Iconic Western Mediterranean

Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia) | 8 days

France’s famed southern coast and Italy’s Renaissance treasures take center stage on this eight-day Mediterranean sojourn. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, call on historic Montpellier and picturesque Marseille, and visit Monte Carlo, Monaco’s glamorous city by the sea.

Journey to Antiquities

Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus) | 8 days

Sail storied seas once ruled by mighty empires and flourishing city-states. Visit Naples, gateway to Pompeii, and Messina, Sicily’s cultural crossroads. Discover Crete, the former seat of the once-flourishing Minoan kingdom. Explore the remarkably preserved city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in Athens, the “birthplace of democracy,” where the Acropolis rises above the city and the bustling Plaka District.

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures

Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus) | 8 days

Trace the origins of civilization as you sail the Aegean Sea. Spend two days in Istanbul, a compelling blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Travel to the ruins of Troy, long steeped in myth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore historic sites in Ephesus and experience the distinct character of the islands of Rhodes and Crete. Discover the architectural legacy of ancient Athens and the city’s charming port of Piraeus during an overnight stay.

Spain & Portugal Discovery

Lisbon to Barcelona | 8 days

Discover Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, known for its colorful streets and neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in Andalusia's rich history with visits to Seville, Málaga and the Alhambra Palace. Admire the stunning palm tree-lined waterfront of Palma de Mallorca and explore Tangier to learn about the city’s impressive history. Embrace Barcelona, marveling at the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí and enjoy the lively Las Ramblas.

Greek Odyssey

Roundtrip Athens (Piraeus), Greece | 11 days

Explore the Aegean Sea during an 11-day voyage to important sites of antiquity. Visit Athens, the “birthplace of democracy,” and Crete, home of the mysterious Minoan civilization. Admire whitewashed buildings with azure domes in Santorini and walk the streets of Rhodes to the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters. You will also call on Volos, Ephesus and Nafplio during your cruise through several millennia of culture and history.

Spain, Portugal & the Mediterranean

Lisbon to Rome (Civitavecchia) | 15 days

Circumnavigate the Iberian Peninsula, calling at Lisbon and Andalusian gems. Visit Barcelona and its cherished sights, including the Sagrada Familía, the unfinished masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí. Discover scenic Sète to enjoy its award-winning beachside vistas and see stylish Monte Carlo, the crowning jewel of the French Riviera. An overnight in Florence brings you more time to fully immerse yourself in its Renaissance treasures.

Mediterranean Antiquities

Athens (Piraeus) to Barcelona | 15 days

Combine Journey to Antiquities and Iconic Western Mediterranean for a magnificent 15-day cruise framed by Athens and Barcelona. Explore the storied sites of ancient Greece and Rome, the glamour of Monte Carlo and the rich history of Marseille, uncovering classical treasures and vibrant cultures at every turn. Overnights in Athens, Florence and Barcelona give you ample time to immerse yourself in the culture, allowing for the most enriching discoveries.

Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities

Istanbul to Rome (Civitavecchia) | 15 days

Travel back in time on this enriching cruise to legendary ports of three fascinating countries that combines Ancient Mediterranean Treasures and Journey to Antiquities. Overnight in historic Istanbul, where East meets West along the Bosphorus Strait. Marvel at the well-preserved ruins of ancient Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy two nights in iconic Athens. Sail the fabled Ionian Sea and discover the cultural splendors of southern Italy.

Amalfi Coast, Africa & Iberia

Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona | 8 days

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the southern Mediterranean as you explore the lively ports and cities of Italy, Tunisia and Spain. Marvel at the beauty of the Amalfi Coast as you visit the picturesque town of Salerno. Delve into the rich history of the ancient Roman harbor of Carthage in La Goulette, Tunisia. Explore a diverse array of Mediterranean delights in Valencia, known for its delicious cuisine, including paella, its signature dish.

Malta, Morocco & the Mediterranean

Roundtrip Barcelona, Spain | 16 days

Trace the routes of centuries-old mariners as you set sail on a roundtrip journey from Barcelona. Visit scenic Marseille and elegant Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, France’s great emperor. See the UNESCO city of Valletta and delve into the ancient North African cities of Algiers, Tunis and Casablanca. Wander amid Andalusian treasures in Seville, famed for its rhythmic flamenco, and admire the mighty Alhambra palace of Granada.

Gems of the Mediterranean

Roundtrip Barcelona, Spain | 15 days

Experience the best of Spain, Italy and France during an incredible 15-day journey. See Valencia’s stunning architecture and the historic sites of La Goulette. Trace the spectacular shores of Sardinia and the iconic Amalfi coast. Take in the treasured ruins of Rome and stroll the romantic streets of Florence and Pisa. Discover elegant Monte Carlo, picturesque Marseille and wander the colorful, canal-lined walkways of lesser-known Sète.

