What could be a better holiday than a cruise on the Mediterranean seas ,as a vacation option to avoid the scorching summer of the Coromandel coast? Sure enough it was every bit therapeutic as the advertisement promised and we returned completely recharged for the hurly-burly of life?s journey .To begin with , if you can forget for a moment the last minute rushing around for visas and endless arguements with the travel agents for their lapses , you can let your hair down in the luxury of a routineless life aboard. Even the tiresome security checks can be forgiven as we sailed along the glittering blue waters of the mediterranean watching hazy mountains recede and the horizons stretch never endingly, promising rejuvenation ,sunshine and laughter.
From Barcelona, in the wake of Christopher Columbus the legendary mariner, we began our cruise sailing towards Ibiza famous for discos and nightlife. In Tunis there was an offshore excursion to explore the historical saga of ancient Carthage where ancient civilization once made tentative beginnings .The vast collection of mosaics at the museum explain the superimposition of stratas of Roman and Carthagian cultures
Messina , the next port of call , is located in Sicily which has been associated with mafia in our minds and images of fiery Al Capone receded as we wound our way up the hill to the quaint village of Taormina .The highlight of this tour may have been the Roman amphitheatre but to most of us, delving deep into the quaint little souvenir shops in the twisted alleys proved more exciting. Tantalizing figures of Medusa the legendary guardian of the isle who could turn her enemies into stone enthralled the visitors, savouring ice-cold granitas recommended by our guide. Naples and Florence the home of medieval and Renaissance art were the highlights for the history and art enthusiasts. A last minute addition was St Tropez, the play ground of the bold and the beautiful ,where matinee idols and royalty sailed or sunbathed while , lesser mortals enjoyed sauntering on the cobbled streets. Coming back with precious snapshots of fellowship and fun , I felt this was just what the doctor had ordered for our emotional well-being!

The blog is about a mediteraanean cruise in summer with six ports of call. There were off shore excursions to enrich the holiday experience.The main attraction was the cruise itself on the fairly calm seas with plenty of veggie options! The euphoria of a luxurious lifestyle board with its characteristic fun and fellowdhip made the trip a memorable one.