Europe

A JOURNEY INTO THE LIGHT

You’re traveling under the same sun that you left at home, but somehow it seems to cast a whole new light. Or perhaps that’s just what happens when it strikes an ancient castle or falls across a priceless work of art by one of the great masters. Whether it caresses you in a rustic field in Tuscany or a storybook village in Croatia, it offers special kind of warmth.

Exploring Cabo by horseback. A view of Florence after sunset, from Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square).

READY TO EXPLORE?

To experience the best of Europe, book your shore excursions at the Carnival Adventures Desk on board. Be sure to visit the Carnival Adventures store to pick up all the essential gear for your explorations in port.

Buildings lining the Stradun, the main street in Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town section.

The great ports of Europe have enthralled travelers for centuries, and those on the Mediterranean hold special allure. Ancient cultures come alive in buildings and monuments that tell the story of civilization. Lively streets, cafés and marketplaces call out with unforgettable pleasures and oneof-a-kind treasures, — an irresistible blend of art, history and romance.

SHOPPING TIP

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Leather in Florence, lace in Corfu, pearls in Palma de Mallorca. There’s a tangible memory unique to each port in Europe, made to transport you back in spirit if not in body.

Experienced travelers recommend keeping things light when souvenir shopping anywhere but especially in Europe, unless you brought an empty steamer trunk to haul back your haul. Here’s an idea: Make some of your memories edible. Snap a shot of the legendary pizza in Naples or tapas in Barcelona, and share it with everyone who’ll wish they’d been here.

BARCELONA

The artistic and intellectual capital of Spain, Barcelona is best known the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Parc Güell is a favorite place to take in Gaudí’s fanciful designs. Beautiful medieval buildings make up the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), while the Las Ramblas neighborhood features fabulous art and architecture.

Before or After Your Cruise

Tour the historic Gothic Quarter. Discover unique shopping in the Spanish Village. Explore the famed Sagrada Familia Church.

CATANIA

Sicily’s second-largest city is a gateway to Taormina, Siracusa and Savoca, and is the home of the massive volcano Mt. Etna. But wherever you go in Sicily, you’ll find a satisfying food and wine scene combining Greek, French, Arab and Spanish influences.

Top Shore Excursions

Military Landing Museum & Catania Sights Panoramic Catania & Coastline Taormina Walking Tour

CARTAGENA

Surrounded by five hills, Cartagena was founded by the Carthaginians and still contains many Roman ruins including the Roman Theatre that dates from the first century B.C. The 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria, is one of the city’s most popular visitor locales.

Top Shore Excursions

Cartagena Highlights on Foot Discover Cartagena by Trolley Train Murcia & Fuensanta Monastery

CORFU

On this ancient island between Italy and Greece, steep slopes rise from the eastern coast. Golden sands stretch along the western shore, and fertile valleys nurture olive and citrus groves. Corfu’s Old Town section is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top Shore Excursions

Achillion Palace & Paleokastritsas with Lunch Highlights of Corfu by Land & Sea Paleokastritsa, Monn Repos & Corfu Town

DUBROVNIK

The famed Croatian port city is best known for its Old Town, dating from the seventh century. Old Town is accessible by a network of cobblestoned streets that lead past well-preserved Renaissance and baroque cathedrals, monasteries and museums.

Top Shore Excursions

Country Home in Konavle Dubrovnik Highlights Ladies and Lords of the Throne

FLORENCE

When touring the birthplace of the Renaissance, many start at the Piazza Duomo, an architectural masterpiece. Other notable buildings include the Basilica di Santa Croce, which holds a shrine to the poet Dante and the tomb of Michelangelo.

Top Shore Excursions

Best of Florence & Michelangelo Masterpiece Florence & Pisa Leaning Tower of Pisa with Tower Entrance

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The principal city of Madeira is blessed with rich volcanic soil nurturing the grapes that become the region’s famous fortified wine. Here you can explore the exotic specimens of local flora at Madeira Botanical Gardens, stroll the Praça do Município, or see it all from a mile-high cable car.

