Around the World Cruise

On the border between Italy and Istria, Trieste awaits you with that “surly grace” as sung by Umberto Saba: a mysterious charm of sullen beauty and Central European allure. At the foot of the karst plateau, where the two peninsulas span the Adriatic, outlining a vast secluded Gulf, Trieste is a natural port and one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Its particular geographical position, which made it the setting for some major historical events, is today a tourist destination of endless fascination. Among the splendours of the landscape and traces of an imperial past, the visit to Trieste is a tour of historical and architectural wonders. A short way from the port, after passing the Grand Canal built by Trieste’s Venetian neighbours, Piazza Unità d’Italia invites you to admire the ancient Habsburg heart of the city and enjoy a glass of Prosecco. And if you love hiking and photography, a walk on the Rilke path overlooking the sea and the “Napoleonic road” with a view of the Gulf from the edge of the karst plateau is a real treat.

Visiting Bari during a cruise holiday means exploring the old town for a journey through time. Bari is the wonderful capital of Puglia and is built around the port, and the Borgo Antico is its mediaeval district characterised by narrow and winding streets. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. During the stopover in Bari visit the historic city rich in history, one of the most beautiful in Italy, and its surroundings, especially Matera, designated by UNESCO as the 2019 European Capital of Culture. “Bari Vecchia” is the old part of the city that, with its partly Norman and partly Swabian fortress, the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Nicholas built on the ruins of the Byzantine Palace, the 12th century cathedral of San Sabino and a dozen little churches of the same period, still bears the traces of conquerors who succeeded over the centuries.

Naples is the heart of the Mediterranean. A unrivalled city where everything becomes a pleasant experience. The port of Naples is located right in the heart of the city and you can easily reach the city centre on foot. One of Italy’s symbolic cities: a cruise to Naples will immerse you in a universe of flavours and traditions that have developed during a history of almost 3,000 years. A shore excursion around Naples is like a visit to an open-air museum watched over by the majestic slopes of Vesuvius. The true soul of the city is Spaccanapoli in the ancient heart of the Decumani—the streets built in the Greco-Roman era—where you dodge mopeds as you stroll among the artisan workshops. It would be sacrilege to take a trip to Naples and not enter at least one of the over 500 churches in the old city. Take advantage of the break to visit Pompeii. You will be offered two shore excursions to immerse yourself in the heart of history and visit the ruins of this ancient Roman city. Then, let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the landscapes between the Hill of Posillipo and Vesuvius. If you want to go shopping, take a trip to Spaccanapoli, the main artery of the city.

Above the port of Savona, the Priamar Fortress greets every departure and arrival of the Costa ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Genoa and its aquarium are nearby. The port of Savona, which you can explore during your cruise in Italy, is one of the prettiest of the Italian Riviera. The lovely climate, summers that are never to hot, mild winters and the exceptional beauty of the sea near the town makes Savona an excellent base to set out to explore Liguria. Savona is notable for the Priamar Fortress, which has dominated the town since the 16th century, and also for its historic centre where you can visit Savona Cathedral. A stop in Savona can also be an opportunity to visit the nearby city of Genoa and its narrow, picturesque streets, known as “caruggi”.

A pleasant thing to do is simply sit down at one of the cafes overlooking the port of Marseilles and, sipping a Pastis, observe the landscape and the people who inhabit it. Also called the “Porpoise City “, Marseille is France’s sunniest town, charming with its gullies where you can swim, its history and culture and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. You cannot leave without having first toured on the “Cours Julien”, the street for shopping. The port of Marseille is perhaps a typical tourist destination, but it deserves to be visited for the ferry that leaves from the Town Hall and the old church, which replaced a Templar building.

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.

