Choose Your Own Mediterranean Adventure

CHOOSEYOUR OWN MEDITERRANEAN ADVENTURE FINDING YOUR FAVORITE VACATION IN SOUTHERN EUROPE WHAT KIND OF TRAVELER AREYOU? HISTORY: You enjoy historic and ancient cities, with an eye for fine architecture and ADVENTURE: RELAXATION: SHOPPING: Whether it is high fashion or handmade crafts, FAMILY: Ever exploring, your If you travel the interests might be outdoorsy: mountaineering, trekking/hiking, water sports, or rock and inclusive climbing; or they might just be looking for long nights or exciting festivals. With a family in tow, you are looking for a location that offers everything. world looking to relax, might you enjoy quiet villages, you aren't coming soft-sand beaches, back with souvenirs. famous landmarks. resorts. Pamplona Adventurous souls will enjoy Pamplona's fiesta week, with the famous "Running of the Bulls" surrounded by the biggest party you've ever imagined. SPAIN Valencia Relax in Valencia, with beaches on the everyone, Mediterranean, ferry access to Ibiza, day spas, and fashion, clothing, art galleries. Barcelona has something for especially those interested in high Madrid and antiques. The whole family will enjoy the capital city of Madrid. There are guided tours around its beautiful architecture, as well as culinary delights, theme parks, museums, and an aquarium. Malaga The history buff with love Malaga, a 2,800 year old coastal city that is one of the oldest in the world. It is known for its Moorish Alcazaba, the Cathedral of the Incarnation, its Roman ruins, and as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. FRANCE Mont Blanc Europe's highest peak, offers climbing, glacier exploration, and even paragliding. French Riviera The resorts and beaches of Nice and the French Riviera are an ideal for those who want a relaxing getaway. Bordeaux Shoppers along the Rue Sainte - Catherine in Bordeaux will find a wealth of Montpellier Marseille The historically has a little bit for interesting everyone, including Montpellier lacks museums, Roman heritage, but carnivals, music, sports rustic and shows, water diverse architecture, sports, and famous boulevards, horseback riding. chocolates, wine, art, and antiques. and medieval towers. Venice The Dolomites are perfect for Backpackers, who can hike beetween mountain villages with views of glaciers and lakes. Hang gliding and snowboarding are popular with other adventurers. ITALY This city is built on 118 islands and is famous for its relaxing gondola rides through the city's waterways. There are also many quiet cafes in which to lounge the day away. Rome As perhaps the most historic city in the world, Rome features the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and many Roman ruins. Within Rome also exists the smallest Pompeii Climb to the top of one of the world's most famous volcanoes and visit the ancient city of Pompeii, which was destroyed when the volcano erupted nearly Meteora, located in 2000 years ago. country in the world; Vatican City. Amalfi Coast Shop in beautiful mountainside towns of the Amalfi Coast for ceramics, pottery, art, fashionable clothing, silks, sandals, shoes, and Meteora GREECE limoncello. central Greece, offers pleasant hiking along the most dramatic landscape you've ever seen; with stone monoliths Athens The capital of Athens displays Greece's rich history with many ancient landmarks, including the Parthenon, Roman Agora, and, most notably, the spectacular Acropolis. topped with monasteries. Nearby Mt. Olympus offers more challenging terrain for experienced hikers. Messenia For a beach vacation, Greece's Messenia will do just fine; offering a range of quiet beaches and resorts, all surrounded by beautiful dunes and nature walks. Rhodes The large island of Rhodes offers traditional arts and The Peloponnese peninsula is a diverse area for families, with activities including biking, rafting, and other watersports. There are also many cafes and restaurants for parents, and historical surroundings to be enjoyed. crafts, jewelry, weavings and rugs, in its famous street markets. Ankara As the capital of Turkey, Ankara has become a tourist destination in its own right; with family-friendly offerings of museums, theaters, amusement parks, zoos, and aquariums. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 3,000 antique shops and chic boutiques selling everything from fine carpets and linens to handmade jewelry. TURKEY Ephesus Imagine the splendor of Ancient Asia Minor at Ephesus a well preserved classical city containing the Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, and Basilica of St. John. Ibiza, Spain As one of the most famous party destinations in the world, Ibiza is the birthplace of the Dalyan is ideal for a relaxing getaway, with resorts and Kaş As the 'adventure capital of the Med', Kas offers access to hiking, biking, horseback riding, paragliding, scuba diving, kayaking, and boat rides. rave, and a bucket-list party location for many. Corsica, France The picturesque French island of Corsica has spas along the peaceful Iztuzu Beach and surrounded by something to offer everyone, but especially hikers, who can appreciate scenic countryside its jagged, 8,800 foot peaks and gardens. ISLANDS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN Sardinia, Italy offers an expanse of beaches, making it the Mediterranean's own version of the tropics, just a short boat ride from the mainland. Maltese Islands The history of the Maltese Islands is very unique. Here, a history enthusiast can explore prehistoric temples, walled cities, the Sicily, Italy Hal Saflieni offers a little bit of Santorini, Greece One of the most Hypogeum (a 5000 everything, from year old delicious cuisine to underground beautiful necropolis), and landscapes and submerged WWII architecture, and a wreckage. glorious history. picturesque locations in all of the world, Santorini allows you to shop small artisan Crete, Greece On the island of Crete, visitors can explore the ruins of the Minoan civilization, one of the earliest civilizations in the world. boutiques on narrow cobblestoned roads venere.com around the caldera famed for its multicolored sunsets. book hotels, B&Bs and apartments Sources: www.nationalgeographic.com I www.wikipedia.com I www.insightguides.com