Top Shore Excursions

Island Drive Scenic Madeira The Spirit of Madeira

KOTOR

More and more visitors are discovering Kotor. They’re drawn to the Old Town, which is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ancient walls rise 3 miles high; many ascend to Njeguši for breathtaking views of the world below.

Top Shore Excursions

Budva & Village Life Kotor on Foot Montenegro Wild Beauty – Lipa Cave

PORT SNAPS

THE ALHAMBRA

Built in the 9th century, the Alhambra overlooks Granada near Málaga. Its name means “the red” in Arabic, probably referring to the reddish color of the earth from which the outer walls were built.

MÁLAGA

he Andalusian port of Málaga welcomes the visitor to its cozy, garden-filled spot. Málaga has an ancient past dating to the Phoenicians, and remnants of that era are still on view in the historic city center.

Top Shore Excursions

Charming Málaga & Flamenco Cordoba Highlights Granada & Alhambra

MALTA

Picturesque fishing villages and arcane Neolithic temples draw travelers to Malta, once ruled by the knightly Order of St. John. Historical attractions include the Grand Master’s Palace, former residence of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John.

MARSEILLE

Decades of artists and writers have found their inspiration in this unique seaport, and that’s reflected in the cultured and cosmopolitan makeup of the city. You’ll find museums and galleries and a lively café culture.

Top Shore Excursions

A Day in Provence with Lunch Avignon, Pope’s Palace & Pont Du Gard Chateauneuf Du Pape & Avignon

Top Shore Excursions

Hagar Qim, Blue Grotto & Marsaxlokk Malta Highlights Malta’s Noble Heritage

MESSINA

Over the centuries, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Saracens, Normans, Byzantines, Spaniards and Germans have all made their presence felt here. Attractions include the cathedral’s Orologio Astronomico clock and the dazzling Duomo.

Top Shore Excursions

Taormina on Your Own Taormina & Mt. Etna Winery & Mt. Etna

NAPLES

Once the domain of kings and wealthy noblemen, Naples now has a strong cultural heritage and a tradition of appreciating the finer things. Many know that pizza was born here, but perhaps not that the romantic guitar and the mandolin also are Neapolitan inventions.

Top Shore Excursions

Capri & Amalfi Coast Pompeii, Sorrento & Capri Sorrento & Spectacular Views of Amalfi Coast

PALERMO

Always beguiling, often sensuous, the autonomous island of Sicily lies at the cultural crossroads between Europe and Africa. In Palermo, its principal city, the shared heritage is seen in the design of villas, cathedrals, monuments and former princely palaces.

Top Shore Excursions

Beach Escape Historical Palermo & Monreale Underground Palermo, Zisa Castle & Sightseeing

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Pristine landscape, amazing volcanic formations and lovely beaches keep visitors coming back to the capital of the Azores island of São Miguel. Here you can walk the rim of an extinct volcano crater and marvel at buildings decked in volcanic rock.

Top Shore Excursions

Crater Lakes, Sete Cidades & Wine Tasting Sao Miguel 4x4 Tour Terra Nostra Gardens & Furnas Hot Springs

PALMA DE MALLORCA

This modern tourist center has become one of Europe’s most popular yachting harbors. Its Old Town, with a warren of winding streets and medieval and Renaissance buildings, holds great appeal for the curious traveler.

Top Shore Excursions

Mallorca Beautiful Views & Wine Tasting Soller Village & Vintage Train Ride Top 10 Best of Palma

ROME

The Eternal City lives on. From the powerful images evoked at the Colosseum to the inspiration of the Sistine Chapel, the glory that is Rome hasn’t faded. The city is yours to explore after you arrive in the port of Civitavecchia.

Top Shore Excursions

Highlights of Rome & Inside the Vatican Tivoli Gardens & Roman Ruins of Villa Adriana Top 10 Best Sights of Rome with lunch

FUN FAREWELL

You look like a Very Important Fun Person — so be sure to join the VIFP Club and start earning points for members only: perks like priority boarding, gifts, upgrades, and other ways to make a few waves. To join, see Guest Services on board or visit www.carnival.com/vifp.