MEXICO Cruise from LOS ANGELES to CIVITAVECCHIA aboard Crystal Cruises - Crystal Serenity

St. Martin

St. Maarten & St. Martin are two fascinating Caribbean countries that share a single island of only 40 square miles in size. In the year 1649, this Caribbean nation split in two; with the Dutch inhabiting the southern portion of the island, and the French inhabiting the north. Today, a peaceful coexistence between the two governments make both nations a charming getaway that welcomes all visitors to bask in their ample beaches, fabulous duty-free shopping, terrific nightlife, exciting casinos, and world-class dining.

If you are looking for a destination to enjoy the quiet and tranquility of the Caribbean, then you might be tempted to look elsewhere, for in recent years, especially after the massive and impressive rebuilding projects on the island following Hurricane Luis in 1995, St. Maarten/St. Martin has become a tourist mecca. But locals are stilly friendly, attractions are plentiful and affordable, and if you are drawn to a variety of water-sports and sport fishing opportunities, then the island is perfect for you.

There are two capital cities on the island, one for the Dutch side, and one for the French. Phillipsburg, St. Maarten is by far the largest city on the island, and the number one destination for cruise-ship passengers. Founded in 1763 by John Phillips, the city has evolved into a major port of call. Stroll through the town and visit Front Street, where you can shop for everything under the sun and enjoy some of the very best bargains anywhere in the Caribbean. The city is a hustling and bustling capital that is the epitome of the progress this island has made in recent years. As you head north to the French side of the island you will come across Marigot, St. Martin. Here you will be treated to a far more serene town that will remind you of a small French seaside village.

If time permits, then a small drive to Grand-Case is well worthwhile. Here you will find a quaint fishing village that has escaped the over-development of other parts of the island. Instead, you can soak in the beauty of the Caribbean surroundings in relative tranquility and dine on some of the best local cuisine available.

Tortola/Virgin Gorda

The British Virgin Islands, located in the northeast Caribbean, are a collection of gorgeous islands that used to be inhabited by pirates and sailors. Lying 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, they are exquisite tropical destinations, visited by tourists from all over the world. These islands are comprised of hidden caves and fascinating inlets, and for the most part they are incredibly small in size. Only Tortola and Virgin Gorda are of reasonable stature in geographic terms. The colony of Tortola itself is only 24 square miles, and its capital, Road Town, has emerged as a haven for yacht chartering. This came about after the development of Wickhams Cay, a 70-acre marina and landfill. The southern coast of Tortola mainly consists of great mountains, and the northern coast a fabulous white-sand beach with beautiful bays and banana trees.

Virgin Gorda, only a 12-mile ferry ride away, is equally glorious, with just as rich a history. Both Tortola and Virgin Gorda are controlled by the British , but are controlled loosely, and they are basically free to do as they please. They are governed well, and you will find yourself safe and comfortable in both of these destinations. The locals are friendly and eager to assist you, and for being such tiny locations, there are a wonderful amount of activities to choose from, and plenty of tremendous sightseeing locations and fun to be had.

A wonderful array of water sports is available to the tourists of Tortola and Virgin Gorda, and the restaurants are quite pleasant as well. Taking a ferry or motorboat to any of the other 40 islands in the vicinity is also a great way to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of relatively unexplored, uninhabited regions for you to jaunt around and see what you can find. Taking guided island tours are very enjoyable, as they are both informative and exciting.

The boulder-covered beach known as The Baths has made Virgin Gorda famous with travelers. Christopher Columbus actually named the island, translated to read "Fat Virgin." He thought that the mountain framing of Virgin Gorda looked similar to a protruding stomach. One of the most private and solitude tourist centers in all of the world, Virgin Gorda became slightly more bustling after Little Dix Bay Hotel opened there and started to thrive in the 1960?s. One thing for sure, Tortola and Virgin Gorda remain tranquil yet lovely and are wonderful locations to visit.

Miami

A destination of vast diversity, Miami's year-round warm weather attracts visitors from all over the world to its beautiful beaches, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Two million people call Miami home, but another 10 million come to visit every year.

