Costa Smeralda

Journey to Genoa. You will take possession of your cabin and can explore the ship. At 17.00 h the call goes out: "Cast off!" and the ship sets sail.

Between 06.00 h and 07.00 h the Costa Smeralda lies off the Calanques, also known as the fjords of the Mediterranean. White cliffs plunge steeply into the sea. The ship anchors right here as the sun rises, for a concert at dawn surrounded by the scent of lavender blossoms. A pianist accompanies the moment with music inspired by the South of France. To finish, there is American coffee and croissants with the flavours of the region. Yes, it is early, but it is well worth it.

The ship then docks in Marseille. For a comprehensive taste of the beauty of Marseille's old town, we recommend a stroll along the Rue du Panier, just east of the Vieux Port. The "Vieux Port", meaning the Old Port of Marseille, is equally beautiful. (Arrival 09.00 h / Departure 18.00 h)

Enjoy an exciting day in Barcelona. A highlight of the city is the monumental Sagrada Família church, located in the l'Eixample district. Construction of the church has been under way for 140 years. Another "must see" is Park Güell, the most famous city park. It is adorned with thousands of mosaic tiles. (Arrival 08.00 h / Departure 18.00 h)

Take some time out and relax at the Solemio Beauty Spa, or enjoy an Aperol Spritz on Deck 18 with a wonderful view of the sea.

Only with Costa does the sunset at Carloforte become a true Mediterranean experience. Between 19.30 and 21.30 h the ship sails along the impressive coast of Porto Flavia and stops off Carloforte as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon. The characteristic jagged cliffs turn golden, while the silhouette of the island's pillars stands out against a fiery sky.

South of Sardinia, in the Gulf of Angels, Cagliari, a splendid city of Carthaginian origin, offers insights into its Roman, Spanish and Savoyard past (Arrival 07.00 h / Departure 16.00 h).

The city of Naples offers an exciting mix of history, art and culinary delights. From the harbour you enjoy a breathtaking view of Vesuvius, which dominates the skyline, and of the coastline along the Gulf of Naples. Food plays a central role in Naples, where pizza was invented, so be sure to treat yourself to an authentic Neapolitan pizza (Arrival 08.30 h / Departure 18.30 h).

Between 20.00 h and 21.00 h you can admire the Faraglioni from the sea in the final hours of the day. As the light turns warm and golden, the ship stops off Capri's most famous landmark, turning the moment into an exclusive experience, with attentive service, a relaxed citrus aperitivo and gentle background music.

From the old port of Civitavecchia you reach the heart of Roman and Etruscan civilisation. (Arrival 08.30 h / Departure 19.00 h)

In the morning you arrive back in Genoa, followed by the return journey to Switzerland.