Costa Mediterranea Cruise Gallery
Inspired by the style of Italy's historic palaces, Costa Mediterranea represents Italian elegance, elaborate in its details and filled with works of art. The Argentieri Restaurant is unique, spectacular and embellished with 139 artistic pieces of silverware.
Cabins
Mediterranea's 1,057 cabins are roomy for their price point, and well organized for a comfortable time at sea. A high percentage -- 678, including 58 suites -- have private balconies. The color palette is shades of oranges, neutrals and teal accents, with cherry wood-toned furniture. Beds can be configured as twins or combined as one queen, with two bedside tables that have drawers and stylish attached wood and copper lamps. There is a desk/vanity with four drawers (a hair dryer is stored in one), make-up lights around its mirror and an upholstered stool; minibar fridge; flat-screen TV; safe, which operates by sliding your ship card; phone; and closet with three sections (shelves, single-hung and double-hung). Closets are not lighted, but ample entryway lighting illuminates them. Recessed lighting around the cabin's perimeter contributes to the overall bright and cheery cabin atmosphere. Carpeting is in shades of grey and aqua.
You'll find one U.S.-configured 120V electrical socket above the desk/vanity, with an adjacent 220V socket that can accept multiple types of plugs, including U.S. (just be aware that U.S. appliances would need a converter for this outlet unless they have a built-in transformer); there's also a 220V European socket in the wall underneath the desk/vanity. There are no sockets next to the beds.
Restaurants & Bars
Wellness & Sport
Entertainment
Day 1 Barcelona
Arrival in Barcelona - your Costa Cruise is set to depart at 8:00 PM
A city you can’t help falling in love with: vibrant, cosmopolitan, proud, magnificent and generous, it will indulge you with exciting and vivid sensations.
Day 2 Palma De Mallorca
arrival 8:00 AM | departure 6:00 PM
The island’s main city will overwhelm you with the liveliness of its nightlife and beaches. Don’t forget to visit the charming old city too.
Optional excursions:
Palma Easy Tour
Sightseeing tour of Palma with convenient stops to admire the most distinctive monuments in the city including Bellver Castle, the cathedral and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.
What we will see
What we will do
We will take the coach from the port along the seafront to Bellver Castle, one of the greatest examples of Gothic civil architecture in Mallorca and the only circular castle in Spain. The castle lies on a hill 3 km outside Palma and offers breathtaking views of the city and port. King James II of Mallorca ordered its construction at the beginning of the 14th century as a defensive structure and royal residence. From medieval times to the period of Spanish Civil War, it was sadly famous for being a prison. Amongst others, minister Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was imprisoned there along with young French physicist, Francois Arago. Since 1976, the ground floor has housed the city's History Museum which covers the entire history of Palma de Mallorca since its establishment in medieval times.
Next, the tour will take us near the Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria, the most famous building in the city, rebuilt between 1904 and 1914 under Antonio Gaudí's orders. On the main facade, don't miss the Gothic Eye (Ojo del Gotico), one of the largest Gothic rose windows in Europe. A few steps from the cathedral lies the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, home to the King of Spain when he visits the island. Our guide will highlight the main features of this monument from outside.
After the visit we will return to the ship.
Discovering Palma by Bike
This excursion will give you the chance to discover some of the most enchanting sights and monuments of the capital of the island of Majorca, pedaling along cycle routes and through the streets and squares of the historical city centre.
What we will see
What we will do
This excursion will give you the chance to discover some of the most enchanting sights and monuments of the capital of the island of Majorca, pedaling along cycle routes and through the streets and squares of the historical city centre.
Leaving the port you will follow the seafront until you reach the Parc de la Mar, where you will cycle alongside the city's ancient walls
You will have time to stop off at the Gothic church of San Francisco, the old church of Santa Eulalia and the magnificent Cathedral.
The return journey will take you through the very heart of Palma's cultural and commercial life: Placa Major, la Rambla and the Passeig Maritim.
Tour of the City of Palma De Mallorca
Palma is more than just sea and nightlife. This tour will allow us to see the artistic heritage of a wonderful city that never ceases to amaze.
