Western Mediterranean from Civitavecchia

From the ancient port of Civitavecchia you will land in the heart of the Roman and Etruscan civilisations; the old town is also a fabulous mediaeval village. Civitavecchia of today is the result of a thousand-year long process of civilisation and urbanisation in the Lazio region. In the area, close to where this city is located (and just 70 km from Rome), there are important historical elements that, over the centuries, have overlapped and accumulated to confirm the presence and evolution of organised social groups as far back as the prehistoric age. In fact, numerous traces of primitive settlements are found along the coast of Civitavecchia. Equally numerous and important are the Etruscan, Roman and mediaeval structures that have made the city an important urban centre and renowned as the Port of Rome since antiquity. During a cruise departing from Civitavecchia, before continuing in the Mediterranean, you can take advantage of this stop to visit Rome, the grandiose capital with its…

The coast is one of the pearls of the Mediterranean that you can visit when stopping at Salerno and traveling up towards Naples. The port of Salerno dominates the Amalfi coast, a few miles from the archaeological site of Paestum. Salerno is considered the cradle of the “Norman-Arab-Byzantine” architectural style. For example, don't miss a visit to the glittering Romanesque cathedral with its colourful mosaics. From the city, it’s an easy hop to the beaches of Positano, and you can also visit Sorrento and its rural landscape or Ravello, the muse city, which has inspired artists for thousands of years.

Capri is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world…yet at one time it wasn't an island at all. Archaeological excavations made in 1905 during the construction of a hotel discovered animal bones and primitive weapons, evidence that the island was part of the Sorrentine peninsula, to which it is still connected via an underground 5km-long stretch of rock previously above sea-level. Excavations also revealed other fascinating remains in the south of Capri, adding to the island's charm not only as a tourist destination but also as a place of cultural and historical interest.

Costa Cruises stops in Catania on the Mediterranean cruise. This Sicilian city, proud of its ancient history, is a port that should not be missed. The stop in Catania will offer you both cultural visits, which are some of the most beautiful in Italy, and shore excursions full of wonderful surprises. Dynamic and full of energy, it will surprises with the richness of its old town and the unique sight of the lava layers on the slopes of Mount Etna. Catania, like Sicily, is rich in monuments, ancient traditions and sumptuous food, which it shares generously with the rest of the world. The port of Catania is located about 300 metres from the historic city centre. We suggest that you visit the Piazza del Duomo, symbol of the city. If you cross Via Crociferi, one of the city’s most famous streets, you come to Palazzo Biscari, one of the most impressive and majestic buildings in the whole of Sicily. Finally, you can see Mount Etna looking north, with its famous lava flows.

Above the port of Savona, the Priamar Fortress greets every departure and arrival of the Costa ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Genoa and its aquarium are nearby. The port of Savona, which you can explore during your cruise in Italy, is one of the prettiest of the Italian Riviera. The lovely climate, summers that are never to hot, mild winters and the exceptional beauty of the sea near the town makes Savona an excellent base to set out to explore Liguria. Savona is notable for the Priamar Fortress, which has dominated the town since the 16th century, and also for its historic centre where you can visit Savona Cathedral. A stop in Savona can also be an opportunity to visit the nearby city of Genoa and its narrow, picturesque streets, known as “caruggi”.