Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place. In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.

A crossroads of trades and cultures, Marseille is the oldest city in France. The varied social make up of the city is reflected in the vibrant musical and artistic scene.

Above the port of Savona, the Priamar Fortress greets every departure and arrival of the Costa ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Genoa and its aquarium are nearby. The port of Savona, which you can explore during your cruise in Italy, is one of the prettiest of the Italian Riviera. The lovely climate, summers that are never to hot, mild winters and the exceptional beauty of the sea near the town makes Savona an excellent base to set out to explore Liguria. Savona is notable for the Priamar Fortress, which has dominated the town since the 16th century, and also for its historic centre where you can visit Savona Cathedral. A stop in Savona can also be an opportunity to visit the nearby city of Genoa and its narrow, picturesque streets, known as “caruggi”.

Lively Ajaccio was founded by the Romans, who named its bay “adjaccium”, resting place. Every year tourists from all over the world come here, attracted by the sheer beauty of the Corsican scenery.

Tarragona, port city of Spain, is located less than 100 km from Barcelona from the top of its walls, here you can admire one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Catalonia and the immense amphitheatre, stage for gladiatorial combat in Roman times. During your Mediterranean cruise, you will visit the Port of Tarragona; a true gem, with Roman ruins that are the pride of its residents and historical traditions that are part of the local folklore. The Roman heritage is still part of the urban context in Tarragona. Here, you can watch the reenactments of the centurion parades and gladiatorial combat. During the stop in the port of Tarragona, proceed to the Praetorian Tower. On the first floor there is a model of the medieval town and its glory that was lost during a war that is still commemorated with solemn candles on the steps of the cathedral. If you have the time, watch the races of human pyramids that are organised in various districts of the city.

Travel through the streets of the port, where Christopher Columbus left for America, and visit this beautiful town and its surroundings. Make a stop in Cadiz, an Andalusian town that gives its name to the region it is capital of and the gulf on whose heights it stands proud. Its buildings are characterised by influences, in chronological order, of the Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and the Christians. The port of Cadiz was the departure point of the expedition that led to the discovery of America. Here you can admire the charming seafront promenade and the 3 km bridge that crosses the bay. Don’t miss the chance to taste “tapas de chorizo” or see a flamenco show.

Lisbon is a city of decadent charm that we can discover among lifts and slopes and small restaurants where they serve salt cod in every variant. The capital of Portugal is a concentration of the Portuguese lifestyle. Upon arrival at the port of Lisbon, you’ll start your stay enjoying delicious local cuisine. You won’t have any difficulty finding a restaurant on the river bank where you can have a glass of Vinho Verde and taste some sweet rice treats. Whatever you’re looking for, from strong emotions to calm, the city can satisfy you. You can also bask on its beaches or visit the historic buildings of the city of seven hills. Then jump on the tram and head to the art galleries and museums of the second oldest capital in Europe.

An extraordinarily rich architectural and cultural heritage and a strong tie to the sea: it is wonderful to admire the never-ending motion of the waves from the galerias, the traditional balconies in front of houses overlooking the ocean.

A modern and vibrant city, as well as being a major port and the capital of the Département of Seine Maritime, Le Havre is a lively place, with plenty of culture and many well-preserved old buildings.

Bruges is characterised by its many canals lined with beautiful medieval buildings and the strong fragrance of chocolate running through the city. The Port of Bruges is one of the tourist jewels of Belgium. The city, nicknamed the Venice of the North, has managed to retain its medieval architecture and fabulous monuments over the centuries, despite its thriving economic development that made it one of the largest commercial ports in Europe today. Visit the marvellous historic centre declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and explore its quaint streets full of historical monuments, criss-crossed by beautiful canals and taste one of the best chocolates in the world.

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. The Maritime Museum’s vintage ships and exhibits trace the city’s seafaring history. The 17th-century Delfshaven neighborhood is home to canalside shopping and Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshiped before sailing to America. After being almost completely reconstructed following WWII, the city is now known for bold, modern architecture.

The port of Kiel in Germany is at the heart of the city. If you like lighthouses, the visit to the Bülk lighthouse will be a source of great satisfaction. Kiel is a city in Northern Germany, whose origins date back to the 13th century. Its story has been widely influenced by maritime activities and currently is one of the European capitals that holds nautical races. The port of Kiel is located right in the city centre and is the ideal starting point for a visit. Between visits to the old railroads and the unmissable WWII submarine, enjoy a stop at the Bülk lighthouse. You can also visit the botanical gardens and the numerous animal ranches out of town.

The capital of Denmark is undoubtedly the most important city in this country that stretches along the Baltic Sea and has just over 5 million inhabitants. Copenhagen lives in the legend of the Little Mermaid, the most famous character in Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales: seeing the statue depicting the beautiful mermaid, the symbol of the city, is always one of the most exciting moments of any visit.