Hong Kong is a “Special Administrative Region of China”. It comprises the island of the same name, 259 other islands in the South China Sea, as well as areas of the mainland around the Kowloon Peninsula and in the so-called “New Territories”. Although it was occupied by Chinese settlers as early as the 2nd millennium B.C., the region remained untouched by Chinese imperialism up until the 17th century when it was the setting for a conflict between the Ming and the Manchu dynasties. However it only acquired international interest in the 19th century with the Portuguese being the first Europeans to develop colonies and trade here, silk and tea being the most sought-after goods in Europe

Hong Kong is a “Special Administrative Region of China”. It comprises the island of the same name, 259 other islands in the South China Sea, as well as areas of the mainland around the Kowloon Peninsula and in the so-called “New Territories”. Although it was occupied by Chinese settlers as early as the 2nd millennium B.C., the region remained untouched by Chinese imperialism up until the 17th century when it was the setting for a conflict between the Ming and the Manchu dynasties. However it only acquired international interest in the 19th century with the Portuguese being the first Europeans to develop colonies and trade here, silk and tea being the most sought-after goods in Europe

Da-Nang in Vietnam offers invigorating nature and a spiritual and historical awakening through the ancient archaeological sites. During the stop in the port of Da Nang, you can recharge your energy in an idyllic natural setting and then discover the richness of the historical heritage of this popular seaside resort. After a visit to the various archaeological locations declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the Mỹ Sơn shrine, come and enjoy the charm of the works of the Cham Sculpture Museum.

From the port of Phu My, where our Costa ship will dock, we can easily reach Ho Chi Minh City, an important city of Vietnam. The port of Phu My is one of the busiest trading ports of Vietnam. Located between two major cities in the country, it is also the place where numerous cruise ships anchor. During this stop you will visit Ho Chi Minh City, the great economic and cultural centre, or Vung Tau, a seaside town is much appreciated by tourists.

Klang or Kelang, officially Royal Town of Klang, is a royal town and former capital of the state of Selangor, Malaysia. It is located within the Klang District. It was the civil capital of Selangor in an earlier era prior to the emergence of Kuala Lumpur and the current capital, Shah Alam.

The port of Penang is a good starting point to discover Buddhist spirituality, the exoticism of nature and the history of the Malaysian city. Take advantage of this stop at the port of Penang to discover the enchanting exoticism of one of the most beautiful islands of Malaysia. You can admire the fascinating nature reserves and appreciate the diversity of the flora and fauna of the island, so you can visit the majestic Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple, explore the historical wonders of the city of George Town and discover the tasty local cuisine.

Colombo is a chaotic, bustling and very busy city, a melting pot of the different ethnic groups and religions that make it such a multicultural city. The largest group is the Buddhist Sinhalese, and this explains the presence of numerous Buddhist temples such as the Gangarama with its myriad of statues and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions. The Tamils have influenced the architecture of the city with their numerous Hindu temples known as Kovils. The Kathiresan temple is dedicated to Skanda, the god of war, whilst the Sri Kailasanathar Swami Devasthanam temple located near Fort railway station is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is dedicated to the goddess Shiva and the god Ganesh. However there is also plenty of western influence in evidence: the Dutch Governor’s banqueting hall was transformed into St. Peter’s Church in 1804 whilst the Dutch Period Museum, which contains historical documents and exhibits relating to the Dutch colonial period, was previously home to Governor Thomas van Rhee (1692-97).

Malé is the densely populated capital of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It‘s known for its mosques and colorful buildings. The Islamic Centre (Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam) features a mosque, a library and a distinctive gold dome. Near the harbor, a popular fish market offers the day‘s catch, and a produce market is stocked with local fruit.

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. It‘s known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th-century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. The Caudan Waterfront is a lively dining and shopping precinct. Nearby, vendors sell local produce and handicrafts at the huge Central Market. The Blue Penny Museum focuses on the island’s colonial and maritime history, along with its culture.

