Published: August 30, 2008 01:13 pm      

Why not sail away?

Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Mykonos, Istanbul, Ephesus, Athens and Venice. Don’t these names conjure images of the ideal Mediterranean tour?

On May 4, you can set sail to these ancient locations aboard the brand new Ruby Princess, and save more than $600 per couple.

Your cruise begins in historic and intriguing Barcelona. Founded by Hercules 400 years before the building of Rome, and rebuilt by the father of Hannibal (yes, Hannibal who took war elephants over the Alps to fight against Rome) in the Third Century B.C., Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and an enviable position on the Mediterranean Sea. There are numerous museums and world heritage sites. It would be an excellent idea to arrive in Barcelona a day or two prior to your cruise to fully investigate this fascinating city.

Monte Carlo, playground of the rich and famous, is one of Europe’s leading tourist resorts. Don’t miss the Napoleon Museum, the Monaco Cathedral, and the Prince’s Palace. You may gamble in the casinos but remember to keep your eyes open for celebrity sightings.

Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, will beguile you. Buy some jewelry along the Ponte Vecchio, gaze in adoration at the world’s most beautiful man, David, at The Academy. Take your picture in front on the Duomo, which dominates this ancient and beautiful city.

Pisa, home of the famous leaning tower, is home to archeological remains from the Fifth Century, B.C. Historical documents confirm the existence of Pisa 13 centuries prior to the start of the Common Era.

Rome. The Queen Mother of ancient cities. The Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s and the Vatican museums. There is never enough time to thoroughly absorb the wonders of Rome.

Naples, home of America’s favorite Italian dish, pizza, is more than 2,500 years old and located between two volcanic areas. St. Peter and St. Paul are said to have preached here. Vesuvius managed to spare Naples, but the Allied bombs in World War II found it more often than any other Italian city. The Naples National Archaeological Museum houses the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which are not to be missed for any reason.

Mykonos was settled by Ionians in the early part of the 11th Century B.C. Today it is known for its very cosmopolitan character, active nightlife, and sandy beaches.

Istanbul is the only metropolitan city in the world situated on two continents. It has been the home of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. It is a cultural and ethnic melting pot, with hundreds of historic mosques, churches, palaces, castles, and towers to visit.

Kusadasi is near the ancient city of Ephesus, where Mother Mary and St John both came to live. The religious significance of this ancient city draws thousands of tourists, and it has many well-preserved ruins.

Athens, inhibited for more than 3,000 years, is known as the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization. It is the home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum, the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, and Sophicles.

Venice has to be the most romantic city in the world. The Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, the Doges Palace, and the Grand Canal. Climb aboard a gondola and see it all.

This Grand Mediterranean Cruise is a steal May 4 at $3,040 (per person, balcony cabin, double occupancy, cruise fare). Imagine 12 wonderful days spent touring these fascinating locations. What are you doing this May?

Joy Gawf Crutchfield owns The Joy of Travel. Contact her at joy@thejoyoftravel.us.