The Spanish were first to arrive, and it is understandable that their influence should be felt first and foremost. Miami was colonized by the Spanish in the 1500?s, then used as collateral in negotiations with the English that ended the Seven Years War. Spain gained Havana back in exchange for Florida. In 1783, England traded Florida back to Spain for the Bahamas, and Spain ruled Florida as a colony until 1821, when Florida became a state.

Miami now is world famous for its beaches, 35 miles worth, from South Beach to Sunny Isles. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or just people watch, there are enough different beaches to suit your fancy.

But there is so much more to the city. A wide range of museums and parks can be found here. They add a refined sense of culture to the glitz and glamour of Miami's world-renowned nightlife.

Of course, if shopping is your main objective, Miami has more than enough shops and boutiques to suit your needs. That's without even mentioning the many upscale shopping malls and sidewalk stores that dot the map

What sets Miami apart from most other tourist destinations is the blend of people who call it home. Nowhere else in the world will you see so many people from so many different cultures. Large communities of Cubans and Haitians mix with retired "snowbirds" from New York and Canada.

It's hard to take in all that Miami has to offer in one day, but here are some of the highlights.

Bordeaux

Rolling hills, mighty rivers, beautiful landscapes, and world famous vineyards await you in Bordeaux, France's fifth largest city. Bordeaux's history begins with the Celts, who called Bordeaux Burdigala. Later, the area came under Roman rule, becoming the capital of the province of Aquitania. Eleanor of Aquitane married King Henry II of England in 1154, and as a result, the entire area came under British rule. This lasted until 1543, when the French regained control of the area, much to the dismay of the locals, who were thriving under the liberal guidance of the British.

While Bordeaux has existed for over two thousand years, the city has gained most of its fame from its world-renowned wine industry. The vineyards surrounding Bordeaux sold almost one billion gallons of wine last year, all under strict local government ordinances, to ensure that no bottle of wine that goes out under the prestigious Bordeaux name is in any way subpar.

Today, Bordeaux struggles to expand its tourist appeal beyond the world's wine connoisseurs. This is unfortunate, as the Grand Theatre should rank among the most visited attractions in all of the world. The more famous Paris opera house borrowed liberally from Bordeaux's theater, designed by Victor Louis. A floating cruise under the Pont de Pierre, one of Europe's most beautiful bridges, is a must, as is a tour of the surrounding wine country that makes Bordeaux a recognized name worldwide.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a diverse and outrageously enjoyable city that demands a look. It is already a very popular tourist destination, but it will no doubt continue to have an increasing amount of visitors as the years go by. It is not a quiet town, but it is not as sprawling or congested as some of the neighboring capitals. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and with a population that hovers right around one million, most of the other famous European cities are much larger. This is just fine with the citizens of Lisbon, who prefer their city remain somewhat secluded and protected. This is one of those places to which you must be sure to bring all of your high performance photography gear. But even if you aren't a seasoned shutterbug, buy a disposable camera and snap as many shots as you can! The landscape, horizon, and glorious sunsets here are unparalleled, and the unique architecture will not be seen anywhere else on earth. Even the cobblestone streets are remarkable, built on hillsides, making for a roller coaster-like view of the city or the river at any given time.

In 1755, an earthquake and tidal wave completely destroyed the city, and after that a complex of parallel streets was constructed in between the two main squares. The Alfama is a Moorish sector that is found to the east of Lisbon, and Bairro Alto is located to the west. Lisbon is full of tremendous sights and a fantastic array of top-notch museums. The squares are ideal locations for picnicking and people watching. The weather here is excellent, with hot summers, warm springs and autumns, and cool winters. The more time you spend in Lisbon, the more you will fall in love with it, so keep that picture of the kids handy to remind you of home or you may never want to leave!

