10 days from $1519*

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, transfers, all meals aboard the cruise, comprehensive optional touring program and much more!

Eastern Mediterranean Serena Cruise
including Greece, Turkey & Croatia

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 multiple 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. Last year, we sold out of every available cabin on this program, and this year, we've added many departures to enable our travelers a greater variety of travel dates and lots more space. Yet, with an itinerary so rich and prices so low, space is sure to sell out quickly, so be sure to book early to get the date - and the cabin - you want!.

Itinerary at a Glance & Port Call Times

Eastern Mediterranean Cruise: Italy, Greece, Turkey & Croatia Cruise
Day	Port of Call	Arrive	Depart
2	Venice, Italy	--	6 pm
3	Bari, Italy	11:30 am	2:30 pm
4	Katakolon/Olympia, Greece	8 am	1 pm
5	Izmir, Turkey	8 am	2:30 pm
6	Istanbul, Turkey	7:30 am	6:30 pm
7	At sea	--	--
8	Dubrovnik, Croatia	12 pm	5:30 pm
9	Venice	10 am	--

Detailed Itinerary

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 canals. After customs formalities, you'll be escorted to your cruise ship, the Costa Serena, to begin your weeklong Mediterranean cruise. (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 largest city, 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 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: At sea. 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. (B)

Day 10: Venice/USA. Your 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)

About your ship, the Costa Serena

Click here for specifications, deck plans and more photos of the ship.

The new Costa Flagship is the ship of space and light. Its name symbolizes harmony and serenity. Costa Serena is one of 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 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.

The Costa Serena is registered in Italy.

Destination FAQs

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.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruise
Included Features

• Round trip flights from New York via scheduled wide-bodied jet service inlcuding fuel surcharges. Other gateways at inexpensive through fares are available on request.
• All ground transportation and group transfers except final transfer from Venice hotel to airport
• Deluxe Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the new Costa Serena cruise ship (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 (available for purchase on board)
• Bonus overnight in Venice including buffet breakfast

Shop & Compare

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 aboard Italy's premier cruise line, Costa, aboard the 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.

Free Comprehensive Destination Guide: To help you prepare for your trip, you will receive a free, comprehensive Friendly Planet destination guide - a Friendly Planet exclusive - filled with plenty of helpful information about the destinations themselves (including history and other fascinating facts), weather, tipping, local customs, plus insider tips on shopping and other details.

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.

TourCode: d-000

Italy, Greece, Turkey & Croatia Cruise Costa Serena Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Mar 31 After Mar 31 2010 DEPARTURES May 22 May 31 $2219 $2519 Jul 10 Jul 19 $2369 $2669 Oct 2 Oct 11 $1819 $2119 Oct 30 Nov 8 $1519 $1819 Nov 13 Nov 22 $1519 $1819

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by March 31, 2010. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $185.

Prices above are based on lowest priced cabin category available at the time of posting. Actual category and pricing will be based on availability at the time of booking.

Taxes & Fees Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee +$185 Port Taxes +$159

Optionals & Upgrades Service Price Single Supplements* Single Supplement   Oct 2 +$760 May 22 +$800 Jul 10 +$870 All other departures +$600 Cabin Upgrades Standard Inside Cabin (category I2) double occupancy included Superior Inside Cabin (category I5) double occupancy   May 22, Oct 2 +$110 All other departures +$90 Superior Outside Cabin with picture window (category E2) double occupancy   Jul 10, Oct 2 +$310 All other departures +$250 Deluxe Outside Cabin with private veranda (category B2) double occupancy   May 22, Oct 2 +$470 Jul 10 +$530 All other departures +$400

* * These single supplements are valid for category I2 inside cabins. Supplements for upgraded cabins are available upon request. Single cabins are limited in number and are on request basis.

Departure Airport: This tour departs from New York Kennedy International (JFK).

Coming from somewhere else? Ask us about availability and prices for flights from other cities.

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 I2 (inside cabins), category E2 (outside cabins) and category B2 (veranda cabins). Other categories and/or decks are available on request, subject to availability and additional charges.

Single Rooms/Cabins: 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.

Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. For land-only passengers or for passengers deviating in any way from the group program, transfers are not provided. Individual, private transfers can be arranged at a supplement in price. Taxis and other forms of transportation are also available and may cost less than private transfers. If you wish to arrange private transfers, please request this service at the time of reservation.

Gratuities: Tipping is a personal matter, and your own judgment is the best guide. However, for your convenience, Costa will automatically debit your onboard account a modest service charge of 6 euros per person per day. Should you wish to change this amount, you can contact the Guest Relations Desk on board.

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.

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* Prices shown are good while inventory lasts, may reflect an early booking discount, and do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.

TourCode: d-000