Costa Deliziosa: PMA - ATH - PMA07A2Q

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.

     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.

Rhodes, a Greek island located in the southern Aegean Sea, is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and beautiful beaches. The island offers a perfect combination of ancient monuments, vibrant towns, and relaxing nature, making it one of the most popular destinations in Greece.

The island’s capital, also called Rhodes, is famous for its medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its walls, narrow streets, palaces, and churches provide a fascinating insight into the island’s rich history, from the era of the Knights of St. John to Ottoman rule. The city offers numerous museums, shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife.

On the eastern coast of the island lies the charming town of Lindos, one of Rhodes’ gems. Lindos is known for its white houses, traditional architecture, and the magnificent acropolis that rises above the town, overlooking the crystal-clear Aegean Sea. The acropolis, dedicated to Athena, is one of the most important archaeological attractions on the island and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding beaches and sea.

Rhodes boasts stunning beaches such as Tsambika, Faliraki, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Prasonisi, which is famous for its unique conditions for surfing and kitesurfing. Beyond the sea, the island also offers mountainous areas with hiking trails and traditional villages where visitors can experience the authentic island lifestyle.

The gastronomy of Rhodes is rich in local specialties – fresh fish, olive oil, honey, vegetables, and traditional dishes such as souvlaki and moussaka.

Rhodes is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and active relaxation, with opportunities for exploration, leisure, and enjoying typical Greek hospitality.

Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands, located in the Aegean Sea and part of the Cyclades island group. Known for its whitewashed houses with blue shutters, narrow cobbled streets, and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos is a symbol of Mediterranean glamour, while also offering a relaxed island atmosphere.

The island’s main town, Chora (also known as Mykonos Town), charms visitors with its picturesque architecture, small boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and the iconic windmills overlooking the sea. The town is lively both day and night, with numerous cafés, tavernas, and clubs that attract travelers from all over the world. The island also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece – such as Psarou, Paradise, Super Paradise, and Elia – which offer crystal-clear waters, beach bars, and a variety of water sports.

Culture lovers can visit the nearby island of Delos, an important archaeological site and one of the most significant sacred places of ancient Greece, easily accessible by boat from Mykonos. In addition, Mykonos offers museums, churches, and traditional neighborhoods that provide insight into the island’s history and way of life.

Despite its global fame, Mykonos manages to retain its authenticity, especially outside the peak tourist season, when the island becomes quieter and reveals its more traditional character. Mykonos is an ideal destination for those seeking a combination of luxury, natural beauty, entertainment, and Greek culture.

Athens – the Cradle of Democracy, Philosophy, and Ancient Civilization. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Athens is one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, the city has long been a center of democracy, philosophy, and the arts. Athens played a key role in the development of democracy and was home to great philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Athens boasts numerous historical monuments and archaeological sites, the most significant being the Acropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture and art. The Acropolis includes the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Today, Athens is a vibrant city with over 3 million residents, blending its rich history with modern life, a dynamic cultural scene, and exceptional cuisine. Traditional dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, gyros, and spanakopita offer an authentic taste of Greek gastronomy.

Athens remains a destination that captivates visitors with its history, culture, and unique blend of the ancient and contemporary worlds.