Costa Deliziosa: SVN - PMA - SVN05A28

Civitavecchia is a charming port city located on the western coast of Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Often called the "gateway to Rome," it serves as a major hub for cruise ships and ferries, welcoming millions of travelers each year who come to explore Rome and the surrounding region.

Founded in ancient times, Civitavecchia has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. The city was an important naval base and trading port, with many historical sites bearing witness to this maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the impressive Forte Michelangelo, a Renaissance fortress that overlooks the harbor and was built to defend the city. Besides being a port, Civitavecchia also offers a charming old town center with narrow streets, squares, and local markets where you can experience authentic Italian culture. The seaside promenade is perfect for enjoying a nice walk while tasting fresh seafood at traditional restaurants.

Civitavecchia is also a convenient starting point for exploring some of Italy’s most famous destinations. Rome, the Eternal City, is just about an hour away by train, where history, art, and culture await you at every corner. The surrounding area features beautiful landscapes, ancient ruins, and picturesque towns like Tarquinia and Tuscania.

Whether arriving by cruise ship or ferry, Civitavecchia is much more than just a port – it is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and Italian charm, making it an excellent gateway to discovering the treasures of central Italy.

     Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, located in the heart of the Mediterranean. The Greek place name Kerkira was renamed Corfu by the Venetians, who paraphrased the word "Korifi" which was used to indicate the towers of St. Mark's fortress.
     Corfu is covered in lush vegetation, thriving in a climate that is tempered by the wind without being too dry. Its coastline is very long, seemingly never-ending: over 200 kilometres. The terrain is quite varied, at times sandy and at others rocky and broken up by Mediterranean bush, olive, cypress and citrus trees.
     Corfu has suffered a long and bloody history. Corfu embarked on a long period of being colonised by others from 700 B.C. onwards, first by the Corinthians, then the Illyrians and the Athenians. Corfu suffered attacks from pirates while under Byzantine rule forcing the relocation of the city northward. This did little to halt the invasions of the Vandals and Visigoths, who repeatedly massacred the populations and razed their villages to the ground. The Venetians gave Corfu back its status as an important centre of trade and with it a very wealthy market. Venetian rule lasted for more than 400 years, during which time the island was governed by a system of aristocratic rule. The Venetians began the cultivation of olives and to this day, Corfu is one of the main olive oil producing centres in the region. Once the Venetian reign had come to an end, it was the Turks' turn, then the French and the English, and on 21st May 1864 it was annexed to the Kingdom of Greece.
     During the Second World War, Corfu was again bombarded and suffered heavy damage. Most of its buildings were destroyed, such as the public theatre and the Ionian Academy. Just a few outstanding buildings remain, scattered along the coastline and in the main town and jealously guarded by the local population.
     Kerkira is the capital, and accommodates around 60,000 of the 110,000 people who live on the island. The city has a splendid city centre with numerous Venetian fortresses and the English Royal Palace. The rest of the island is made up of small settlements, roads that stretch out high above the sea and splendid views of small bays and magnificent cliffs.

The Italian port city of Bari is located on the coast of the archaeologically rich Apulia region. This ancient city offers an extraordinary blend of old and new – historic churches, castles, and squares stand close to modern galleries, shops, and museums. The surrounding area is home to numerous natural wonders, including caves protected by UNESCO. If you want to combine the sea, culture, and gastronomy, Bari is the ideal destination for you.

Must-see attractions include the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, which houses the saint’s relics; the Old Town (Bari Vecchia), full of narrow streets, traditional houses, and small squares; the Norman-Swabian Castle; and the Lungomare – a beautiful seaside promenade.

Bari is also an excellent starting point for excursions to nearby towns such as Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its white houses with characteristic conical roofs – or Matera, the magical canyon city protected by UNESCO, known for its “Sassi” district, a network of caves carved into the rock.

The city’s gastronomy reflects a fusion of the sea and southern Italy – simple yet full of flavor and tradition. One of the most famous dishes is orecchiette – small ear-shaped pasta often served with broccoli, garlic, and anchovies or in a rich tomato sauce. In the streets of the old town, you will often see local women making it by hand in front of their homes. Another must-try is focaccia barese, a golden-baked bread topped with olive oil, tomatoes, and olives, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Seafood lovers will delight in fresh squid, shellfish, and raw shrimp, usually served simply with a few drops of lemon and olive oil. To finish the meal, enjoy a glass of local Primitivo or Negroamaro, powerful red wines from the sunny vineyards of Apulia.

Venice, located in the lagoon of the northern Adriatic, has a history spanning more than a thousand years. Founded in the 5th century as a refuge from barbarian invasions, it developed into a powerful maritime Republic that controlled trade routes between the East and the West.

The city is known for its unique system of canals and bridges, as well as impressive landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, which testify to Venice's wealth and historical importance. One of the most notable monuments is the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, built after a plague epidemic as a symbol of gratitude and faith.

Venice is also home to the famous Carnival, whose tradition dates back to the 11th century. The carnival is renowned for its masks, which erase social boundaries and create a magical atmosphere in the city streets.

Despite modern challenges such as overtourism and flooding, Venice remains a unique city – a symbol of history, culture, art, and unforgettable charm.