Costa Diadema: CPH - SVN - CPH11A0D

     Named after its founder in 1641, King Christian IV of Norway, Kristiansand is the country's fifth largest city with a population of 65,000 inhabitants. The king designed the city to reflect Roman tradition, and replicate Oslo, in a grid style with squares almost identical in size. This is preserved today in the so-called 'kvadraturen' quarters. Kristiansand's coastal position has historically given the city a strategic importance in the desire to control the waters of the North Sea and the Baltic.
     It is also protected to the interior by a chain of mountains and out to sea by a group of islands. Both the Norwegian navy and army presently have their headquarters in the city and its military academy is supposedly one of the most selective and highly disciplined in the world.
     There is also a prestigious zoological park in the vicinity of Kristiansand, an environmentally friendly consequence of when King Christian used to hunt in the area.

The local gastronomy is rich in fresh seafood and traditional Norman specialties such as cheeses, cider, and calvados.

Easily accessible from Paris, Le Havre is the perfect escape from the bustle of the capital and a chance to discover a unique mix of modern urban architecture and authentic French coastal charm.

     Santiago de Compostela is one of the most famous holy places of Christianity; in Mediaeval times it was just as important as Jerusalem or Rome. According to legend, James the Apostle (Santiago) came to Spain after the death of Jesus to preach the Gospel. Later he returned to Judea where, under the orders of Herod, he was decapitated.
     His disciples took his body back to Spain to be buried. At first the faithful came to his tomb to pray but, after years of war and disorder, it lay abandoned and forgotten. At the beginning of the 9th century a hermit noticed a star shining above a hill in a field ("campus stellae" or "field of the star"). An altar and a tomb were discovered on the site, containing a decapitated body. King Alfonso II of Asturias ordered a church to be built on the tomb of the saint, which was later replaced by a larger one in 900 AD. Al-Mansur sacked the city in 997 and destroyed the church, but the tomb was left intact.
     The present cathedral was largely rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries. The cult of Saint James grew more and more with stories of his presumed brave intervention in the battles against the Moors. The Saint was seen to appear for the first time at the battle of Clavijo in 884. Over the years, Saint James killer of the Moors, who went down in history as "Santiago Matamoros", was honoured as the Patron Saint of the country. Pilgrims from all over Europe, ever greater in number, travelled along the so-called "Camino de Santiago" (The Way of Saint James) to the sanctuary, around which grew up a town.
     Along the way they found hospitality with monks and knights of religious orders. With their rough cloaks, robust sandals and wide brimmed hats decorated with a mollusc shell - the symbol of the saint - the pilgrims on their way to Santiago were easy to recognise. Many visitors are surprised to find a baroque rather than a mediaeval cathedral at Santiago. The first view of the cathedral in fact is the highly ornate Obradoiro facade, added in the 18th century. Behind this, however, is the old church with its magnificent doorway, the Pórtico de la Gloria (1188), a Roman masterpiece by Maestro Matheo. The narthex is comprised of three portals decorated with figures and sculptures in relief.
     In front of the central column, where there is a statue of St. James with a pilgrim's stick, the faithful would lean with their hands on the stone, which, repeated so often over the centuries, has left fingerprints in the stone. The inside of the cathedral, always in semi-darkness, is simple but enlivened by the magnificent ceremonies that take place on festival days, when eight men dressed in red carry an enormous silver thurible ("botafumeiro"), hang it from the vault and let it swing. Whistling and throwing off sparks, the thurible spreads the scent of incense throughout the cathedral evoking ancient rites. The immense Plaza de España, on the west side of the cathedral is lined with beautiful buildings from various eras and in various styles, but which nevertheless blend together harmoniously.
     The Hostal de los Reyes Católicos was built by King Fernando and Queen Isabel, "The Catholic Monarchs", as a hostel and hospital for the pilgrims. Its plateresque facade conceals a magnificent hotel. You can treat your palate to some Spanish specialities par excellence: paella and gazpacho vary widely from one place to the next. In fact there are at least thirty recipes for gazpacho, a chilled soup of Moorish origin, whose main ingredients are tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, oil, vinegar and basil. The saffron rice in paella can be accompanied by chicken, rabbit, sausage, ham, prawns, shellfish, squid and lobster.
     The region produces the good white wines Albarino and Ribeiro; Agullo and Condado are slightly sparkling and go especially well with shellfish. As for shopping, we recommend leather goods, candlesticks and other handmade wrought-iron articles and silver jewellery, for which the Galicians are famous. In Santiago look for the pilgrim's symbol, the silver mollusc shell.

Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history spanning over 2,800 years. The city was founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC, and was later ruled by the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, each leaving behind a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Some of the most notable landmarks are the Roman Theatre, the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, which offers a stunning view over Malaga and the coast, and numerous museums. The most notable ones include the Picasso Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the La Manquita Cathedral.

The city is also known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and is home to La Concepción, one of the most significant botanical gardens in Europe and the modern Muelle Uno promenade.

