10 days -November 19-28, 2010
$1495 ppdo includes Air!

 

Introducing Costa Cruises…. Named one of the “top 10 cruise lines” by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and awarded five stars by Fielding’s Cruise Guide, Costa Cruise Lines is #1 in Europe for a number of reasons. First of all, Costa--the world’s fifth largest cruise lines--is based there and has been sailing the continent’s best ports for 60 years. Costa boasts 11 luxurious ships and 87 itineraries to 112 ports in 43 countries (including in the United States). Costa Cruises is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines, comprised of Holland America, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Windstar Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Costa’s Italian-inspired ships have earned four stars in service, food and entertainment from Modern Maturity, and the cruise line was selected as having “Best Mediterranean Itineraries” by the readers of Porthole magazine. Costa Cruises is also South America’s number 1 cruise line.

Day 1: Depart Los Angeles Your journey begins this evening when you fly to Rome, Italy’s “Eternal City.”

Day 2: Rome, Italy. Afternoon arrival in the Italian capital! For the next two days, Rome is yours to explore independently, or take any one of A.C.T.’s exciting optional excursions. MELIA HOTEL (or similar)

The Vatican, Rome

Day 3: Rome/cruising. Morning and afternoon at leisure. Transfer to port of Civitavecchia, where you will board your luxury cruise ship, Costa Pacifica. Settle into your stateroom and set sail at 7 p.m. (B, D)

Day 4: Savona (Genoa), Italy. Your first port of call is Savona (Genoa), whose ancient structures dating back to the Bronze Age stand side by side with modern buildings. The fortress named Priamar, built in 1542, stands on the Rocca di San Giorgio. Optional excursion to the charming and scenic Mediterranean resort of Portofino. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona is one of Spain’s most exciting, flamboyant and sophisticated cities. Explore the Barrio Gotico (old quarter), a
14th-century maze of tiny houses, stately palaces and intriguing shops. Listen to the musical murmur of Catalan voices and watch dancers sway to the Sardana in a lively Ramblas café. See Gaudi’s architectural fantasies curving over the modern facades and soaring spires of the Sagrada Familia. (B,L,D)

Barcelona, Spain

Day 6: Palma de Mallorca, Spain. This sun-splashed port in the Balearic Islands is what Mediterranean vacationing is all about. Since time immemorial, the famous (like Chopin and George Sand) have found their private paradise in Mallorca. Palma’s grand cathedral presides over a wide harbor packed with yachts and the beautiful old town. (B,L,D)

Day 7: (Thanksgiving): Tunis, Tunisia. Tunis’ white-washed, blue-shuttered buildings hide a treasure trove of Ottoman art. Inspect illuminated manuscripts from the Koran, visit the fascinating old inner city, and marvel at the ornate Palace of Dar Ben Abdallah and a magnificent mosque, whose 184 columns were “recycled” from the rocky ruins of Carthage. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Valletta, Malta. Drop anchor in Malta’s capital, also known as “The Fortress City.” The Knights of St. John was established here in 1530. Awaiting you are St. John’s Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, avant-garde art, theater, and narrow side streets filled with tiny shops selling antiques, maps, books, prints and jewelry. (B,L,D)

Valletta, Malta

Day 9: Catania, Sicily. Catania is a fascinating island at the base of Mount Etna. Etna’s many eruptions, combined with a massive earthquake in 1693, have given the island a strange, almost fantasy-like vibe, with strange lava formations rising from the water of the bay and sections of the city covered in purple-grey ash. Take a walk through the Bellini Gardens, named after famous opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, and the Duomo featuring the sarcophagus of Costanza, wife of Frederick III of Aragon. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Rome/USA. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to airport. Arrive at LAX the same day. (B)