Jewels of the Mediterranean

Roundtrip Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy | 15 days

Explore the famed landmarks of Italy, Tunisia, Spain and France as you embark on a voyage through the Mediterranean Sea. See Palermo’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily, trace the stunning Amalfi Coast and immerse yourself in Sardinian culture. Sail to Tunisia’s vibrant La Goulette, call at historic Valencia, visit glamorous Monte Carlo and stroll the streets of colorful Sète. Overnights in Barcelona and Florence allow you to explore more.

Mediterranean & Adriatic Odyssey

Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus) | 15 days

Set sail on a journey along the Adriatic coast. Visit Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and enchanting Syracuse in Sicily. Call at historic cities in Croatia, and explore the town of Chioggia, a gateway to the heart of Venice. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Greek Islands, including picturesque Cephalonia, famous as the setting for Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Join us for an unforgettable experience of history, culture and natural beauty.

Iconic Mediterranean Treasures

Istanbul to Barcelona | 22 days

Visit ancient sites and cosmopolitan cities when you combine Ancient Mediterranean Treasures, Journey to Antiquities and Iconic Western Mediterranean into one captivating journey. See remarkably preserved ruins in Turkey and Greece, and call on some of the Mediterranean’s most beloved ports in Italy, Monaco, France and Spain. Overnights in Istanbul, Athens, Florence/Pisa and Barcelona allow you to fully explore the region’s wealth of cultural treasures.

Iberia, the Mediterranean & Aegean

Lisbon to Istanbul | 29 days

See the colorful streets of Lisbon and Seville’s spectacular palaces. Visit hillside Tangier and admire Granada’s medieval architecture. See Cartagena’s Roman ruins, stroll Palma’s beautiful beaches and call at multicultural Marseille. Immerse yourself in the glamour of Monte Carlo, marvel at Rome’s Renaissance treasures and sail to Crete for spectacular seascapes. Overnights in Lisbon, Barcelona, Florence, Istanbul and Athens allow you to fully explore.

Italian Sojourn

Rome (Civitavecchia) to Venice (Chioggia) | 8 days

Experience the legacies of civilizations during this fascinating 8-day itinerary cruising Italy between Civitavecchia and Venice. Discover the magnificent Amalfi Coast from Naples and visit Messina, Sicily’s cultural crossroads. Hear the echoes of ancient Greece in Crotone and witness the beauty of Puglia in Bari. Explore historic Šibenik, Croatia’s oldest coastal town. An overnight in Venice lets you immerse yourself in Italy’s most romantic city.

Venice, the Adriatic & Greece

Venice (Chioggia) to Athens (Piraeus) | 8 days

Trace spectacular Adriatic shores and uncover the glories of the Venetian and Hellenic Empires on this cruise between romantic Venice and classic Athens. Discover Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, explore the palace at Split and stroll Dubrovnik’s medieval streets. Sail through scenic fjords to remarkably preserved Kotor, Montenegro’s gem. On Greek shores, call on scenic Corfu, with its inviting Old Town, and Katakolon, gateway to the Peloponnese and Olympia.

Antiquities of the Mediterranean

Venice (Chioggia) to Barcelona | 22 days

Explore the ancient civilizations and modern cultural centers of the Mediterranean Sea. Uncover the vestiges of empires and renaissance gems of Italy. Revel in the glamor of Monte Carlo and marvel at the architectural treasures of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. Journey to ports that date back to antiquity, discover coastal jewels and embrace the Mediterranean’s intriguing array of lively cultures with overnight stays in four iconic cities.

Iconic Adriatic Antiquities

Venice (Chioggia) to Rome (Civitavecchia) | 15 days

Journey through legendary waters to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cities. Explore the medieval jewels of Croatia, the stunning panorama of Kotor and the treasures of ancient Greece. Marvel at the UNESCO sites of Rome and the charming gems of the Italian coast. Visit one of the world’s best-preserved cities of antiquity, Ephesus, and discover more with overnight stays in romantic Venice and Athens.

Mediterranean Explorer

Athens (Piraeus) to Lisbon | 29 days

Journey through the Mediterranean to call at historic port cities that have shaped Western Civilization since antiquity. Wander through Greece’s ancient ruins, trace the Adriatic coast to discover its maritime heritage and explore Italy’s Roman roots. Delight in the picturesque gems of the Côte d'Azur and discover the vibrant Iberian Peninsula. Overnight in four cities and indulge in delicious cuisine and experience rich cultures.

