Suez to Venice Opera Cruise

Embark the luxurious L'Austral this afternoon.

The town was born out of a crazy yet ultimately successful project: to link the Mediterranean with the Red Sea and to create in the 19th century a shipping route via a canal. The Suez Canal cuts through 162 km of desert and was inaugurated in 1869 in the presence of Empress Eugenie, then nationalized by Nasser in 1956. Riding around town at the gentle pace of a colorful barouche you can admire the colonial houses with their large balconies which have helped forge the reputation and charm of Port Said.

First impressions on arriving at this southern island in the Cyclades are that it is mysterious and grandiose. A natural port surrounded by cliffs, the ancient site of Santorini is circular in shape corresponding to the collapsed center of the volcano which erupted here, creating a marine crater that never fails to astonish visitors.

Often compared to Mykonos, Paros owes its reputation to the magnificent white marble which was used to produce some of the world’s most famous art works, including the Venus de Milo. In the heart of the olive and vineyard covered valleys lies the startlingly white village of Paros, with its windy streets aflame with geraniums and jasmine.

A grandiose impressive work of art linking the Ionian and Aegean Seas, the Corinth Canal is the fruit of a dream dating back to ancient times. the Emperor Nero had at one time envisaged its creation. From Itea enter the immaculately preserved sacred site of the Delphi Valley. Clinging to the side of the mountain, the white ruins of Apollo’s famous sanctuary rise up out of the pines.

In the heart of a sheltered cove on the north western shores of Greece in the Epirus province, Parga was Venetian from the 15th to the end of the 18th century. During that period it belonged to Ali Pacha, a high official of Soliman the Magnificent. Its imposing Venetian citadel built on a steep rocky promontory dominates the town, the port and the sweet smelling pines which surround it. Today it is a lovely seaside resort.

The fortified town of Kotor is located at the end of a complex series of bays surrounded by limestone massifs in a magnificent region of Montenegro.

Dubrovnik has preserved its rich architectural heritage, and its many palaces, monuments and white stone churches are in perfect harmony. Long considered as a rival to Venice, traces of its illustrious past are to be found throughout the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This former imperial residence reveals all from the impressive fortified walls, towers, temples and palaces to the baths. A museum in itself, Split is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to Diocletian’s famous Palace.

In the past Rovinj was a peaceful fishing port on the Istrian peninsula. Today its narrow picturesque streets lead to the marina where fishing boats mingle with pleasure yachts. You will enjoy strolling around the old town and its sun-filled terraces.

Disembark this morning for your continued journey home.