Cadiz

Beautiful Cadiz is the ideal spot for a peaceful vacation. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds the city on three sides, making it magnificently temperate and scenic. The view from virtually anywhere in the region is marvelous. In February, Spaniards flock to Cadiz for the famous Carnival. However, during the rest of the year the city is fairly quiet and subdued, and most tourists have not yet discovered the wonder of Cadiz. It is for this reason that it is in our best interests to see this exquisite city before it gets discovered.

Phoenician traders founded the region in 1100 B.C. and named it Gadir. It is claimed that Cadiz is the oldest constantly inhabited city in the entire Western World. Julius Caesar lived here and held office, and Hannibal resided here for a time, as well. During the Middle Ages, while controlled by the Moors, Cadiz was forced into a steady decline. Finally, after the discovery of the Americas, the city's commercial importance was rediscovered. Columbus set sail from Cadiz on his second voyage to the New World. In the 18th century, the New World trade was monopolized by Cadiz, and it developed into the most lucrative port in all of Western Europe. The majority of the buildings in the city date from this time period. Built from gold and silver brought from the New World, the cathedral in Cadiz is a breathtaking structure.

A grouping of narrow streets opens into a series of lovely, small squares, and this makes up the forefront of Cadiz. The older portions of the city have an African appearance to them, and the cathedral's golden cupola towers above low, off-white homes. Outstanding parks are scattered throughout Cadiz, and the sparkling bay can be seen from the center of this wonderful city. Plaza de Mina is the perfect starting point to begin your explorations. This square features grand, shady palm trees and an abundance of warm beaches. Everywhere you go, the locals will greet you with a pleasant smile and a kind word, epitomizing the inviting nature of Cadiz, Spain.

Barcelona

Barcelona has always been a prosperous city , thanks to an exquisite harbor, fertile soil, and a population of hard working, caring citizens. This great city was a strong, incredibly diverse region when Madrid was still a fledgling town with basically no landmarks or significance. The numerous Mediterranean empires that had at one time or another conquered the area brought tremendous influences, much more so than the Iberian presence to the west. Barcelona was most influenced by Rome, Carthage, and France during the Charlemagne era.

The monuments of Barcelona open a book into the rich history of the area. These include the intricate and beautiful Gothic Quarter from the medieval times, the series of Catalan art nouveau, and the surreal artwork of Picasso and Miro. But if you are searching for a little excitement and outdoor fun to mix in with your education and culture, look no further than Barcelona.

In 1992, Barcelona was given a huge boost by serving as home to the Summer Olympic Games. This race to the 21st century was quite beneficial to Barcelona and the neighboring areas, and the restructuring program that became everyone's focus was given the name Post Olympic. As a result of all of this hard work and dedication, Barcelona has recently developed into one of the premier port cities in all of Europe. There are so many fascinating sights and wonderful events; you will be awed by your choices and so much to do. Extraordinary museums and landmarks can be found everywhere in this ancient city with a rich heritage and culture. The Museu Picasso is one of the greatest art exhibits anywhere, and through the center of the old quarter of Barcelona is the gorgeous tree-lined promenade, a visual splendor. The nightlife is truly something, and the shopping is fantastic.

Sorrento

Sorrento has long held a special place in the heart of Italians. Its rugged beauty has attracted poets, philosophers, playwrights, and authors for centuries. Roman mythology places Sorrento as the spot where sailors were lured to their death by the songs of the sirens, mermaids who used their beautiful voices to lead men to their watery graves. It's said that the mythical hero Ulysses stuffed his crew's ears with wax to deafen them and strapped himself to the ships hull in order to resist their allure.

Today, the city is still every bit as alluring. Sorrento is on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, a strip of land in Western Italy that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The small island of Capri is just three miles off shore, and one of Italy's most beautiful (but dangerous) roads winds along from Sorrento, through Amalfi and into Salerno. Sorrento is equidistant from both Naples and Salerno, exactly 43 miles away from each. Vic Damone's tear-jerking hit, Come Back to Sorrento may become your theme song once you visit this little slice of paradise.