Mediterranean Odyssey

Barcelona to Venice (Chioggia) | 13 days

Set course for unforgettable exploration to some of the Mediterranean’s most historic ports: the fabled towns of Tuscany, ancient Rome and canal-laced Venice. Enjoy ample time to savor Barcelona’s easygoing spirit with an overnight stay. Discover the French Riviera’s seaside pleasures in Marseille and Monte Carlo. And visit Dubrovnik, a hidden medieval jewel. Along the way, gracious hosts and fine regional cuisine connect you to this remarkable region.

Empires of the Mediterranean

Venice (Chioggia) to Athens (Piraeus) | 10 days

Ten days. Nine magnificent destinations. One epic journey. Sail the Adriatic and Aegean, taking in all the riches of this fabled region. On an exploration bookended by iconic Venice and Athens, discover the ancient ruins of Olympia and the Acropolis. Explore the medieval warrens of Zadar and Dubrovnik, and admire the famed whitewashed villages of Santorini. Delight in the beauty of Corfu and be captivated by Koper, the gateway to picturesque Slovenia.

Mediterranean & Adriatic Sojourn

Athens (Piraeus) to Barcelona | 22 days

Combine Venice, the Adriatic & Greece; Italian Sojourn; and Iconic Western Mediterranean for a comprehensive 22-day voyage. From ancient Athens and Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast to the shores of Italy and the glamorous French Riviera, immerse yourself in rich cultures and traditions, and marvel at spectacular coastal beauty. Overnight stays in Venice, Florence/Pisa and Barcelona help you delve more deeply into this historic and legendary region.

Italy, the Adriatic & Greece

Athens (Piraeus) to Rome (Civitavecchia) | 15 days

Combine Venice, the Adriatic & Greece and Italian Sojourn for a sweeping 15-day voyage brimming with ancient history. On land and on board, you will uncover the rich cultural traditions of Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy on one enriching cruise, featuring scenic cruising among the emerald islands of Dalmatia, an overnight in romantic Venice and a circumnavigation of Italy's boot. You will not want to miss such an in-depth exploration of this fabled region.

Ancient Adriatic Treasures

Venice (Chioggia) to Istanbul | 15 days

Delve into history as you embark on a journey through Adriatic and Aegean gems. Overnight in charming Venice, explore historic Split and visit the walled city of Dubrovnik. Admire Kotor’s medieval streets and towering cliffs, and marvel at the ruins of ancient Olympia over two enlightening days in Athens. Discover the archaeological wonders of Troy, a UNESCO Site, and enjoy more time in Istanbul to fully experience a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.

Grand Mediterranean Explorer

Lisbon to Istanbul | 36 days

Embark on a grand voyage across the Mediterranean to visit iconic cities and uncover the heritage of civilizations during a 36-day itinerary. Call at Iberia’s vibrant ports, trace the French Riviera and circumnavigate Italy’s boot. Explore the legacy of the Venetian Republic and the mighty Hellenic Empire, that extended from Greece to India. Overnights in six iconic cities allow you to fully immerse yourself in the Mediterranean’s rich culture and history.

Mediterranean’s Iconic Shores

Barcelona to Istanbul | 29 days

Adriatic & Mediterranean Sojourn

Rome (Civitavecchia) to Istanbul | 22 days

Witness a sweeping landscape of cultural riches and historic wonders on this fascinating cruise that combines Italian Sojourn; Venice, the Adriatic & Greece; and Ancient Mediterranean Treasures. Sail around Italy’s boot, discover breathtaking Croatia and medieval Montenegro, and walk among ancient ruins in Ephesus and Troy. Overnights in Venice, Athens and Istanbul afford you ample time to delve into the eastern Mediterranean’s famed and hidden treasures.

Adriatic & Mediterranean Discovery

Venice (Chioggia) to Lisbon | 22 days

Set sail on a voyage to explore the rich heritage of the Adriatic and the Western Mediterranean. Discover the vibrant cities of Iberia and experience the splendor of the French Riviera. Wander through Renaissance and Roman treasures along Italy’s western coast and marvel at the historic ports along Adriatic shores. Overnight in Venice, Barcelona, Florence and Lisbon to fully immerse yourself in some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cultural capitals.

Cities of Antiquity

Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus) | 15 days

Mediterranean Discoveries

Rome (Civitavecchia) to London (Tilbury) | 15 days

Delve into Roman history, delight in the Tuscan countryside and stroll the upscale coast of Monte Carlo. Sail to Spain and call at iconic cities and charismatic towns. Visit the ancient city of Cartagena, discover southern Spain’s Andalusian gems and journey through the storied Strait of Gibraltar to Vigo, gateway to the UNESCO city of Santiago de Compostela, famed for its stunning cathedral—the final stop on the epic Camino de Santiago pilgrim route.

