Costa Pacifica - October 7, 2023

Taranto is located at the base of the Salentine Pennisula in southeastern Italy and was one of the the leading colonial cities of Magna Graecia and was under consant attack until the end of World War II. Recent exploration of the city's tombs have found a rich collection of Greek and Tarantian vases and hundreds of statuettes of Apollo, which are now housed in Taranto's National Museum. Visit the Roman baths and other Roman ruins, as well as the Aragonese Castle and the Baroque-styled Cataldo Cathedral in the old city.

Though once ruled by Venetian doges, Turkish sultans and French invaders, today's Corfiot citizen is as Greek as they come. Marvel at the 17th-century icons in St. George's Church, the medieval Palace of Phrourio or the 19th-century Achilleion Palace. The greenest of the Greek Isles, Corfu also boasts thriving vineyards and olive orchards among its rugged mountains.

Argostolion is the capital town of Kefallinia, one of the seven islands comprising the Estanisa, an island group in the Ionian Sea.

Steep, rugged Sicily had bred a race of fierce, funny and passionate people. From this important port, drive up the coast to visit Taormina. First Greeks, then Romans used this as a place of worship and reward. View the temples and the theater, Mt. Etna in the distance, or take a stroll and shop in the little village before you leave.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.

Located on the Riviera di Ponente, southwest of Genoa, Savona dates back to third century BC and features excellent examples of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Visit the Renaissance cathedral, the Capella Sistina, and the Palazzo della Rovere, built by Pope Julius II.