Azure Med

©  Traveling Times, Inc.

From the Strait of Gibraltar to the Suez Canal, the universal gods and goddesses have blessed the Mediterranean sea with islands, coves, cities and hamlets of great beauty and a wealth of history.

Indeed the Mediterranean world, dominated by an azure sea that washes the shores of countries as diverse as France and Tunisia, remains a magnificent place for exploring and romanticizing.

     This enchanting voyage may start in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and one of Spain's artistic and cultural centers with stops in Palma de Majorca, Spain. If you're eager to explore on your own, rent a car for the day. On the way stop in Valldemosa, chosen by Sand, Chopin, Robert Graves and other discerning visitors for its scenery and tranquillity, a village of serpentine-like roads that unveil a world far removed from the bustling hub of Palma.

     Ensconced on the northeast coast of Africa, Tunis, Tunisia, is an eclectic experience-from its citizens, to the loud music blasting from coffeehouses, the cacophony of sounds and activities that rule Tunis' markets, to the interesting surrounding villages grasping the cliffs, such as Sidi-Bu Said.

     Palermo, Sicily, is a busy center with roads that lead to a continuous pattern of rolling, golden manicured hills into the center of the island. Old relics of castles and other ancient edifices dot the countryside. We made our way to a small fishing village and a restaurant overlooking the sea. The food was excellent but the management did not recognize Traveler's Cheques as a valid currency, so make sure you bring plenty of cash.

     No cruise of the Mediterranean is complete without a visit to some of the ports along the French Riviera, which is synonymous with beautiful beaches, scenery and lovely people. This is evident in cosmopolitan Cannes. Artists, writers and jet-setters enjoy the elegant boutiques, art galleries, extravagant restaurants and hotels adorning this famous port on the fabulous Cote d'Azur. Southwest of Cannes, St. Tropez is known for the beauties that line the miles of sandy beaches and for its compelling countryside.

     Gamblers as well as visitors who appreciate the grander things in life, will delight in the tiny, elegant principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo. Monaco also boasts the most breathtaking sweeping views of the Mediterranean. You'll swear you've seen them in more than one film.

      Marseille, the oldest city in France, is a mosaic of old and new with a dozen villages and islands, offering a world of enchanting discovery. A tour of the Provence region is recommended with stops in Avignon. This is a good area to sample delicious wine and olive oil at a charming country estate.

     The French and Italian rivieras hold an unparalleled charm for the American visitor. Among the cruise lines that offer voyages in the Western Mediterranean are Windstar Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and Grimaldi Cruises.

--By Mariella Cole