Mediterranean from Kiel

The port of Kiel in Germany is at the heart of the city. If you like lighthouses, the visit to the Bülk lighthouse will be a source of great satisfaction. Kiel is a city in Northern Germany, whose origins date back to the 13th century. Its story has been widely influenced by maritime activities and currently is one of the European capitals that holds nautical races. The port of Kiel is located right in the city centre and is the ideal starting point for a visit. Between visits to the old railroads and the unmissable WWII submarine, enjoy a stop at the Bülk lighthouse. You can also visit the botanical gardens and the numerous animal ranches out of town.

Copenhagen is ideal for exploring by bicycle: its narrow streets and small bridges enclose all the magic that inspired the tales of Hans Christian Andersen. During the stop in the port of Copenhagen, discover the fascinating charm of one of the most beautiful Scandinavian capitals. Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is the industrial and financial centre of the country but also one of the biggest cities in Scandinavia. It is also a popular tourist destination that seduces with its countless attractions, the beauty of its landscapes and its important historical and cultural heritage. After visiting the port, take a bike ride through streets scattered with beautiful canals and ancient historical monuments before starting on the museums and palaces of the city.

Kristiansand literally means “Christian Beach”, named after the king who founded it in 1641. Today it is famous for its cathedral and its zoo. Kristiansand is a town situated on the west coast of Norway. Its climate is one of the most attractive in the country because of the distinct seasons. Here you can visit the typical Scandinavian cathedral, the “dømkirke”, then don’t miss a visit to the Kanonmuseum, named for the impressive cannon, from where you will enjoy a beautiful view over the city. Sports lovers can enjoy rafting. Take a boat trip from the port of Kristiansand to explore the surrounding islands.

During the stop in the port of Le Havre you can discover a maritime metropolis through modernist architecture and many fascinating museums. Le Havre is a port city in Normandy that was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II. In 2005 its architectural masterpieces earned it inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Don’t forget to taste some of the local dishes.

Vigo is the port of call for Santiago de Compostela, one of the famous holy places of Christianity. Its magnificent Baroque cathedral, built on the tomb of Saint James, has been attracting pilgrims from all over Europe for centuries

Lisbon is a city of decadent charm that we can discover among lifts and slopes and small restaurants where they serve salt cod in every variant. The capital of Portugal is a concentration of the Portuguese lifestyle. Upon arrival at the port of Lisbon, you’ll start your stay enjoying delicious local cuisine. You won’t have any difficulty finding a restaurant on the river bank where you can have a glass of Vinho Verde and taste some sweet rice treats. Whatever you’re looking for, from strong emotions to calm, the city can satisfy you. You can also bask on its beaches or visit the historic buildings of the city of seven hills. Then jump on the tram and head to the art galleries and museums of the second oldest capital in Europe.

Travel through the streets of the port, where Christopher Columbus left for America, and visit this beautiful town and its surroundings. Make a stop in Cadiz, an Andalusian town that gives its name to the region it is capital of and the gulf on whose heights it stands proud. Its buildings are characterised by influences, in chronological order, of the Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and the Christians. The port of Cadiz was the departure point of the expedition that led to the discovery of America. Here you can admire the charming seafront promenade and the 3 km bridge that crosses the bay. Don’t miss the chance to taste “tapas de chorizo” or see a flamenco show.

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.

A pleasant thing to do is simply sit down at one of the cafes overlooking the port of Marseilles and, sipping a Pastis, observe the landscape and the people who inhabit it. Also called the “Porpoise City “, Marseille is France’s sunniest town, charming with its gullies where you can swim, its history and culture and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. You cannot leave without having first toured on the “Cours Julien”, the street for shopping. The port of Marseille is perhaps a typical tourist destination, but it deserves to be visited for the ferry that leaves from the Town Hall and the old church, which replaced a Templar building.

Above the port of Savona, the Priamar Fortress greets every departure and arrival of the Costa ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Genoa and its aquarium are nearby. The port of Savona, which you can explore during your cruise in Italy, is one of the prettiest of the Italian Riviera. The lovely climate, summers that are never to hot, mild winters and the exceptional beauty of the sea near the town makes Savona an excellent base to set out to explore Liguria. Savona is notable for the Priamar Fortress, which has dominated the town since the 16th century, and also for its historic centre where you can visit Savona Cathedral. A stop in Savona can also be an opportunity to visit the nearby city of Genoa and its narrow, picturesque streets, known as “caruggi”.