Savona is the third largest city in Liguria, after Genoa and La Spezia. It boasts remarkable points of interest such as the Priamar Fortress which was built by the powerful Republic of Genoa, and dates back to the 16th century. The Savona Sistine Chapel, smaller than its Roman namesake, which was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century, and the Cathedral of Maria Assunta, the main place of worship in the Savona area. Another prominent aspect of the city is the Art Nouveau-style architecture.
Things to do in Savona:
Art Nouveau Architecture
Savona is one of the main Italian cities in which the Art Nouveau style developed. Villa Zanelli, built in 1907, represents one of the main masterpieces of this artistic movement in Italy. It is located on the beach of the Legino district and can be seen by visitors as they walk by on the sand.
Bergeggi
Bergeggi is a historic village in the province of Savona, about 110 meters above sea level. Just off the mainland is the island of the same name, also known as Isola di Sant’Eugenio, ideal those who love diving and exploring marine fauna and flora.
Capella Sistina
The Sistine Chapel, not to be confused with the chapel of the same name in the Vatican City, was built at the end of the fifteenth century at the behest of Pope Sixtus IV - to whom it owes its name. It was designed as a tomb for the noble Della Rovere family of Savona.
Priamar Fortress
The construction of the Priamar Fortress began in 1542, and takes its name from the hill on which it stands. It was built and then expanded at the behest of the Republic of Genoa, with the aim of bringing the city of Savona under full control.
Marseille (Provence)
DAY 2
With a history dating back to the 5th century and the accolade of European Capital of Culture 2013, in Marseille you’ll find an old city full of charm to explore and pretty modern districts alike. Tuck into a classic pissaladière at the old port before visiting the famous coves of the Calanques National Park to the south- a stunning sight and only 25 minutes away by car. Before you leave don’t forget to buy a Marseille soap to give your suitcase a delicious holiday scent!
Things to do in Marseille (Provence):
Calanques National Park
Lying just 25 minutes' drive from Marseille, this stunning national park forms a natural harbour on the Mediterranean coastline. Boasting over 8,000 hectares of green landscapes and dramatic coves, don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins from the cliff edge.
History Museum of Marseille
With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Marseille History Museum is the ideal way to walk the paths of Marseille’s engrossing past. Covering everything from the ancient Greek founders and Roman traders, to more recent affairs, the museum is a must for those in love with archaeology and French history.
Le Panier District
This old district of Marseille has witnessed many moments of history, from the turbulence of ancient times to the darkness of WW2. Today you’ll find charming narrow streets to wander, dotted with artisan shops, cafés, bars and bistros.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Affectionately called the “Good Mother”’ by locals, Notre-Dame de la Garde was built in the 12th century on the site of an old fort and has seen countless renovations. Standing proudly 157 metres above the city, this is the place for unrivalled views of the city.
Vieux Port
The Port of Marseille is the cradle not only in terms of location but in bringing trade, culture and wealth to Marseilles. Nowadays you’ll find the famous fish market a scenic waterfront ideal for sipping pastis while watching the world go by.
La Corniche
Renamed in honour of US President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963, this pretty boulevard boasts architecture from many different eras, and is the perfect place to go for a stroll and admire the pretty beaches and coastline of Marseille.
Barcelona
DAY 3
This vibrant seaside city is home to unforgettable architecture and creative scenes from renowned artists. The buildings you’ll find here are unlike anything you’ve ever seen, such as Park Güell and Casa Batllo, while foodies will be spoilt for choice with 20 different Michelin star restaurants. At the end of a busy day of shopping enjoy the energetic nightlife, or relax on the beach with newfound friends. Whatever your interests, Barcelona has the perfect itinerary for you.
Things to do in Barcelona:
Las Ramblas
Visiting Las Ramblas is an absolute must when in Barcelona. Visitors can experience the weird and the wonderful, from the Museu de l’Erotica to the Miró Mural, in between trying a range of authentic tapas bars and cafes before a much needed siesta.
Sagrada Familia
Although the Sagrada Familia is not technically complete, it’s still an impressive sight to behold. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, this spectacular Basilica hosts many masses, events and a place to simply marvel at in wonder.
Barcelona City History Museum
Home of the cultural heritage of Barcelona, the Barcelona City History Museum manages several sites of interest including archaeological sites and historic houses. Visitors will discover the Roman colony, prehistoric Spain, Barcelona’s Jewish community and more.
Park Guell
Comprising of vibrant gardens and beautiful architecture, Park Güell was designed by Antoni Gaudí and officially opened in 1926. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding showcase of Gaudí’s genius design, Park Güell makes a wonderful place to go for a walk.
