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.

On your cruise to Israel, you‘ll land at the port of Haifa from which you can reach Nazareth and Bethlehem, both huge attractions for people of faith from all around the world. Multicultural and lively, this city of Galilee lies at the foot of Mount Carmel, the “vineyard of God”, which boasts lush vegetation and caves declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. During your stay you can enjoy the beaches, ideal for a family outing, but also the ascent of Mount Carmel, from which you can enjoy the beautiful view over the old port of Haifa before heading off to Nazareth and Bethlehem, veritable cradles of Catholic, Orthodox Christian and Protestant tradition, at the crossroads with Jewish culture.

In Limassol the ancient buildings, which echo the deeds of Richard the Lionheart, create a fascinating contrast with the modern structures enriched by the murals of street art. Limassol is the economic capital of the south coast of Cyprus. Visit the port of Limassol, which is part of the historical legacy of the city, and go to the castle to discover the exploits of Richard the Lionheart and the medieval past of the city. In a blend of eras and cultures, the ancient buildings coexist with modern structures and graffiti street art. Admire the Turkish architecture, enjoy a kebab and visit the park of sculptures before the cruise resumes on its course.

Its history lies in the pages of a thousand books enclosed in the world‘s most famous library, the library of Alexandria in Egypt, the crossroad of cultures. Acclaimed a thousand times for its library and lighthouse, Alexandria has always been a crossroads of civilisations. Even today, the port of Alexandria welcomes the whole world into its cultural heritage. During the stop in Alexandria, Egypt, visit the site where the lighthouse once stood and don‘t forget to stroll along the entire scenic route. Visit the new library that proudly honours its illustrious ancestor. Check out this welcoming population that will have you trying a thousand recipes with beans and let yourself be seduced by the local pastries.

A pleasant thing to do is simply sit down at one of the cafes overlooking the port of Marseilles and, sipping a Pastis, observe the landscape and the people who inhabit it. Also called the “Porpoise City “, Marseille is France’s sunniest town, charming with its gullies where you can swim, its history and culture and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. You cannot leave without having first toured on the “Cours Julien”, the street for shopping. The port of Marseille is perhaps a typical tourist destination, but it deserves to be visited for the ferry that leaves from the Town Hall and the old church, which replaced a Templar building.