Overlooking Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the port of Casablanca is the docking point of your Atlantic Ocean cruise to a modern, cosmopolitan and fairly liberal city. From the harbour, in addition to the promenade where you can enjoy a stroll, you can quickly reach the medina on the northern side of the old city. Surrounded by walls dating back to the 16th century, the Casablanca medina is not very large, but the Souk el-Kebir has all the charm of a Moroccan market. Definitely very different but worthy of a look while on your cruise to Casablanca is the Habous district where the new medina was developed in the 1930s to solve the city’s housing shortage. The most important mosque is the modern Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993. It stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic and the very high minaret serves as a beacon for the harbour. While in Casablanca, a shore excursion to the cathedral of the Sacred Heart is well worth the time. Once a Catholic church, it is now transformed into a cultural centre connected from the Park of the Arab League to the lively Maârif district, modern, full of bars and dominated by the towers of the Twin Center.

The port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the city’s access to the sea and characterized by a mix of cultures that have managed to coexist in harmony with each other. Santa Cruz is a cosmopolitan city of different influences and varied trends, as you can see from the mix of historic buildings and modern architecture. After leaving the port, start your tour with a visit of the Auditorio de Tenerife and the “Circulo de Amistad.” Then take a visit to the Nuestra Señora de África market, where you will find crafts and artisanal products made from natural ingredients, as well as the famous wine of the region. Finally, check out the local cuisine made with potatoes, chilies and exotic spices.

Voted on of the best ports in the entire Caribbean basin, Barbados offers natural beauty, attractions, and endless stretches of pink and white sand beaches.

Between walls and ancient castles in Cartagena, Colombia, you can take in the colonial past and be impressed by the wonderful Caribbean Sea. Take advantage of the stop in the port of Cartagena de Indias to discover the magic atmosphere and the historical wonders of one of the finest jewels of the Caribbean. During the stop, take a walk in the historical centre of the city to admire the walls and ramparts, which bring the history of the place to life. You can also visit the extraordinary Castle of San Felipe de Barajas.

Colon took its name from Christopher Columbus. It is the richest port in the Caribbean, because of its role as the nerve center of the Panama Canal. The city was founded by the Americans in 1850

Manta is a port city on Ecuador’s central coast. It’s known for its tuna-fishing industry. The popular Murciélago Beach is on the city’s northwestern tip. Bars and restaurants are clustered along the Malecón Escénico promenade and nearby streets. The low-key Tarqui Beach has a waterside fish market.

Manta is a port city on Ecuador’s central coast. It’s known for its tuna-fishing industry. The popular Murciélago Beach is on the city’s northwestern tip. Bars and restaurants are clustered along the Malecón Escénico promenade and nearby streets. The low-key Tarqui Beach has a waterside fish market.

The port of Arica is located just 18 km south of the border with Peru. Arica is the capital of the province, the driest in the world. Arica is known as the city of eternal spring, thanks to its mild climate and its almost complete lack of rain, so much so that the cars don’t even have wipers! The Humboldt Current makes the sea cold and this ensures reduced seasonal fluctuations in temperature, which never go too high. A few kilometres from the port of Arica is the Azapa Valley, an important archaeological site with over 10,000 years of history. The Museum of San Miguel de Azapata has the oldest mummies in the world. You can taste the famous olives of Azapa, a violet and bitter tasting variety.

San Antonio is a Chilean city, commune and the capital of the San Antonio Province in the Valparaíso Region. It is the hub of the fishing area that spans the Chilean coast from Rocas de Santo Domingo to Cartagena. Its port is the largest in terms of freight handled and the busiest on the western coast of South America

San Antonio is a Chilean city, commune and the capital of the San Antonio Province in the Valparaíso Region. It is the hub of the fishing area that spans the Chilean coast from Rocas de Santo Domingo to Cartagena. Its port is the largest in terms of freight handled and the busiest on the western coast of South America

Easter Island is famous for the presence of the mysterious Moai, monolithic heads with an austere air scattered along the coasts of the island Take advantage of the stop to Easter Island to discover the mysterious archaeological heritage of this island of Chile, which never ceases to fascinate all who come. You can see the island’s main attraction, the giant monolithic Moai statues, which date back over a thousand years. You can also visit Orongo, a charming ceremonial village where the Birdman Cult is practised.

