Silversea Cruises

Barcelona to Rome - Artistic Inspirations

Itinerary

Barcelona’s beginnings as a major port can be found already in Roman times. However, the most significant period was during the Middle Ages when the city's wealth equaled that of the whole Catalunya province. Splendid buildings from the Middle Ages and a unique ambiance still make Barcelona one of the most attractive cities in Europe, drawing scores of visitors to see and enjoy the sights. In addition to its medieval setting and narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, there are magnificent avenues through the modern part of the city, which are particularly noted for their landmark buildings of Gaudí’s design.

Barcelona offers endless sights and many things to do – too many for a short stay. It needs careful planning to make the most of your visit to this gracious city.

Wednesday - Day At Sea
While we're at sea, enjoy wine tastings, designer boutiques, language and dance classes. Take in a matinee movie, check the market or your e-mail in the Internet Point, slip away with a novel from the library to a sunny chaise or with a movie to your suite. Or just take in the sun pool side. The choice is yours.

Thursday - Monte Carlo, Monaco
The independent principality of Monaco is famous as the playground of the Côte d’Azur. With spacious beaches, elegant hotels and a vibrant nightlife, this tiny domain is a favorite haunt of the jet set. In the possession of the Grimaldi family for almost 700 years, a treaty with France guarantees Monaco’s independence as long as the principality is governed by the Grimaldis.

The fashionable enclave numbers only about 50,000 residents and is smaller than New York’s Central Park, but it boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the world. In addition to luxury hotels and beautiful beaches, Monaco is noted for its mild climate and magnificent scenery. Once an exclusive wintering spot for Europe’s aristocracy, today there are more than two million visitors annually. Of the principality’s four sections - La Condamine, Fontvieille, Monaco-Ville and Monte Carlo, it is the latter two that rank at the top of visitors’ must-see list.

In Monte Carlo, the Grand Casino is perhaps Monaco's most outstanding attraction. For more than a century, the principality's livelihood has been centered beneath the copper roof of this splendid establishment. The resemblance to the Paris Opera House is less than accidental since they share the same architect, Charles Garnier. Also facing the square are the famed Hotel de Paris and the more modest Le Café de Paris.

Monte Carlo spells sophistication; it is the epitome of elegance and glamour. Year after year, the rich and famous of business and entertainment gather here to bask in the sun, gamble at the world’s most opulent casino and attend spectacular parties. Nothing typifies more the elegant lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur than glamorous Monte Carlo.

Monaco-Ville comprises the old town and holds the seat of Monaco’s government. Narrow streets lead to the Prince’s Palace dominating the rocky peninsula. Other attractions include the 19th-century cathedral, the Parliament building and the Oceanographic Museum operated under the auspices of the Jacques Cousteau Society. Most of the sites in Monaco-Ville and Monte Carlo have to be seen on foot.

Friday - Livorno, Italy
Livorno is Italy’s second largest port after Genoa. It also serves as a gateway to the Tuscany region and the great cultural centers of Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Siena. Tuscany delights visitors with its picturesque small towns and classic landscapes. The gently rounded hills, accented by clumps of slender cypresses, have been immortalized in numerous paintings. Lush vineyards are the source of the famous dry, dark-red Chianti wines.

From this part of Italy the national language evolved with Dante and other great Tuscan writers of his period. Even more important is the impact this area had on the culture of the rest of Italy and Europe, adding immense wealth to the architectural and artistic heritage. The Italian Renaissance, with its most active center in Florence, lasted from the 1400s to the 1700s. Its greatest support came from the all-powerful Medici family who commissioned Italy’s most talented painters, sculptors and architects to create some of the most outstanding works of art. Names such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Giotto, Vasari, Botticelli, da Vinci and Donatello come to mind, all of whom worked and lived in Florence at some time in their lives.

Other options for visits from Livorno may include the following: Lucca, the provincial capital and perhaps the area's best-kept secret. Pisa, famed for its great architectural ensemble, comprising the 11th-century Cathedral, the Baptistery and, most famous of all, the Bell Tower with its pillared galleries known for centuries as “The Leaning Tower.” Siena, laid out over three steep hills, is considered by many to be Italy’s most enchanting medieval city.

