Mediterranean Cruise
To ensure we have a relaxing time, we decided to book a cruise through the middle of our trip to Italy. We are cruising on the Costa line, and we selected the Costa Fortuna.
Itinerary
The cruise is a tour of the Western Mediterranean. A detailed schedule of our stops appears below:
| Date |
Port of Call |
Arrival |
Departure |
| July 10 |
Savona (Genoa), Italy |
|
5 p.m. |
| July 11 |
Naples, Italy |
1 p.m. |
7 p.m. |
| July 12 |
Palermo, Sicily |
8 a.m. |
7 p.m. |
| July 13 |
Tunis, Tunisia |
7 a.m. |
1 p.m. |
| July 14 |
Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands |
2 p.m. |
- |
| July 15 |
Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands |
- |
1 a.m. |
| July 15 |
Barcelona, Spain |
9 a.m. |
7 p.m. |
| July 16 |
Marseille, France |
8 a.m. |
7 p.m. |
| July 17 |
Genoa, Italy |
9 a.m. |
|
Savona (Genoa), Italy
Located on the Riviera di Ponente, southwest of Genoa, Savona dates back to third century BC and features excellent examples of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Visit the Renaissance cathedral, the Capella Sistina, and the Palazzo della Rovere, built by Pope Julius II.
Naples, Italy
One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Palermo, Sicily
Once regarded as Europe's grandest, most beautiful city, Palermo is still quite impressive. The Four Corners of Palermo, where each 17th-century Spanish Baroque facade is adorned with a statue, is one of the city's most memorable sights. The Fontana Pretoria, often called the Fountain of Shame because of its nude Florentine figures, is also worth noting. Tour the famous Norman Cathedral and Capuchin catacombs.
Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis is the major North African gateway to the Roman and Punic ruins of Carthage. You will be awed by the city's ancient Roman baths, cisterns, and basilicas. Be sure to visit the theater and amphitheater as well. True adventurers will not want to miss a trip to Sidi Bou Said, a charming seaside village set high atop the cliffs.
Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands
The major island in the chain known as the Balearics, Mallorca is Spain's sunny outpost in the Mediterranean. The town of Palma boasts a shady plaza near the Gothic Cathedral. Visit the Roman ruins and the Drach Caves nearby, or journey to the enchanting village of Valledemosa. Leave time to shop for lovely majolica faux pearls and hand-made lace.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.
Marseille, France
The most populated city in France after Paris, Marseille has all the sights and sounds of a Mediterranean melting pot, which it has been ever since the Phocaean Greeks invaded around 600 B.C. Its industrial docks rub shoulders with the picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port, founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago. Packed with colorful fishing boats and yachts, the Vieux Port is the heart of Marseille.
Genoa, Italy
Christopher Columbus hailed from Genoa "the Proud," which enjoys one of the most illustrious maritime histories in all of Italy. It also features the largest medieval city center in Europe as well as Renaissance palaces that once enthralled Rubens and Van Dyck. From here, you can take an excursion to Milan, Italy's vibrant epicenter of fashion, business and the arts, to feast your eyes on The Last Supper and tour the grand opera house of La Scala.
