Costa Cruises: 18 nights from Savona with Costa Pacifica (Nov 3, 2024)

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.

Tanger

Funchal

The famous Portuguese poet, Júlio Dinis described Funchal as: ‘The sea on one side, the mountains on the other and between these two majestic splendours, the city smiles like a sleeping child, safe and warm, between its parents’. Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Settlers over 500 years ago were attracted to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural ‘amphitheatre’. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty harbour for almost 1,200 metres. The port is located 15-minute walk from the city center, in Funchal's magnificent bay with its sparkling blue waters. Due to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopover point for ocean-going ships for many years.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Praia

Praia is the capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago, the largest of the archipelago, west of Senegal. The country is divided into charming little unofficial districts, the most important are Plateau (centre), Achada, Varzea, Safende and Sucupira (bazaar area). At the Sucupira market, you can buy exotic souvenirs, such as Panu or Babosa land, as well as a variety of handicrafts. Its great strength is the port, which, in addition to its development and the fishing industry, allows the export of coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruit. Thanks to its pleasent climate, It is possible to visit the city all year round. Even during the so-called rainy season (from mid-August to mid-October), it can happen that there is no rainfall for weeks. Thanks to ocean currents, Cape Verde has the lowest temperatures of all West African countries. Cape Verdeans are very fond of music, especially zouk, Funana and local HipHop. They are able to dance energetically throughout the night and one can easily join in. The city has several colonial-era buildings. The main attractions in the city center include Albuquerque Square, the old town hall built in 1920, the presidential palace, built at the end of the 19th century, the Monument of Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who discovered the island of Santiago in 1460. Apart from those mentioned, its beautiful beaches and good nightlife make this place an idyllic destination.

Recife

Recife and Olinda interpret the typical coastal area of north-eastern Brazil, one city is located on the hill, the other is at the river delta. One city was founded by the Portoguese while the other by the Dutch.
Pernambuco Region Recife, in accordance with the commercial character of its Dutch founders, is an occupied, modern and efficient city. Recife is the second largest city in the north-east of Brazil; in the northern zone there are many pleasent green disctricts, surrounded by museums and parks, while in the south there is the modern beach district of BoaViagem. Other beaches can be easily reached and there is also the nightlife that people expect from a city of almost 2 milion of Brazilians.

Maceio

Discover Maceio, the pearl of the northeast!
Maceio, capital of Alagoas in Brazil, is a hidden gem, renowned for its turquoise waters and its fine white sand beaches. Renowned as 'the Pearl of the Northeast', this city offers a relaxing atmosphere and it is surrounded by uncontaminated nature. Its privileged location along the coast allows visitors to enjoy beautiful landscape and unforgettable sunsets, making Maceio the best destination for those who want to
escape from everyday life.

THE ENCHANTING BEACHES OF MACEIO 

The beaches of Maceio are undoubtedly ones of the best beaches in Brazil. Praia do Gunga, with its rows of palm trees and white land, is a true paradise on Earth, while Praia de Pajuçara offers crystal- clear water ideal for snorkelling and diving. For those seeking a more authentic experience, a visit to the natural pool of Pajuçara, reachable by jangada (a small local boat), is an activity not to be missed. These magical places offer the opportunity to swim among colorful fishes in an extraordinary natural environment.

 

MACEIO CRUISES
Choosing Maceio as the destination of your cruise means immersing yourself into a world full of beauty, adventure and relaxation. The port of Maceio attracts visitors with its peaceful charm that immediately makes them feel at home. Cruises that stop in Maceio offer the unique opportunity to explore this enchanting destination, with its paradisiacal beaches, delicious local cuisine and warm Brazilian hospitality. It is the best choice for those who want to add a touch of exclusivity and magic to their own trip, discovering one of Brazil's best well-preserved secrects.

Salvador

Salvador, the capital of the state Bahia in Brazil, is a lively city that vibrates to the rhythm of samba and candomblé, offering a rich and variegated cultural mosaic. This historic city, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife, is a stop not to be missed on Salvador cruises. Its unique atmosphere, where tradition and modernity are linked together, offers visitors an unforgettable experience, immersed in Afro-Brazilian history and culture.

Explore the historic center: the Pelourinho
The heart of Salvador is the Pelourinho, its historic city center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around the clobbed streets, you can admire colorful colonial houses, Baroque churches and lively squares. The Pelourinho is also the stage of recurring open-air musical performances and folkloric dances, offering visitor an authentic taste of local culture. Cruises that stop in Salvador allow you to immerse in this rich human cultural heritage, letting passengers living unique moments.
Immerse youself in Afro-Brazilian culture Salvador is considered Afro-Brazilian cultural capital of the country. Here, visitors can explore museums dedicated to African art, attending candomblé cerimonies or simply enoying the local cuisine, that fuses African, Indigenous and Portuguese flavors. Enjoying a cruise that includes Salvador offers the opportunity to discover these deep cultural roots, enriching the trip with meaningful and authentic
experiences.

Discover Paradise Beaches
In addition to its cultural richness, Salvador amazes with its enchanting beaches. From Praia do Forte to Itapuã, the coastlines around Salvador invite relaxation and recreation, with crystal-clear waters and fine sand. Cruises stopping in Salvador allow travellers to enjoy these natural wonders, offering a perfect balance of culture, adventure and relaxation. Opting for a cruise that stops in Salvador means choosing a journey rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The city offers a complete travel experience, capable of satisfying every type of traveller, from the passionate historian to the adventurer, from the bodybuilder to the seeker of relaxation on the beach. Salvador promises to leave indelible memories in the hearts of those who visit it, making it a must-see destination on cruises along the Brazilian coast.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro (whose name means January River in Portoguese) is a city in Brazil and the capital of the homonymous confederate state. Its population is almost 6,186,710 inhabitants (according to 2009 IBGE census), and its surface is 1,256 km2 while the population in the metropolitan area is almost 12 million habitants. Rio is the Brazil's second largest city after São Paulo and it was the capital of the state from 1763 until 1960, after Salvador da Bahia and before Brasilia.
The city is famous for its tourist attractions including: the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Art Nouveau statue of Jesus called Cristo Redentor located on Mount Corcovado, the Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) with its cable car, and its annual carnival, the most famous in the world. In Rio de Janeiro there is the largest forest within an urban area, theTijuca forest.