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).

Our Costa Cruise to India makes a stop at the port of Mormugao, linked to the memory of the 1970s, when hippies regarded this region as the place to be. The Mormugao Harbour, one of the oldest in the region of Goa, is the main port for the country’s mineral exports, which makes it extremely important for the economy of the area. Mormugao was once renowned for the hippy communities that resided there. Our stop will allow you to enjoy the fine sandy beaches and clear water that make for an unmissable tourist attraction. You can relax under the bright sunshine of this heavenly place.

Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra (India is a Federal Republic) and is the most populated city in the country. Originally made up of a group of seven islands, as far back as the 3rd century B.C. it formed part of the Maurya Empire ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashok. Its first inhabitants were probably Buddhist monks and some historical remains still exist today from this period (320-184 B.C.). In the following centuries Hindu fishermen known as Koli settled here, calling their settlement “Mumbai”, and so Buddhism made way for Hinduism.

Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra (India is a Federal Republic) and is the most populated city in the country. Originally made up of a group of seven islands, as far back as the 3rd century B.C. it formed part of the Maurya Empire ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashok. Its first inhabitants were probably Buddhist monks and some historical remains still exist today from this period (320-184 B.C.). In the following centuries Hindu fishermen known as Koli settled here, calling their settlement “Mumbai”, and so Buddhism made way for Hinduism.

Salalah is the country’s second largest city, the administrative capital of the region of Dhofar and lies over 1,000 km from the capital Muscat. Its climate is temperate all year round thanks to the influence of monsoons making Salalah a tropical city with lush vegetation: agriculture provides plenty of fresh fruit and coconuts. However there is much more to the economy of the region than agriculture: fabric and leather production, handicrafts, fishing and also shipyards and especially tourism are the main resources of a growing economy. In spite of the rather closed character typical of the era prior to Qaboos Bin Said’s government, the town has a multicultural side: the largest immigrant community is Indian with its own private school, “Indian School Salalah”. Indians make up 14% of the population today, followed by Pakistanis (8%) and by other ethnic immigrant groups

Your stop in Jordan will be a dream: from Aqaba you can easily reach the beautiful lost city of Petra. Take advantage of this stop in the port of Aqaba to discover one of the finest jewels of the Red Sea. Aqaba, Jordan’s only port city that hosts the country’s only seaport, is known worldwide for its beautiful seaside resorts, famous dive sites and renowned tourist spots. During your stay, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Petra, a historic site and one of the 7 wonders of the world. You can also visit the marine park and other city attractions.

In Limassol the ancient buildings, which echo the deeds of Richard the Lionheart, create a fascinating contrast with the modern structures enriched by the murals of street art. Limassol is the economic capital of the south coast of Cyprus. Visit the port of Limassol, which is part of the historical legacy of the city, and go to the castle to discover the exploits of Richard the Lionheart and the medieval past of the city. In a blend of eras and cultures, the ancient buildings coexist with modern structures and graffiti street art. Admire the Turkish architecture, enjoy a kebab and visit the park of sculptures before the cruise resumes on its course.

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.

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.