Mediterranean Cruise

 

Ship: Insignia Sailing Date: September 17, 2010
	Day		Port	Arrive	Depart
	1		Venice, Italy
	2		Venice, Italy		5:00PM
	3		Dubrovnik, Croatia	1:00PM	6:00PM
	4		Corfu, Greece	9:00AM	4:00PM
	5		Taormina (Sicily), Italy	8:00AM	6:00PM
	6		Sorrento/Capri, Italy	8:00AM	11:30PM
	7		Amalfi/Positano, Italy	8:00AM	6:00PM
	8		Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy	8:00AM	8:00PM
	9		Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy	8:00AM	8:00PM
	10		La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Italy	8:00AM	8:00PM
	11		Portofino, Italy	8:00AM	6:00PM
	12		Monte Carlo, Monaco	8:00AM	11:00PM
	13		Provence (Marseille), France	8:00AM	6:00PM
	14		Palma de Mallorca, Spain	12:00PM	6:00PM
	15		Barcelona, Spain	4:00AM

Venice

Savor the majestic beauty of this amazing city as you glide along its canals and under its bridges, opulent palazzi and elegant churches lining the route. Discover Venice’s secret quarters down narrow alleys opening into spacious campos. Admire the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Visit lovely Burano and the glass factories on Murano. Shopping: Murano glass, exquisite and unusual jewelry, handmade lace, masks and marbled paper, fine clothing, leather goods, etchings and other artwork are just a sampling of what’s available.

Dining: Enjoy delicious Adriatic seafood including shrimp, mussels, eel, crayfish and mullet or the local specialty tissue-thin calves’ liver slices sautéed with onions. A glass of superb Veneto region wine is a must as well as any dessert or gelato!

Dubrovnik

Enjoy a walk through this famous walled medieval city and its exquisite Venetian monuments. See the Franciscan monastery and explore the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. Or explore the countryside with a visit to lovely Cavtat, an enchanting seaside resort that began life as a Greek and then Roman colony. Then visit a local family in a Konavle Valley village and enjoy their hospitality over a traditional welcome of brandy and figs with a serenade by local musicians. Shopping: Browse in the shops filled with hand-woven textiles, lace, peasant blouses and skirts, carved wood and other trinkets. Dining: Savor local grilled meat dishes, wonderful cheese, fresh bread, olives and wine.

Corfu

Immerse yourself in this beautiful island of glorious scenery and beaches, serene monasteries, beautiful palaces, traditional mountain towns and Corfu’s lovely old Venetian quarter. Or learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes at a local restaurant and feast on the results. Shopping: Browse the arcades of the old town for intriguing silver items, jewelry, fishermen’s sweaters, sandals and objects made of olive wood. Dining: Enjoy mezes, delicious Greek appetizers of stuffed grape leaves, tzatziki – a dip made of fish roe, olives, fresh bread and a chilled glass of retsina. Or sample freshly caught grilled fish or a delicious lamb souvlaki.

Taormina

Enjoy magnificent panoramic views on the way up to the town where you can stroll down medieval lanes past stunning palaces. See the famed Greek Theater and its fantastic view of Mt. Etna. Or take a trip to the volcano itself and get a first-hand look at cones, craters and lava streams from previous eruptions and a fantastic view over the Gulf of Catania. Venture into the countryside and its lovely hill towns, one with a Norman Castle built of black lava, and visit beautiful old Catania. Shopping: Find lovely embroidery and traditional painted wood items, pottery and ceramics as souvenirs. Dining: Savor the fresh seafood and pasta along with local wines.

Sorrento/Capri

Beautiful Capri with its stunning panoramas, villages, charming piazzas and a visit to the Villa San Michele make a nice diversion. Visit the ruins at Pompeii, take a cooking lesson in Sorrento or enjoy a drive along the beautiful coast to pretty Positano, its homes clinging to the hillside.

Shopping: Browse the shops for designer clothes, filigree and mosaic jewelry and cameos, ceramics and artwork.

Dining: Savor the fresh made pizza on Capri, fresh seafood with pasta and superb wines.

Amalfi/Positano

Discover chic Positano with its relaxed, sophisticated air and white Moorish-style houses clinging to steep slopes around a sparkling bay filled with colorful fishing boats. Then visit enchanting Amalfi and admire the 12th-century Capuchin monastery and see the beautiful 11th-century Cathedral and cloister before exploring on your own. Shopping: Browse Positano’s boutiques for the town’s locally made casual cotton clothes or search for unique souvenirs in Amalfi. Dining: Enjoy delicious fresh seafood and pasta or tempting pastries and espresso in a spectacular seaside, mountainous setting.

Florence/Pisa

Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome, the Baptistry, Michelangelo’s magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa’s superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful Cathedral and famed Campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewelry, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savor the proscuitto, the cheese and infinite variety of breads, cakes and salamis.