Malaga offers beautiful beaches, such as Playa de la Malagueta, close to the city center, and Playa del Palo, as well as a rich gastronomic scene focused on fresh local ingredients. Specialties include espeto (grilled sardines), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), a wide variety of tapas, and sweet wines like Moscatel. The Atarazanas Market is the perfect place to sample local food and buy souvenirs.

Alicante is a city with a rich and layered history, stretching from Iberian and Roman times through Moorish rule to the Christian Reconquista. One of its most prominent landmarks is Santa Bárbara Castle, perched on a hill above the city, symbolizing the historical importance of the area. Today, Alicante is a modern and dynamic city with numerous attractions. Among the most famous are the Explanada de España promenade, the bustling Mercado Central, the MARQ Archaeological Museum, and the MACA Museum of Contemporary Art. The city also offers green oases such as Parque de Canalejas and Jardín de la Ereta, which boast beautiful views of the sea.

Located on the Costa Blanca coastline, Alicante is also renowned for its beaches, the most famous being Playa del Postiguet, situated right in the city center, with fine sand and crystal-clear waters.

Alicante's gastronomy is rooted in Mediterranean tradition and local ingredients. Notable dishes include arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish broth) and gazpacho alicantino (a cold vegetable soup), with the rich culinary offer further enhanced by a variety of seafood and local wines made from indigenous grape varieties.

Thus, Alicante is a destination that brings together history, culture, the sea, and gastronomy – an ideal combination for every visitor.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a city with a rich and diverse history that dates back to the Roman era. Over the centuries, it was under Roman, Arab, Byzantine, and Christian rule, all of which have left a lasting mark on its architecture and cultural identity. During the Middle Ages, Barcelona became an important commercial and cultural center of Catalonia, and in the 19th century, it experienced significant industrial and urban development.

One of the most notable architects associated with Barcelona was Antoni Gaudí, whose works such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà have become iconic symbols of the city. His unique style, which blends elements of Gothic, Modernism, and natural forms, has made Barcelona a uniquely vibrant urban space. Among the city’s most famous attractions are La Rambla, a lively promenade stretching from Plaça de Catalunya to the sea, and the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), the old part of the city filled with medieval alleys, buildings, and churches, including the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia. The artistic spirit of the city can also be felt in the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation, which house works by two of Catalonia’s greatest artists.

Barcelona is also renowned for its famous football club, FC Barcelona, whose stadium Camp Nou attracts thousands of visitors eager to experience the passion and pride that Catalans have for their team.

The city also offers a rich culinary scene – from its famous tapas to traditional dishes such as paella, fideuà, zarzuela, and the dessert crema catalana. A highlight is the Boqueria Market, where visitors can taste local products and delicacies. Today, Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, offering a perfect blend of history, art, architecture, sport, gastronomy, and Mediterranean spirit.

Marseille, the second largest city in France and one of the oldest cities in Europe, boasts a rich history and vibrant atmosphere, situated along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Founded by the Greeks over 2,600 years ago, the city has been influenced by many civilizations throughout the centuries, leaving a lasting mark on its architecture and identity.

Among its main attractions is the Old Port (Vieux Port) – the heart of city life, recognizable by its boats, cafés, and restaurants. The impressive Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views of the city, the islands, and Château d’If, the famous fortress from The Count of Monte Cristo. Also notable are the historic Le Panier district and MuCEM, a modern museum dedicated to Mediterranean culture.

Marseille’s cuisine includes specialties such as bouillabaisse – a traditional fish soup, and panisse – chickpea cakes. The city is full of authentic restaurants offering local flavors.

Nearby, the Calanques National Park is famous for its spectacular cliffs and clear waters, while charming towns like Aix-en-Provence and the fishing village of Cassis make perfect day trips. Wine lovers can explore the Provencal vineyards and enjoy tastings.

Colorful streets and historic buildings tell stories of the past, while sunsets over the sea create a special, warm atmosphere worth experiencing. Marseille is a place where tradition meets modern energy, ideal for pleasant moments and discovering authentic Mediterranean culture.

Savona, located on the Ligurian coast of Italy, is much more than just a seaport and a starting point for cruises – it is a historical and cultural treasure offering a rich experience for all lovers of art, architecture, and history. The city's numerous landmarks testify to its important role throughout the centuries. Among the most notable historical and cultural attractions is the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 16th century, featuring an elaborately decorated Baroque façade, frescoes, and an altarpiece dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Nearby is Piazza del Duomo, the main city square, surrounded by important buildings such as the Town Hall (Palazzo del Comune).

A special experience is offered by the monumental Priamar Fortress from the 16th century, which used to defend the city and today provides panoramic views of the sea and hosts cultural events. Savona is also proud of the Renaissance Della Rovere Palace, associated with the powerful family of the same name, as well as the Church of San Francesco, known for its simple yet dignified architecture. History and art enthusiasts should definitely visit the Salvatori Museum, which offers insight into the city’s development through art collections, archaeological finds, and historical artifacts.

Even a short stay in Savona offers the opportunity to explore its rich historical and cultural heritage. The city is a perfect place to walk through history and enjoy the local atmosphere, providing you with an unforgettable experience.