Iberia & Mediterranean Antiquities

Lisbon to Athens (Piraeus) | 22 days

See some of the world’s most important ancient sites during a sojourn to Mediterranean shores. Discover the grand architecture of Seville, Tangier and Granada, see Palma’s storied beaches and visit bustling Barcelona. See the iconic treasures of historic Rome, stroll through glittering   Monte Carlo and be captivated by Marseille’s beachside charm. Overnights in Lisbon, Barcelona, Florence and Athens will allow you to fully immerse yourself in local life.

Mediterranean, Malta & North Africa

Roundtrip Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy | 16 days

Sail from Rome to historic Valletta to uncover the enduring legacy of the Knights of St. John. Journey to North African shores and immerse yourself in its vibrant cultures, before exploring Andalusia, where Moorish-inspired architecture—exemplified by the magnificent UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace—reflects centuries of cultural exchange. Discover the charms of Provence and Corsica before returning to Rome beneath the inviting glow of the Mediterranean sun.

Aegean & Mediterranean Explorer

Athens (Piraeus) to Barcelona | 15 days

Atlantic & Mediterranean Horizons

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Rome (Civitavecchia) | 21 days

Explore the enchanting Caribbean landscapes and half-French, half-Dutch culture of St. Martin. Traverse the Atlantic Ocean to discover the Portuguese influence and tropical beauty of the “Garden Island” of Madeira. Sail the legendary Mediterranean Sea, where you will immerse yourself in the Catalonian charms of Barcelona, be captivated by the glamour of the French Riviera in Monte Carlo and admire Renaissance masterpieces in Tuscan Florence.

Southern Atlantic Crossing

Barcelona to Buenos Aires | 22 days

Sail the Mediterranean Sea and immerse yourself in the fabled architecture of Barcelona and Andalusian charm of Granada. Along Africa’s shores, see prosperous Casablanca and the volcanic island of Cape Verde. Across the Atlantic Ocean, visit coastal Recife and revel in the exuberance of the former Brazilian capital Rio de Janeiro. Discover the eclectic cities of Montevideo and Buenos Aires, and engage in European-influenced Latin culture.

Mediterranean to Caribbean Sojourn

Rome (Civitavecchia) to San Juan | 22 days

Explore Italian Renaissance treasures and the picturesque coast of the French Riviera. Trace the Iberian Peninsula and savor the cuisine of Valencia and Spain’s Catalan region. Cross the storied Strait of Gibraltar, whose towering rock has been a landmark for centuries, and delve into Andalusian culture in Seville. Visit Madeira, the “Garden Island” of the Atlantic, and call at Philipsburg to experience the charms of this dual-nation Caribbean gem.

Mediterranean & Atlantic Crossing

Rome (Civitavecchia) to San Juan | 21 days

Explore ancient sites in Rome, see Florence’s grand Renaissance architecture and discover Monte Carlo’s extravagance. Visit Marseille, famed for its delicious cuisine, and discover opulent architecture in the Spanish cities of Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Sail to Madeira, known for its namesake wine and unique landscapes, and the Caribbean islands of St. Martin and Puerto Rico—two beachfront capitals with distinctive tropical cultures.

The Mediterranean & South Atlantic

Rome (Civitavecchia) to Buenos Aires | 29 days

Explore the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence, witness multicultural Marseille and be captivated by the glamour of the French Riviera in Monte Carlo. Immerse yourself in the charms of Catalonian Barcelona and Andalusian Granada, then discover the historic Moroccan city of Casablanca. Sail across the Atlantic Ocean to experience the vibrant and eclectic cultures of South America in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo and Buenos Aires.

Icons of the Mediterranean

Barcelona to Athens (Piraeus) | 11 days

Visit charming cities and historic towns along the beautiful Mediterranean coast. Call at Barcelona, home to flavorsome regional cuisine and inspiring architecture, including the unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família by Antoni Gaudí. Trace the south coast of France, then onward to Italy to explore charming Florence and its Renaissance treasures. Sail the azure waters of the Ionian Sea and call at Crete, Greece’s largest isle.

Mediterranean & Italian Sojourn

Barcelona to Venice (Chioggia) | 15 days

Follow the tides of history with overnight stays in Barcelona and Venice. Marvel at the historic treasures of Montpellier. Stroll among the romance of Marseille and the glamour of Monte Carlo. Stay overnight in Renaissance Tuscany, and see ancient Rome and elegant Naples. Sail around Italy’s boot via Sicilian Messina, the pristine ports of Crotone and Bari, and the remarkable Old Town of Šibenik.