Taormina

Taormina is on Sicily's eastern coast, overlooking the turquoise Ionian Sea. The beautiful town is built right into a cliff, and every year thousands of tourists descend upon the otherwise sleepy village to revel in the perfect weather and easygoing pace.

The town's relaxed image belies a turbulent past, when Sicily passed through more hands than a hot potato. In succession, the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, and Bourbons have all controlled Sicily since it was first settled by the Phoenicians over two thousand years ago.

Looming ominously beyond Taormina's fun loving landscape is Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Active may be an understatement, as the volcano erupted over sixty times in just six months in early 2000. Some of Mt. Etna's eruptions have sent pillars of ash two miles into the sky, temporarily blocking the sun like a solar eclipse. A day trip to Mt. Etna's base is always fascinating. It isn't often that you get so close to nature's sheer power. But remember to check with the local tourist office before heading too close.

The city of Taormina itself doesn't spend too much time agonizing over Mt. Etna. It's too busy enjoying its gorgeous beaches, its myriad of dining options, and its vibrant nightlife to notice. You will find it easy to let your cares drift away into the Ionian Sea, as you fall into Taormina's seductive trance.

Venice

Venice is known as La Serenissima, or the Serene Republic. One look around the city will help you understand why. At first you may not recognize the absence of sound that fills your ears. But then it hits you - there are no cars here. As you walk down the middle of the street, you'll marvel at the beauty around every street corner. It seems like the entire city has been lifted straight out of a painting. There is nowhere else in the world where earth and water exist together so freely, with neither element trying to assert its dominance. Couples from all over flock to the world's most romantic city.

Of course, the secret is out, and the throngs of tourists do detract from the city's pristine visage. During the summer, Piazza San Marco is teeming with people, so many in fact that it seems like the city will sink into the water that runs through it. In actuality, the city is sinking, at an average of five inches every twenty years. Unless something is done to keep Venice afloat, the city may join Atlantis at the bottom of the sea.

Because Venice's fortunes are tied so closely to the sea, it must be noted that Venice loses some of its charm in the autumn months, when high tides flood some of the best parts of the city, including the city's center, Piazza San Marco. On the hottest summer days, the water begins to smell, despite the city's best efforts to keep its waterways clean. However, do not let these small inconveniences distract you from all of the good things Venice has to offer. This is the one location in the world where the city itself is the attraction. You can spend an entire day walking around and sitting outside, stopping for lunch or some gelato, and not step foot in a single attraction. You will still be enchanted, having experienced the most picturesque city in the world.

Corfu

Corfu is arguably the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands. It is set in the northern Ionian Sea at the entrance to the Adriatic. Today, the 100,000 citizens of Corfu offer their land to tourists at a high price, but anyone who has been to the island would argue that it is well worth it. Corfu's tremendous turquoise beaches tantalize, and the lovely land's allure leaves you wanting more. But if the sun-drenched landscape is not sufficient, the island's rich history and reputation for hospitality are sure to please you. Because the land is somewhat divided, it is well equipped to please a wide range of tourists.

Within Corfu there are three entities, each of which attracts different types of people. Corfu, the island, is the place to be if the classic vacation elements are what you are looking for. The island is encircled by beaches and filled with delicious restaurants, resorts ranging in price from inexpensive (for students) to very expensive, and is home to a vigorous nightlife. Corfu town is a more sophisticated place where the emphasis falls on history as well as Greek, Italian and French culture. Corfu's mainland interior is a quieter, lesser-known haven of villages, vegetation, and agriculture. Most tourists, young people especially, opt for the excitement of Corfu Island, which boasts of having over one million visitors per year.

Corfu has inspired artists and historians alike. It is said to have been a favorite place of artists like Alfred Sisley and literary giants like Wilde and Goethe. Homer's Odysseus visited the island on his journey home, and marveled at its splendor. Shakespeare's The Tempest was inspired by Corfu. Even Napoleon was awed by the land's magnificence. And when you visit, you will quickly realize why so much brilliance has been born in and of Corfu. Its beaches are like no other, and its atmosphere of relaxation is instantly recognizable.