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. It‘s known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th-century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. The Caudan Waterfront is a lively dining and shopping precinct. Nearby, vendors sell local produce and handicrafts at the huge Central Market. The Blue Penny Museum focuses on the island’s colonial and maritime history, along with its culture.

Durban, a coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species

Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa‘s Eastern Cape Province. A major port, it‘s also known for its numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhood‘s Victorian landmarks. Coastal boat tours spot whales and rare seabirds, while wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area are home to elephants, rhinos and other big game.

Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbor and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum.

Walvis Bay is a port town on the coast of Namibia. Sheltered by the Pelican Point sand spit, its tidal lagoon is home to abundant birdlife including flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns. The harbor is busy with fishing boats and ships. Dolphins, whales and Cape fur seals inhabit the Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point Lighthouse. East of the bay, coastal sand dunes like Dune 7 mark the start of the Namib Desert.

Las Palmas is a capital of Gran Canaria, one of Spain‘s Canary Islands off northwestern Africa. A major cruise-ship port, the city is known for duty-free shopping and for its sandy beaches. At Playa de Las Canteras, a coral barrier lines the beach and shelters swimmers. The annual Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival brings together flamboyantly costumed performers, music and dancing

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”.

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 world-famous monuments: the Forums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trajan‘s Column, the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Piazza di Spagna and many more.

Treat yourself to a trip to Corfu and you will experience the unforgettable thrill of cruising to one of Greece‘s most beautiful islands. The city of Corfu owes much of its charm to the wonderful old town, an ancient district made of narrow, cobbled alleys, with cafés and artisan shops. A labyrinth to lose yourself in and where every sight will be an indelible memory of your cruise to Corfu. In the old city, studded with Venetian architectural influences but best represented in the Campiello district, don’t miss a shore excursion to the 16th century fortress that stands on a spur of rock overlooking the sea. At the foot of the old town is the beautiful Spianada, once a Venetian parade ground, now a green city square overlooking the Museum of Asian Art. During a Mediterranean cruise you will arrive at the port of Corfu, Neo Limani, which is a few minutes’ walk from the city centre, and therefore a quick hop from the quay. Entrance to the town lies at the foot of the New Fortress. At this point, stopping at Corfu lets you roam the narrow streets lined with tourist shops. Complete your tour of the island with total immersion in the lush greenery: olive trees, orange trees, cypresses as well as cultural events in the heart of the walled city are the norm!

Visiting Bari during a cruise holiday means exploring the old town for a journey through time. Bari is the wonderful capital of Puglia and is built around the port, and the Borgo Antico is its mediaeval district characterised by narrow and winding streets. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. During the stopover in Bari visit the historic city rich in history, one of the most beautiful in Italy, and its surroundings, especially Matera, designated by UNESCO as the 2019 European Capital of Culture. “Bari Vecchia” is the old part of the city that, with its partly Norman and partly Swabian fortress, the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Nicholas built on the ruins of the Byzantine Palace, the 12th century cathedral of San Sabino and a dozen little churches of the same period, still bears the traces of conquerors who succeeded over the centuries.

On the border between Italy and Istria, Trieste awaits you with that “surly grace” as sung by Umberto Saba: a mysterious charm of sullen beauty and Central European allure. At the foot of the karst plateau, where the two peninsulas span the Adriatic, outlining a vast secluded Gulf, Trieste is a natural port and one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Its particular geographical position, which made it the setting for some major historical events, is today a tourist destination of endless fascination. Among the splendours of the landscape and traces of an imperial past, the visit to Trieste is a tour of historical and architectural wonders. A short way from the port, after passing the Grand Canal built by Trieste’s Venetian neighbours, Piazza Unità d’Italia invites you to admire the ancient Habsburg heart of the city and enjoy a glass of Prosecco. And if you love hiking and photography, a walk on the Rilke path overlooking the sea and the “Napoleonic road” with a view of the Gulf from the edge of the karst plateau is a real treat.