A Mediterranean Prelude to
EXPLORA III

Genoa

Those of us who remember our history books
recognise Genoa as the birthplace of famous explorer Christopher
Columbus. While always an important port city in Italy, for decades
Genoa languished behind Rome, Venice and Milan as the tourists
passed it by.

This changed dramatically after the
European Union nominated Genoa as the European Capital of Culture
in 2004. Cruise ships docking in the Porto Antico now bring
visitors by the thousands, and travellers in Italy are making time
in their itineraries to spend several days on holiday in Genoa.

This tourism renaissance is well-deserved,
as there are many beautiful and fascinating tourist attractions in
Genoa. The medieval district is filled with stunning marble
churches and stately palaces, grouped around scenic plazas like the
Piazza San Matteo and the Piazza Dante. Visitors should be sure to
look for the famous frescoes of the Church of Sant'Agostino and the
fanciful Gothic carvings of the Cattedrale San Lorenzo, while the
Via Garibaldi has a number of impressive Baroque buildings. There
are many interesting museums in the city too, dedicated to
everything from cultural and natural history to the navy,
cathedrals and royalty of the city's past. There are no fewer than
five art museums in Genoa.

Though it's Italy's largest medieval town,
Genoa's present is just as vibrant as its past. The streets are
always buzzing with life and visitors are spoiled for choice when
it comes to restaurants, shops and entertainment. The Porto Antico
on the harbour front has been rebuilt from a utilitarian dock to an
entertainment area with museums, cinemas and restaurants, as well
as one of the biggest aquariums in Europe along the pretty
promenade.

Genoa makes a good base to explore the
other towns along the Italian Riviera, including Portofino, Cinque
Terre, Rapallo and La Spezia.

Marseille

Marseille is France's second largest and
most ancient city. It was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC and was
later conquered by the Romans after becoming a thriving port and
centre for trade. Today it is littered with ancient sites and
artefacts, mostly Roman additions to the original Greek
settlement.

Marseille is down to earth and lacks the
pretentiousness of most other French cities. There are plenty of
attractions to explore, including the colourful harbour and
pedestrianised squares. The city is also divided into
arrondissements in the style of Paris, which makes it relatively
easy to get around on the metro.

The Old Port area is filled with
restaurants, bars, hotels, office blocks and a daily fish market at
the Belgian Quay, giving it a lively and sophisticated air. There
are also a number of decent museums, galleries, theatres and shops
dotted about the city that are worth visiting. Marseille is also
famed for its Opéra: an Art Deco opera house, situated in the heart
of the city, which still hosts performances even though it was all
but destroyed by fire in 1919. La Plaine is a trendy area filled
with cafes, bookstores and fountains, with a bustling market on
Thursdays and Saturdays, while Noailles' bazaar is a multi-ethnic
area filled with Indo-Chinese and Arabic shops.

The outgoing, friendly inhabitants of
Marseille are a cosmopolitan bunch, with diverse backgrounds
including a number of Italian, Spanish and North African
communities. There is far less of the style and image consciousness
evident in the rest of the Cote d'Azur, creating a more North
African flavour and a vibrant atmosphere. Marseilles also acts as a
good base for exploring the nearby natural beauty of the calanques
(or Mediterranean fjords) and some excellent beaches.

Saint-Tropez

Saint Tropez, a name synonymous with azure seas, glamorous lifestyles, and a haven for artists and celebrities, is a small coastal town located on the French Riviera in southeastern France. Known for its picturesque beauty, rich history, and as a playground for the elite, this Mediterranean gem has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a jet-set destination where luxury yachts and designer boutiques are the norm.

Saint Tropez's history stretches back to the early 15th century when it was originally a military stronghold and fishing village. Named after Saint Torpes, an early Christian martyr, the town gradually gained prominence due to its strategic coastal position. Its past is colored with tales of invasions, including the arrival of the Saracens in the 9th century and later bombardment by the Germans in World War II. Despite these turbulent times, the town rebuilt itself and started gaining a reputation as a quaint and charming escape from the rigors of modern life.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Saint Tropez attracted an array of artists seeking inspiration from its unique light and vibrant colors. The painter Paul Signac was one of the first to fall in love with Saint Tropez’s charms, leading to a steady stream of artistic visitors including Matisse and Marquet. The town's beauty has been immortalized in countless works of art and continues to attract creative souls today.

Everything changed in the 1950s when the French actress Brigitte Bardot and the film "And God Created Woman" put Saint Tropez on the map. Its allure was catapulted to new heights as it became associated with the rich and famous. Saint Tropez quickly became a symbol of luxury and decadence, attracting a glamorous crowd that sought its relaxed yet hedonistic atmosphere.

The town’s Vieux Port (Old Port) is lined with sidewalk cafés and restaurants and acts as a stage for an ostentatious display of wealth with mega-yachts berthed alongside traditional fishing vessels. The narrow streets of the old town contrast with the grandeur of multimillion-dollar properties and luxury boutiques that cater to the visitors' every indulgence.

Throughout the year, Saint Tropez plays host to a number of high-profile events, including regattas like Les Voiles de Saint Tropez and the Saint Tropez Polo Cup, drawing in an international crowd. For the discerning traveler, the town offers exclusive beach clubs like Club 55, as well as renowned nightclubs that pulse with energy until dawn.

Even with its reputation for luxury, Saint Tropez has managed to retain its Provencal charm and authenticity. Traditional markets offer a taste of the local produce such as olive oil, wines, and the famous Tarte Tropezienne. The region's cuisine, which emphasizes fresh seafood and local ingredients, can be savored at quaint bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants alike.

The surrounding region of Saint Tropez is graced with stunning natural beauty. A series of sandy beaches like Pampelonne, private coves, and sunbathed vineyards provide a perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. The nearby Massif des Maures offers hiking trails that allow nature enthusiasts to explore the verdant landscape.

For visitors seeking luxury, culture, and natural splendor, Saint Tropez remains an iconic destination. Its remarkable transformation from a simple fishing village to a beacon of high society offers an experience that is both exclusive and steeped in rich Mediterranean tradition.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

The city of Villefranche-sur-Mer is located on the French Riviera, in the southeastern part of France. It is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department and the capital of the canton of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The city has a population of about 30,000 people and is a popular tourist destination.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is located on a bay of the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by mountains. The city has a mild climate, with average temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius in the summer and 10 degrees Celsius in the winter.

The city is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, lined with colourful houses and shops. The Citadel, a medieval fortress, overlooks the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Church of St. Pierre, a Gothic church from the 13th century, is also worth a visit.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, Villefranche-sur-Mer is the perfect spot. There are numerous hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as several beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun.

Whether you are looking to explore history and culture or simply enjoy the outdoors, Villefranche-sur-Mer has something to offer everyone.

Livorno

Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.

Civitavecchia

Rome is like a living museum, liberally
dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics and archaeological
sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each
new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and
gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars and nippy Fiats speed past trendy
sidewalk cafes, bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of
Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio
Olimpico reminds visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the
architecture of the Caesars.

For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need
only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona
or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance
splendour is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically
Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From
early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and
the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying
heights of the empire.

It may sound like a city of contrasts, but
Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the
new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced
with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.