Cruising the Mediterranean: a 10-day tour of arts, artifacts, and grand views.

Entranced by the serenity of Southern Europe's Mediterranean coastline, I basked in the sun's brilliance as it shimmied across the azure water. This part of the world is, indeed, a slice of paradise, In a few minutes, I would disembark from the ship and join a phalanx of fellow tourists, spending the day reviewing centuries-old culture and architecture and sampling local cuisine.

My European trek was part of a cruise organized by the National Professional Network. Created by William Tedford and Madeline Moore, NPN has brought together thousands of African Americans on 'leadership summit" cruises for 15 years. Attendees enjoy exotic locales and cruise amenities. The trips also provide an opportunity for black professionals and entrepreneurs to network and attend empowerment forums. On this voyage, NPN enjoyed its largest gathering to date more than 1,000 participants aboard Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas, a 2.076-passenger cruise ship offering spa visits, sports and leisure entertainment, and endless culinary samplings. The cruise whisks away attendees on a 10-day excursion with stops in Spain, France, and Italy.

"From public policy to corporate strategy, NPN has created a safe place to build valuable relationships," says Tedford.

For lovers of world history, unique cultural experiences, and grand architecture, the trip fulfilled every passion, The following provides highlights and Mediterranean attractions:

BARCELONA, SPAIN

NPN members gathered two days prior to the start of the cruise to begin conference proceedings and make arrangements for connections in Barcelona, Spain. With a population of 3 million, Barcelona is Spain's second largest city and the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast. Most attendees stayed at the Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton property that boasts spacious, contemporary rooms and breath-taking views of the Mediterranean and Port Olimpic. A popular leisure and dining marina with more than 700 berths, Port Olimpic was extensively renovated in preparation for the its duties as host city of the 1992 Olympics.

Las Ramblas, situated within walking distance of the hotel, is a pedestrian, tree-lined boulevard that extends from the waterfront to Placa de Catalunya, the town square. It features succulent seafood, street performances, and a bustling nightlife for those looking to party or gamble the night away.

If you venture to the Gothic Quarter, you will find magnificent, centuries-old structures such as the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, designed in classic gothic style and accentuated with 500-year-old stained glass windows.

On day three, the Splendour of the Seas docked in Marseille, the oldest city in France, which stretches from the mountains of the Southern Alps to the waters of the Mediterranean.

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MARSEILLE, FRANCE

One of Marseille's main attractions is Notre Dame de la Garde. The gold-leaf-covered cathedral, which dates back to the 19th century, is filled with beautiful mosaics, multicolored marble, and a dazzling array of paintings and murals. Endless flights of stairs lead the inspired to the highest point of the city and eventually gives way to an arresting panorama of the region. Another great sight is Palais Longchamp, with its lakes, fountains, and detailed sculptures.

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FRENCH RIVIERA

Cannes, Nice, Monaco, and Monte Carlo. Cosmopolitan centers with enchanting old-world appeal that attract hundreds to renowned events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Nice Mardi Gras, and Monaco Formula One Grand Prix.

But there's also scenic charm: jagged mountains that touch deep blue shores and sunny, white-sand beaches. Royal attractions include the prince's Palace Square in Monaco and Monaco Cathedral, the final resting place of Grace Kelly, the movie-star-turned -queen who died in a tragic car accident in 1982. High-life indulgences abound. In Monte Carlo, the ultimate playground of the megarich and socially elite, high rollers stake out the copper-domed Grand Casino, which dates back to 1878.

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ROME

Rome is one of the most engaging cities in the world and offers much in the way of history, religion, and romance. Anticipation builds as I stand in the interminable line that snakes along the walls surrounding Vatican City, one of Rome's greatest attractions. As the world's smallest sovereign state, the Vatican comprises the residence of the Pope and St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Catholic church ever built. The Basilica houses priceless works of religious art including the fifth century Bronze statue of St. Peter; the tomb of Peter under the altar; and Michelangelo's La Pieta, a mesmerizing marble sculpture of the Virgin cradling the crucified Christ.

The Vatican Museum, a massive architectural construct, encompasses eight museums; five galleries; and the world-renowned Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo; from 1508 to 1512. The ceiling depicts the story of humanity from the creation to the flood and remains the largest work ever completed by a single artist.

Beyond the religious relics, Rome offers other significant landmarks, such as the Coliseum--the arena of gladiators and ancient Rome's best-known monument. Lovers, on the other hand, may be partial to other sights. One is Piazza Navona, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world, thanks, in part, to Gian-lorenzo Bernini's striking Fountain of Four Rivers. But Rome's most famous waterworks is Fontana di Trevi, Trevi Fountain, because of the romantic fable that predicts, "whoever tosses in a coin will one day return to Rome."

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POMPEII, ITALY

Our last port of call was Naples. A 15-mile drive southeast of the city brought us to one of the world's most famous excavation sites: Pompeii. A thriving city 1,900 years ago, it was devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Today, Pompeii is one of the best-preserved specimens of an ancient Roman town, including the fully restored forum, temples, villas, and centuries-old works of art.

This August, NPN plans to travel to the Western Caribbean and, to Africa in 2007. To find out more about how to reach exotic destinations with NPN, visit www.npncruise.com.

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