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“Magnifico Med 4 Country Cruise”
June 30-July 10, 2010
Activity Level: Easy
 Follow
the Italian, Spanish and French Rivieras on a magical voyage
of scenic
splendors, art and antiquities. You’ve never seen a blue like the
Mediterranean Sea where sailing began. After reviewing over 40 cruise
itineraries for this year, I chose this for its remarkable diversity.
At each port, layer upon layer of history unfolds for a journey of
discovery both, ancient and modern, glamorous and exotic.
In Spain – enjoy the
flamboyant city of Barcelona with Gaudi’s masterpiece architecture. On
the island of Mallorca, “land of pearls”, experience a nonstop
nightlife.
Immerse yourself in
France’s oldest city, sophisticated Marseille. From there you can tour Monte
Carlo, Monaco, Avignon and Aix En Provence.
Genoa Italy is the
birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Take an excursion to Sorrento or
the cliffside resort town of Portofino.
In Naples you can taste the world’s best pizza. Visit the exquisite
ruins of Pompeii or ride a hydrofoil over to Capri.
Discover Old Italy
along Sicily’s coast and the mysteries in its capital of Palermo. On to
exotic Tunisia in Northern Africa where the whispering sands of the
Sahara meet the sea. Here you can tour ancient Carthage or bargain for
treasures in the Kasbah.
Relax, unwind and
unpack just twice to visit these amazing areas in 10 days. Cruising
delivers the best value for an inclusive vacation. We repeatedly choose
Costa, “Europe’s #1 Cruiseline”, because they love groups. And they do
it the Italian style of La Dolce Vita with passion and carefree
spontaneity. Onboard it’s about warm hospitality, delectable cuisines
and destination expertise. The fabulous Concordia is our “floating
resort”. There’s so much to do onboard with unique features of poolside
movies, race car simulators, a chocolate bar and the world’s largest spa
at sea.
Join us as we set
sail to the authentic parts of Europe oozing with excitement and
history. This is the perfect cruise vacation people dream about.
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June 30 |
Fly the non-stop from New York into Spain with
the group or arrange your own air.
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July 1 |
Welcome to one of Spain’s most exciting cities.
Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and the capital
of Catalonia. This is the city Dali, Picasso and Gaudi.
It is a bit bohemian with an enthralling blend of old and new.
Here you can see Gaudi’s dramatic fantasies and listen to
Catalonian music as dancers sway in a lively Ramblas café. We
are met at the airport and transferred to 4 star
Hotel Catalonia
Barcelona Plaza in the historic district (swimming pool, gym, 2
restaurants, piano bar.)
The hotel is situated in the centre of Barcelona, a few meters
from the prestigious Paseo de Gracia, where you can admire the
best examples of Catalan modernist architecture and where the
city's most exclusive boutiques are located.
Embark on a guided city tour which includes the
famous landmarks. Climb Montjuic Hill for panoramic views. See
Gaudi’s impressive cathedral Sagrada Familia, Palace Saint Jordi,
entrance to the Spanish Village and then to the Olympic Sports
Museum and site. Continue to Barri Goti old quarter with its
architectural masterpieces.
Afterwards, the best fun is to get lost in
the
Ramblas, a pedestrian area filled with vendors and street
performers. Start north and walk downhill where all streets
lead to the Old Town, a jumble of medieval streets with many
historical sites. Also walk the Old Port lined with chic shops
and trendy cafes. Barcelona has an incredibly vibrant
nightlife. You can book a Flamenco Dinner Show or do your own
“tapas crawl” through tapas bars of Ramblas.
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July 2 |
After breakfast, some free time to explore.
Barcelona is home to many artists including Picasso. Visit the
Picasso Mueseum or you may opt to shop for top fashions, fine
leather goods and Spanish handicrafts here. Later we depart to
the cruise terminal to board our ship.
 The
Costa
Concordia
– built in 2006 is big with a capacity of 3000. There’s an
international ambiance where you’ll meet people from around the
world. The décor is glitzy. 550 cabins have balconies.
There’s much to do onboard. 4 swimming pools (2 with
retractable domes and 1 adults only), Formula One Race Car
Simulator, a Jumbotron movie screen poolside, 13 bars, Internet
Café, Sports Bar, Chocolate & Pizza Parlors, casino, shops and
more. Classes include: Itlaian cooking, Latin dance, Yoga,
Pilates and Spinning. With 6 meals offered daily, you better
sculpt your body in the new Technogym. Samsara Spa encompasses
20,000 sq’ on 2 decks. Purify your body with unique oriental
rituals both Indian and Japansese. Nights are made for “amore”
in the Piano Bar or Wine Bar. The excitement and energy is
found in the disco or specatcular evening shows. The most
popular venue however are the interactive “game shows” in Grand
Bar.