Casa Batllo
Another one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batllo is a truly eye-catching building to explore. Visitors are able to explore this fantastic showcase of the designer’s work, and even enjoy live music and other events on the roof terrace.
Casa Mila
This modernist building was the last residence to be designed by Antoni Gaudí and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the building with an audio guide, and even enjoy rooftop shows on a romantic evening.
Sant Sebastia
One of Barcelona’s oldest beaches, Sant Sebastià Beach features everything you need for a fantastic day in the sun. With indoor and outdoor pools, changing rooms and amenities for lounging, visitors can go for a dip, enjoy an ice cream and find dinner all in one area.
Camp Nou Stadium
With capacity for over 99,000 people, Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Spain and cathedral to the Catalans’ second religion- the beautiful game! Visitors can catch an exciting game of football here or take a guided or un-guided tour of the grounds.
Palma, Majorca
DAY 4
On the coast of the largest Balearic island, this sun-soaked seaside city dates back to the 13th-century and is a must visit for any adventurer. A simple stroll will take you on a journey back in time, past breath-taking architecture, medieval history, bustling markets and to an endless array of authentic eateries. With so many hidden gems amongst iconic landmarks, places like Casa Antiguo are the best bet for a true taste of Palma culture.
Things to do in Palma, Majorca:
Le Seu Cathedral
Found in the heart of Palma, La Seu is a stunning Catalan Gothic style cathedral, with renowned architect Antoni Gaudí contributing to its intricate design. Featuring 61 stained-glass windows, the building flooding with coloured light inside is simply a must.
Castell de Bellver
Built in the 14th century, Bellver Castle is surrounded by lush pine woods and houses an insightful museum of Palma’s municipal history. Visitors will love taking a walk around the moat before admiring the view out over the city and bay from the rooftop.
Casco Antiguo
The quaint, winding cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo are the perfect place to lose yourself in the culture of Palma. Discover gothic bookshops, antique boutiques and must-see tourist sites such as La Seu and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum.
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Showcasing a wide range of art throughout history, Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is a must visit to discover the cultural heritage of Mallorca. With works by Picasso, Magritte and more, you’re bound to find your new favourite piece.
At Sea
DAY 5
You will be at sea on day 5 while travelling from Palma, Majorca to Palermo, Sicily.
Palermo, Sicily
DAY 6
Palermo is the capital of Sicily, as well as the fifth Italian municipality by population. The city has a long history: it was in fact founded by the Phoenicians at the turn of the 7th and 6th centuries BC and was subject to the conquests of various populations, including Romans and Saracens. Numerous buildings are recognised by the State as national monuments due to their historical and artistic features, such as the Cathedral and the Martorana Church.
Things to do in Palermo, Sicily:
Capella Palatina
The Palatine Chapel is located within the larger Palazzo dei Normanni complex. It is a basilica with three naves in Norman-Byzantine style and its construction began in 1129 at the behest of King Roger II of Sicily.
Capuchin Abbey and Catacombs
The Convent of the Capuchins, dating back to the 16th century but built on previous structures, is located in the Cuba district of Palermo. The basement houses the Capuchin Catacombs, where it is possible to admire the body of the little Rosalia Lombardo.
La Martorana
The Church of the Martorana is located in the historic centre of Palermo and boasts a Sicilian-Norman architectural style with Baroque influences. It is part of the circumscription of the Italian-Albanian Church and officiates the liturgy according to the Byzantine rite.
Monte Pellegrino
At Monte Pellegrino you can admire the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of the city of Palermo, dating back to the 17th century. It was built on the remains of pre-existing religious buildings and is located inside a rock ravine.
Palazzo dei Normanni
The Palazzo dei Normanni is the oldest royal residence in all of Europe. Also declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2015, in the past it was the residence of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Sicily, imperial seat and of the Sicilian Parliament.
Palmero Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Palermo was established in 1866 and owes its name to Antonio Salinas, a Palermo archaeologist who directed the structure. You will be able to admire numerous finds of the peoples that have characterised centuries of Sicilian history.
Palermo Cathedral
The Cathedral of Palermo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, is the most important religious structure in the city. The current structure, built in the 12th century, presents different architectural styles with Norman and Islamic influences.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
DAY 7
One of the most famous cities in the world, Rome has been an epicentre of politics, art, architecture, and food for thousands of years. It is home to some of the most well-known historic sites such as the Colosseum, the pantheon, and Vatican City. It’s easy to spend a day in a hundred different ways in Rome, whether you’re looking to sip on incredible wine and people-watch, indulge in decadent pasta, pizza, risotto, and gelato, or if you’re eager to wander around the streets soaking in all the history you can. Rome is one capital city which will always leave you wanting more.
