65.- APRIL 17, SPAIN, VALENCIA, CITY OF THE ARTS AND SCIENCE

Impressive example of modern architecture, designed by the internationally recognized Valencian architect and engineer SANTIAGO CALATRAVA (Born in 1951).

Getting ready for the AMERICA'S CUP REGATTA

Imax Cinema inside the Hemisphere shape building.

Reina Sofia Palau de la Musica

Museum Principe Felipe

A city for the future

64.- April 17, SPAIN, VALENCIA (NEW CITY)

Valencia is now home to one of Europe’s most exciting development projects that will play host to the America’s Cup.

As far as you can see, it was farmland 10 years ago, when the NEW CITY started to emerge.

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Following catastrophic flooding in 1957, the river Turia was diverted to the southern part of the city and the old river bend, was used to create a six mile long park crossing the city center.

The CENTRAL MARKET

The new Marina

63.- APRIL 17, SPAIN VALENCIA (OLD CITY)

VALENCIA, what a pleasant surprise!! This city, has been well planned. With lots of open spaces, greenery, fountains, monuments and old buildings holding stories of times long gone.

One of the two towers of the protecting walls, erected to protect the old city.

The Ring for bull fights.

The Post Office

The Quart Towers

Commercial street with the Cathedral tower at the end.

A tower of the Cathedral

The North Train Station

VALENCIA, Founded by the Romans, conquered by the Visigoths and prosperous during Moorish reign.

62.- April 15, EZE

EZE, High in the mountains about 8 miles away from Monaco, we found this little village.


Founded in the 12th century, enclosed by high and thick stone walls and surrounded by ramparts.










It has been restored and nowadays has a population of 50 families.











Steep and narrow medieval streets.

61.- APRIL 15, MONACO

MONACO: About the size of London’s Hyde Park, is utterly seductive. A"chic" dream of perfection, the fairytale principality even looks the part.
The Monegasque citizen adore the Royal family and members are often in residence.

Arriving to port at sunrise.











The Grimaldi dynasty turned the single square mile into some of the world’s most prized real estate.
The Parc the Fontvielle with its own marina, was built on reclaimed land. (20% of Monaco is reclaimed land.)







Government buildings








Monaco-Ville, the original fortified city, is home to the Royal family, that lives in this Prince’s’ palace.

The spectacular changing of the guards performed by the caabinieris, in full dress uniform. .
(A ceremony that has remained unchanged for more than a century, takes place every morning in front of the Prince’s Palace)





















The Cathedral, where the Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were married, and which now contains their tombs.

Leaving Monaco, at sunset

60.- APRIL 14, ITALY, LUCCA

LUCCA, A small medieval town not far from Livorno. Is your typical Tuscan city, very well preserved and enclosed by massive red brick walls.
Statute of Giacomo Puccini, author of the opera "TURANDOT"











Tower of the Guinigi family, rulers of the city in the 15th century.


















The Church of St. Michele, stands on the site of the ancient Roman Foro.

















Antiques market, operating once a month.












The wall, built between 1504 and 1645 is one of the best preserved Renaissance defenses in Europe.










The Roman Amphitheater, which is surrounded by medieval houses that were built against the walls of the amphitheater. It's shape is perfectly preserved and it reminds us that the Romans founded Lucca in 180 B.C.
The entrance by a tunnel, still exists and is used today like it was almost 2,000 years ago

59.- APRIL 14, ITALY, LIVORNO

LIVORNO, Hugue and impressive port, established by the Romans and fully developed by the Florence’s Medici family who sought to transformed it into a thriving commercial harbor.

On the road to LUCCA, rich farmland.