Costa Smeralda sailing on November 21st, 2026

About Genoa

For centuries, Genoa has been a major commercial seaport. Today, it is one of Italy's largest cities. Genoa is located in northwestern Italy, in the inner harbor of the Gulf of Genoa. This city was once home to Christopher Columbus and world-renowned violinist Niccolò Paganini. Within the city's medieval walls you can wander the caruggi (alleys) where the wealthy Genovese lived and guilds set up shop. The alleys are still home to specialty shops, Baroque and Romanesque churches and 500-year-old apartment buildings.

Genoa Attractions

Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the underwater world at the Aquarium of Genoa. This is the largest aquarium in Europe, featuring sharks, dolphins, penguins, seals, sea turtles, jellyfish, giant Japanese spidercrabs, and more. Discover new ecosystems such as the flooded forest, the mangroves, the Madagascar reef and the Moluccan Islands. Adventurers of all ages will be swept away!

Genoa Activities

Piazza de Ferrari - This site of bustling activity is Genoa's town center, dominated by an impressive fountain. Via Garibaldi - Genoa's leading families built their residences along this street from the mid-1500s onward to escape the cramped conditions of the medieval section. Most of these mansions have been converted to museums housing some of the finest art collections in the country. The 16th-century Palazzo Municipale contains manuscripts by Christopher Columbus. Piazza Matteotti - This square features important buildings such as the former Doge's Palace, known for its frescoes by Carlone and Tiepolo, and the Gothic San Mateo Church with a crypt containing the tomb of navy admiral Andrea Doria. Caruggi District - Caruggi, as the winding, picturesque alleys are called, make up the heart of historic Genoa. In this warren of narrow, cobbled streets, extending north from Piazza Caricamento, one finds the city's oldest churches, 500-year-old apartment blocks and tiny shops selling antique furniture. (Not to be explored by night!) San Donato Church - Located on Piazza San Donato, this small Romanesque church houses a beautiful 16th-century triptych with the Adoration of the Magi by Jan van Cleve.

About Marseille

Founded nearly 26 centuries ago, Marseilles is the oldest city in France, a mosaic of old and new with a dozen villages and eight islands, each offering a world of enchanting discoveries. At nearby Avignon, visit the magmificient Palace of the Popes and the hilltop Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde. Explore ruins of 13th century Palais Longchamps and colorful "Old Harbour" where you can browse open-air markets.

Marseille Attractions

For the best view of the city, there's only one place to go: Notre Dame de la Garde. Entirely covered in gold leaf, it towers over Marseille at an impressive 500 feet tall (154 meters.) Throughout the years, it has served as a lookout post, a military zone and a place of worship.

Marseille Activities

Stroll around the Old Port, or Vieux Port as the locals say, which was once known as the gateway to the Mediterranean. Here you'll find the popular theatre, Théâtre National de la Criée, as well as many cafés and restaurants lining the streets. See the amazing history of the city - 26 centuries worth - at Musée d'Histoire de Marseille. Walk through Cours Julien, a pedestrian square with a beautiful water garden and fountain, as well as trendy shops, cafés and theatres. Visit Le Prado south of the city where you'll find Parc Borély, a magnificent city park with numerous ponds, a botanical garden and a greenhouse.

About Barcelona

Founded by Romans in the first century BC, Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalonian Spain. Many of the worlds finest treasures can be seen in Barcelonas museums and monuments. Romanesque and Gothic frescoes and treasures can be enjoyed at the Catalan Art Museum. Among the most treasured sites is Gaudis masterpiece, The Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona Attractions

While you're in Barcelona, don't miss the Picasso Gallery. Several adjoining 15th-century palaces house a huge collection (over 2,000 pieces) of Picasso's work.

Barcelona Activities

Stroll along Las Ramblas, a wonderfully vibrant part of the city where street vendors and performers vie for your attention. Explore the many churches and cathedrals of Barcelona and discover the city's modernist architecture along Paseo de Gracia. Visit Antoni Gaudí's unfinished Segrada Familia. With eight soaring spires and a spectacular main façade, this cathedral is a true architectural masterpiece.

About Genoa

For centuries, Genoa has been a major commercial seaport. Today, it is one of Italy's largest cities. Genoa is located in northwestern Italy, in the inner harbor of the Gulf of Genoa. This city was once home to Christopher Columbus and world-renowned violinist Niccolò Paganini. Within the city's medieval walls you can wander the caruggi (alleys) where the wealthy Genovese lived and guilds set up shop. The alleys are still home to specialty shops, Baroque and Romanesque churches and 500-year-old apartment buildings.

Genoa Attractions

Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the underwater world at the Aquarium of Genoa. This is the largest aquarium in Europe, featuring sharks, dolphins, penguins, seals, sea turtles, jellyfish, giant Japanese spidercrabs, and more. Discover new ecosystems such as the flooded forest, the mangroves, the Madagascar reef and the Moluccan Islands. Adventurers of all ages will be swept away!

Genoa Activities

Piazza de Ferrari - This site of bustling activity is Genoa's town center, dominated by an impressive fountain. Via Garibaldi - Genoa's leading families built their residences along this street from the mid-1500s onward to escape the cramped conditions of the medieval section. Most of these mansions have been converted to museums housing some of the finest art collections in the country. The 16th-century Palazzo Municipale contains manuscripts by Christopher Columbus. Piazza Matteotti - This square features important buildings such as the former Doge's Palace, known for its frescoes by Carlone and Tiepolo, and the Gothic San Mateo Church with a crypt containing the tomb of navy admiral Andrea Doria. Caruggi District - Caruggi, as the winding, picturesque alleys are called, make up the heart of historic Genoa. In this warren of narrow, cobbled streets, extending north from Piazza Caricamento, one finds the city's oldest churches, 500-year-old apartment blocks and tiny shops selling antique furniture. (Not to be explored by night!) San Donato Church - Located on Piazza San Donato, this small Romanesque church houses a beautiful 16th-century triptych with the Adoration of the Magi by Jan van Cleve.