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Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, transfers, all meals aboard the cruise, comprehensive optional touring program and much more!
This tour program is currently sold out.
If you would like to be the first to receive notice about new tour dates, including early booking sale details, please subscribe to our
This dazzling cruise itinerary features among the most fascinating of ancient sites in Greece and Turkey, a visit to Dubrovnik, considered the most beautiful port along the Adriatic Riviera, and a bonus night in Venice, one of Europe's most loved cities. You'll enjoy all of this as you sail aboard Costa's newest luxury ship, the Serena, whose lavish spa, pools, restaurants, night clubs and other facilities could keep you entertained even without all the enticing ports of call. And best of all, we've negotiated very special pricing on two departures that make this an irresistable vacation value.
If you've been dreaming about cruising the gorgeous azure waters of the Mediterranean, don't miss this opportunity to enjoy cruising at its best. Even the upgraded superior outside and balcony (veranda) cabins are available at big reductions, so don't wait to book your spot. With an itinerary so rich and prices so low, space is sure to sell out quickly.
Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting Mediterranean journey begins this evening as you check in for your overnight jet flight bound for Venice.
Day 2: Arrive in Venice, Italy. Early afternoon arrival in Venice, renowned city of art. After customs formalities, you'll be escorted to your cruise ship, the brand new Costa Serena, to begin your weeklong Mediterranean cruise. Costa Serena (B,D)
Day 3: Bari, Italy. Arrive in Bari on the Adriatic coast this morning. Bari is the second most important economic center of southern Italy and is well known as a port and University City. It is also known as the city of Saint Nicolas of Bari, the original Santa Claus. Explore on your own or take advantage of several shore excursions (one by bicycle) to visit some of Bari's famous sites including the Basilica of San Nicola, built during the period of Norman rule, the famous castle, ancient bastion of the Old, and the striking promenade which winds its way from the city gates to the port where you'll board the ship to continue sailing. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Katakolon & Olympia, Greece. This morning your ship arrives at Katakolon, a small port founded in the first half of the 19th century. Nearby is the legendary Olympia, one of the most important mythological sites in traditional Greece and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Enjoy exploring on your own or take advantage of various optional tours that take you through the ruins of ancient Olympia, among other sites. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Izmir, Turkey. This morning arrive at Izmir, Turkey's second city, after Istanbul, thanks to its busy port and intense industrial activity. Located within a beautiful bay and surrounded by lovely hills, the town has evolved into a modern metropolis from which some of Turkey's most important ancient treasures are easily explored, including Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Istanbul, Turkey. Also known as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul is the only city to span two continents, connecting Europe and Asia. Explore the incredible treasures of the Topkapi Palace, the magnificent Blue Mosque and the exotic, covered Grand Bazaar where you'll find lots of treasures and enjoy sharpening your negotiating skills. Explore this fascinating city on your own or take advantage of various optional tours. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Cruising. All the fantastic facilities of the ship are available to you as you spend a day at sea. Stroll the ample decks, enjoy the sun, swim, and take advantage of the many leisure activities aboard your luxury ship. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Dubrovnik, Croatia. A charming port on the Dalmatian coast, set in front of a picturesque hillside, Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive destinations on the Adriatic Riviera. It has been extensively restored since suffering during the Balkan hostilities of the 1990s and is even more beautiful now than ever. A 1,000 year old protective wall adds to the sense of stepping back in time, and the views make this one of the most picturesque places in the world. Various optional excursions to the Medieval Old Town, including a walk around the ramparts, are available. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Venice. Arrive in Venice this morning. After breakfast, disembark from your cruise and enjoy a full day to explore this gorgeous city of canals on your own. You'll find a treasure trove of ancient ruins, art, music and architecture and more in the most romantic city you'll ever visit, with the cafes of St. Mark's Square, palazzo-lined canals where gondolas glide happily along, the Bridge of Sighs and so much more. Your hotel is ideally located, within short distance of many major attractions, as well as the best shopping and dining. (B)
Day 10: Venice/USA. Your memorable Mediterranean journey ends as you say arrivederci Italia and transfer independently to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Arrive in the USA later today. Or, continue your stay in Italy by adding a late return and extra nights to your package. (B)
The new Costa Flagship will be the ship of space and light. Its name symbolises harmony and serenity. Costa Serena and her sister ship Costa Concordia, are the largest and longest ships in the fleet. The prestigious Samsara Spa spreads over two decks and will be a haven of wellness and relaxation. The beautiful Samsara Suites have direct access to the Spa. Over 500 cabins will have balconies. Choose from 13 bars and 5 restaurants. There are 4 swimming pools, two with retractable glass roofs. The decks are spacious and panoramic, and the stylish public areas are designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind.
