Spend the Christmas Holidays in the Mediterranean with Friendly Planet Travel

Mediterranean Highlights gives travelers an opportunity to enjoy the Christmas holidays while sailing to the best Mediterranean ports for under $1,300

Jenkintown, Pa.-October 6, 2009-If the idea of icy roads, frigid temperatures, and chapped lips doesn't appeal to you for the holiday season, take heart. For under $1,300, Friendly Planet Travel can transport you to the temperate shores of the Mediterranean in high style. Starting today, travelers can choose from two new cruises which sail to the best ports in the western Mediterranean and both conclude with two free bonus nights in Rome.

The Mediterranean Highlights program offers an exciting itinerary that celebrates the cultural riches and natural beauty of the western Mediterranean, with port calls in Italy, France, Spain, Tunisia, and Malta. On the Iberian Coasts program, port calls include Italy, France, Morocco, Gibraltar, and Spain. On both cruises, travelers will enjoy pampering aboard the M/V Louis Majesty as they explore the historically rich ports-of-call. Mediterranean Highlights features six days of cruising plus two bonus nights in Rome, starting at just $1,299, while Iberian Coasts features eight days of cruising plus two bonus nights in Rome, starting at just $1,399. See the Friendly Planet blog for more information on prices, including discounted child rates and free cabin upgrades for all passengers.

            "We're giving people the opportunity to take a holiday vacation with their families this Christmas and New Year's season, at prices that are unheard of for these types of trips," says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. "Our Mediterranean Highlights' maiden voyage embarks just before Christmas on December 19.  The itinerary is truly a living mosaic, where every port recalls another magnificent era of castles and fortresses, ancient cultures, exotic art, enticing food, music, and architectural grandeur. I can't think of more beautiful destinations I'd rather be with my loved ones during the holiday season. Plus, our numerous other departure dates throughout 2010 make either of these cruises the ideal holiday gift for your husband, your wife, your parents, or yourself!"

            The cruises embark from Genoa, Italy. At the conclusion of each cruise, travelers fly to Rome for two additional days of exploration and relaxation. The first departure of Mediterranean Highlights runs from Dec. 19 - Dec. 28, with six additional departures throughout 2010. The first departure of Iberian Coasts runs from Dec. 25 - Jan. 5, 2010, with four additional departures throughout 2010.

Both programs include roundtrip flights from New York; all meals aboard the cruise; flights from Genoa to Rome; first class, centrally located hotel accommodations in Rome; and group transfers. Other departure gateways are available on request, and travelers are invited to call for rates. For more information, please call Friendly Planet Travel at 800-555-5765, visit the company's Web site at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com, the blog at http://friendlyplanettravel.com/blog,