Atlantic Ocean Passage

Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | 14 days

Set sail on a voyage spanning both the New World and the Old. Explore the Portuguese influence and tropical beauty of the “Garden Island” of Madeira. Immerse in the enchanting Caribbean landscapes and half-French, half-Dutch culture of St. Martin. Journey across the legendary Mediterranean Sea, home to some of history’s greatest empires, and the storied Atlantic Ocean, its deep waters providing a centuries-old passageway between Europe and the Americas

West Indies to Spain

San Juan to Barcelona | 14 days

Join Viking on a singular journey that spans continents. Discover the cultural legacies of the emerald-green island of St. Martin. Tour the garden island of Madeira with a Portuguese local. Step into Spain’s remarkable past in Seville and Valencia as residents share their passion for these magnificent cultural centers. And cruise a quartet of legendary waters: the Caribbean, Atlantic, Strait of Gibraltar and Mediterranean

Lisbon: War in the Shadows of the City of Light: A World War II Story of Espionage, Intrigue, and Gold

By Neill Lochery

Lisbon had a pivotal role in the history of World War II, though not a gun was fired there. The only European city in which both the Allies and the Axis power operated openly, it was temporary home to much of Europe’s exiled royalty, over one million refugees seeking passage to the U.S., and a host of spies, secret police, captains of industry, bankers, prominent Jews, writers and artists, escaped POWs, and black marketeers. An operations officer writing in 1944 described the daily scene at Lisbon’s airport as being like the movie “Casablanca,” times twenty. In this riveting narrative, renowned historian Neill Lochery draws on his relationships with high-level Portuguese contacts, access to records recently uncovered from Portuguese secret police and banking archives, and other unpublished documents to offer a revelatory portrait of the War’s back stage. And he tells the story of how Portugal, a relatively poor European country trying frantically to remain neutral amidst extraordinary pressures, survived the war not only physically intact but significantly wealthier. The country’s emergence as a prosperous European Union nation would be financed in part, it turns out, by a cache of Nazi gold.

Authentic Portuguese Cooking: More than 185 Classic Mediterranean-style Recipes of the Azores, Madeira, and Continental Portugal

By Ana Patuleia Ortins

An Encyclopedic Collection of Recipes from One of the World's Most Cherished Food Cultures

Ana Patuleia Ortins will help you travel to and experience the unique paradise of Portugal without setting foot on a plane. Portugal is known for its cuisine that while mild in spice, is rich in flavor. As the authority on Portuguese cooking, Ana highlights the fare through an encyclopedic look into her family's cooking and the country's history.

Embrace the flavors of Portugal and learn how to make all parts of a true Portuguese meal, from meats such as Madeiran Wine and Garlic Beef Kabobs, Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Pomegranate Sauce and Saint Martin's Grilled Salt Cod with Potatoes, to sides of Sautéed Kale with Pine Nuts and Onions and homemade bread. Ana's step-by-step guides to preparing and cooking present easy-to-follow methods for the most delicious results!

Discover why Portugal should be on every foodie's list of places to visit, even if it's in your own kitchen!

The Portuguese: A Modern History

By Barry Hatton

“Combining history and anecdote, Barry Hatton paints an intimate portrait of a fascinating country and its people.

“Portugal is an established member of the European Union, one of the founders of the euro currency and a founding member of NATO. Yet it is an inconspicuous and largely overlooked country on the continent's south-west rim.

“Barry Hatton shines a light on this enigmatic corner of Europe by blending historical analysis with entertaining personal anecdotes. He describes the idiosyncrasies that make the Portuguese unique and surveys the eventful path that brought them to where they are today.

“In the fifteenth-and sixteenth-century Age of Discovery the Portuguese led Europe out of the Mediterranean into the Atlantic and they brought Asia and Europe together. Evidence of their one-time four-continent empire can still be felt, not least in the Portuguese language which is spoken by more than 220 million people from Brazil, across parts of Africa to Asia.

“Analyzing present-day society and culture, The Portuguese also considers the nation's often tumultuous past. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake was one of Europe's greatest natural disasters, strongly influencing continental thought and heralding Portugal's extended decline. The Portuguese also weathered Europe's longest dictatorship under twentieth-century ruler António Salazar. A 1974 military coup, called the Carnation Revolution, placed the Portuguese at the center of Cold War attentions. Portugal's quirky relationship with Spain, and with its oldest ally England, is also scrutinized.