What we will see
What we will do
The capital of the Balearic archipelago, Palma opens out in the shape of a fan over a wide inlet on the south coast of Mallorca. Its natural beauty, rich artistic heritage, mild climate and modern facilities make it one of the most popular international tourist destinations, frequented in both summer and winter.
The tour will take us to the beautiful Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria (La Seu), the most famous building in the city, rebuilt between 1904 and 1914 under Antonio Gaudí's orders. On the main facade, don't miss the Gothic Eye (Ojo del Gotico), one of the largest Gothic rose windows in Europe. After the tour, we can enjoy some free time strolling through the streets of the medieval quarter.
Then we will head up to Bellver Castle, the only circular castle in Spain, where we will have a breathtaking view of the city and bay.
Day 3 - Cruising to Marseille with activities on board
Day 4 Marseille
arrival 8:00 AM | departure 5:00 PM
A strategic transit point for goods, but also a meeting place for cultures: you'll find vibrant evidence of these in the mosaic of its people.
Optional Excursions:
Marseille discovery & Taste
What we will see
What we will do
We begin our discovery tour of Marseille by taking the shuttle bus from the port to the Church of Saint-Laurent. The little square in front of the church offers beautiful views of the Old Port and the hills surrounding the city.
We make our way downhill from the church towards Marseille's Neo-Byzantine cathedral, known locally as La Major. After a tour around the outside of the building, we have a short stop in the new Esplanade, recently completed to coincide with Marseille's nomination as the "European capital of culture 2013".
We then make our way to the new museum complex, which comprises three institutions: the Musee Regards de Provence, the Ville Mediterranee and MuCEM the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. Our guide will provide an overview of each building from the outside.
We walk onwards, heading into the old heart of the city, the Panier quarter, with its artisan workshops and colourful, bustling cafes.
Before we make our way into the web of narrow streets of the old town, we stop to visit the courtyard and the loggia of La Vieille Charite, a building that originally served as an almshouse for the city's poor, but which is now home to a cultural centre and a venue for temporary exhibitions. We then take another short break to sample the famous panissa, a sort of cake made with just a few humble ingredients: chickpea flour, water and salt.
We make our way back to the Old Port, where we can either board the ship straight away, or spend a couple of hours of fee time in the city centre.
Easy Tour Marseille
A tour for those who want to explore Marseille free from a fixed itinerary, with plenty of time to ourselves and a special guide who will give us the historical, cultural and practical information we need to explore the city on our own.
What we will see
What we will do
Our guide will be waiting to welcome us as we disembark from the ship. Together, we make our way to the city centre, specifically, a point near the Old Harbour where we begin our walking tour with a visit to Fort Saint-Jean, built in 1660 at the behest of Louis XIV, and the chance to admire the exterior of the Neo-Byzantine Cathedral of Saint-Marie-Majeure.
Next, we head across La Tourette Esplanade, which offers views over both the old and new harbours.
Together with our guide, we visit the old heart of the city, the Panier quarter, with its artisan workshops and colourful, lively cafes, then pay a visit to La Vieille Charite, built in 1664 as an almshouse for the city's poor and now home to a cultural centre and a venue for temporary exhibitions
We then proceed on foot through typical, narrow Provencal streets to the Daviel Pavillion, which in turn leads to the square in front of the Town Hall.
The last stop on our tour takes us to the Dockside area, a lively part of the city with many galleries, restaurants and shops. Our guide will give us some useful pointers as to where to make our purchases.
At this point, we are left with plenty of free time and we are given a map of the city to explore Marseille at leisure.
At the end of the excursion, we can avail ourselves of the dedicated shuttle bus service to make our way back to the port.
Transfer to Aix-en-Provence
We will have complete freedom to explore Aix-en-Provence, savouring the joy of strolling through its narrow streets, squares and historic buildings, and discovering its colours and aromas with a visit to the local market or an open-air cafe.
