France, Spain, Gibraltar Cruise on AIDAcosma from Civitavecchia (Rome)

Civitavecchia (Rome)

 Civitavecchia is the city of Rome´s port on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The harbour is formed by two piers and a breakwater, on which is a lighthouse. The name Civitavecchia means Ancient Town. There, the Eternal City lies before us in large format architectural and artistic sculptures such as the Colosseum, the most important monument of ancient Rome and used for public entertainment. Do not miss the Trevi Fountain and make a wish while you throw a coin over your shoulder and then continue to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of antiquity, Piazza Navona, and the Vatican City. Take a walk through the Plaza of Spain and rest on the steps of Trinita dei Monti before heading to Via Condotti, a wide avenue lined with shops. Civitavecchia is always popular with cruise passengers because, as noted earlier, it is the gateway to Rome. All cruise lines tend to offer shore excursions here to the Eternal City and we highly recommend that you book one. 

Ajaccio (Corsica)

The capital of Corsica, Ajaccio lies in a calm bay on the west coast of Corsica, set against a backdrop of wooded hills. It is a relaxed rather than lively town and visitors come here to enjoy its wealth of cafes, restaurants and shops. The sights here mainly revolve around Napoleon, who was born here. The town's main sights are the magnificent cathedral where Napoleon was christened, the Bonaparte residence and numerous statues and street names related to his family. The peninsula carries the citadel and terminates in the Citadel jetty. To the south-west of this peninsula lies the Place Bonaparte, a quarter frequented chiefly by winter visitors attracted by the mild climate of the town. Apart from one or two fine thoroughfares converging on the Place Bonaparte, the streets are mean and narrow and the town has a deserted appearance. The house in which Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769 is preserved, and his associations with the town are everywhere emphasized by street-names and statues. The Musée Fesch, which contains the art collection of Napoleon's maternal uncle, Cardinal Fesch. The collection of Italian paintings is considered to rate second only to that of the Louvre

Barcelona

The port of Barcelona was born about the same time as the city was. It is one of themost important ports in the Mediterranean, cruise ships leave the city to call on some of themost desirable cities in the Western Mediterranean. The port has modern facilities and allthe services needed to accommodate the many passengers who have Barcelona as anembarkation and a disembarkation port. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan andmulticultural capitals of Europe. Among many attractions that include the Sagrada Familia,Montjuic, Gaudi's Güell Park and the famous Ramblas. It’s a hub of activity and the city isalways bustling.

Palma (Majorca)

The capital of the island of Mallorca, Palma welcomes you through a magnificent view: the marina, the promenade, the Cathedral that is dominated by the Bellver Castle, situated on a hill which overlooks the harbour. Majorca is a favourite European destination for many cruise passengers. Great shopping centres and tourist services, beautiful and pristine beaches, the cuisine, and traditional products, not to mention the wonderful caves of Drach, all await you on your visit. Inland, you’ll find typical Mallorcan villages and mountain ranges reaching heights of 1,500 metres. 

Gibraltar

It is a small British colony in southern Spain. The population is about 29,000 inhabitants in an area of 2.6 square miles. It is also a naval base of the British Armed Forces. Most interesting things are the Rock of Gibraltar, the famous rock monkeys,the dolphins and the main shopping streets.

Malaga (Spain)

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol, or Empire of the Light, as Ortega y Gasset described it in a poem. You’ll find the Picasso Museum, which is devoted to the most influential artist of the twentieth century. He was born in the city in 1881. You’ll be amazed to visit this cosmopolitan city as tourist, visiting the monuments of the Alcazaba and Giralfaro or ancient Roman theatre. Not to mention the beautiful and unfinished Cathedral of the Incarnation, erected on the site which was the largest mosque in Malaga. This has long been a popular port for cruise passengers because there is no shortage of things to explore, enjoy and sample. The city itself is easily navigated on foot and that’s probably the best way to see it. For sun lovers, there are no less than 16 beaches for you to choose from.

Cartagena (Spain)

Cartagena is located on the sout east of Murcia. On the banks of the Mediteranean, with a very smooth climate and waters. It´s famous for it´s festivals of Carthaginians and Romans and the holy week processions, declared of international touristic interest.

Ibiza

Ibiza is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, an autonomous community of Spain. Its largest cities are Ibiza Town, Santa Eulària des Riu, and Sant Antoni de Portmany They have become world-famous for their associations with tourism, nightlife, and the electronic music that the island originated. Ibiza has many boat/pool parties and is home to the legendary port in Ibiza Town, a popular stop for many tourists and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ibiza, along with nearby Formentera to the south, are called the Pine Islands. The island has grown massively in popularity over the years with cruise passengers and we now see numerous cruise ships calling to the island, especially during the summer months. There are white-washed villages, delicious little cafes, pristine beaches and so much more to enjoy during your shore time here.

Barcelona

The port of Barcelona was born about the same time as the city was. It is one of themost important ports in the Mediterranean, cruise ships leave the city to call on some of themost desirable cities in the Western Mediterranean. The port has modern facilities and allthe services needed to accommodate the many passengers who have Barcelona as anembarkation and a disembarkation port. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan andmulticultural capitals of Europe. Among many attractions that include the Sagrada Familia,Montjuic, Gaudi's Güell Park and the famous Ramblas. It’s a hub of activity and the city isalways bustling.