11 DAYS • 12 MEALS Come explore the jewels of the Mediterranean where ancient empires were born. Resplendent architecture, ancient wonders and masterpieces of renowned artists await.

Welcome to Rome, Italy
Your Mediterranean Classic Cruise begins on arrival at Rome Leonardo da Vinci airport where you will be met by your experienced Tour Manager who will make your cruise/tour both carefree and enlightening. Mayflower Tours has arranged for two nights in Rome with one night prior to embarking on your cruise ship and a second night following your Mediterranean Classic Cruise.

Roma... a historic city rich in art, monuments and exquisite views which have been preserved through the centuries. On a panoramic tour of the city, you'll be mesmerized by the ancient architecture of the Pantheon, Roman Forum and Arch of Titus which has stood the test of time. While visiting St. Peter's Square, witness the weekly blessing (Angelus) bestowed by Pope Benedict XVI (Papal schedule permitting). On your return stay in Rome, don't miss the optional visit to the Vatican and be in awe of the maginificent art and sculptures leading up to the Sistine Chapel. Shop for the latest designer fashions, sip a cup of Italian coffee and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

Welcome aboard Costa cruises
newest ship the Costa Pacifica
“Beautiful! Passionate! Italian” This is the essence of a Costa Cruise. Sail during the inaugural year aboard the Costa Pacifica a ship that encapsulates all that is best in Costa Cruises. Enjoy tastefully furnished modern staterooms with first-class amenities as well as a gym, sauna and whirlpool, five restaurants, casual dining venues and lounges, casino, shopping gallery, theatre and more.

After spending one night in Rome, embark on Costa Pacifica your luxurious home for the next seven nights. Visit the city of Genoa, birthplace of the world’s most famous mariner, Christopher Columbus. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Barcelona’s medieval Gothic Quarter and see Antonio Gaudi’s incredible unfinished cathedral. Then the sun-splashed port of Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands of Spain. Feast your eyes on Ottoman art in exotic Tunis, home to an ancient medina and the Roman ruins of Carthage. Discover “The Fortress City” of Valletta, Malta, and next discover the Italy of old in the ancient island-kingdom of Sicily. Then end your cruise with one final night in Rome before returning home.

Genoa, Italy: The Most English of all Italian Cities
The birthplace of Christopher Columbus is full of refined palaces and elegant churches, standing next to humble houses. Museums are filled with Renaissance art from the city's illustrious past. Genoa boasts several spots on the World Heritage List, among them the 16th-century Via Garibaldi, with its magnificent palaces, lovely gardens and frescoes. Genoa is also home to the world's oldest working lighthouse, Genoa's city landmark. Take a walk in the historic center with its street vendors and smell the coffee, intermingled with the flavor of pesto sauce. A 19th-century writer said, “I have never seen anything like Genoa! It's something indescribably beautiful, grandiose, distinctive,” words that remain as true today as they did then.

Barcelona, Spain: Home of Gaudi delights
Next, bustling Barcelona, one of the most flamboyant and loved cities in the Mediterranean. Las Ramblas and Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Church are among the favorite sights. Many galleries and the Picasso museum make it an art lover’s dream.

Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain:
A Vibrant Port with a Historic Past
Amid fishing boats, pine groves and palm trees lies the capital of the island of Mallorca, famous for its beaches and beautiful sea. Stand in awe of the grand gothic cathedral, the Palace of L'Almudaina, a former residence of the Majorcan monarchs, now a museum, and the Museum of Modern Art with famous works by Cézanne, Gauguin, and Picasso. Visit the fish market and Plaza Mayor. Behind the 18th-century walls that kept pirates at bay, the historic quarter is concealed. Old churches, palaces and stately mansions speak of its prosperous past.

Tunis, Tunisia - Africa: Of Mosques and Mausoleums
With a history that dates back to the 2nd century, Tunis is the capital city of Tunisia. The medina of Tunis is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 700 monuments of ancient mosques and mausoleums. The Roman ruins of Carthage are nearby as is the Bardo Museum, offering a collection of Roman mosaics and other antiquities. But what you won't want to miss is the lively souk or marketplace where you can buy handicrafts of gold, bronze and olive wood as well as watch the artisans weave brightly-colored fabric with hand looms.

La Valletta, Malta: 7,000 Years of History
This fortress city, the capital of Malta was built by the Knights of St John with its masterpiece of baroque architecture and World Heritage status. Narrow side streets house some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces, while tiny shops sell antiques, books, prints and jewelry.

Palermo, Sicily: A Capital City filled with exotic cultures
This large, spacious and colorful capital city is a place of mystery where reality often outperforms the traveler’s imagination. Palermo’s origins date back to the period between the 8th and the 6th century B.C. with many dominators including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and others. Situated on the plain of the Conca d’Oro (Golden Shell) breathtaking views await.

Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime tour and explore the wonders of the Mediterranean!