Empires of the Sea

In 1521, Suleiman the Magnificent, Muslim ruler of the Ottoman Empire, dispatched an invasion fleet to the Christian island of Rhodes. This would prove to be the opening shot in an epic clash between rival empires and faiths for control of the Mediterranean and the center of the world. In Empires of the Sea, acclaimed historian Roger Crowley has written a thrilling account of this brutal decades-long battle between Christendom and Islam for the soul of Europe, a fast-paced tale of spiraling intensity that ranges from Istanbul to the Gates of Gibraltar. Crowley conjures up a wild cast of pirates, crusaders, and religious warriors struggling for supremacy and survival in a tale of slavery and galley warfare, desperate bravery and utter brutality. Empires of the Sea is a story of extraordinary color and incident, and provides a crucial context for our own clash of civilizations.

Mother Tongue: A Saga of Three Generations of Balkan Women

By Tania Romanov

The unrelenting consequences of 100 years of Balkan wars force three generations of Croatian women-Katarina, Zora, Tania-to flee their homelands multiple times. Eventually Tania, a successfully integrated American, journeys back to her fractured homeland with her mother to unravel the secrets of their shared past.

Cracking Croatian Wine: A Visitor-Friendly Guide

By Charine Tan and Matthew Horkey

This book is meant to be a practical guide for people who enjoy wine either casually or with great curiosity and vigor.

The most common problem encountered by wine lovers when visiting a wine country is how to spend their limited amount of time in the area sifting through the many wines and producers. Add that to the challenges of figuring out where to buy wines, what varieties are grown, and what the bottle labels in a foreign language mean, and the adventure of discovering a new wine country may appear rather daunting.

Cracking Croatian Wine is our way of helping wine lovers save time, money, and effort. This book will provide the pertinent information to help wine tourists get started on exploring Croatian wines and identifying the types of wines they will enjoy.

The Balkans: Nationalism, War, and the Great Powers, 1804-2011

By Misha Glenny

This unique and lively history of Balkan geopolitics since the early nineteenth century gives readers the essential historical background to more than one hundred years of events in this war-torn area. No other book covers the entire region, or offers such profound insights into the roots of Balkan violence, or explains so vividly the origins of modern Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Albania. Now updated to include the fall of Slobodan Milosevic, the capture of all indicted war criminals from the Yugoslav wars, and each state's quest for legitimacy in the European Union, The Balkans explores the often catastrophic relationship between the Balkans and the Great Powers, raising some disturbing questions about Western intervention.

Croatia: A History from the Middle Ages to the Present Day

By Marcus Tanner

In this updated edition of his acclaimed history, Marcus Tanner takes us from the first Croat principalities of the Early Middle Ages through to the country’s independence in the modern era
 
“Full of absorbing stories and important insights, Croatia deserves to be read.”—Aleska Djilas, New York Times Book Review
 
“A lucid, expert account of Croatia’s past at the bloody crossroads of big-power ambitions—Turks, Austrians, Italians, Russians—leads smoothly into a riveting close-up view of the 1990s fight for independence.” Boyd Tonkin, The Independent

Twilight of the Habsburgs: The Life and Times of Emperor Francis Joseph

No ruler in modern times reigned in full sovereignty for as long as Francis Joseph, emperor of Austria and king of Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, and Slavonia. Titular master of central Europe from 1848 until 1916, he was center stage in Europe throughout the dramatic era in which Italy and Germany emerged as united nation states. His personal decisions were vital both to the outcome of the Crimean War and to the onset of World War I, sixty years later. Far more than a biography of a great ruler, Twilight of the Habsburgs is a social, cultural, political, and military history of Europe from the end of the Napoleonic era to the assassination at Sarajevo. "Just the right balance between the story of Francis Joseph's life and the history of his times." -- The New York Times Book Review; "Excellent and absorbing . . . A compelling read." -- Evening Standard (London).

A Brief History of France

By Cecil Jenkins

When we think of France we often evoke images of fine food and wine, the elegant boulevards of Paris, the chic beaches of St Tropez. Yet, as the largest country in Europe, it is a place of huge diversity. The idea of 'Frenchness' emerged from over 2,000 years of history and it is a riveting story from Roman conquest to the present day.

Cecil Jenkins tells the story of the formation of this nation through its people, great events and culture. Through this narrative he charts why the French began to see themselves as so different from the rest of Europe and why, today, they face the same problems of identity as many other nations.

French Wine: A History

By Roderick Phillips

For centuries, wine has been associated with France more than with any other country. France remains one of the world’s leading wine producers by volume and enjoys unrivaled cultural recognition for its wine. If any wine regions are global household names, they are French regions such as Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. Within the wine world, products from French regions are still benchmarks for many wines.
 