Things to do in Rome (Civitavecchia):
Vatican City
Found in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in Europe at just 0.44km² with a population of 1,000 people. It acts as headquarters to the Roman Catholic Church and is home to The Apostolic Palace - the Pope’s residence –the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.
St Peter's Basilica
Within Vatican City is one of the biggest churches in the world; St. Peter’s Basilica. Accommodating up to 20,000 people, this is where the Pope delivers services. Its 136 metre high dome was designed by Michelangelo, and was completed in 1614.
Colosseum
The colosseum was opened in 80 A.D. with 100 days of exciting games. It was mostly used for gladiatorial combat and fights with animals until around the 6th century when it began to fall into disrepair. It was then used to store building materials until the 18th century, when the papacy decided it should be preserved. As it stands now, however, more than two-thirds of the structure has been destroyed.
Sistine Chapel
Known the world-over for its elaborate, 15th century artwork courtesy of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Luca, and Perugino, the Sistine Chapel is where new Popes are elected and ordained. It is located within Vatican City, inside The Apostolic Palace.
Michelangelo's Pietà
This Michelangelo sculpture is located inside St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It depicts the body of Jesus after he has been crucified, being held by the Virgin Mary. The statue was originally commissioned by Jean de Billheres – a French cardinal – as a memorial for his tomb.
Pantheon
This is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome. There are myths surrounding the building of the original Pantheon, but the structure we see today was built in 120 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian. It was created as a Pagan temple to “honour all Gods” – which is the translation of “Pantheon”. In the year 609 it was converted to a Christian church, although it is still widely known as the Pantheon.
Piazza Navona
This popular public square is located where the (now fallen) Stadium of Domitian once stood, in 86 A.D. Since then it has been developed into a social gathering spot, adorned by three magnificent fountains that were commissioned in the 16 and 17th centuries. These are Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana del Nettuno.
Savona
DAY 8
Savona is the third largest city in Liguria, after Genoa and La Spezia. It boasts remarkable points of interest such as the Priamar Fortress which was built by the powerful Republic of Genoa, and dates back to the 16th century. The Savona Sistine Chapel, smaller than its Roman namesake, which was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century, and the Cathedral of Maria Assunta, the main place of worship in the Savona area. Another prominent aspect of the city is the Art Nouveau-style architecture.
Things to do in Savona:
Art Nouveau Architecture
Savona is one of the main Italian cities in which the Art Nouveau style developed. Villa Zanelli, built in 1907, represents one of the main masterpieces of this artistic movement in Italy. It is located on the beach of the Legino district and can be seen by visitors as they walk by on the sand.
Bergeggi
Bergeggi is a historic village in the province of Savona, about 110 meters above sea level. Just off the mainland is the island of the same name, also known as Isola di Sant’Eugenio, ideal those who love diving and exploring marine fauna and flora.
Capella Sistina
The Sistine Chapel, not to be confused with the chapel of the same name in the Vatican City, was built at the end of the fifteenth century at the behest of Pope Sixtus IV - to whom it owes its name. It was designed as a tomb for the noble Della Rovere family of Savona.
Priamar Fortress
The construction of the Priamar Fortress began in 1542, and takes its name from the hill on which it stands. It was built and then expanded at the behest of the Republic of Genoa, with the aim of bringing the city of Savona under full control.
I booked a break in Dubai followed by a cruise for my wife and myself, in February 2020. We made several requests for hotel, private transfers and drinks package on the cruise. The agent who dealt with me lives in North of Scotland, sorry I misplaced his name, was fantastic . Everything he promised to do worked out. The private transfers were bang on time and beautiful big clean cars. The cabin on the ship was well chosen and of course the drinks package. This agent for Iglu Cruise is a great asset to the business and I would have no hesitation in recommending Iglu to anyone what needs help booking a cruise.
This is worst cruise ever and after doing 10 with Costa never again. The food in main dining room augh. Limited choice and things that were available now extra cost yet before their was more choice. Drink package forget no longer alcholic cocktails . Water what a performance you would get bottle water in bars resturants no longer in bars just a glass and only allowed in resturants suppose to have drink package, Since going with Costa many years ago what was included in price is now a extra. Like ice cream is now a extra in dessert course either not availabe or now extra cost and Italian's invented it I no longer wish to comment on Costa Cruise their lost MSC'S GAIN>
Lack of advanced information caused inconvenience. We took sufficient clothing expecting formal evenings but there were none apart from smart casual. Apart from this everything was fine and up to very high standards.
