(Note: Apparently I have caused some confusion by posting our Itinerary as a linked page under and to the left of the banner picture and not as a post, thus this correction)
Our “Quest for the Mediterranean Sun” cruise will begin in Ft Lauderdale, Florida as we sail across the Atlantic for six exciting and restful days for our first port of call: Ponta Delgada, Portugal, in the Azore Islands (Alan’s tour), Cadiz, Spain where we will rent a car and spend the day exploring our old early 70’s stomping grounds around Jerez de la Frontera. The next day we will sail for Almeria for a full day tour, which will include a visit to Granada and the world famous Alhambra. For our next port of call, Valencia, we have opted to explore the city on our own and possible get to see the Lladro porcelain factory outside the city. We are so excited to spend the next two days in the wonderful city of Barcelona, which will include a 9 hour tour (Montserrat and Barcelona) with our wonderful travel agent Alan Schiller. It is through “”travelwithalan” we have booked this entire 26 day adventure. Our second day in Barcelona will be free to explore on our own. Then it’s on to Monte Carlo, Monaco (tour to St. Paul de Vence and Nice, France) and then sail to Civitavecchia (Rome) Italy. Barbara has opted to take Alan’s tour to the Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, etc. I have chosen to stay in the port and sample the local beer, pizza, and minestrone soup.
The second half our cruise will take us back up the Italian coast to Santa Margherita where we will spend the day onboard a private charter boat to tour the world-famous Cinque Terre or the rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera, stopping in the town of Portofino, where we will be treated to an Italian lunch with wine. Next up: Cannes, France and a visit to a winery in Provence arranged by the ship; then it’s back to beautiful Barcelona for a third day, where we will enjoy a tour to the historic city of Girona.
The last two ports are still in in the “mystery mode” as we are scheduled to sail to La Goulette, Tunis, which is an uncertain destination due to political instability at this time – only the “head shed” at Holland America Headquarters knows. We trust Holland America to take us there, only if it safe. Then it on to Palermo, Sicily, which we will probably explore on our own. Finally, on the last day we will return to Civitavecchia, and head for an overnight in Rome, (Alan’s classical Rome tour and Farewell Dinner) before flying back to Seattle.
Cummings Family Adventures 