Why Take A
Mediterranean Cruise?
by: John Metcalfe
A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt
the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120
seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous
combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer
trips.
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A huge clash of cultures await all who
opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17
different countries, including such nations as Spain, Italy, Greece
and Egypt. Each nation has its own unique attractions, all of which
you can sample as your cruise ship gracefully sails around the calm
blue Mediterranean Sea.
More than 50 companies offer cruises
along varied routes in the Mediterranean. Some companies specialize in
providing Western Mediterranean cruises, concentrating on ports of
call around Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. Other
companies offer Eastern Mediterranean cruises which take in Croatia,
Greece, Turkey and countries in the Middle East. Popular specialist
Mediterranean cruises include a tour of the North African nations, a
Mediterranean islands cruise that visits the island nations of Cyprus
and Malta, as well as cruises around the Greek Islands. If you're
after a longer vacation, it is possible to arrange a cruise itinerary
that takes you around most if not all of the Mediterranean nations.
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History, culture, grand cities, ancient
monuments, romantic islands and breathtaking views are all within easy
reach on a Mediterranean cruise. In the Western Mediterranean you can
discover the traditional white Andalucian villages of Southern Spain,
sample the world-famous Manzanilla sherry in Cadiz and visit the
cultural hub of Europe in the shape of Barcelona, before travelling
onwards to the French Riviera.
A cruise that takes in the wonderful
coastline of Italy yields such treasures as the dormant volcano of Mt
Vesuvius, ancient Pompeii and the stunning city of Rome. The islands
of Sicily and Sardinia hold many delights too on a Western
Mediterranean cruise.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, cruise
passengers can discover the spectacular Croatian coastline and its
beautiful city - Dubrovnik, before diving southeastwards to sample
classical Greece and its sultry islands. The island of Crete is always
worth a visit, if only for the historic Palace of Knossos.
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A visit to the holy city of Jerusalem
is a worthwhile excursion from both Israeli ports - Haifa and Ashdod -
on a Mediterranean cruise of the Middle East. Egypt's Port Said is
well worth a visit too. Port Said provides access to the world famous
Suez Canal, which takes vessels into the Red Sea and onwards in to the
Arabian Sea.
The Mediterranean region has seen many
a civilization rise and fall. It is a crucible of human evolution and
is rich in relics left over by more than 6,000 years of occupation. If
you've ever wanted to discover what it felt like to be an Egyptian
pharaoh, Roman warrior or a Greek philosopher, a Mediterranean cruise
can give you just that opportunity..
John Metcalfe
http://www.azcruises.com
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