Costa Cruises Comes Up with Great Mediterranean Offers

From the sun-soaked beaches of Mykonos to the Mauresque medinas of Morocco, Costa, Europe’s number one cruise line, offers the best of the Mediterranean in year-round cruises spanning from seven to twelve nights.

In 2007, the Italian cruise line will offer guests over 350 itineraries in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean aboard its fleet, including the new Costa Serena and Costa Concordia.

This summer, the new flagship Costa Serena will set sail on seven-night cruises departing from one of Italy’s most beloved ports, Venice, where palazzo-lined canals bring to mind the romance and beauty for which Italy is known.

From there, guests will visit the historic port city of Bari, Italy, home to some of Italy’s best nightlife, before continuing on to Katakolon, Greece, historic site of the first Olympic games.

The itinerary then continues on to Turkey, where guests will experience two stops in the country-the first in the 5,000 year-old city of Izmir, also known as the “Pearl of the Aegean Sea” and then on to Istanbul, the only city to span two continents. Travelers have long enjoyed the centuries-old port city for its many treasures, including the incredible Tokapi Palace and Blue Mosque, as well as its famous Grand Bazaar.

With a day to relax at sea, guests will then venture to Dubrovnik, Croatia, one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers in the region, filled with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Riviera and arguably one of the most picturesque spots in the world.

Autumn and winter months are some of the best times to take advantage of Costa’s Mediterranean itineraries with the Italian cruise line’s “Mediterranean Value Voyage Collection.”

Many travelers have long known the benefits of cruising the region during these seasons-lower priced airfare offers more affordable travel, while fewer crowds at ports of call make for easy exploration at the numerous historical sites. In addition, temperatures in the region are relatively mild, providing a comfortable vacation experience onboard and ashore.

The Western Mediterranean’s ports of call provide a sunny, enjoyable cruising experience in the autumn months. Beginning in October 2007, the Costa Magica will sail select dates on an 8-night itinerary through Spain and Portugal, offering a glimpse into the most beautiful coastal cities of the two countries.