Excellent experience as first-time cruisers both from Iglu and Costa. Advice on options (cabins, flights, extras) and booking experience with Iglu was reassuring, and very beneficial. The overnight in Barcelona and then the 7 night cruise was amazing. The ship was a floating palace. Embarkation (security checks), the cabin (with balcony), service (throughout the ship), food (inclusive), entertainment (theatre, gym, pools, bars) were all very good. Wine package (6 bottles) was worthwhile. DIY port site-seeing suited us, so we didn't book excursions. Overall a VERY positive first cruise, at a decent price.
Lovely food and super waiter called Indra who looked after us very well in the Aduliera lounge. Table 10. Comfortable cabin well cleaned. Well organised embarking and disembarking. Suggestions: Pools need changing lockers as they are difficult to access without robes on. Too much loud throbbing music all the time. Too difficult to get a cup of tea especially on arrival. Mistimings for after dinner entertainment, we were too late for first performances and too sleepy for second. A cinema would be good. No books in the library, how come? Basically the ship was too big for us and I worry about the impact these vast liners are having on the environment.
5000 passengers is far too much, and in much of the ship there was throbbing music - bit like Dante's Inferno. Everyone kept getting lost on board and the signeage was very bad. Why not have arrows outside every lift , pointing to the front and the back of the ship. That would have helped enormously. When I sought out what was described as the Library, I was dismayed to find that there was nothing inside it but empty chairs and tables. Not a single book in sight. That rather summed up the Diadema. Also get fed up with every single announcement being made (interminably it seemed) in six languages. Appalled to hear that Costa Cruises are about to launch two ships that are even bigger. Not for us.
This was my first ever Costa cruise so I had no idea what to expect. The check-in went smoothly on my arrival in Barcelona with my bags taken, given a boarding card and told to await for boarding on the first floor at my allotted time. I was two hours early and sat in the cafe (nice) and had some lunch. I started to join the queue for boarding and found that I was meant to have checked in (again) at the desk on the first floor and have my health declaration checked. Why do a check in twice? There were lots of people behind me and the same thing happened to them and we had to leave one queue and join another and return to the original queue. Chaos! The Diadema is a beautiful ship and looks amazing as you walk around. I was aboard for a week and think there were areas I still haven't seen. She is massive! The food really lets the ship down. The buffet at lunchtime and evening on the 10th deck is horrible with inedible food, dirty tables and not enough staff. If you have a restaurant on your card (I was Coruna Blu) then have your evening meal there. It was open dining so I could go there at any time. Best time is immediately after 7pm as many of the other passengers seem to opt for eating later in the evening. I never found more than 5 people waiting in front of me to get entrance in to the restaurant. The food was usually cold when delivered to the table but there was no point complaining as the staff were so rushed off their feet. I spent an extra 10 Euros on a beef steak on my final night and it was superb. Breakfast in the Fiorentina restaurant was nice if you just want an alternative to the buffet, but don't expect the hot food to be hot. They have an English breakfast but it was cold every morning. I had breakfast delivered to my cabin on 3 mornings and it was fine. You pay 5 Euros for the privilege but better than sitting in the dining rooms in the midst of breakfast chaos. The highlight of my trip was a meal in the Teppanyaki restaurant where the staff, food and overall atmosphere was exceptional. It was wonderful and I should have booked it every night! If you make the reservation on the Costa website, it doesn't automatically make it with the ship as I found out to my cost. I turned up to find that there was no reservation in my name. Fortunately, I got a table. The internet is expensive but very reliable. It worked out at about 120 Euros for heavy usage for 7 days. I did several excursions and they were all very good. The trip to Rome was horrible as the seats on the coach were that close together, I couldn't even sit properly in the seat. I am only 6'1" and it shouldn't be that bad. We had a 90 minute journey and it was horrible. I wasn't the only passenger to feel the issue with the seats but there was nothing that could be done to sort out the problem. It is definitely worthwhile getting the drink package from the outset as it will save you a fortune if you have a couple of glasses of wine, unlimited soft drinks/coffee/tea and the odd cocktail at night. Always a good buy is the laundry service which was on offer at 20 Euros for 24 items. It was done overnight and appeared the following day beautifully cleaned and pressed. Check your final invoice as mine had several mistakes. They were fixed by the hospitality team without any problems. I thought the entertainment was very good. The bands playing in the bar were exceptional and the couple doing acrobatics were fantastic. A great atmosphere in all the bars and very attentively looked after by bar staff.