What we will see
What we will do
We will leave the port by coach and make our way to Aix-en-Provence, a university and spa city and the political hub of Provence, located about 30 minutes away from Marseille.
As soon as we arrive in Aix-en-Provence, we will immediately notice its sophisticated atmosphere as we walk freely around the romantic streets in the centre, admiring aristocratic residences dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Our walk wouldn't be complete without a stroll along Cours Mirabeau, a stunning, tree-lined avenue boasting beautiful fountains and numerous outdoor cafes.
Another must is the Mazarin Quarter, designed by the Archbishop Michel Mazarin, brother of the famous Cardinal.
In the same area we can also admire the Place des Quatre Dauphins or “Four Dolphins Square”, with a beautiful fountain adorned by sculptures of four dolphins, and the Saint Sauveur Cathedral, featuring various architectural styles ranging from the 5th to the 17th century, which can be admired from all sides.
Yet Aix-en-Provence isn't all history and art, it's also a vibrant town offering a host of activities. We will set some time aside to independently explore the elegant streets dotted with typical shops, the local fruit and vegetable market or relax at a cafe.
Panoramic tour of Marseille and shopping in the City centre
An excursion for everybody with a taste of what is considered the capital of the South of France: a panoramic tour of Marseille's main landmarks and some free time for shopping or simply to walk around the city centre.
What we will see
What we will do
We will start our coach trip driving along the famous Corniche Kennedy, Marseille's seafront promenade with a fantastic view of the islands at the entrance to the port, and we proceed up to the Escale Borely where we stop briefly to take some photos and admire the view.
We set off again and make our way to the Neo-Byzantine Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, where we make another stop to take more photographs. Our route then takes us to Fort Saint-Jean built in 1660 by Louis XIV , the church of Saint-Laurent, a fine example of Provencal Romanesque architecture built in pink stone from Couronne and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde which commands splendid views of the city.
At the end of the tour the coach will drop us off at the Old Port area, where we have a little free time for shopping or a stroll around the city, before heading back to the port.
Day 5 Savona
arrival 9:00 AM | departure 5:00 PM
Overlooked by the fortress of Priamar, Savona, a famous Italian port city, is one of the gems of the Italian Riviera.
Optional excursions:
A Walk to discover Savona and its flavours
Savona is a pleasant town rich in historical and artistic sites. This tour will give you the chance to enjoy breathtaking views and typical flavors!
What we will see
What we will do
After meeting your guide your discovery of Savona will commence with a breathtaking view from the "balcony" of the Priamar fortress.
You will visit the Cathedral, famous for its noteworthy 16th century carved wooden choir seats and take a walk under the elegant 19th century “portico" of via Paleocapa. You will have the chance to learn details about the local culinary traditions: Focaccia, farinata, pesto, chinotto just to name a few
You will continue with some free time at your leisure, a visit of an handcraft ceramic shop will take place and here is where you can get acquainted with traditional decorations: old Albissola in blue and white
At the end of the tour you will have an external visit of the Tower of Brandale
Finalborgo and Noli: A journey back to the Middle ages
Centuries of history and suggestive settings transport us back in time to the Middle Ages as we explore two of Italy’s most handsome medieval townships, Finalborgo and Noli.
What we will see
What we will do
We leave the port by coach, in the company of our tour rep, and make our way to the first stop on our journey, Finalborgo, which is considered one of the most attractive townships in the whole of Italy. The settlement is undoubtedly medieval in origin, although recent research suggests that it was founded several centuries earlier than was previously believed.
As we stroll through the streets of the old town, the imposing defensive mass of Castel San Giovanni and other notable monuments such as the Basilica of San Biagio, the Convent of Santa Caterina and numerous Renaissance palazzi conjure an almost palpable sense of history.
We leave Finalborgo for another of the Italian Riviera’s Medieval gems: the town of Noli. This gracious little settlement was home to skilled merchants and courageous navigators who saw it become an independent maritime republic.