Whichever of the many attractions you choose to visit during the ship's call at Livorno, it will no doubt be a rewarding experience.

Saturday - Poltu Quatu, Italy
The resort of Poltu Quatu Marina dell’Orso is located on the north-east of Sardinia: the famous area called “Costa Smeralda” is situated between the two most popular villages: Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia.

Caprera Island can actually be seen from Poltu Quatu, whereas the islands of La Maddalena, Santa Maria, Budelli, Razzoli, Lavezzi, Cavallo and Corsica are close by.

It would not be an exaggeration to define the Sardinian landscape as the most stunning in the world and Poltu Quatu, (meaning “hidden port” in Sardinian dialect) is no exception.

Poltu Quatu looks like an old fishing village built around the traditional circular little square, with narrow alleyways and stone buildings, an area characterized by its red granite which has been sculpted into fantastic shapes by the “maestrale” wind. The granite rocks make a frame to a very clear sea in which you can count the sand grains even at 20 meters deep.

Poltu Quatu was founded in 1987 with the intention of providing a safe harbor for sailing and to appreciate the finer pleasures of life. Today, Poltu Quatu has a variety of nice bars, restaurants and shops.

Sunday - Amalfi, Italy
Located roughly between Salerno and Sorrento, Amalfi was already an important maritime republic in the Middle Ages. In fact, the Amalfi Tables represent the oldest maritime code in the world, which were observed throughout the Mediterranean until the late 16th century.

Today, Amalfi is one of the most popular resorts and stopovers along the famed Amalfi Drive, Italy's celebrated corniche that hugs the mountainous coast and carves its way through sheer rock. Opulent villas, cloaked in brilliantly colored bougainvillea, hide behind high walls and wrought-iron gates. Waves pound against the steep shoreline and tortuous bends challenge a steady stream of tourist vehicles. Around every hairpin turn spectacular scenery awaits.

Spread across the slope of the steep Lattari hills, the town itself boasts a superb setting and plenty of charm. The small, inviting center features several attractions that should not be missed. Of particular note is the duomo, also known as Cathedral Sant'Andrea, a marvel of ancient Arab-Moorish architecture. The church dominates the lively piazza, full of shops and crowded with residents and tourists at any time of day.

Ruggedly beautiful and enchanting Amalfi will guarantee you a delightful introduction to Italy’s famed coastline.

Monday - Sorrento, Italy
Set high atop the Mediterranean cliffs, Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty that has endured as a favored resort for centuries. In addition to its own attractions, Sorrento is also known as a popular gateway to Pompeii, Italy’s most celebrated classical ruins. They offer a look at the finest example of a Roman town and its way of life, presented to modern eyes by excavation.

The ever-popular Isle of Capri is just a short distance from Sorrento by jet-foil. It ranks as one of Italy’s most beautiful islands and has captured the fancy of visitors for centuries. Its excellent year-round climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns ensure a never-ending stream of tourists. In addition, the island boasts lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants, making it is easy to understand why Capri has become so popular.

Discover the charm of Sorrento, enjoy the famous archaeological sites and breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Drive, or sit in a shady sidewalk café with an espresso or a cold drink and savor the local ambiance.

Tuesday - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City. Its greatest splendor was experienced during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman legions swept outward, conquering much of the known world. With Rome’s establishment as capital of the Western world, a new ascent to glory began.

Today’s Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafés and elegant shops, is one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous monuments is the Coliseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combat between muscled gladiators and ferocious animals. Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city’s political and commercial center. In later times, Rome’s squares were enhanced with such imposing structures as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument, the grandiose Trevi fountain and Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, to name just a few.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Join the many visitors who stand in awe of St. Peter's Basilica, Christendom’s most magnificent church. Admire the timeless masterpiece of Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. For the Millennium, Rome underwent an extensive beautification program that restored and cleaned churches, palaces, museums and piazzas. Many of the streets, squares and public spaces have been turned into pedestrian areas, causing additional strain on already horrendous traffic conditions.

When visiting Rome, guests must be aware that traffic and parking problems may cause delays. During the Easter Holiday, additional crowds can be expected at the most popular sites.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$564 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$1743 per person per night