Morocco
Morocco
Port of Casablanca
Morocco is an immensely rich cultural center point of north-western Africa that exudes influences of all of the proximal regions, including Spain and the Mediterranean, Egypt, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlas Mountains. The port of Casablanca, established in the 20th century, is a busy metropolis and home to the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world after Mecca. Teaming with colorful bazaars and exotic culture, Casablanca and nearby Rabat, Fez and Marrakech will give voyagers a taste of a culture far different from any other place.
Turkey
Turkey
Port of Antalya
Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk or "Father of the Turks."
Location: Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria
Language(s): Turkish (official), Kurdish, other minority languages
Capital: Ankara
Crete
Crete
Port of Heraklion
With more ancient sites than any other country in Europe, Greece is an archaeological treasure. Philosophers and theologians have long been drawn here to explore the roots of modern thought. Even so, it is the vibrant blues and rugged beauty of the Greek Islands that beckon many visitors away from the crowds of Athens and the Acropolis. Santorini’s picturesque town of Oia is a whitewashed, blue-domed beauty. The sea-side cafes, windmills and nightlife of Mykonos are also draw for many of our participants. Sandy beaches can be found on Skiathos.
Turkey
Turkey
Port of Kusadasi
Location: Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria
Language(s): Turkish (official), Kurdish, other minority languages
Capital: Ankara
Greece
Greece
With more ancient sites than any other country in Europe, Greece is an archaeological treasure. Philosophers and theologians have long been drawn here to explore the roots of modern thought. Even so, it is the vibrant blues and rugged beauty of the Greek Islands that beckon many visitors away from the crowds of Athens and the Acropolis. Santorini’s picturesque town of Oia is a whitewashed, blue-domed beauty. The sea-side cafes, windmills and nightlife of Mykonos are also draw for many of our participants. Sandy beaches can be found on Skiathos.
Delphi’s oracle and the soaring, mountain-top monastic retreats of Meteora make an excellent day trip. The deep, narrow abyss of the Corinth Canal is an awesome feat of engineering and ancient Corinth has a fascinating history. The Argolis-Olympia trip explores the site of the original Olympic Games and Mycenae, best known for its prominence in mythology.
Italy
Italy
Port of Livorno: Jul 21 - 23, Port of Civitavecchia: Jul 24 - 26
Italy has something for everyone, whether you are a history buff, outdoor adventurer, or an aspiring chef. If you are looking to explore ancient architecture, visit the Roman ruins or the renowned city of Pompeii, preserved by the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius. The five consecutive seaside towns of Cinque Terre offer beautiful hiking trails along the coastline and a chance to explore fishing villages. Culinary enthusiasts can learn how to cook in Naples, a city renowned for its Napoli-style pizza.
Malta
Malta
Port of Valletta
Great Britain formally acquired Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964; a decade later it declared itself a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination while its key industries moved toward more service-oriented activities. Malta became an EU member in May 2004 and began using the euro as currency in 2008.
Language(s): Maltese
Capitol: Valletta
France
France
Port of Marseille Fos
France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G-8, the G-20, the EU, and other multilateral organizations.
Location: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain. Also includes, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte and Reunion
Spain
Spain
Port of Barcelona: Aug 6 - 8, Port of Cadiz Bay: Aug 11 - 13
Spain’s diverse landscape, architecture, art, and cuisine make the country rich in culture and charm. We will dock in Barcelona, one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports, where you can explore the spectacular architecture of the Catalan capital, including Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia church. Sports enthusiasts enjoy a visit to Camp Nou, Barcelona’s soccer stadium and home to the Barca team. On the outskirts of the city, you will find the Montserrat mountain range as well as beautiful beaches.
Portugal
Portugal
Port of Lisbon
Following its heyday as a global maritime power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence of Brazil, its wealthiest colony, in 1822. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.