We explore the historic centre on foot, admiring the buildings that recount this fascinating history. There are the Torre del Canto and the Torre del Comune, two of the “seventy-two towers of Noli”, of which but a few remain. Then there are the surviving sections of the defensive walls that once formed an impenetrable barrier around the city, and the 12th-century Cathedral of San Paragorio, one of the emblematic examples of Romanesque architecture in Liguria.
Premium Experience - Finalborgo and Noli: Ancient recipes and Medieval Towns
An excursion that enables us to take a journey into the Middle Ages and explore ancient traditions: we will explore Finalborgo and Noli, two of the most beautiful towns in Italy, before learning how to prepare two Ligurian specialities, pesto and farinata.
What we will see
What we will do
The first stop on our journey into the past, is Finalborgo, a Medieval town considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. Its origins can be traced to the Middle Ages, although recent research seems to suggest it is a few centuries older than previously thought. Passing by the roadways of the old city, we savour the Medieval atmosphere created by the Castel San Giovanni, which stands majestic, protecting the city, as well as other artistic treasures such as the Basilica of San Biagio, the ancient Convent of Santa Caterina and the numerous Renaissance period buildings.
We leave Finalborgo for another of the Italian Riviera’s Medieval gems: Noli. This gracious little city was home to competent merchants and courageous navigators who saw it become an independent maritime republic.
Our last stop is a gastronomic one at Il Portico, a restaurant in Feglino where we will help prepare two of Liguria’s most important specialities: farinata and pesto. A tasting of these traditional treats leaves us with an appetising memory of our excursion in search of the treasures of the area around Savona.
The flavours and history Albenga
Albenga stretches, as though it was itself a peninsula, towards the sea on the estuary of the River Centa. Accompanied by our tour rep, we set off in discovery of the sites and history of this ancient city before sampling a renowned local speciality, Ligurian olive oil.
What we will see
What we will do
Leaving the port, we set off towards the city of Albenga, whose ancient city walls enclose its pointed red towers and protect a treasure trove of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Our tour rep leads us through atmospheric streets, helping us to discover the best that this little city on the Riviera di Ponente has to offer. You can choose to visit independently “Magiche Trasparenze” exhibition (“Magical Transparencies”) which displays glassware found during architectural excavations in the city’s necropolises. These include the famous Blue Plate, a piece unlike any other anywhere in the world.
We cross the picturesque Piazza di San Michele over which looms the eponymous Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, and admire the octagonal 5th-century Baptistry – the oldest palaeo-Christian monument in Liguria – which houses an impressive mosaic. **- During our visit to Albenga, we have some free time to browse around the characterful shops and boutiques that face on to the ancient city streets and explore whichever corners of the centre most pique our curiosity.
The surprises, however, are far from finished. Before we return to the ship, we enjoy a visit to the Oil Museum on the premises of renowned olive oil producer, the Sommariva company, where we can discover the secrets of this most precious of products and enjoy an appetising snack.**
Day 6 - Cruising to Barcelona with activities on board
Day 7 Barcelona
arrival 8:00 AM
A city you can’t help falling in love with: vibrant, cosmopolitan, proud, magnificent andgenerous, it will indulge you with exciting and vivid sensations.
Optional excursions:
The Sagrada Familia and Gaudi's Magical splendour
Barcelona is Gaudí's city: he produced some of his greatest masterpieces there which we will discover one by one and be amazed by their charm.
What we will see
What we will do
The first stop on our excursion is the Sagrada Familia, the iconic symbol of the city of Barcelona, a destination for visitors from all over the world, believed by many to be one of the most extraordinary man-made monuments in the world.
It is a majestic Neo-Gothic church inspired by the great medieval cathedrals and built in a Modernist style: the Catalan version of Art Nouveau.
It was the work of talented architect Antoni Gaudí, who designed it at the age of just 30 and dedicated the rest of his life to completing it. Work began on the church in 1882 and is still ongoing, following the designer's plans. This will make our visit even more fascinating as we will witness the creation of one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the world.
Our guide will show us two of the facades that have already been completed: the Nativity facade and the Passion facade. Then we will enter the church where expert artisans are working on this constantly evolving monument.