Easter Island is famous for the presence of the mysterious Moai, monolithic heads with an austere air scattered along the coasts of the island Take advantage of the stop to Easter Island to discover the mysterious archaeological heritage of this island of Chile, which never ceases to fascinate all who come. You can see the island’s main attraction, the giant monolithic Moai statues, which date back over a thousand years. You can also visit Orongo, a charming ceremonial village where the Birdman Cult is practised.

The Pitcairn Islands, officially the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, is a group of four volcanic islands in the southern Pacific Ocean that form the sole British Overseas Territory in the Pacific Ocean.

Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Beside the port, busy Place Vai’ete fills with roulottes, or food carts, in the evenings. Nearby, the large Marché de Papeete market sells local produce, fish and handicrafts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum focuses on the local pearl industry and sells jewelry. A red spire tops the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral.

Nukuʻalofa is the capital of Tonga. It is located on the north coast of the island of Tongatapu, in the country’s southernmost island group.

Suva is the capital of the South Pacific island nation of Fiji. It’s a city of broad avenues, lush parks and grand British colonial buildings, such as the Suva City Library. Suva’s colorful, lively Municipal Market offers a range of local fruit and vegetables. Fiji Museum, set within the Victorian-era Thurston Gardens, contains examples of traditional canoes, war clubs and tattooing tools.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Brisbane, capital of Queensland, is a large city on the Brisbane River. Clustered in its South Bank cultural precinct are the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, with noted interactive exhibitions. Another South Bank cultural institution is Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, among Australia’s major contemporary art museums. Looming over the city is Mt. Coot-tha, site of Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

In Cairns, breathtaking dives along the reef await us, while, for the more adventurous, you can try out the cage to see great white sharks up close. Enjoy a stop at the port of Cairns to discover the magic atmosphere of one of the sunniest beaches in the Northern State of Queensland, Australia. During this stop you can admire the great barrier reef, one of the world’s most fascinating coral agglomerates, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. You can also visit the Cairns botanical garden where you can enjoy truly idyllic scenery.

Rabaul is an important City of Papua New Guinea, the last of a string of islands, extending from Southeast Asia to the Pacific. During the cruise, you’ll discover a wild land, unspoilt, varied and almost unknown. Papua New Guinea is located south of the Equator and North of Australia. A land beloved especially by naturalists and explorers who can have fun with almost 9,000 plant species of rainforests and over 250 species of mammals. Rabaul was the capital of the Province of West New Britain until 1994, when it was destroyed by an eruption of Tavurvur volcano. It previously served as the headquarters of the German New Guinea until its conquest by the Commonwealth of countries during World War I, when it became the capital of the Australian protectorate territory of New Guinea. On 23 January 1942 the city was conquered by Japan and became the most important base for Japanese military operations in Oceania.

Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The city’s many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum).

Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The city’s many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum).

Kobe is a city on Osaka Bay in central Japan. It is known for its signature marbled beef and scenic setting of mountains framing the harbor. The Ikuta Shrine, dating to the 3rd century, is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Antique cable cars connect Kobe to Mt. Rokko, which offers panoramic views over the port. Beyond the Mount Rokko hills are the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen.

Nagasaki is the capital of the prefecture of the same name, situated on the island of Kyushu, the third largest island of the Japanese archipelago. The narrow strait of Shimonoseki separates it from Honshu. Kyushu is shaped like an irregular rectangle and features various areas of high ground reaching nearly 1800 meters including Mount Aso, the volcano.
The island’s climate is characterized by abundant precipitation which encourages the growth of subtropical vegetation. The city of Nagasaki is in the middle of a long bay, the island’s best natural port. The residential and commercial area of the city has been built on a small level area, whereas the metropolis of nearly half a million inhabitants extends along two main river valleys, divided by a rocky spur.

