Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona

Civitavecchia is a major port located in Rome, primarily utilized for maritime transportation of goods, as well as a fishing port. The commune’s name means “ancient town” and is one of the “Motorways of the Sea” in the Mediterranean, functioning as one of the main links between the mainland of Italy and Sardinia. The ancient name of the port was “Centumcellae,” first mentioned in a letter written by Pliny the Younger in 107 A.D., although scholars debate on whether the name was about the number of rooms of the Trajan Villa, or the number of natural creeks on the coast. Civitavecchia is a part of the Lazio Territory, an area which was confirmed to have social groups since pre-historic times, and the modern town was built over a pre-existing settlement of the Etruscan people in 107-108 B.C.E. (who debated to have founded Rome). In the beginning of the 2nd century, the harbor and town of Centumcellae were simultaneously developed by Emperor Trajan in the territory of Aquae Tauri. As the town became more popular for ships traveling westbound, the Thermal Baths were constructed on the hill of Ficoncella. Centumcellae flourished in the Imperial Age, and by 538 A.D., it had become a Byzantine stronghold. In 728 A.D., it became a member of the Papal States. The Saracens raided Centumcellae many times in the 9th century, prompting Pope Leo VII to have a newer and more secure settlement built by 854. The town, then known as Civita Vetula, was under the rule of several lords, and the Popes temporarily lost control during the French Rule in 1798-1815. In 1870 it entered the Kingdom of Italy. Civitavecchia was severely damaged during WWII, destroying many of the ancient monuments including Forte Michelangelo, which would be rebuilt in the 1950’s. Popular points of interest include the Forte Michelangelo, Terme Taurine, and Cattedrale di San Francesco. There is a wealth of Roman and Vatican architecture and tourists are encouraged to visit many of the museums and take the cultural tours available in this important sea port.

Porto Ercole (“Port Hercules”) sits pretty in the municipality of Monte Argentario, in the Province of Grosseto, Tuscany—one of two towns that form the township, along with Porto Santo Stefano located on the opposite side of this unique peninsula. Stroll their picturesque marinas with sidewalk boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Travel to Montalcino for the tasting of fantastic Brunello in one of the most celebrated Italian wine regions. Hike to the few castellos (castles) located on top of the three hills surrounding the port, or take in a round of golf with one of the most picturesque backdrops in the Mediterranean.

The picturesque fishing village of Portofino can be found along the Italian Riviera, and is one of the most popular resort getaways in all of Italy. Portofino has been a staple of tourism in Italy since the 19th century, officially replacing fishing as its chief industry in 1950. Portofino is twinned with Kinsale, Ireland, and Palma (de Mallorca), Spain. Roman philosopher and military commander Pliny the Elder declared that Portofino was founded by the Romans, and with the high concentration of dolphins found in the Tigullian Gulf, it was named the “Port of the Dolphin” - Portus Delphini. Portofino was primarily a member of the Republic of Genoa in early days, and never provided more than a resting area for the merchant navy due to its naturally cramped harbor. The Republic of Florence purchased Portofino in 1409 from French King Charles VI, yet returned when the Florentines were ousted. Portofino became a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815, and during Risorgimento, it became a member of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Aristocratic visitors from Northern Europe began visiting the town in the 19th century, leading to eventual vacation homes and celebrities appearing in Portofino. Portofino is naturally beautiful port with colorful, iconic architecture that was even replicated as a hotel resort at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando. The Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan also created a seaside town based on Portofino. Tourists like to visit the museum Castello Brown, which provides a great view of the town, as well as the churches of St. Martin, Oratorio di Nostra Signora Assunta, and St. George - the latter containing some relics of saints. When visiting Portofino, be sure to take a guided dive to the Portofino Marine Park, as well as take a glimpse at the recently restored famous underwater statue, the Christ of the Abyss.