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July 3 |
Welcome to
Marseille France. Marseille is France’s oldest and
second largest city with urban drama and grand boulevards.
There are impressive museums, beaches and seaside cafes. This
is home to bouillabaisse (fish soup). Chefs declare the finest
food of France is found here. You can walk to the open air
markets in the old town at Vieux Port. Pass the Fort of St John
to the city’s greatest landmark, Church of Notre Dame de la
Garde. Contine to stroll down the scenic Corniche to Borley
Castle. For art lovers, Marseilles is the birthplace of
Cezanne. You can swim at Prado Beach here or hire small boats
out to the island of “Count of Monte Cristo.”
This is the region of lovely Provence. Enjoy
fine wines and French cuisines in the countless outdoor cafes.
You can book an excursion to Avignon only an hour drive to visit
the Palace of the Popes. You may also visit nearby Aix En
Provence, a university and spa town which is the cultural center
of Provence. Wander its medieval streets lined with fountains.
Visit the world’s best produce markets and the lively square of
Cours Mirabeau filled with locals.
This evening is Captain’s Gala. (There are two
formal nights on this voyage. Nowadays it’s semi-formal.)
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July 4 |
Welcome to Italy. Our ship docks in
Savona an important sea port in Liguria with a
picturesque medieval city centre. The most celebrated
inhabitant here was Christopher Columbus. You can visit his
cottage where he once farmed land.
 You
can take an excursion to
Portofino just 1 ½ hrs scenic drive. This “Pearl of the
Riviera” has always been a haven for celebrities and artists.
The charming village is set in a cove with pastel houses and
medieval streets. The villas on the cliffs overlook the Bay of
Rapallo. Chic boutiques and coffee bars line the yacht
harbour. Have a cappuccino at the deluxe Hotel Spendido. The
serene atmosphere looks the same as decades past.
Another choice this day is a ride to the tiny principality of
Monaco.
The Grimaldi family is the ruling dynasty for over 700 years.
Visit glamorous Monte Carlo, the haven for high society events.
Tour the fortified old town high on a hill overlooking the sea.
Watch the changing of the guard outside the Royal Palace. See
the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Ranier in the Royal
Cathedral. You’ll have time later to see the iconic Casino,
luxury hotels, shops and cafes.
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July 5 |
Naples
Italy is the home of Sophia Loren and where the
world’s first pizza was tossed. Walk into the historic center
to view exquisite churches and the National Archeological Museum
which houses frescos and secret erotic art from Pompeii. Ther e
are also 2 royal palaces and 4 castles to see. The San Carlo
Theater and 12th century Palatine Chapel are a
missed.
No trip here would be complete without a visit to
Pompeii which was destroyed in 79AD by the eruption of
Mount Vesuvius. This is the greatest archeological site I’ve
ever seen of the many around the world. Other excursions
offered are to charming Sorrento by train and hydrofoil
to the island of
Capri, one of Italy’s most visited sites. A 45 minute
boat crossing over the Bay of Naples is beautiful. The charm of
Capri is indescribable. This is where emperors Augustus and
Tiberius lived. After landing at the marina, ride the funicular
rail high up to the main town for spectacular views and
shopping. Visit the Gardens of Augustus and Farglioni Cliffs
which are the renowned symbol of the island. You’ll also find
the world’s best selection of fresh gelatos here in the bars off
the main square. If time permits, hire a boat into the
glistening Blue Grotto.
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July 6 |
Sicily
is called the “island of 1000 mountains.” It is the Old Italy
where Italians come to vacation. It is dotted with lemon,
orange, almond and pistachio orchards. Here there are volcanic
beaches, watersports, delicious cuisine, friendly people and of
course the Mafia. (A “Mafia Tour” reveals various sites of the
godfathers and their activities.)
We dock at the capital of
Palermo, the island’s largest city. Be sure to visit
the Monreale Cathedral with its 1000 mosaics. Also the vibrant
Vuccina Market. You’ll feel like you entered the Middle East
here in this market. Witness the spectacle of vendors yelling
and singing about their wares. You can eat your way through it
and shop for the most unique items. Spend time in Old Town
dining on Sicilian dishes. The weirdest thing I’ve ever seen in
all my travels is the Capuchin’s Catacombs here. Thousands of
bodies dressed in their finest line the walls like paintings.
Even children are posed. You should not miss this. It’s a
unique site you’ll never forget.