French Wine is the first synthetic history of wine in France: from Etruscan, Greek, and Roman imports and the adoption of wine by beer-drinking Gauls to its present status within the global marketplace. Rod Phillips places the history of grape growing and winemaking in each of the country’s major regions within broad historical and cultural contexts.

Examining a range of influences on the wine industry, wine trade, and wine itself, the book explores religion, economics, politics, revolution, and war, as well as climate and vine diseases. French Wine is the essential reference on French wine for collectors, consumers, sommeliers, and industry professionals.

Journey by Moonlight

By Antal Szerb

A major classic of 1930s literature, Antal Szerb's Journey by Moonlight (Utas és Holdvilág) is the fantastically moving and darkly funny story of a bourgeois businessman torn between duty and desire.

'On the train, everything seemed fine. The trouble began in Venice ...'

Mihály has dreamt of Italy all his life. When he finally travels there on his honeymoon with wife Erszi, he soon abandon her in order to find himself, haunted by old friends from his turbulent teenage days: beautiful, kind Tamas, brash and wicked Janos, and the sexless yet unforgettable Eva. Journeying from Venice to Ravenna, Florence and Rome, Mihály loses himself in Venetian back alleys and in the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, driven by an irresistible desire to resurrect his lost youth among Hungary's Bright Young Things, and knowing that he must soon decide whether to return to the ambiguous promise of a placid adult life, or allow himself to be seduced into a life of scandalous adventure.

Journey by Moonlight (Utas és Holdvilág) is an undoubted masterpiece of Modernist literature, a darkly comic novel cut through by sex and death, which traces the effects of a socially and sexually claustrophobic world on the life of one man.

Translated from the Hungarian by the renowned and award-winning Len Rix, Antal Szerb's Journey by Moonlight (first published as Utas és Holdvilág in Hungary in 1937) is the consummate European novel of the inter-war period.

Treason's Harbour

All Patrick O'Brian's strengths are on parade in this novel of action and intrigue, set partly in Malta, partly in the treacherous, pirate-infested waters of the Red Sea. While Captain Aubrey worries about repairs to his ship, Stephen Maturin assumes the center stage for the dockyards and salons of Malta are alive with Napoleon's agents, and the admiralty's intelligence network is compromised. Maturin's cunning is the sole bulwark against sabotage of Aubrey's daring mission.

The Kappillan of Malta

As bombs pound Malta to dust, Father Salvatore--a simple priest, or kappillan, serving the poor--finds himself caught in the drama of World War Two. In the fragile safety of catacombs revealed by the explosions, he tends to the flood of homeless, starving, and frightened people seeking shelter, giving messages of inspiration and hope. His story, and that of the island, unfold in superbly graphic images of six days during the siege.

Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire

By Roger Crowley

As remarkable as Columbus and the conquistador expeditions, the history of Portuguese exploration is now almost forgotten. But Portugal's navigators cracked the code of the Atlantic winds, launched the expedition of Vasco da Gama to India and beat the Spanish to the spice kingdoms of the East - then set about creating the first long-range maritime empire. In an astonishing blitz of thirty years, a handful of visionary and utterly ruthless empire builders, with few resources but breathtaking ambition, attempted to seize the Indian Ocean, destroy Islam and take control of world trade.
Told with Roger Crowley's customary skill and verve, this is narrative history at its most vivid - an epic tale of navigation, trade and technology, money and religious zealotry, political diplomacy and espionage, sea battles and shipwrecks, endurance, courage and terrifying brutality. Drawing on extensive first-hand accounts, it brings to life the exploits of an extraordinary band of conquerors - men such as Afonso de Albuquerque, the first European since Alexander the Great to found an Asian empire - who set in motion five hundred years of European colonisation and unleashed the forces of globalisation.

Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture

By José Saramago, Nick Caistor (Translator), Amanda Hopkinson (Translator)

When José Saramago decided to write a book about Portugal some twenty years ago, his only desire was that it be unlike all other books on the subject, and in this he certainly has succeeded. Recording the events and observations of a journey across the length and breadth of the country that he loves dearly, this travelogue brings Portugal to life as only a writer of Saramago's brilliance can. Forfeiting sources of information such as tourist guides and road maps, he scours the country with the eyes and ears of an observer fascinated by the ancient myths and history of his people. Whether an inaccessible medieval fortress set on a cliff, a wayside chapel thick with cobwebs, or a grand mansion in the city, the extraordinary places of this land come alive with the kings, warriors, painters, explorers, writers, saints, and sinners who have fed its rich store of myth and history. Always meticulously attentive to those elements of ancient Portugal that persist today, he examines the country in its current period of rapid transition and growth.

