Civitavecchia (Rome) - Dubrovnik

Ports

• Rome (Civitavecchia)
  

  Civitavecchia is a major port located in Rome, primarily utilized for maritime transportation of goods, as well as a fishing port. The commune’s name means “ancient town” and is one of the “Motorways of the Sea” in the Mediterranean, functioning as one of the main links between the mainland of Italy and Sardinia. The ancient name of the port was “Centumcellae,” first mentioned in a letter written by Pliny the Younger in 107 A.D., although scholars debate on whether the name was about the number of rooms of the Trajan Villa, or the number of natural creeks on the coast. Civitavecchia is a part of the Lazio Territory, an area which was confirmed to have social groups since pre-historic times, and the modern town was built over a pre-existing settlement of the Etruscan people in 107-108 B.C.E. (who debated to have founded Rome). In the beginning of the 2nd century, the harbor and town of Centumcellae were simultaneously developed by Emperor Trajan in the territory of Aquae Tauri. As the town became more popular for ships traveling westbound, the Thermal Baths were constructed on the hill of Ficoncella. Centumcellae flourished in the Imperial Age, and by 538 A.D., it had become a Byzantine stronghold. In 728 A.D., it became a member of the Papal States. The Saracens raided Centumcellae many times in the 9th century, prompting Pope Leo VII to have a newer and more secure settlement built by 854. The town, then known as Civita Vetula, was under the rule of several lords, and the Popes temporarily lost control during the French Rule in 1798-1815. In 1870 it entered the Kingdom of Italy. Civitavecchia was severely damaged during WWII, destroying many of the ancient monuments including Forte Michelangelo, which would be rebuilt in the 1950’s. Popular points of interest include the Forte Michelangelo, Terme Taurine, and Cattedrale di San Francesco. There is a wealth of Roman and Vatican architecture and tourists are encouraged to visit many of the museums and take the cultural tours available in this important sea port.

• Capri
  

  Capri may very well be the most popular island on the planet. It is a beautiful Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Bay of Naples. Capri town is the island’s main population center. The island has two harbors, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande (the main port of the island). The separate village of Anacapri is located high on the hills to the west. From there, visitors can continue up to the highest point Mt. Solero. Besides some simply amazing shopping boutiques, the island has so much to offer including the famous Grotta Azzurra, Villa Jovis, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa di San Giacomo, Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe and the uniquely shaped Faraglioni rocks. SeaDream has put together most of the sights into one adventure called “Discovering the Island of Love” Kindly check the Land Adventures tab for more information. There’s also some great hikes available on the island, check with the activities team on board for details.

• Taormina (Etna) Sicily
  

  SeaDream yachts anchor in the bay of Giardini Naxos and offer fantastic views of recently awarded UNESCO Natural Site of Mt. Etna (2013) as well as Taormina perched on the cliffside. Shuttle bus service has been arranged to transport guests from Giardini Naxos to the entrance gate of Taormina town. For the SeaDream active guests, office led hikes and bike rides could also transport you to Taormina town or continue up to Castelmola which provides amazing views of the surrounding areas. Perhaps the “must do” adventure here would be to ascend Mt. Etna with your fellow SeaDreamers. Kindly check the Land Adventure tab for the specifics. Other options include an incredible and authentic feast at the Godfather Villa. This “SeaDream Exclusive” Land Adventure requires a high minimum to operate, but it’s worth every penny! As we are anchored and if conditions allow, we will offer water sports both in the morning and in the afternoon. Multo Bene!

• Gaios, Paxoi Island
  

  Gaios is a charming port town and spreads itself along the waterfront. You can enter Gaios town from a northerly or southerly direction passing two small islands, the first at the mouth of Gaios harbor is called Panayia (Virgin Mary) on which there is a beautiful white monastery. Gaios is the main port on Paxoi, the smallest of the seven principal Ionian Islands (the Heptanese), in Greece. Gaios is situated on the east coast of the island. It is named after a homonymous pupil of Paul the Apostle, who brought Christianity to the island. Depending on the local conditions, the yacht can anchor on the north side or south side of the town and offers water sports in some of the clearest waters imaginable.

• Sarande (Butrint), Albania
  

  This attractively situated port and the seaside town lies in the very south of Albania, close to the border with Greece. The Greek island of Corfu can be clearly seen across the channel. The town is built back from a small beach with a pleasant palm-fringed esplanade. Located close by are not one, but two different UNESCO World Heritage sites! The first is the ancient city of Butrint which is now a national park where the remains of 3,000 years of occupation are piled on top of one another. The other site is the town of Gjirokastra, where the old town is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town.

• Kotor
  

  Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence remains dominant among the architectural influences. In 1979 the Bay of Kotor, City of Kotor and the surrounding territory have been listed in the UNESCO Heritage as a Cultural Site. SeaDream usually navigates close by the small islands of St. George and Our Lady of the Reef. The Bay of Kotor stretches 28 km and is one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. It is sometimes called the southern-most fjord in Europe (though it is actually a submerged river canyon called a ria). SeaDream typically docks steps away from the town. SeaDream has arranged a few different Yachting Land Adventures. One of them is a walking discovery and the other will show you the heritage and countryside of Montenegro. For the active guests, there’s incredible biking along the coast as well as a hike up to the fortress. On occasion, SeaDream may dock in the bay and tender directly to the town. We regret that watersports are not allowed in this protected area.

• Dubrovnik
  

  Jutting into the southern Adriatic Sea coast, Dubrovnik—dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”—is perhaps the most picturesque city on the Dalmatian Coast. A key Mediterranean maritime power from the 13th century, Dubrovnik has preserved its storied mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with the ancient city walls and Rector’s Palace. SeaDream anchors off the walled city as a port of call and tenders directly to the town gate.