Cruise the Western Med with Costa Cruises

Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world and is a history lesson in itself. Key sites include the Vatican City, The Forum, the Colosseum and the ruins of the Circus Maximus. There are many museums and art galleries, with works by Raphael, Bottecelli, Pinturicchio and Belini and many more. The Vatican City has many spectacular buildings and churches to visit principle amongst which is the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo ceiling. It is the world's smallest independent sovereign state and also features St. Peter's Basilica was built over 1,500 years ago the Vatican Library hand the Vatican Garden. Modern Rome is a city of restaurants, open piazza's, wonderful shopping and more. Things to See & Do * Vatican City * Sistine Chapel * St. Peter Basilica * The Colosseum * Trevi fountain Modern Venice is stunning and retains the wonderful history of this unique city. It is a city of museums, galleries, piazzas, palaces, churches and more. One visit isn’t enough to see all that Venice has to offer but visitors should try and see the Basilica San Marco and San Marco Square, the Doges Palace and the Gallerie dell'Accademia which houses some of Italy’s finest art treasures. Things to See & Do San Marco Square Doge's Palace Basilica San Marco Grand Canal

Genoa is a city and a seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria.Famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa remains a bustling seaport. The city's Renaissance heritage is preserved in splendid palaces overlooking the harbor. The Old Quarter of Genoa, is especially enthralling for those who like to explore. It is best to travel on foot through the narrow streets (called carruggi) which are meticulously kept, as are the expansive palazzi (mansions) of medieval merchants which line them. Around the Palazzo Reale, many shops sell Turkish carpets and the best of silk. Other attractions in Genoa include the Palazzo Ducale now used for exhibitions and concerts, the Via Garibaldi art gallery and the original waterfront or Porto Antico. The waterfront is also full of atmosphere and there are many bars and restaurants where one can watch the world go by. The 16th century lighthouse, the Lanterna, which rises over 120 meters (325 steps!) above the sea, can be seen 50 kilometers away, and has guided mariners to the port for 100s of years. Things to See & Do * Piazza de Ferrari * Strada Nuova * St. Lawrence Cathedral * Second largest aquarium in the world located at Porto Antico (old harbor) * Galleria Mazzini The old city is home to the famous Basilica of San Nicola, resting place of the saint who inspired Santa Clause whose remains were stolen from his homeland in Turkey. The Basilica is the oldest surviving building in Bari. The imposing Norman Castle, enlarged by Frederick II is an excellent place to get a view of the old city and the Adriatic. The new city is a grid of broad streets and avenues lined with shops and grand hotels. The immediate area around Bari makes an excellent road trip to visit the many Cathedrals stretching along the coast road north of the city. Things to See & Do Basilica di San Nicola Cathedral of St. Sabinus Petruzzelli Theatre Old Bari Murat city Centre of Bari

Marseille is the second-largest city of France and forms the third-largest metropolitan area, (Paris and Lyon are larger). Located on the Mediterranean Sea, it is France's largest commercial port and the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région, The Old Port or Vieux-Port is the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Dozens of cafés line the waterfront. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market. Things to See & Do * Old Port area * Phare de Sainte Marie, a lighthouse on the inlet to the Old Port * The Centre Bourse and the adjacent rue St Ferreol district - the main shopping area *Museums and historical buildings * Abbey of Saint Victor

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoys a mild climate all year round.Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most successful ports and one of the world’s leading cities in art and architecture. From the modern cruise terminal at the docks you will need a taxi or tour to see the artistic beauty of this unique destination, credited to the talents of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi, Jose Clara and others. Stroll the mosaic-paved Ramblas, the city's social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays. See its unique Catalonian cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi and some outstanding museums. Sights of interest include the Columbus Monument, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (1298 to 1454), the Maritime Museum, Picasso Gallery, La Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's unfinished cathedral), Palau Guell (Gaudi mansion) and the Olympic stadiums. Things to See & Do * La Rambla * World-famous opera house El Liceu * Plaça Reial (Royal Square) * Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia * The National Museum of Art of Catalonia Things to See & Do Small Venice” ("Mikri Venetia"), Windmills The island of Delos Paraportiani Church Monasteries of Agios Panteleimon

Cagliari is the capital of the island of Sardinia, a region of Italy. It is one of the most interesting and attractive places in Italy with sporting and cultural events; museums, the tourist port, known as one of the best places for sailing, and a lovely mild climate throughout the entire year. The Castello (old town) neighborhood is the first area to visit in Cagliari. It is the city's ancient fortification. The historic neighborhood is still partially enclosed by the bastioned walls. Two medieval towers in white stone stand along the bastion enclosure along with two city gates. A sea of buildings outside the historic center of the city make up the new neighborhoods. Starting from the heart of Villanova, these areas were developed after the Second World War. Things to See & Do * Poetto Beach * Port area * Castello – old part of the city * Roman Amphitheatre remains * Archeological museums Santorini is famous for dramatic views, stunning sunsets from Oia town, the strange white aubergine, the town of Thira and naturally its very own active volcano. There are also fantastic beaches such as the Perissa and Kamari. Things to See & Do Caldera volcano Towns of Fira and Oia Thirassia – small island Black pebble and white beaches

Naples sits within the Bay of Naples in south eastern Italy and is the capital of Campagnia. It has a rich history for art culture and food – so much so that the city is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. At one end of the Bay sits Vesuvius dominating the southern skyline of the city. The city has some of the most important museums in Italy including the National Archaeological Museum and the Museo di Capodimonte. The latter is also a very important art gallery featuring major works by some of Italy’s finest artists. There are also a host of churches with the most famous being the Cathedral of Naples. In the bay itself you can visit the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida and of course the famous ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum are a must to see. Things to See & Do * San Carlo Theatre * Palazzo reale (Royal Palace) * Sites of Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Pompeii. * Grandoni Di Chiaia – an imposing street in Naples * Napoli Sotterranea - a fascinating series of underground tunnels * Duomo - an ancient cathedral Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia, where the ancient Greeks flocked every four years for more than a millennium to celebrate the sacred games dedicated to Zeus. Here you can visit the ruins of the Sanctuary, with its athletic quadrangles, stadium,temples and treasuries; then browse in the modern Archaeological Museum, a treasure house of Archaic, Classical and Roman sculptures, including the famous Niki Winged Victory. Things to See & Do Ancient Olympia Olympia Museum Classical and Roman Sculptures Stadium of Olympia