Security to board ship was controlled in an extremely rude manner. Our cabin which was booked as a twin room was in actual fact a double bed which had to be split leaving no space at all around the beds. A 6 inch gap proved very hazardous for my elderly father ..ridiculous 1 t.v channel out 100 that were watchable. shower was broken and needed attention. Noise from above into the early hours making it impossible to rest. 7 a.m cleaners outside cabins causing noise and disturbance Day 1 in palma my father had a fall after managing to return with him to the ship we found the doctor and as my father was leaning against the wall barely unable to stand the doctor simply dragged me away from my father to show me the price list. I was disgusted that I managed my father myself after waiting 20 minutes that is for someone to find me a wheelchair. Once in our cabin staff refused to me the wheelchair and so so my father was stranded. The food was shockingly awful in the buffet there was nothing to cater for the English pallet and far too many people . There were no seats and it was like free for all to get food absolutely disgusting. Restaurant food was no better especially with an hour and a half wait in between courses,being squeezed onto a table with strangers topped off with service from rude waiters. The English breakfast was freezing and over cooked... We were told all soft drinks were included only to find this was not the case and we had to travel up 4 decks just to get a cup of tea in the morning then after that pay extra. Laundry costs were outrageous. cost of alcohol and soft drinks were also just as outrageous . Entertainment was most certainly not aimed at the English and was quite awful . We again had specifically asked the agent to advise us so that my father and myself had shows to go to in the evenings. We felt there was always an opportunity for costa to make money and it gave the holiday a bad vibe.. This cruise for my father should have been a relaxed time especially at such a cost but it was a cruise from hell. With all the points mentioned above plus the organised chaos of boarding and disembarking along with unhelpful staff. After disembarking there was to be an eight hour wait at the airport for the flight this was ridiculous organisation by then we had just had enough and after not being able to fly home after day1 we decided to get an earlier flight at our own cost. We are shocked the agent sold us this particular cruise knowing it would not be suitable for the English and for someone of my fathers age. We tried on many occasions to contact the agent and left messages before we left to express some concerns to do with all the online booking. My father has simply wasted his savings on what should have been his last and most enjoyable holiday. We wait to hear back from you and hope you will look into all these complaints. Thankyou
Just back from a week on the beautiful Costa Diadema. We found everything to be really top notch. We have sailed with celebrity and rcl in the past and for the difference in money were surprised how good it was. Most of the music and entertainment was in english so no problems there. This is a very family friendly lively ship so if you are after a sedate med trip then its probably not for you. The white night deck party was like something from an Ibiza nightclub. Great fun if you like that kinda thing. There was however something for everyone on board. Just be prepared to have fun. We found the food to be good, but very Italian as you would expect. After all it is an Italian ship. A selection of cooked breakfasts are available every day in main dining room or continental breakfast on the lido deck. We had a premium cabin which had a nice room-service menu for a nominal service charge. Cabins were spacious and well appointed, the bathroom a bit small but more than adequate. The ship is really lovely and all the public areas are as nice as any other ship we have been on. We took advantage if the piu gusto drinks package which covered us for all and non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and cocktails. It was worth the money! All in all I would go with Costa again and look forward to trying some of their other ships
Just returned from a 1 week cruise on Costa Diadema, we had read reviews from others before we went so had an idea of what to expect. The ship itself was very nice although decor very gaudy. As expected the ship was full of Italian passengers. The evening meal was a disappointment for me personally, food cold, not very tasty and very Italian. If you dont like Italian food your out of luck. There were a choice of breakfasts, a sit down waiter service breakfast with an International flavour and a buffett service geared again for the Italian passengers. Lunch however was lovely, self service and excellent choice. This was the highlight of the day. The entertainment in the theatre was very good, better than expected, however the theatre does get very full so we used to get a seat at least 20 mins before the start of a show to ensure a decent view. Compared to other cruise lines, including Celebrity, RCI, & Norwegian, Costa lacks in quite a few areas, tea and coffee, soft drinks etc not available once breakfast was over, you had to pay for them, water in room and at dinner, again you had to pay which I think is disgraceful. No ice cream or pizzas on the menu, again you had to pay extra for these. On other cruises these are all free. Overall, we had a good holiday but would not cruise with Costa again, much better cruises for same money and less rude people to avoid.
I had a fabulous holiday onboard this beautiful ship. I suggest all guests who book to go all inclusive as some drinks can be quite expensive with no tea or coffee in cabin. Guests onboard are from a mix of European nations. The Spa was wonderful and i highly recommend the thermal sweet. Entertainment some shows where excellent and others not quite to standards one expects. There was a lot to do on board in the evenings and i highly recommend the Rock Bar. The excursions and ports where nice. The breakfast menu was a little disapointing, as the cruise ship catered for all guests from different cultures.The Full English Breakfast was only available in the restaurant and was ok. The Staff where lovely and very helpful, I will try another cruise line again.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