Food of Portugal

By Jean Anderson

An extensive bilingual glossary explains, defines, and describes Portuguese food, wine, cooking, and restaurant terms.
With notes for cooks and travelers on the language of Portuguese wine, food, and dining.
Wine notes have been completely revised and updated.

Color photographs of Portugal by the author.

Antonio Gaudí: Master Architect

By Juan Bassegoda Nonell

In this enlightening, portable volume, a concise, knowledgeable text by the director of the Catedra Gaudí at the University of Barcelona is brilliantly illustrated with 200 images by a gifted architectural photographer to provide a new perspective on Gaudí's remarkable career. The author traces all the influences that led to the architect's definitive style, from his fascination with the Orient and Neogothicism to his love of naturalism and geometric forms. Here is the full range of his oeuvre, from the innovative residences for the Güell family to his unfinished masterpiece, the Church of the Sagrada Familia, which occupied him until his death. This handsome overview of Gaudí's visionary work is ideal for those who delight in his architecture, as well as those who look forward to traveling to Spain to see his monumental legacy.

My Beautiful Country

Michaela Kezele

This film shows how love can grow in a time of hatred. When a young Serbian widow with two sons finds a wounded Albanian soldier on the run and in her home, she takes him in and nurses him back to health. Originally titled Die Brücke am Ibar. Filmed in Croatia and Serbia.

Just Between Us

Rajko Grlić

Set in Zagreb, this movie follows two middle-aged brothers leading parallel lives and navigating a web of relationships with their wives, children and mistresses. Filmed in Zagreb, Croatia.

Mysteries of Lisbon

Raúl Ruiz

This highly acclaimed movie traces the adventures of a jealous countess, a rich businessman and a young orphaned boy as they travel across Portugal, France and Italy, and to Brazil. Filmed in multiple locations including Lisbon.

Julie & Julia

Nora Ephron

With scenes of Paris and mouthwatering French food, the story of Julia Child’s start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell’s challenge to cook all the recipes in Child’s first book; stars Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Streep won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress. Filmed in New York City, New York and Paris, France.

Our Summer in Provence

Rose Bosch

Three siblings go on holiday in Provence with a grandfather they have never met. Originally titled Aris de mistral. Filmed in Provence, France.

The Exodus Decoded

Simcha Jacobovici

The biblical exodus is explored in this documentary that shares archaeological evidence, explanations for the plagues that disrupted Egypt and thoughts on the time frame when the exodus may have taken place. Filmed in multiple locations including Egypt, Greece and Israel.

See You in Montevideo

Dragan Bjelogrlic

When a football team from Belgrade gets the opportunity to go to the First World Football Championship, things get complicated along the way. Originally titled Montevideo, vidimo se! Filmed in the Canary Islands, Spain and Trieste, Italy.

The Passion of the Christ

Mel Gibson

Nominated for three Academy Awards, this film depicts the final hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Filmed in Rome and Basilicata, Italy.

By the Sea

Angelina Jolie

Vanessa and her husband, Roland, seem to be growing apart despite traveling together in France. But when they discover a quiet seaside town, they develop a mutual interest in the colorful inhabitants, bringing the two of them closer together. Filmed in various locations throughout Malta.

The Return of the Pink Panther

Blake Edwards

When the Pink Panther diamond is stolen, with the only clue being the Phantom’s trademark glove, Inspector Clouseau is put on the case. Filmed in France, Morocco and Switzerland.

Young Winston

Richard Attenborough

This historical drama tells the story of Sir Winston Churchill, from his unhappy childhood to his time as a war correspondent in the Second Boer War to his first election to Parliament at the young age of 26. Filmed in multiple locations including Morocco and England.

Fados

Carlos Saura

The relationship among music, dance and the culture of Portugal is illustrated in this documentary film. Filmed in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Dancer Upstairs

John Malkovich

When a series of attacks against people in politics escalates from remote villages to areas near the capital, Lieutenant Agustin Rejas is assigned to investigate. As a way to relieve the stress of the investigation, Rejas begins to keep company with a dancer and teacher of his teenage daughter’s ballet class. Filmed in multiple locations including Madrid, Spain; Porto, Portugal; and Quito, Ecuador.

The Last Run

Richard Fleischer

George C. Scott and Colleen Dewhurst star in this story of a career criminal wanting to retire in the Portuguese fishing village of Albufeira. Reluctantly, he takes one last job: driving an escaped killer across Spain into France. Filmed in Andalusia.