The ship offers an excursion “Sailing Through the
Turquoise Waters and Flavors of Sicily by Motorboat.” Visit
fishing villages, around the Addaura Coast and beaches of
Mondella Bay.
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July 7 |
Tunisia!
Step back in time to the land of the Berbers, nomadic tribes,
the Sahara and camels. The Romans left a mighty legacy here.
American soldiers fought here to free Tunisia in WWII.
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Tunis, visit the Medina in the city center with its historic
palaces. Marvel at the Olive Mosque. Lose yourself in the
kasbah or souks surrounded by aromas of fragrances and spices.
There are countless stalls filled with handicrafts. Bargain
with friendly vendors to half the price. Walk to Belvedere Park
to see the fig, palm and carob trees. It’s easy to get around
Tunis. Hire a “louage”, a shared taxi for 6 off the main square.
Visit the legendary archeological site of
Carthage. For centuries it was the most important
Mediterranean port until its destruction by Romans in 146BC.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well preserved with ruins
similar to temples of ancient Greece.
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July 8 |
Palma de Mallorca
is the largest and most popular of the 16 Balearic Islands off
Spain. It is mostly known for its superb beaches and perfect
weather year round. There is dazzling scenery in the mountains
with orchards of grapes, olives, almonds and apricots. We will
have two glorious days here and there’s much to do.
Palma is a cosmopolitan city with great Moorish
architecture. In the center is Old Town surrounded by walls.
Walk the historic quarter to see the Gothic Cathedral, Almudaina
Palace and convent of St Francis. There are many museums here.
Head over to the promenade along seafront. This is the place to
shop for hand blown glass, olive wood carvings and the
omnipresent pearls. Puerto Pollensa has a long beach of golden
sand. There are bicycle tours on the trail of Sierra Llevant.
Mallorca is famous for its non-stop nightlife. Just Google it
for endless options. We over night here with 2 full days.
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July 9 |
Mallorca. Enjoy the bustling capital of Palma or
explore the hillside villages and hidden beaches. The best
villages are Valldemossa and Stoller for incredible views. Most
tourists visit the Dragon Caves for a surreal experience.
Enormous halls with mysteriously lit grottoes lead to several
underground lakes. Or you can visit charming Deia, a haven for
artists where you can do a mule trek through lemon groves in
mountains, For the more active, you can find every watersport
known to man at the beach resorts. We set sail 1am to Barcelona.
We disembark at noon. Those arranging own may fly home. Those on
our group air will overnight at Hotel Catalonia
Barcelona Plaza to enjoy
free time here.
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July 10 |
Transfer to airport for our flight home. |
A $300 deposit to AFS will secure your space on a first come basis.
Don’t delay! This will fill quickly. Final payment due
April 2
Download a printable itinerary
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Land Tour and
Cruise Price:
Inside: $1495
Sold Out
Outside $1695
WAITLIST
Balcony $1995
WAITLIST
Includes
pre-cruise Barcelona stay in first class hotel with buffet breakfast, city tour,
ship transfer, 7 night cruise with all meals and port charges.
Not included, gratuities, optional shore excursions Single supplements for this sailing are not offered due to cost,
100% additional A fuel surcharge will not be imposed if oil is below $65 per barrel. |
Group
Air Package: $985 + $285 taxes* includes
post cruise first class hotel with buffet breakfast.
July 9 transfers from ship to hotel and July 10 hotel-airport
transfer for 11am departure home
AA 152S 30-JUN W JFK BCN
640P 845A (01-JUL)
AA 151S 10-JUL J BCN JFK
1100A 155P (same day)
JFK=NY, BCN=Barcelona
*Tax subject to change until
group is ticketed
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Check in 3 hours before departure and allow
2 hours to clear
customs upon return home. |
Note: Our ship docks at noon July 9
and there are no flights back to USA at that time. Thus we
added a post cruise extension night in Barcelona into our group
air package price.
Add on air –
The recent travel trend is for travelers to finalize their add
on air closer to departure time as airlines have been changing
air schedules. We suggest waiting 60 days prior to get air from
your hometown. |
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How do I book?
Book Now
or by phone call us at 877-813-9421 or in GA 770-432-8225
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Airlines have added substantial
surcharges to offset fuel inflation. The total ticket cost is not
final until we receive your final payment and are ticketed. If doing
own air, airport transfer may or may not be included depending on your
air schedule. Itineraries and hotels, though unlikely, are subject to
change. See terms for details
Itineraries are prepared often
a year in advance. Though not likely, AFS and our suppliers
reserve the right to change or modify such to meet local conditions.
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