Malaga, Cartagena, Marseille (Provence), Savona, Barcelona

The southernmost large city in Europe, lies on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) of the Mediterranean, about 100 km east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km north of Africa. Málaga's history spans about 2.800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The walls of the Phoenician city are visible in the cellar of the Museo Picasso Málaga. The best-preserved Moorish citadel in Spain is located next to the Roman theater, which which dates from the 1st century BC and was rediscovered in 1951. The nearby caverns of Nerja provided refuge to humans 30,000 years ago and is a must-visit tourist attraction. Cruise guests can visit the old castles, the museums and the beaches or enjoy the scenery, sipping a Malaga sweet wine, accompanied with a plate of tapas.

Cartagena is major naval station located in south-eastern Spain, in the autonomus Region of Murcia. Since its foundation in 229 B.C, it has been inhabited by several cultures which have left their mark on its artistic heritage as one of the most important defensive ports in the country. The highlights of the city include the Muralla del Mar ('Sea Wall'), built by Charles III (18th century), the Old Cathedral located on the Camino del Parque Torres (behind the Muralla del Mar wall), the recently restored Roman Theatre (among its numerous other Roman remains, built between the 5th and 1st centuries BC), the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology ARQUA (at Paseo Alfonso XII, 22), the Town Hall, a gem of modernist architecture dating from the early 20th century and a number of modernist buildings made for its military fortifications. The best way to learn more about the Modernist architecture of Cartagena is to take a walk along the Calle Mayor, which leads off the Plaza del Ayuntamiento square. Here visitors will find the houses of Cervantes and Llagostera, by the Cartagena architect Victor Beltrí. Time given, don't miss Concepción Castle, built on one of the five hills of the old Carthagena and today home of the Centre for the Interpretation of Cartagena's History.

Marseille is the largest port on the Mediterranean, France's second largest city and a virtual melting pot of peoples and cultures. It is a unique city with a feel and culture all its own. It is also a place of striking contrasts, from the fishing boats of the picturesque Vieux Port to the modern Canebiere. Dominating the harbor is the infamous Chateau d'If, the rocky prison from which Alexandre Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo" escaped. If you have time, explore the countryside around Arles and Avignon, immortalized in the canvases of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso, try the renowned bouillabaisse or tour the lovely towns and vineyards of Provence. 

Savona is a seaport in the northern Italian region of Liguria, on the Mediterranean Sea. Savona is the home port of Costa Cruises for the cruises to East and West Mediterranean, the Canary Islands etc. It has a large, modern cruise terminal, the Palacroisière, which provides all the facilities for its passengers. Large cruise ships dock next to the marina, which is located in the historic center of the city. Most sights are within walking distance of your cruise ship, through a pedestrian bridge near the marina. One of the most important inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus, whose house, a cottage, is situated in the Savona hills. Highlights are the Cattedrale di Santa Maria (17th c.), located in the heart of the old town, the Priamar palace (16th c.), a reinforced fort just outside the port, the symbol of the town Brandale tower (12th c.), and the main tower (Tower Quarda) of the city Leon Pancaldo tower (14th c.) at the entrance of the old harbor. On the old markets, you will find souvenirs and local products. 

Barcelona is one of the world's greatest treasures, a global capital of commerce, fashion, culture and sunshine. Cruise visitors should start with a walk down Las Ramblas, the glorious tree-shaded thoroughfare at the heart of the city, enjoy a dive in the wonderful beaches nearby, but, most of all, see what visionary architect Antoni Gaudi wrought. Seven of his creations have been honored as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including La Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell and Casa Mila. Time provided, you can also visit the former Olympic Ring on the hill of Montjuic, home to world-class parks, fountains and museums. Barcelona, which nurtured such artistic giants as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Casals, is definitely a traveler's paradise.