Flying to Rome and driving to the port of Civitavecchia, we embarked our home upon the sea, the Azamara Journey and sailed overnight to our first port, Livorno.
A port city on the Ligurian Sea on the western coast of Tuscany, Livorno, where the inhabitants of many cultures and religions have lived together in harmony, was founded in the last millennium. Our evening at the local opera house was made enjoyable, listening to a presentation of 4 sopranos.
A port city on the Ligurian Sea on the western coast of Tuscany, Livorno, where the inhabitants of many cultures and religions have lived together in harmony, was founded in the last millennium. Our evening at the local opera house was made enjoyable, listening to a presentation of 4 sopranos.
Cruising overnight, we anchored offshore at Cannes, this elegant city famed for its’ International Film Festival.
Maneuvering along the crowded Boulevard de la Croisette, which curves along the coast, we drove to St-Raphaël enjoying the magnificent scenery of this playground of the rich and famous. The marinas are lined with mega yachts from ports near and far and many more are anchored off shore. Although the international film festival ended last weekend, the streets (and the many restaurants) are crowded with people.
Maneuvering along the crowded Boulevard de la Croisette, which curves along the coast, we drove to St-Raphaël enjoying the magnificent scenery of this playground of the rich and famous. The marinas are lined with mega yachts from ports near and far and many more are anchored off shore. Although the international film festival ended last weekend, the streets (and the many restaurants) are crowded with people.
The next day, we arrived at the island of Corsica and the port of Ajaccio (pronounced Ah-yachoo), the birthplace of Napoleon. An economic step down from Cannes, but nevertheless very picturesque and busy with visitors from all corners of the world.
Reminders of Napoleon
Monte Carlo, Monaco, where billionaires are the norm and millionaires are paupers. A medieval fortress, romantic as the cinderella story of legendary Grace Kelly, and the famous Formula One Grand Prix de Monte Carlo which created chaos on the streets as many are blocked for the race, funneled the hordes of visitors into the remaining space of this minuscule micro state. Bobbing on our ship, amongst the many yachts in the harbor, the loud sounds of the engines felt like we were up close and personal.
On to our last port, Barcelona, the end of this first leg of the voyage.
A booked evening photo shoot to photograph the lights of Barcelona from the top off La Monumenal, a former bullfighting arena, was not to be, as when I was about to set up my tripod, I was accosted by security officials who stated it was forbidden due to a previous terrorist attack. Disappointed, I returned to our ship.
The next morning, with memories of past visits to Barcelona, we strolled Las Ramblas, turning into side alleyways, with no particular destination in mind, soaking in the sights and sounds; then a visit to the market-St Josep La Bouqueria, filled with shoppers, colours and aromas, and finally lunch at a sidewalk cafe to enjoy a taste of Catalonian cuisine and the obligatory sangria.
Next - Part 2 - Barcelona to Lisbon