At present, the Costa Serena is still in dry dock being prepared to sail this Spring. More information, including deck plans, lots of photos and other idetails will be available shortly.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Italy, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Greece, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Turkey, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Croatia, click here.
• Round trip flights from New York via scheduled wide-bodied jet service
• All ground transportation and all transfers except final transfer from Venice hotel to airport
• Deluxe Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the brand new Serena cruise ship of Costa Cruises (inside cabins) with private bath
• Special discounted upgrades to deluxe outside cabin with picture window or veranda
• 21 bountiful meals including 8 American buffet breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
• Comprehensive optional touring program including entrance fees
• Bonus overnight in Venice including buffet breakfast
Our tours may look similar to others you've seen, but we invite you to shop & compare. There are important differences that make Friendly Planet tours the best you can find.
No Compromise on Quality: Despite our extraordinary prices, there are no compromises on our Mediterranean Cruises.You'll sail the Mediterranean aboard Italy's premier cruise line, Costa, aboard the brand new Serena. In Venice, you'll stay in a First Class, centrally located hotel that is noted for its amenities and service.
Included Features: Your arrival transfer from the airport to your cruise and your re-arrival transfer from the cruise to Venice are included in your tour price, not expensive extras as in other tours. These transfers alone save you more than $100 per person!
Credit Cards or Cash: You asked, and we listened! Whether you pay by check, money order or your favorite major credit card, your tour price on this tour is the same. No extra cost to charge your dream vacation. Credit Card Authorization Form.
Personal Service: Most important of all, the extra ingredient that makes our tours stand apart from others—the wonderful, personal attention you'll receive from our friendly staff in the USA— is completely free of charge. Compare our Mediterranean cruise programs to others, feature for feature. You'll see for yourself that ours are the very best value for money you'll find anywhere.
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Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by May 18, 2007. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $135. |
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Other Cruise Dates: These featured sailings of the Costa Serena offer specially negotiated savings on inside, outside and veranda cabins. Other sailing dates may be available, but prices depend upon space at the time of booking. If you can't take advantage of our special travel dates but wish to travel at another time, call us to check the options. We'll do our very best to accommodate your schedule as well as your budget.
Cabins: Friendly Planet prices are based on category 1 & 2 (inside cabins), category 6 & 7 (outside cabins) and category 8 & 9 (veranda cabins). Other categories and/or decks are available on request, subject to availability and additional charges.
Single Rooms/Cabins: Single supplements for this program depend upon actual cabin confirmed but will range between $999 in Category 1 to $1439 in Category 10. The actual single supplement price will depend upon your cabin and your date of travel and will be quoted upon confirmation of your cabin.
Alternate Gateways: Included flights are from New York (JFK). Departures from other cities at low through fares may be available upon request. Please call us at 800-555-5765 to check availability from alternate gateways.
Important Notes: Due to the popularity of this cruise, confirmation on this program is subject to space availability and may not be possible to confirm instantly. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, if we are unable to confirm your reservation instantly, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations according to your request.
Waitlisting on Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.
Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).
