western worlds oldest inhabited city with shores bathed by both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Tiny villages are scattered at random along golden beaches and up twisting mountain roads leading to romantic Seville. Visit Sanlucar de Barrameda where Magellan began his voyage around the world and Jerez de la Frontera, home of the worlds finest sherry.

Cadiz Attractions

The cathedral in Cádiz is by far its best-known landmark. It was built in the 18th century with gold imported from the New World. There is also a museum with a breathtaking, and priceless, collection of gold, silver and jewels, and the crypt of the great Cádiz-born composer Manuel de Falla.

Cadiz Activities

• Stroll through the charming Plaza de Mina, lined with sidewalk cafés and remarkable architecture. It's also home to the Fine Arts and Archaeology Museum.
• Climb to the top of the Torre Tavira, one of the 160 watchtowers built in the 18th century, for a view of the entire city.
• Relax on one of the beautiful white-sand beaches.
• Visit the Oratorio de Santa Cruz church, home to several paintings by Francisco Goya.
• Take in the scenery. With water surrounding the city on three sides, Cadiz is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and ocean views.

About Lisbon

Lisbon is a city of great character and endearing charisma. Located in a hilly region at the mouth of the Tagus, the city retains an old world flair with cobbled alleyways in Alfama, the old town. Competing with the elegant avenues of Alto where sorrowful "fado" music fills the evening air is the Chiado, Lisbons affluent shopping district.

Lisbon Attractions

Don't miss the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, or Jeronimo's Monastery. Commissioned in 1501 after Vasco da Gama's return from his voyage, this remarkable monastery is a beautiful and unique example of Manueline architecture.

Lisbon Activities

• Explore the streets of Lisbon from Rossio Square to the main thoroughfare, the Avenida da Liberdade. Visit the monastery and the Maritime Museum, which houses miniature boats and original maps chronicling the history of navigation from the Middle Ages to today.
• Visit Sintra, considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Portugal. It was once the summer residence of Portuguese kings and aristocrats.
• Walk through the charming village of Fatima, where numerous sightings of the blessed Virgin Mary have been reported.

About At Sea

Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want.

About Valencia

Stylish and friendly Valencia is together with Barcelona the most important city on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. While the original founding goes back to Roman times, it was the Moors who arrived in 709 AD and made Valencia prosper, thanks to a booming trade in paper, silk, leather, ceramics, glass and silver work. After Almanzor's death, the area was conquered by the legendary "El Cid" during the Christian re-conquest of Spain. Not much is left from the Roman period, but the architectural legacy of the Moors is abundant and can be seen in the remains of the old walls, the Almirante bath house and the tower, el Miguelete, which was the minaret of the old mosque.

Valencia Activities

• Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas - This baroque palace is on the Calle del Poeta Querol. Extensively rebuilt during the 18th-century, it is fronted by an extravagant façade, hand carved in alabaster.
• Torres de Serranos - This well-preserved 14th-century tower was part of the original walls that surrounded the old city.
• Beaches - The main city beach is Playa de la Malvarrosa. It is not the most pristine beach in Spain and is lined with restaurants, bars and discos. About 5 miles south of the city is Playa El Salér, which is backed by attractive public gardens.

About Barcelona

Founded by Romans in the first century BC, Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalonian Spain. Many of the worlds finest treasures can be seen in Barcelonas museums and monuments. Romanesque and Gothic frescoes and treasures can be enjoyed at the Catalan Art Museum. Among the most treasured sites is Gaudis masterpiece, The Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona Attractions

While you're in Barcelona, don't miss the Picasso Gallery. Several adjoining 15th-century palaces house a huge collection (over 2,000 pieces) of Picasso's work.

Barcelona Activities

• Stroll along Las Ramblas, a wonderfully vibrant part of the city where street vendors and performers vie for your attention.
• Explore the many churches and cathedrals of Barcelona and discover the city's modernist architecture along Paseo de Gracia.
• Visit Antoni Gaudí's unfinished Segrada Familia. With eight soaring spires and a spectacular main façade, this cathedral is a true architectural masterpiece.

About Savona

A part of the Italian Riviera near Genoa, Savona is a city rich in history and enterprise, largely centered around its port. A tour of the city may include a visit to "Columbus's House," a former residence of Christopher Columbus nestled in the Savona hills. Or one may visit Savona's most important monument, the Priamar, a recently-restored castle stronghold located near the port.

Savona Activities

• Near the Rocca di San Giorgio, on the "Promontorio del Priamar", stands the fortress named Priamar, built after fall of Savona in Genoese hands (1528) by the Genoese in 1542, on the area of the old cathedral and old city and later used as a prison and military prison (italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned here).
• Near the Cathedral (built 1589 – 1604) is the Cappella Sistina, containing the tomb erected by the Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IV to honor his parents. The Cathedral has one of the most notworthy wooden choirs of XVI cent. European churches.
• Facing the cathedral is the unfinished Palazzo Della Rovere, built by Cardinal Giulio della Rovere (Pope Julius II) from the plans of Giuliano da Sangallo as a university.
• The old towers, survived after 1528 ruin (war with Genoa): the Campanassa (Commune tower where freedom of Savona was signed in 1191), towers Corsi and Riario, "Ghibelline Tower", and Torre della Quarda (also known as "a Torretta"), in Leone Pancaldo square.
• The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia.
• In neighbourhood of Savona remains a house documented as property of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, where they lived for many years (Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth).