November 4-13, 2006
Hosted by Rose Menciano & Tess Reyes
Join us on this fantastic celebration of the cultural riches and natural beauty of the Western Mediterranean as we set sail aboard the Costa Concordia, the newest and largest addition to Italy's premier luxury cruise line.
Our journey is an exotic living mosaic, where every port recalls another magnificent era of castles and fortresses, steaming volcanoes, ancient cultures, exotic art, and architectural treasures and grandeur. We'll visit fascinating ports of call in Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Malta and Sicily, while enjoying the lavish Italian lifestyle aboard our cruise ship.
Our Touring Program
Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting Mediterranean journey begins this evening as you check-in for your overnight jet flight bound for Rome.
Day 2: Arrive Rome. Early afternoon arrival in Rome, vibrant capital of Italy. After customs formalities, you'll be escorted to your hotel in the heart of Rome. Starhotel Metropol
The Colliseum, Rome
Day 3: Rome/Civitavecchia. Enjoy a day to explore Rome, the Eternal City, where you'll find a treasure trove of ancient ruins, art, music and architecture, religious passion, all juxtaposed against the frenetic pace and cutting edge modern fashion of an ultra-modern European city. Your hotel is ideally located, within short distance of many major attractions, as well as the best shopping and dining. Our Rome representatives will be glad to make suggestions for independent exploration as well as offer several interesting optional tours exclusively for our group. Later this afternoon, you will be escorted to Civitavecchia to board the Costa Concordia and begin your weeklong Mediterranean cruise. Costa Concordia (B,D)
Savona, Italy
Day 4: Savona (Genoa). With origins dating back to the middle of the Bronze Age, Savona's ancient structures and winding streets are just minutes from the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and is an area rich in culture. Explore on your own, or join an optional shore excursion to the Riviera's most celebrated playground of the rich and famous, Monte Carlo. Explore the old town, called The Rock, with the Prince's Palace, picturesque alleyways, shops Oceanographic Museum, Cathedral and its world-famous casinos and hotels. (B,L,D)
Cathedral of Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Day 5: Barcelona. Explore Spain's most exciting, flamboyant and sophisticated city, home to the 1992 Olympics. An optional shore excursion takes you to the Barrio Gotico (old quarter), a 14th century maze of tiny houses, stately palaces and intriguing shops. See the famous palm tree-lined Plaça Real, hub of Barcelona nightlife, and visit a lively Ramblas café where Catalan voices accompany dancers swaying to the Sardana. Marvel at one the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century, Gaudi's extravagant Cathedral of Sagrada Familia. (B,L,D)
Island of Mallorca, Spain
Day 6: Palma de Mallorca. This morning arrive at the sun-splashed port of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in the Balearic Islands. Here, for millennia, the famous and ordinary have found their private paradise in this lovely vacation island off Spain's coast. Wander on your own or join an optional shore excursion including a visit to Palma's Grand Cathedral, harbor and lovely Old Town. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Tunis. This afternoon arrive at Tunis, Tunisia, where whitewashed, blue-shuttered buildings hide a treasure trove of Ottoman art. On an optional shore excursion, inspect illuminated manuscripts from the Koran, follow the twisting lanes and alleys of the old Inner City, and marvel at the ornate Palace of Dar Ben Abdallah and the magnificent Mosque, whose 184 columns were "recycled" from the rocky ruins of Carthage. (B,L,D)
Harbor, La Valleta, Malta
Day 8: La Valletta. Today you'll have an opportunity to visit the fascinating port of La Valletta on the island of Malta, where the Knights of St. John established their headquarters in 1530. An optional shore excursion takes you to St. John's Cathedral, the Grand Master's Palace, the Armory and a hospital, which became the site of a modern East/West Summit in 1989. (B,L,D)
Cathedral of Palermo, Sicily
Day 9: Palermo. This morning you'll arrive at the Sicilian port city of Palermo, once regarded as Europe's grandest, most beautiful city. Explore the city's fascinating treasures on an optional excursion that includes the Four Corners of Palermo, where each 17th century Spanish Baroque facade is adorned with a statue, the Fontana Pretoria, often called the Fountain of Shame because of its nude Florentine figures, and the famous Norman Cathedral and Capuchin catacombs, among other sites. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Rome/USA. Arrival this morning at Civitavecchia and disembark then transfer to the airport for your flight to the USA. Your memorable Mediterranean journey ends as you arrive in the USA later today. Or, continue your stay in Rome.(B)
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 Spain, click here.
Mediterranean Cruise Prices from Jacksonville
Reservations
Please download the reservation application and fax or mail it to us, together with your $300 per person deposit and $129 per person insurance premium (optional). Fax to: 215-572-9803. Mail to P.O. Box 505, Jenkintown, PA 19046.
Reservation application PDF (requires free Acrobat Reader)
For additional information, please contact:
Rose Menciano
Tel: 904-542-3500 Ext. 8702
