Costa Smeralda sailing on August 23rd, 2026

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 Ibiza

The Balearic Islands lie scattered in the western Mediterranean off the southeast coast of Spain. Regular ferry service connects the principal islands of the archipelago with the mainland. Through history, the three main islands, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, were the object of invasion by outside powers. Moorish forces arrived during the 8th century and established their hold until the disintegration of the Caliphate of Cordoba. James I of Aragon gained control over these specks of land in 1229, only to see them integrated into the independent kingdom of Mallorca in 1276. Later they were returned to the Aragonese crown. Today, invasions occur daily at airports and yacht harbors around the islands. The alluring mild climate attracts scores of northern Europeans who grow weary of cloudy days and cold temperatures. They come here to enjoy the sunshine and the beaches; at night they fill the clubs until the early morning hours. The name Ibiza has become synonymous with pleasure seeking.

Ibiza Attractions

As your ship pulls into the port of Eivissa (also known as Ibiza Town), you will have a fine view of the impressive fortifications. An easy stroll along the cobbled streets takes you to the lively downtown area of shops and restaurants. D'Alt Vila, the old town dominates the port and seafront. With its historic buildings and stately mansions, D'Alt Vila is the very heart of Eivissa. Step inside the cool recesses of the 13th-century Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Nieves (Our Lady of the Snows) or visit the Archaeological Museum, where the island’s history is well represented. As the sun arcs overhead, pause in an outdoor cafe for a glass of chilled Ibizan sangria.

Ibiza Activities

Ses Salines - The salt extracted here provided the base for one of the first industries on the island; ships still arrive at Ses Salines to load salt. This is also a popular beach area, located six miles from town. Puig d’en Valls - The 18th-century windmill of Puig d’en Valls shows the importance of windmills in the development of Ibiza. There is a fine panoramic view over Ibiza Town from here. Cala Portinaitx - This beautiful bay offers numerous attractions. The beaches are sheltered from the open sea by a much-eroded rock barrier, usually lashed with heavy surf. Museum of Contemporary Art - This museum, housed in the fortress of D'Alt Vila, features contemporary Spanish paintings and sculptures.

About At Sea

Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want.

About Palermo

The capital of Sicily is situated on a crescent-shaped bay on the island's north coast. Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Due to its favorable location, Sicily's most interesting city has attracted almost every people and culture touching the Mediterranean world. Its most unique characteristic is a harmonious blend of Arab-Norman cultures mixed with Byzantine and Jewish elements, which created some unforgettable and resplendent works of art.

Palermo Attractions

Today, visitors still enjoy seeing the legacy of Palermo's rich past. Great Arab-Norman buildings include the Cappella Palatina, La Martorana, San Giovanni degli Eremiti and, a few miles outside the city, the Cathedral of Monreale. The Archaeological Museum and the Regional Gallery are both worth a visit. The bustling streets and animated markets give the town an Oriental feel. Palermo's center can be easily explored on foot. The Quattro Canti, or Four Corners, is the monumental crossroads laid out in 1608-1620 at the central intersection of the four longest and straightest streets of the city. North of Piazza Castelnuovo lie the avenues of the new city. Most sights are scattered along three major streets: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Maqueda and Via Roma. A vigorous metropolis with a strong historical profile, Palermo is packed with interest and, approached with an open mind, you will find it an enriching and enjoyable place to explore.

Palermo Activities

Porta Nuova - At the beginning of Corso Vittorio Emanuele stands this impressive monument. With majolica- tiled pinnacle and the enormous busts of four Moors the Porta Nuova presents an imposing sight. La Martorana The church was founded in 1143. It is known for its fine Byzantine mosaics. Palatine Chapel - The famous chapel is located in the former Palace of the Norman’s and dates from the 12th century. While the palace houses the Sicilian Parliament and is not open to tourists, the chapel can be visited. It features lavish Arab- Norman decorations, with glittering mosaics and a splendid Arab honeycomb stalactite wooden ceiling. Because of its great popularity with visitors, admission is strictly regulated and long lines must be anticipated. Cathedral Treasury - On display here are contents of some of the royal tombs, in particular the crown of Constance of Aragon. The crown was made by local craftsmen in the 12th century. Archaeological Museum - The museum houses one of the most interesting collections in Italy, illustrating the history of western Sicily from prehistoric times to the Roman era. The displays are arranged around two 17th- century cloisters. Among the museum’s most important exhibits are the bas- reliefs from Selinunte.

About Civitavecchia (Rome)

For centuries the ancient port of Civitavecchia has served as the gateway to magnificent Rome. Its a city so immersed in history, you'll find yourself drifiting back to a distant time. Home of Michelangelos Sistine Chapel, Rome flourishes today as she did in her Golden Age. Experience Rome, a city of colossal ruins, majestic cathedrals and a golden past, worthy of many return visits.

Civitavecchia (Rome) Attractions

Experience the history of Rome as you wander around the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Civitavecchia (Rome) Activities

Explore the amazing history and culture of Rome. Stop at the Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, a Roman sacrificial altar enclosed in a screen of Parian marble. Visit the Vatican Museum, where you can walk through the many rooms that house the largest art collection in the world. Travel through magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. View the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece of Renaissance art, the ceiling of which was painted by Michelangelo. Toss a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain - a way to ensure that you'll always return to Rome.

About Savona

A part of the Italian Riviera near Genoa, Savona is a city rich in history and enterprise, largely centered around its port. A tour of the city may include a visit to "Columbus's House," a former residence of Christopher Columbus nestled in the Savona hills. Or one may visit Savona's most important monument, the Priamar, a recently-restored castle stronghold located near the port.

Savona Activities

Near the Rocca di San Giorgio, on the "Promontorio del Priamar", stands the fortress named Priamar, built after fall of Savona in Genoese hands (1528) by the Genoese in 1542, on the area of the old cathedral and old city and later used as a prison and military prison (italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned here). Near the Cathedral (built 1589 – 1604) is the Cappella Sistina, containing the tomb erected by the Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IV to honor his parents. The Cathedral has one of the most notworthy wooden choirs of XVI cent. European churches. Facing the cathedral is the unfinished Palazzo Della Rovere, built by Cardinal Giulio della Rovere (Pope Julius II) from the plans of Giuliano da Sangallo as a university. The old towers, survived after 1528 ruin (war with Genoa): the Campanassa (Commune tower where freedom of Savona was signed in 1191), towers Corsi and Riario, "Ghibelline Tower", and Torre della Quarda (also known as "a Torretta"), in Leone Pancaldo square. The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia. In neighbourhood of Savona remains a house documented as property of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, where they lived for many years (Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth).

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.