Then we will continue on towards Passeig de Gracia, the most fashionable avenue in the city with its charming, modern buildings like Casa Batllo, another of skilful Gaudí's masterpieces.
Much more than just a building, Casa Batllo holds an entire world of contemporary art, architecture and design, offering visitors a unique, surreal experience. The extravagant inventiveness of the shapes is inspired by the legend of Saint George (the patron saint of Catalonia) who fought the dragon, alluded to in the multi-coloured sinuosity of the roof, while the rows of balconies and bone-like structures symbolise the victims.
We will end our tour admiring Casa Mila, better known as La Pedrera (tour of the exterior), Gaudí's last work. The building is a true triumph of curved lines with undulating faces, chimneys that coil around one another and the magnificent wrought iron railings resembling breaking waves.
Exploring Barcelona by bike
A bicycle tour is an original and active way to discover a city. As you pedal around Barcelona, you will have the chance to explore some of its hidden corners.
What we will see
What we will do
Barcelona is the ideal city for cycling, with over 100 kilometers of bike paths that wind in complete safety between the main streets and the alleys of the old city.
Riding our bikes we drive along the famous Parc de la Ciutadella, so named because it was built on the ancient fortress town of the land.
We admire the Arc de Triomphe, one of the symbols of the city, built for the Universal Exhibition of 1888 to serve as a portal of entry to the site.
Moving on we will see La Rambla, the most famous boulevard in Barcelona, where they performed many street artists, and we cross the renovated district of Barceloneta overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea.
We continue to the Old Port and arrive at the Olympic Port, two nice and exciting areas, among the favorite haunts of tourists and inhabitants of the city.
At the conclusion of the tour, we take a short walk in the Gothic Quarter, where there is also the splendid Cathedral.
Panorama of Barcelona and the Camp Nou Stadium
What we will see
What we will do
Our tour exploring Barcelona will start at Montjuic hill, where the sports complexes built for the 1992 Olympic Games are located and where we can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding city.
Then we will head to the Nou Camp stadium, home to Barcelona football club, for an exclusive tour that will take us to the areas reserved for employees: we will go from the changing rooms of great football champions to the pitch where we will tread the grass that has seen some epic finals.
The stadium museum offers a historic tribute to this great club. We will be able to admire the trophies, photos, shoes and shirts belonging to Barca's great champions such as Stoychkov, Ronaldo and the "Golden Child", Diego Armando Maradona.
Before getting back on board, we will travel along Avenida Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia for a panoramic view of one of incredible architect Antoni Gaudí's greatest masterpieces: Casa Batllo.
At the end of the tour, we will stop for a stroll in Placa de Catalunya and some shopping on the Rambla, the city's most famous and iconic street.
Easy tour Barcelona
No hassle, just pure fun. To appreciate incredible Barcelona with no fuss, there is nothing better than a coach tour with the appropriate stops at the most significant places.
What we will see
What we will do
Your tour will depart from the port, for a scenic panoramic drive, passing through the Barceloneta Quarter or Fisherman Area.
You will see the Columbus Monument and the bottom of the famous promenade of Las Ramblas.
You will pass through Via Laietana, to reach Cataluna square, considered the heart of the city.
From here, you will continue the panoramic drive along Passeig de Gracia, the best known boulevard in town. Guides will also point you out one of the masterpieces of Gaudi’s arquitecture: the Palau de la Musica,Manzana de la Discordia and Casa Batllo.
Your first stop will be in Sagrada Familia, which is said to be an icon of Barcelona. The project and supervising of the works were realized by a genius architect Antoni Gaudi (at that time was only 30 years old), who was involved in the process until his death. From the outside, guides will offer you a deep explanation of all the details related to the Temple.
- Once finished you will proceed to Montjuich Hill which was claimed by the city on the occasion of the 1929 International Exposition, when the mountain was developed and trade fair halls and sports installations were constructed as well as the parks and gardens which are to be found all over the mountain.
You will pass by the Olimpic Ring and make a brief stop at Montjuic Hill to get a panoramic view of the city before returning to the ship
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