The port of Busan, also known as Pusan, is the largest in the country, as well as our dock in South Korea.
Seomyeon is the hub of Busan, with a large shopping area. Here there are also local offices of major Korean and international banks, but it is also the entertainment district with cafes, bars and restaurants. Nearby, there is also the market of Bujeon, the largest in the city with things never before seen in the West. Mt. Geumjeongsan offers the ability to scale its heights and visit the Beomeosa temple, associated with Korean Buddhism. Busan attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, its many luxury hotels, and Gwangalli Beach, famous for its bars and restaurants. Finally Taejongdae, located on the Island of Yeongdo, is a natural park with a cliff overlooking the sea.

To the northeast of the island is a contained yet very active urban centre, that will captivate you for the variety of the landscapes that surround it. To the northeast of the island is a contained yet very active urban centre, that will captivate you for the variety of the landscapes that surround it.

Hong Kong is a “Special Administrative Region of China”. It comprises the island of the same name, 259 other islands in the South China Sea, as well as areas of the mainland around the Kowloon Peninsula and in the so-called “New Territories”. Although it was occupied by Chinese settlers as early as the 2nd millennium B.C., the region remained untouched by Chinese imperialism up until the 17th century when it was the setting for a conflict between the Ming and the Manchu dynasties. However it only acquired international interest in the 19th century with the Portuguese being the first Europeans to develop colonies and trade here, silk and tea being the most sought-after goods in Europe

Hong Kong is a “Special Administrative Region of China”. It comprises the island of the same name, 259 other islands in the South China Sea, as well as areas of the mainland around the Kowloon Peninsula and in the so-called “New Territories”. Although it was occupied by Chinese settlers as early as the 2nd millennium B.C., the region remained untouched by Chinese imperialism up until the 17th century when it was the setting for a conflict between the Ming and the Manchu dynasties. However it only acquired international interest in the 19th century with the Portuguese being the first Europeans to develop colonies and trade here, silk and tea being the most sought-after goods in Europe

Da-Nang in Vietnam offers invigorating nature and a spiritual and historical awakening through the ancient archaeological sites. During the stop in the port of Da Nang, you can recharge your energy in an idyllic natural setting and then discover the richness of the historical heritage of this popular seaside resort. After a visit to the various archaeological locations declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the Mỹ Sơn shrine, come and enjoy the charm of the works of the Cham Sculpture Museum.

From the port of Phu My, where our Costa ship will dock, we can easily reach Ho Chi Minh City, an important city of Vietnam. The port of Phu My is one of the busiest trading ports of Vietnam. Located between two major cities in the country, it is also the place where numerous cruise ships anchor. During this stop you will visit Ho Chi Minh City, the great economic and cultural centre, or Vung Tau, a seaside town is much appreciated by tourists.

Singapore was a small commercial centre in the powerful Srivijaya empire of Sumatra and later, towards the middle of the 13th century, a puppet state of the Majapahit empire in Java, while in the 15th and 16th century it became part of the sultanate of Johor. Singapore’s more recent history is inextricably linked to the figure of Sir Stamford Raffles, an official in the East India Company. With a treaty stipulated with the sultan of Johor in 1819, he established a British settlement in Singapore. He then made the city a resting point to restock the ships of the British Empire and to halt the Dutch expansionist policy.

Singapore was a small commercial centre in the powerful Srivijaya empire of Sumatra and later, towards the middle of the 13th century, a puppet state of the Majapahit empire in Java, while in the 15th and 16th century it became part of the sultanate of Johor. Singapore’s more recent history is inextricably linked to the figure of Sir Stamford Raffles, an official in the East India Company. With a treaty stipulated with the sultan of Johor in 1819, he established a British settlement in Singapore. He then made the city a resting point to restock the ships of the British Empire and to halt the Dutch expansionist policy.

Klang or Kelang, officially Royal Town of Klang, is a royal town and former capital of the state of Selangor, Malaysia. It is located within the Klang District. It was the civil capital of Selangor in an earlier era prior to the emergence of Kuala Lumpur and the current capital, Shah Alam.

