Fado & Fun In Lisbon – Rome to Lisbon

Whether enjoying the street performers at the Spanish Steps and people-watching over a fine glass of wine in colorful Trastevere, or taking in the historical and architectural glory that is Rome, visitors are spoiled for choice in this truly Eternal City. St. Peter’s Basilica is a full-day outing, featuring the Sistine Chapel and panoramic city vistas for those willing to climb to the top of the dome. Other landmarks not to miss include the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, and Aventine Hill, which provides you with a grand view of the imposing remains of the Imperial Palaces and the Circus Maximus, of Ben Hur fame.

Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany. It’s known for its seafood, Renaissance-era fortifications and modern harbor with a cruise ship port. Its central Terrazza Mascagni, a waterside promenade with checkerboard paving, is the city’s main gathering place. The bastions of the 16th-century Fortezza Vecchia face the harbor and open onto Livorno’s canal-laced Venezia Nuova quarter.

Explore glamorous ultra-fashionable Cannes, with its majestic hotels, millionaires, movie stars, and mega-yachts in a gem-like setting along the sparkling Mediterranean. Stroll along the Royal Palm tree lined Boulevard de la Croisette where world-renowned designers cater to the rich and famous. Look for haute couture and antiques. Enjoy a cocktail in one of the grand hotels. Take lunch in a fashionable café on the boulevard. Visit the gardens and parks sprinkled along the boulevard. Hike up the hill to Le Suquet, the medieval old town. Enjoy a coffee at an outdoor café with expansive and exquisite views of the harbor.

Enjoy the exquisite hilly Provençal countryside beyond this resort and its charming villages with their narrow stepped streets, lovely churches and stunning scenic views. Visit a local winery or take a drive along the rugged coast and revel in the wonderful views of the landscape, the beaches, the islands and the magnificent Massif des Maures.

Explore bustling Toulon, with its fleets of naval ships, yachts and colorful fishing boats. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Faron and enjoy the amazing birds eye view of Toulon and the turquoise harbor. Learn about the town’s maritime history at the Museé de la Marine and about the Allied landing in Toulon at the Museé Memorial du Debarquement. Discover the maze of open-air markets and fountains in Old Town with its ancient cathedral, fragrant scents of herbs and olive oil, its restaurants, cafés and intimate boutiques. Take home designer fashions, fine jewelry, French perfumes and other Provencal mementos. Herbs de Provence, lavender, fine olive oil, and ceramics are popular.

Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is a wind-swept island with steep jagged cliffs and olive groves more than a thousand years old. Mallorca is an island of contrasts. To the south is a busy tourist area with hotels, bars, restaurants, shopping and dazzling night life. To the north are rocky valleys, sleepy villages shrouded in bougainvillea, and breathtaking views. Palma is dominated by the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, located high above the waterfront on the site of a former mosque.

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.

Situated on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region’s capital and a popular holiday destination. The city is also renowned as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, whose works can be seen in the fairly new Museo Picasso housed in the Palacio de Buenavista. And connoisseurs can imbibe in the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. This is a pleasant town to explore and also serves as a popular starting point for excursions to splendid Granada and the famed Alhambra, located inland at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and industrial center. Its renaissance came with the French protectorate under its first resident general, Lyautey. It was largely his ideas on public works and the layout of the new city which gave Casablanca its wide boulevards, public parks and fountains, and imposing Mauresque civic buildings. ToView the Hassan II Mosque, among the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world.

Cádiz, Andalusia’s world-renowned capital, has undergone major restoration in recent years. Palm trees, gracious squares, flower-filled parks, ubiquitous red-tile roofed buildings, and bustling street markets make this a most delightful port. The old town, on the tip of the peninsula, is buzzing with beautiful, lively plazas. To get there, you pass through the new town, an elegant metropolis with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good starting point for a day trip to nearby Seville, where you can visit the Alcazar, a beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Christian and Moorish architecture surrounded by lovely gardens; majestic Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Sevilla); and Giralda Tower, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Framed by golden sands and impressive cliffs, Portimão offers a relaxing beach getaway for sun-seekers. For lovers of history and architecture, take a stroll through the medieval Castle of Alvor, and for those that enjoy the beauty of nature delight in the cultivated fields and slopes covered with pine trees and wildflowers. Visit the Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição that dates back to the 14th century. After a devastating earthquake it was restored with an altar made from walnut wood and the interior walls that feature religious depictions in azulejos tiles. Bring home traditional lace, ceramics, leather goods and baskets.

Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.