Villefranche-sur-Mer has been a popular port of call in the French Riviera for cruise ships since the 1980’s. This former Russian Navy Base is a fishing port in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Cote d’Azur, near the French border of Italy, approximately 6 kilometers from Nice. Rich in history, this picturesque tax-free town is filled with colorful villas on hillsides, truly reminiscent of Italian architecture. Great for strolling and hiking, this amazing destination will provide a true feel of the Mediterranean lifestyle, and many wealthy individuals have decided to retire here. The citadel that overlooks the seaside town, Citadella Saint-Elme, has three museums that are free to enter. The historic monument hosts movie nights, concerts, and a wide variety of other local events, and also serves as the town’s City Hall, which was inaugurated in March of 1981. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is also a nearby tourist attraction filled with antique furniture and art, with nine beautiful gardens surrounding the historical place. Dubbed as a part of the “Notable Gardens of France”, there is a rose, stone, Florentine, Spanish, French formal, exotic, Japanese, Provençal and a garden de Sèvres. Every year, The Painters’ Day and Opera Azuriales events are held here as well. Many tourists enjoy snorkeling in the clear, sapphire sea. The beach is jellyfish free, and cobblestone covers the area, so it is advised to keep this in mind when choosing footwear for the day. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a port SeaDream visits on some voyages that also travel to Monte Carlo, Nice, and Saint-Tropez, and is truly an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the Watersports Marina, inclusive in your voyage fare.

Cannes is a well-known destination in the French Riviera that is home to many international festivals celebrating the arts, including Midem, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and the global film festival founded in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival. It’s the first European satellite manufacturer, home to the Cannes Mandelieu Space Center, as well as the headquarters for Thales Alenia Space. Originally a small fishing port heavily tied to the Lerins Islands, Cannes is most characterized by luxury, fame, and hosting conferences. Despite becoming a glamorous destination in the Côte d'Azur, the history of Cannes and the Lerins Islands was quite rocky. Cannes was initially named Aegitna, and established by the Ligurian tribe of Oxybii in the 2nd Century B.C. In 410 A.D. two monks settled on Lerina and established a monastery, housing several hundred monks by the 6th century. Out of fear of a Saracen invasion, Le Suquet was procured by the monks in the 11th century, which led to the birth and expansion on what became known as Cannes. Piracy remained a general problem and by the 12th century, the monastery was finally attacked by Saracen pirates, which further fueled insecurity. In 1520, when French King Francis I and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V declared war, Cannes became a passageway for their armies. The situation in Cannes would worsen when the great plague of 1579 annihilated much of the population. In 1635, the Spanish occupied the town for a couple of years before returning to Spain in 1707 for the War of Spanish Succession. It wasn’t until the 18th century where Cannes finally became tranquil and began flourishing in the 19th century. The economy for Cannes is sustained by business fairs, trade, tourism, and aviation. Points of interest include the Iles de Lerins, Marches Forville, Casino Croisette and Rue Meynadier. During the summer, from May to September, Cannes remains sunny for 12 hours a day. Its warm climate allows lemon, orange and olive trees to thrive, as well as fig, almond, oak, lotus and cypress trees. When sailing to Cannes, be sure to visit La Croisette and stroll along the white sandy beaches on this mile-long promenade where the very essence of this town thrives. SeaDream typically anchors so we can offer water sports to our valued guests. You may occasionally see the yacht docked alongside when we are chartered from the festival.

Cassis is a small port situated east of Marseille in the administrative department of the Bouches-du-Rhone in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in southern France. It is a very popular tourist destination and is famous for its steep cliffs (falaises) and the sheltered limestone inlets called calanques. The wines of Cassis are white and rose, and not to be confused with creme de cassis, a specialty of Burgundy which takes its name from blackcurrants (cassis), not the village here. SeaDream anchors in the bay and offer a land adventure to the impressive Aix en Provence. Other options are taking a local boat to the calanques, hiking along the coast, visiting some of the local vineyards, water sports, mountain biking or simply relaxing in a Balinese bed on the yacht.

Roses (or Rosas in Spanish) is a coastal city and has the largest fishing fleet of the Costa Brava. Even with so many fishermen, this town in Girona thrives on tourism. The town is popular for its splendid beaches and loved for its unique location as it is the only beach resort facing west. This allows tourists and locals alike get to enjoy fantastic sunsets across the Gulf of Roses. SeaDream anchors just of the marina and may offer guests water sports activities.

Overlooking the Mediterranean city, Barcelona is a destination that welcomes exploration. Vibrant and metropolitan, this UNESCO-Awarded city is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. It is especially notable for its Art Nouveau architecture and the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, which can be seen throughout the city. His best-known work is the immense, unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882 and is still financed by private donations. Completion is planned for 2026. SeaDream overnights in this bustling Mediterranean city and typically docks downtown at the World Trade Center, just steps away from the iconic tree-lined pedestrian La Rambla boulevard