Mediterranean Isles: 10 nights

Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is the epitome of Riviera chic. This tiny enclave of 370 acres surrounds a sheltered harbor that draws yachts from around the world to enjoy the beautiful scenery, mild weather and elegant casino. Glamorous Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's four quarters, which also include La Condamine, the business district; Monaco-ville, the capital; and Fontvieille, an area built on reclaimed land. Ruled by Prince Albert II, Monaco has a population of over 32,000, of which about 16 per cent are citizens, or Monégasques.

St Tropez, France
On the southern shore of one of the most beautiful bays of the Riviera, the little port of St. Tropez has become one of the best known resorts in Europe, a crossroads where journalists, photographers, writers, artists and celebrities meet. Guy de Maupassant discovered the town, but it was the painters who made it more widely known - Signac, Matisse, Bonnard, Marquet, Camoin - who all stayed for varying amounts of time. The harbor teems with life. Fishing boats, excursion craft and hundreds of yachts share the harbor. On the waterfront are old pink and yellow houses, which have been converted into cafes, cabarets and restaurants, luxury boutiques, galleries and antique shops. A picturesque and cosmopolitan crowd strolls the streets in season.

Bonifacio, Corsica, France
The scented isle of Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon, was controlled for centuries by Genoa and did not become a region of France until 1768. As late as the last century, the rugged island was still a haven for bands of brigands. Today, the island's inviting beaches and scenic beauty attract an increasing number of tourists hoping to escape the much more hectic pace of the Riviera. Bonifacio, perched at the top of towering white cliffs, is a striking sight from the sea. Watch for the 15th-century staircase carved into the cliff face which runs right down to the water's edge as you approach the harbor.

Cagliari, Italy
The pleasingly green, quiet island of Sardinia offers the visitor scenic beauty and a relaxed lifestyle. Cagliari, the island's capital, features handsome Italianate architecture and several churches reflecting a variety of influences. Impressive views are provided by the city's hillsides, with one of the best panoramas available from the old walls of Terrazzo Umberto. The island's natural charm has attracted pleasure-seekers to the Costa Smeralda since the Aga Khan sought shelter ashore from a storm at sea.

Trapani, Italy
Bright stone buildings, Phoenician fortifications and centuries of monuments - these are just a few of Trapani's delights. The scythe-shaped town extends out to sea with Mount Erice towering above and the Tower of Ligny, a majestic landmark. Under Arab rule, Trapani was a thriving port for the production of salt, tuna, and coral. The city became famous in the 16th century for the beautiful pieces produced by Trapanese coral artisans. A lovely collection of their work can be seen in the Pepoli Museum.

Xlendi (Victoria), Gozo, Malta
Nestled at the end of a deep ravine, Xlendi was, until the mid 20th century, a small fishing port and a relaxing summer resort for a few locals and Maltese residents. Xlendi Bay is now on the must-visit list of most day-trippers to Gozo Island. Although becoming more popular as a tourist destination, Gozo still retains a peaceful atmosphere and is surprisingly undeveloped in spite of the vacation accommodations that have cropped up in recent years. Xlendi is flanked by a steep cliff, which affords wonderful views for those adventurous enough to climb the stairs that ascend the cliff to the right. Bathers can be seen frequenting Xlendi Bay usually off the rocks along the bay by access of a ladder into the deep crystal clear water. On the promontory is Xlendi Tower, built in 1650. Standing on a scenic coastline pitted with hand-dug salt pans, the tower commands superb sea views.

Valletta, Malta
Occupied successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, French and British, Malta has been of strategic importance throughout history. A British Crown Colony until 1964, Malta received the George Cross for its valiant resistance to German occupation in WWII. The island's rich heritage is reflected in the architecture of Valletta, the current capital, and Medina, the capital until 1565. In Valletta the Knights of St. John built such masterpieces as St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Masters, along with the fortifications that guard the town's magnificent harbors.

Lipari, Italy
Lipari is the largest of the seven major islands making up the Aeolian Islands. They were originally named after Aeolus, the mythical god of wind who the ancients believed made his home in a cave here. Recently renamed the Lipari Islands, they were created by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago and have a primitive rocky beauty accented by Mediterranean greenery. Their natural beauty and easy lifestyle have made the islands increasingly popular for those who wish to escape the modern world and its stresses. The crystal clear aqua-blue waters and the volcanic beaches are some of the most inviting in Italy. Many are inaccessible except by fishermens' boats. An abundance of fish and shell fish makes for some very good restaurants specializing in seafood.

Sorrento, Italy
With an idyllic cliff-top location on the Bay of Naples, Sorrento has inspired legends for centuries. In Greek mythology, the Sirens were said to live here, luring sailors onto the rocks. Today, citrus trees scent the air and add zest to the city's limoncello liqueur. Sorrento is an ideal place to savor the local color, and to shop for embroidered linens, cameos and Capodimonte ceramics, all of which can be found in Old Town and along the pedestrian-only Via San Cesareo.

Ponza, Italy
Ponza is seen by many of its visitors as a less-spoiled version of Capri, and is frequented by the rich and famous who like to keep a lower profile on holiday, as well as by hordes of young Romans who visit for the weekend in summer. The island's main settlements are Ponza Porto, around the harbour, and Le Forna, to the north, with the island's main appeal is its landscape, shoreline and atmosphere.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Originally built by Emperor Trajan who had a villa here, Civitavecchia has flourished as a major port for Rome since the 13th century. Today it is an important ferry terminal and for many travelers the gateway to the Eternal City, Rome. The Renaissance fortifications that surround the harbor area were begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo in 1535.

Set sail from Monte Carlo on your 10 nights Mediterranean Isles cruise on Seabourn Legend. This 11 day Mediterranean Isles cruise visits 10 different ports including St Tropez - France, Bonifacio - Corsica - France, Cagliari - Italy, Trapani - Italy, Xlendi (Victoria) - Gozo - Malta, Valletta - Malta, Lipari - Italy, Sorrento - Italy, Ponza - Italy and Civitavecchia (Rome) - Italy.

• 10 Night Cruise
• All Meals
• Fine wine and spirits
• Gratuities, not expected or required
• Complimentary In-Suite Bar (stocked daily)
• Complimentary champagne upon arrival
• Fruit basket Replenished Daily
• Private ensuite
• Flat Screen TV for in-cabin entertainment
• Complimentary toiletries
• In cabin safe
• Exciting entertainment and activities
• Special guest entertainers
• Choice of Bars and Lounges
• Water Sports