Penang is a state in northwest Malaysia comprising mainland Seberang Perai and Penang Island. On the island, the state capital of George Town is home to landmarks such as colonial Fort Cornwallis, the ornate Chinese clan house Khoo Kongsi and the Kapitan Keling Mosque, all testaments to centuries of foreign influence. To the west, a funicular ascends Penang Hill, with its trails, flower gardens and panoramic views.

Colombo is a chaotic, bustling and very busy city, a melting pot of the different ethnic groups and religions that make it such a multicultural city. The largest group is the Buddhist Sinhalese, and this explains the presence of numerous Buddhist temples such as the Gangarama with its myriad of statues and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions. The Tamils have influenced the architecture of the city with their numerous Hindu temples known as Kovils. The Kathiresan temple is dedicated to Skanda, the god of war, whilst the Sri Kailasanathar Swami Devasthanam temple located near Fort railway station is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is dedicated to the goddess Shiva and the god Ganesh. However there is also plenty of western influence in evidence: the Dutch Governor’s banqueting hall was transformed into St. Peter’s Church in 1804 whilst the Dutch Period Museum, which contains historical documents and exhibits relating to the Dutch colonial period, was previously home to Governor Thomas van Rhee (1692-97).

Malé is the densely populated capital of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It’s known for its mosques and colorful buildings. The Islamic Centre (Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam) features a mosque, a library and a distinctive gold dome. Near the harbor, a popular fish market offers the day’s catch, and a produce market is stocked with local fruit.

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. It’s known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th-century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. The Caudan Waterfront is a lively dining and shopping precinct. Nearby, vendors sell local produce and handicrafts at the huge Central Market. The Blue Penny Museum focuses on the island’s colonial and maritime history, along with its culture.

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. It’s known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th-century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. The Caudan Waterfront is a lively dining and shopping precinct. Nearby, vendors sell local produce and handicrafts at the huge Central Market. The Blue Penny Museum focuses on the island’s colonial and maritime history, along with its culture.

Durban, a coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species

Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. A major port, it’s also known for its numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhood’s Victorian landmarks. Coastal boat tours spot whales and rare seabirds, while wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area are home to elephants, rhinos and other big game.

Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbor and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum.

Walvis Bay is a port town on the coast of Namibia. Sheltered by the Pelican Point sand spit, its tidal lagoon is home to abundant birdlife including flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns. The harbor is busy with fishing boats and ships. Dolphins, whales and Cape fur seals inhabit the Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point Lighthouse. East of the bay, coastal sand dunes like Dune 7 mark the start of the Namib Desert.

Mindelo is a port city on São Vicente, an island in the volcanic archipelago of Cape Verde. It’s known for its music, nightlife and lively, Brazilian-influenced Carnival celebrations. Colorful colonial houses line the shores of Porto Grande harbor, which is set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. The Torre de Belém, by the harbor, is a scaled-down replica of a centuries-old tower in Lisbon.

Las Palmas is a capital of Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s Canary Islands off northwestern Africa. A major cruise-ship port, the city is known for duty-free shopping and for its sandy beaches. At Playa de Las Canteras, a coral barrier lines the beach and shelters swimmers. The annual Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival brings together flamboyantly costumed performers, music and dancing

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.

A pleasant thing to do is simply sit down at one of the cafes overlooking the port of Marseilles and, sipping a Pastis, observe the landscape and the people who inhabit it. Also called the “Porpoise City “, Marseille is France’s sunniest town, charming with its gullies where you can swim, its history and culture and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. You cannot leave without having first toured on the “Cours Julien”, the street for shopping. The port of Marseille is perhaps a typical tourist destination, but it deserves to be visited for the ferry that leaves from the Town Hall and the old church, which replaced a Templar building.

