Gerry Kerkhof

Crotone Shore Excursions

22 May, 2018

Located right in the south of Italy, the historic port of Crotone has a colourful history dating back to 710 BC when it was founded by the ancient Greeks. It is one of the oldest Greek colonies in a region filled with reminders of the Magna Grecia period, not only in terms of its architecture but also in its culture and cuisine. Indeed the Greeks were responsible for establishing vineyards and olive groves in the region, traditions which have stood the test of time considering the exceptional quality of locally produced olive oil and Cirò wines.

Agrigento

Agrigento (Sicily) Shore Excursions

17 May, 2018

Some 2500 years ago on the south-west coast of Sicily there existed a vast city inhabited by more than half a million people. Originally known as Akragas, this city was one of the highlights of Ancient Greece which lies just south of the modern-day city of Agrigento. Today this magnificent World Heritage Site is better known as the Valley of the Temples and is the main shore excursion for cruise ship visitors arriving in the nearby port of Porto Empedocle. Other popular attractions include the Turkish Steps and Roman Villa which are located just a short ride to the west of the port near Realmonte.

Ravenna

Ravenna Shore Excursions

22 March, 2018

Lying in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy some 125km south of Venice, the city of Ravenna is relatively unknown on the Italian cultural circuit yet it is home to numerous monuments which appear on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These attractions have been recognised for their exquisite mosaics which date back to the 5th century and are representative of the Roman, Arian, and Byzantine civilizations which settled in the region.

Portofino

Portofino Shore Excursions

6 March, 2018

Tucked away in a secluded harbour on the Italian Riviera is the stunning port of Portofino which is one of Europe’s most desirable destinations within the superyacht community. Since the 1950s this tiny fishing village which is overlooked by colourful houses built on the surrounding cliffs has been a popular getaway for well known celebrities. Today it retains that air of exclusivity with prices to match ensuring that less wealthy visitors don’t hang around for long after admiring the beauty of the place.

Savona Shore Excursions

2 March, 2018

Located on the Ligurian coast of Italy between Monaco and Genoa, Savona has served as an important port since it was occupied by the Romans in 180 BC. During the Middle Ages it was regarded as a significant maritime power before being defeated by the Genoese in the early 16th century.

Genoa

Genoa Shore Excursions

23 February, 2018

Located on the Ligurian Sea, the ancient city of Genoa is best known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus which has long been one of the Mediterranean’s most important seaports. The city’s historic centre is filled with beautiful palaces which bear testimony to a time when Genoa was on a par with Venice as a maritime power. In spite of such architectural treasures it wasn’t until 2004 that the city appeared on the European tourism map when it was designated

Taormina (Giardini Naxos) Shore Excursions

15 February, 2018

Dating back to the 6th century BC when the Greeks first settled here, the town of Taormina on Sicily’s north-east coast is no stranger to foreign visitors. Yet 2017 was a historic year for this beautiful, cliff-top location as Donald Trump and other world leaders dropped into town for the 43rd G7 summit. Already well established as a holiday destination and long regarded as a popular spot by many celebrities, Taormina suddenly found itself the focus of the world’s media

Cagliari

Cagliari Shore Excursions

9 February, 2018

The Italian island of Sardinia is the second largest in the whole Mediterranean region. Lying south of Corsica and west of mainland Italy it has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Reminders of the many civilisations which have settled here including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans are visible today at a number of historic sights around the island. An interesting reminder of the past is evident in the north-western town of Alghero where the people still speak Catalan,

Brindisi

Brindisi Shore Excursions

5 February, 2018

Dating back to 312BC, the Appian Way was one of the most important roads ever built under the Roman Empire. Heading south out of Rome this thoroughfare would eventually reach the port city of Brindisi in the ‘heel of Italy’ from where shipping routes with Greece and Egypt were established. The city’s strategic importance remains important to this day in helping facilitate trade with Greece and the Middle East. The port is more accustomed to seeing ferry traffic than cruise

Venecia

Venice Shore Excursions

29 January, 2018

Today’s visitor to the former Republic of Venice is met with the decaying grandeur of what was once one of the world’s wealthiest city states. The proceeds from its involvement in the lucrative world of commerce and shipping helped finance the construction of many grand palaces, churches and piazzas mainly between the 9th and 13th centuries. Such a wealth of attractions has contributed to Venice becoming a victim of its own success as a tourist destination as 30 million visitors per year threaten the fragile ecosystem of the city and its lagoon. Such is this threat that UNESCO are considering

Bari

Bari Shore Excursions

27 January, 2018

The city of Bari in south-eastern Italy has long played an important strategic role in the Adriatic Sea. Today it is the capital of the Italian region of Puglia (Apulia) which is well known for its historic hill towns, beautiful coastline and exquisite regional cuisine. For many cruise ship passengers this relatively unknown destination proves to be a pleasantly surprising port of call. Within a short walk of the cruise terminal visitors can wander into the city’s historic centre where life goes on as it has done for centuries. A number of key sights reside in this old town otherwise

Messina

Messina (Taormina) Shore Excursions

22 January, 2018

For many centuries the north-east coast of Sicily has been considered of major strategic importance to the many civilisations who have settled here. Messina is the region’s busy ferry port which serves as a major transport hub for the high volume of traffic and passengers arriving from the mainland. Not the most beautiful of places it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1908 then was again reduced to rubble during the Second World War. Most cruise ships visiting Messina do so to allow passengers to visit the beautiful town of Taormina which lies just down the coast or Mount Etna

Catania

Catania Shore Excursions

26 December, 2017

The port city of Catania lies in the shadow of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. Standing at more than 3300m, Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano which continues to erupt several times per year. Its most destructive eruption in 1669 destroyed many local villages and the lava flow caused some damage to buildings in Catania which lies 45km to the south-east of its crater. Following an earthquake in 1693 which destroyed the city, Catania was rebuilt using lava brick in the Baroque style which remains evident today. Cruise ship passengers visiting Catania are in for

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