La Spezia

Head out of town and discover the five stunning, colorful towns clinging to the cliffs along the coast. Hike along the trail connecting them or take a boat tour and see them from the water as ancient seafarers did. Go ashore and explore a picturesque town and its castle. Or visit intriguing Porto Venere, another colorful town rising above one end of La Spezia’s harbor with breathtaking views and the lovely Church of San Pietro. It was once a playground and inspiration for poets from Dante to Byron and Shelly. Shopping: Search for souvenirs, fine jewelry, ceramics, leather goods and artwork as well as olive oil and wine. Dining: Enjoy delicious fresh seafood, focaccia, pickled anchovies, and a glass of local wine

Portofino

Stroll through picturesque Portofino and Santa Margherita. Be awed by the stunning scenery as you explore the beautiful coastal resorts of Ravallo, Sestri Levante or San Fruttuoso by local boat and on foot. Shopping: Browse in the designer boutiques and small local shops for elegant leathers, silks, jewelry and art. Dining: Enjoy pasta with pesto, prawns, fresh caught fish and superb local wines.

Monte Carlo

Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City then stroll through this marvelous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace. And don’t forget the Casino! Explore the wonderful old villages along the Cote d’Azur to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence – each one a jewel to be savored. Shopping: Enjoy searching for silks, leather goods, couture clothing, jewelry and perfume! Dining: Savor delectable bouillabaisse or an airy quiche accompanied by the perfect wine. Add a tart or for dessert

Provence

See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or venture into the celebrated Provencal countryside and explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and see the Papal palace, the famed bridge and the hilltop village of Les Baux. Shopping: Buy lavender, leather goods, Provençal pottery and art. Dining: Savor a hearty dish of adola, slowly cooked marinated beef flavored with herbs and vegetables or any fresh seafood. And don’t forget the wine, cheese and warm bread!

Palma de Mallorca

Explore this beautiful island beginning with the magnificent Cathedral and Bellver Castle. See the windmills and impressive manor house in the verdant countryside. Discover the amazing natural wonders in the Drach Caves. And for sheer romance, visit the former Carthusian Monastery in Valdemosa where George Sand and Chopin spent a winter. Shopping: Buy famous Majorica pearls, fine Spanish leather goods and olive woodcarvings. Dining: Enjoy local smoked ham, or frito mallorquin, pieces of lamb, onions, vegetables, potatoes, and peppers fried in olive oil and spices and visit a local cave” serving family style meals where wine is poured from a cask!”

Barcelona

Visit the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoní Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí’s other fabulous structures; the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona’s famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery, in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains. Shopping: Buy some of the monks’ famed liqueur, fine leather goods, lace, glass, ceramics or art in Barcelona. Dining: Try some delicious Catalonian paella, shrimp or squid dishes and classic tapas accompanied by a superb glass of wine.

Restaurants … Food … Wines from Around the World

Jacques Pépin, the noteworthy and celebrated chef, author, and food columnist brings his culinary artistry and legendary cuisine to the ships of the Oceania Cruises fleet. Jacques Pépin oversees all culinary programs including the creation of menu offerings, wine lists, and the training of our onboard Executive Chefs. Jacques Pépin is the host of award winning cooking shows on national public television and the author of nineteen cookbooks. He has also served as the personal chef to three French heads of state including Charles de Gaulle.

Onboard Events for Our “Pairings at Sea” Group –

• Sail Away Party
• Wine Fest – Grand Wine Tasting
• Cigar & Port Night
• The Joy of Wine Seminar
• Two Wine Dinners
• Farewell Party (til we meet again)

Featured Celebrity Guest Speakers – (Watch here for exciting announcements)

Pricing for Pairings at Sea and Wine Chateau Guests …. (coming soon)

Our Ship …

Insignia radiates her own unique warmth and character. Her distinctive personality shines through from the moment you first step into her newly redesigned, neo-classical lobby or Toscana, resplendent in rich new fabrics and furnishings that reflect the charisma of Tuscany. Insignia boasts decks and verandas graced with the finest teak and exquisite custom stone and tile work. To ensure the elegance shines throughout the entire experience, there is all new Villeroy & Boch china, the finest silver and crystal, and a distinctive museum-quality art collection that is an eclectic melding of traditional and contemporary, with a touch of whimsy.

 

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For additional information or to reserve your stateroom …

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Email us at info@sunsandandseatravel.com

 

ID (PASSPORT) REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens traveling abroad are responsible for bringing all required travel documents for boarding the ship in the country in which they will embark including a valid passport and any visas required for their cruise itinerary. Please note that you are responsible for securing the necessary visas and immunizations.

For Caribbean cruises, U.S. citizens must bring proper identification in the form of a U.S. passport or original or certified birth certificate with a raised seal along with a state or government issued photo identification. Due to countries changing their laws, some itineraries may require all guests to have a passport. On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant document.

CURRENTLY: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or Naturalization Papers.

For up to date information please visit the US Department of State website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Alien residents and non-U.S. citizens should consult with their local consulates for proper identification requirements.