NEW YEAR'S EVE ON THE MAGIC SHORES OF THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Genoa is a city in northern Italy, the capital of the Genoa province and the region of Liguria. It is the second biggest port in the Mediterranean, right after Marseille. The city has around 620 thousand inhabitants, or 890 thousand in the wider metropolitan area. Tourism and trade are on the rise lately. Genoa is also the place where the Nautical Fair (Salone nautico), the biggest nautical exhibition of Europe, is being held.

The second biggest city of France will thrill you with its rich and unique heritage, numerous cultural happenings and its bay, full of beautiful coves. Cosmopolitan and multiethnic, this city is truly one of a kind. Visit the sites such as church of Notre Dame, the Old Port and Longchamp palace, some of no less than 22 museums, try bouillabaisse, the famous Mediterranean delicacy, and feel the special charm of Provence.

The dynamic and fascinating city of Barcelona lies on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. It is the capital of Catalonia province. A combination of rich cultural history and the Mediterranean way of life was the ideal basis for development of the city that is today a famous artistic centre of Europe. The Gothic quarter in the old part of the city will delight you with its narrow streets, little bars and shops, while the modernist buildings in the Eixample district give an altogether different definition of architecture. Barcelona is a city completely devoted to Gaudi, and two of its biggest attractions are his work - the Sagrada Familia, a church whose building was begun in 1884 and still hasn't been completed, and Park Guell, a perfect combination of nature and architecture with a majestic view of the city.

Long sandy beaches, mild climate, recently restored old part of the city and the dynamic nightlife are the main reasons that Alicante is visited by millions of people every year. The second biggest city of the province of Valencia, Alicante exudes a genuine Mediterranean atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a stroll around spacious squares and neat seasides promenades and have your morning coffee while taking in the wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Gibraltar is the overseas territory of Great Britain, located on the southern cape of the Pyrenean peninsula and the like-named strait, dividing Europe from Africa. Here you will have the chance to explore some of Europe's most beautiful caves, walk around the old town walls and enjoy the view of the Gibraltar strait, known for the large community of dolphins that live there.

On the opposite side of the strait from Gibraltar, in the very north of Africa, lies Tangier, a fascinating Moroccan city. Its souks, traditional cuisine, wonderful sandy beaches and many attractions make it a perfect holiday destination. Savour the combination of cultures that this dynamic city offers and breathe in at least a part of the atmosphere that made even famous writers such as Paul Bowles and William Burroughs call it home.

Casablanca, the population of 3.1 million, is the biggest Moroccan city, its biggest port, and the dominant industrial and economic hub where all bigger domestic and international companies have their bases. Casablanca effortlessly combines tradition with modern life and continues to fascinate with its rich culture, wide avenues, architecture and Moorish details that embellish every little corner of this unforgettable city. The Old Medina is Casablanca's oldest monument and, even though not quite Arabic-Muslim in style, its colonial features with large windows, high ceilings and balconies, do not fall behind in comparison with any old medinas of the Royal cities.