Above the port of Savona, the Priamar Fortress greets every departure and arrival of the Costa ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Genoa and its aquarium are nearby. The port of Savona, which you can explore during your cruise in Italy, is one of the prettiest of the Italian Riviera. The lovely climate, summers that are never to hot, mild winters and the exceptional beauty of the sea near the town makes Savona an excellent base to set out to explore Liguria. Savona is notable for the Priamar Fortress, which has dominated the town since the 16th century, and also for its historic centre where you can visit Savona Cathedral. A stop in Savona can also be an opportunity to visit the nearby city of Genoa and its narrow, picturesque streets, known as “caruggi”.

From the ancient port of Civitavecchia you will land in the heart of the Roman and Etruscan civilisations; the old town is also a fabulous mediaeval village. Civitavecchia of today is the result of a thousand-year long process of civilisation and urbanisation in the Lazio region. In the area, close to where this city is located (and just 70 km from Rome), there are important historical elements that, over the centuries, have overlapped and accumulated to confirm the presence and evolution of organised social groups as far back as the prehistoric age. In fact, numerous traces of primitive settlements are found along the coast of Civitavecchia. Equally numerous and important are the Etruscan, Roman and mediaeval structures that have made the city an important urban centre and renowned as the Port of Rome since antiquity. During a cruise departing from Civitavecchia, before continuing in the Mediterranean, you can take advantage of this stop to visit Rome, the grandiose capital with its world-famous monuments: the Forums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trajan’s Column, the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Piazza di Spagna and many more.

Treat yourself to a trip to Corfu and you will experience the unforgettable thrill of cruising to one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. The city of Corfu owes much of its charm to the wonderful old town, an ancient district made of narrow, cobbled alleys, with cafés and artisan shops. A labyrinth to lose yourself in and where every sight will be an indelible memory of your cruise to Corfu. In the old city, studded with Venetian architectural influences but best represented in the Campiello district, don’t miss a shore excursion to the 16th century fortress that stands on a spur of rock overlooking the sea. At the foot of the old town is the beautiful Spianada, once a Venetian parade ground, now a green city square overlooking the Museum of Asian Art. During a Mediterranean cruise you will arrive at the port of Corfu, Neo Limani, which is a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, and therefore a quick hop from the quay. Entrance to the town lies at the foot of the New Fortress. At this point, stopping at Corfu lets you roam the narrow streets lined with tourist shops. Complete your tour of the island with total immersion in the lush greenery: olive trees, orange trees, cypresses as well as cultural events in the heart of the walled city are the norm!

Visiting Bari during a cruise holiday means exploring the old town for a journey through time. Bari is the wonderful capital of Puglia and is built around the port, and the Borgo Antico is its mediaeval district characterised by narrow and winding streets. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. During the stopover in Bari visit the historic city rich in history, one of the most beautiful in Italy, and its surroundings, especially Matera, designated by UNESCO as the 2019 European Capital of Culture. “Bari Vecchia” is the old part of the city that, with its partly Norman and partly Swabian fortress, the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Nicholas built on the ruins of the Byzantine Palace, the 12th century cathedral of San Sabino and a dozen little churches of the same period, still bears the traces of conquerors who succeeded over the centuries.

On the border between Italy and Istria, Trieste awaits you with that “surly grace” as sung by Umberto Saba: a mysterious charm of sullen beauty and Central European allure. At the foot of the karst plateau, where the two peninsulas span the Adriatic, outlining a vast secluded Gulf, Trieste is a natural port and one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Its particular geographical position, which made it the setting for some major historical events, is today a tourist destination of endless fascination. Among the splendours of the landscape and traces of an imperial past, the visit to Trieste is a tour of historical and architectural wonders. A short way from the port, after passing the Grand Canal built by Trieste’s Venetian neighbours, Piazza Unità d’Italia invites you to admire the ancient Habsburg heart of the city and enjoy a glass of Prosecco. And if you love hiking and photography, a walk on the Rilke path overlooking the sea and the “Napoleonic road” with a view of the Gulf from the edge of the karst plateau is a real treat.