Summit cruise to the Mediterranean

12 nights from Barcelona, Spain

August 14–26, 2009
Celebrity's Summit

Pied Piper Travel presents our Annual European Cruise, sailing from Barcelona, Spain to the Mediterranean!

In addition to the traditional itineraries we have offered you in the past fourteen years, Bermuda, Transatlantic, New England/Canada, Hawaii and the Caribbean, Pied Piper Travel once again offers you Europe!

Join us on this 2009 European Cruise to the Mediterranean! Sail from Europe's most romantic port, Barcelona, to famous ports in France, Greece, and Italy! During our cruise we will visit these exciting cities: Villefranche (Nice), Livorno (Pisa), Rome, Naples, Santorini, Athens and Dubrovnik! Then, we'll end our cruise in the beautiful port of Venice, Italy! This is a most incredible itinerary, the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the best sightseeing, history, and cultural activities that Europe has to offer. And you will sail on this most incredible cruise ship, Celebrity Cruise Line's luxury ocean liner, Summit !

Celebrity's Summit

This beautiful, luxurious new ship has all the warmth, charm, and distinction of classic ocean liners of a bygone era. However, she is up-to-date with all the latest high-tech features you could possibly desire. Each spacious, beautifully decorated stateroom contains a 20" Sony multifunctional, interactive television, direct-dial telephones and voice mail, thermostat-controlled air conditioning, private safe, mini-bar and 24-hour complimentary room service! Onboard public rooms include the largest AquaSpa afloat and an alternative restaurant with the original interiors from the SS Normandie, one of the most beautiful ocean liners to have sailed the Atlantic!

Barcelona, Spain

There's nothing quite like Barcelona. Especially if you consider the architecture. The city lays claim to its very own form of Art Nouveau, known as Modernisme. The Sagrada Familia Basilica is perhaps the best example of this beautiful and interesting brand of architecture, with its bold color, beautiful tile-work and swirling lines. At the same time, many find the work at the Picasso Museum and the cathedrals of the Gothic Quarter equally inspiring.

Nice (Villefranche), France

This bustling little town on the coast of France has its own unique charm. Part of the Côte d'Azur Villefranche offers long sandy beaches, terrace cafés, and world-class cuisine, making it a great stop on your way to Monte Carlo, Nice, or Cannes.

Nice, France
Situated at the foot of the Alps is the French Riviera city of Nice. Once you arrive here, it will be clear why this jewel of the French Riviera is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels and terraced cafés. Stroll along the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais or see masterpieces by Matisse, Renoir, Monet and Chagall in one of Nice's many museums. For a true taste of Nice, sample the local favorites, including onion, anchovy and olive tarts known as pissaladires, along with succulent little black olives known as caillettes.

Florence, Italy

Occupying both banks of the Arno River and situated at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, is Florence. Founded by Julius Caesar himself, Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. History and art shake hands in this picturesque land where masterpieces like Michelangelo's David can be seen in the city's many museums, churches and galleries.

Pisa, Italy
Both banks of the River Arno are gracious enough to share this lovely port city. Pisa is perhaps most noted for its famous marble bell tower, known widely as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It's no surprise the tower is still leaning (14 1/2 feet since 1370), considering that it resides in the Field of Miracles, known locally as Campo de Miracoli.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by Emperor Trajan and has since faithfully served as a gateway to the capital of the Empire, Rome.

Rome, Italy
Once the center of the ancient world from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization for hundreds of years, Rome is still considered by many to reign over all other European destinations. Here you can breathe the air once breathed by great Roman gladiators in the ancient halls of the Colosseum. Gaze upon the very ceilings Michelangelo painted at the Sistine Chapel. Or visit a monument to both size and faith, St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church ever built.

Naples/Capri, Italy

Located on the southern coast of Italy, Naples has spectacular scenery that attracts artists from around the world. From this key spot, you can embark on a trip to the ruins of Pompeii or shop the many boutiques of Sorrento. You may work up an appetite for one of Naples' greatest inventions - pizza - invented to honor the Queen of Italy in 1889.

Santorini, Greece

35.25 degrees north. 25.20 degrees east. Perfection has coordinates. Here on Santorini, you'll find whitewashed houses accented by roofs of the bluest blue - there's no doubt that azure waters of the Aegean have served as creative inspiration. Among the many historic sites on the island is the ancient city of Akrotiri, once buried under a thick blanket of volcanic ash over 3,600 years ago.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Your adventure in Athens begins five miles southwest in Greece's largest seaport, known as Piraeus. While here, be sure to take notice of what is considered to be one of the greatest contributions from the ancient Age of Pericles, the city's infrastructure, which today we know as a city block.

Athens, Greece
Athens brought the world drama, history, poetry and philosophy - and wait till you see the buildings these subjects were taught in. Once the world's most powerful and civilized city, Athens is now the world's foremost archaeological playground. The towering columns of the Parthenon still stand as an ancient dedication to the virgin goddess Athena. Countless classic sculptures and museums packed with historical wonders and Athenian art abound.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

This charming little town has been resting on the Dalmation Coast for some 1,300 years. Once you pass through Old Town's stone walls, you will be transported into the breathtaking medieval world of Stari Grad. Marble-paved squares, monasteries and fountains are just a few of the antiquities still standing just as they were over a thousand years ago.

Venice, Italy

One of the world's most beautiful cities also happens to be one of its most unusual. Venice is actually made up of over 120 islands in the Adriatic Sea. Because the city is connected by canals instead of streets, a good way to see Venice is on a romantic gondola ride. The epicenter of the city is St. Mark's Square, where you'll find the 900-year-old Basilica of St. Mark.