Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Milan.

Fly to Milan where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Milan. The rest of the day is free for you to get acquainted with this fashionable city.

DAY 2: Milan - Sirmione - Lake Garda.

Before leaving Milan visit the Gothic Duomo before heading towards Lake Garda, and Sirmione, its picturesque spa town. Why not stroll around the narrow cobbled streets taking in the many shops and ice cream parlours. Continue to your hotel on Lake Garda for two nights. (B)

DAY 3: Lake Garda area.

A whole day is yours to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and charming villages, surrounded by the mountains to the north and the gentle slopes of the morainic hills to the south. Alternatively, why not join an optional excursion to the enchanting Dolomites, now a UNESCO heritage site. (B, D)

DAY 4: Lake Garda - Verona - Lake Como.

This morning visit the delightfully romantic city of Verona. See Juliet's balcony and enjoy some time at leisure before heading to Lake Como. (B, D)

DAY 5: Lake Como.

Inspiring everyone from Roman Senators to great composers and Hollywood actors, Lake Como is the romantic image of the Italian lake district, with its cobalt blue waters lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens and grand villas. Today, get to know the area and join the included boat trip to Bellagio, which occupies one of the most scenic positions in the whole of Italy. (B, D)

DAY 6: Lake Como - Lake Maggiore.

Leave the picturesque resort of Lake Como en route to Lake Maggiore, stopping in the small Swiss town of Lugano with time to admire the small, charming Lake Ceresio. Continue your journey to Baveno for two nights. (B)

DAY 7: Lake Maggiore.

Set between Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or enjoy some of the many activities available around Lake Maggiore. Perhaps join an optional excursion that takes in the delightful Borromean Islands. (B, D)

DAY 8: Lake Maggiore - Savona to embark your cruise ship.

Transfer to the port in Savona to embark your cruise ship, Costa Serena. (B, D)

DAY 9: Civitavecchia (for Rome).

Today don't miss an optional excursion to witness the glory that is Rome. Italy's capital overflows with Roman, Renaissance and Baroque treasures, making it a sightseer's dream. Optional excursions to see the vast and glorious St Peter's Square, the majestic St Peter's Basilica and splendid Clemente's Basilica and the mighty Colosseum will be available. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Palermo.

Originally a Carthaginian stronghold in the 5th Century BC, the Sicilian capital is set in a valley called the 'Golden Shell' and combines a modern bustling metropolis with a traditional old quarter. It has a good selection of fine architecture and some of Italy's best museums. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 12: Palma de Mallorca.

Today, arrive in the Mallorcan capital, Palma, where you will have plenty of time for sightseeing. Attractions include the impressive Gothic cathedral, the 14th Century Bellver Castle, the Convent of St Francis and the Carthusian Monastery of Valldemosa. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Valencia.

Home of paella, vibrant Valencia is Spain's third city and boasts a chequered past of Roman and Moorish occupation. Fringed by golden beaches, its centre is a compelling blend of sunny plazas, Gothic churches, gardens and modern skyscrapers, all now flanked by the surreal new City of Arts and Science - a futuristic cultural complex comprising spectacular steel-and-glass museums and planetariums. Today, roam around the charming centre where narrow alleyways weave around the ornate Cathedral, a stunning Romanesque-Gothic-Baroque edifice said to be the resting place of the Holy Grail. Once inside, climb the coiling staircase of its octagonal tower to soak up the inspiring panoramas over the city below. Later, admire Valencia's main square, the Playa del Ayuntamiento, the fine Museo de Bellas Artes and the Torres de Serranos, part of the city's original 14th century gate. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Marseille.

France's largest commercial seaport, cosmopolitan Marseille is the capital of Provence and boasts an intriguing 2,600-year-old history. With a scenic old harbour at its heart, it's renowned as the home of bouillabaisse - a clue to its great culinary reputation. Today, why not delve into its past at Borely Castle, buzzing Old Port and Cathedral Notre Dame, a 19th century church adorned with boat-shaped offerings from local sailors? (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Savona - Milan - UK.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to Milan airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Note: For 'Tour & Cruise' departures between 27 May and 9 Sep inclusive the following cruise itinerary will operate:

Day 8: Savona

Day 9: Civitavecchia (for Rome)

Day 10: Olbia, Sardinia

Day 11-12: Ibiza

Day 13: Palma de Mallorca

Day 14: Marseille

Day 15: Savona

Accommodation on Tour

Milan: Ibis (3*); Lake Garda: Ramada at Moniga del Garda (4*); Lake Maggiore: Milan & Speranza at Stresa (4*); Lake Como: Lario at Mezzegra (3*).

Pre-bookable Drinks Package

£77 per person

A drinks package can be purchased at the time of booking and includes unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during meal times on the cruise.

Your Holiday Map

Magic of the Italian Lakes + Western Mediterreanean Cruise

Itinerary Map

Costa Serena

Inspired by the mythology and architecture of ancient Rome, Costa Serena is an imaginatively designed floating resort dedicated to relaxation, rejuvenation and fitness. The indulgent Samsara Spa Centre encompasses two full decks and includes a state-of-the-art gym as well as an indoor pool and speciality health restaurant. The chic and spacious public areas offer up a rich variety of facilities and amenities while the 1430 bright, well-appointed cabins comfortably accommodate 3780 guests.

Public Rooms & Facilities

4 swimming pools (2 with retractable glass roof); 5 Jacuzzis; 5 restaurants, including 2 main, 2 buffet and 1 reservation only; 13 bars and cafés including Cognac & Cigar bar and Coffee & Chocolate bar; Samsara Spa with gym, Thalasso pool, treatment rooms, UVA-ray solarium sauna and Turkish bath; jogging track; multi-purpose sports courts; shopping centre; theatre; casino; disco; Grand Prix simulator; internet point; library; 14 lifts.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Dinner is taken at 2 sittings in either the Vesta or Ceres restaurants. As you would expect all menus have an Italian flavour, with a number of international choices as well. The pasta dishes are particularly good with fresh pasta made on board everyday. There are a number of other restaurants and bars on board such as the informal Prometeo Buffet Restaurant or Lido Urano; the Club Bacco à la carte restaurant, and the Samsara speciality restaurant. There are 2 gala nights per week when the dress code is formal; on other nights it is informal/smart casual.

Cabins

All cabins have twin or double beds; individually controlled air-conditioning/climate control; satellite TV; telephone; safety deposit box; hairdryer; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category I1 cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories and Descriptions:

I1 Twin inside cabin lower deck

I2 Twin inside cabin lower deck

I3 Twin inside cabin middle deck

E1 Twin outside cabin lower deck

B1 Balcony cabin middle deck

B4 Balcony cabin middle/upper deck

B5 Balcony Aft cabin middle deck

Tipping

According to international custom in the hospitality industry, tipping is accepted as a way of recognising good service. For your convenience Costa has introduced an automatic tipping system, so instead of worrying about how much and when to tip, an amount of 49 euros per person will be added to your on board account. For your convenience, a service charge of 15% is added to all bar and wine orders.

Magic of the Italian Lakes + Western Mediterreanean Cruise 14 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.

Earlier 2012 Later
Jul Sun 01 Aug Sun 26 Sep Sun 02 Sep Sun 09 Sep Sun 16 Sep Sun 23 Sep Sun 30 Oct Sun 07
Birmingham

Departure Times

16:00 Flybe

Departure Times

16:00 Flybe

Departure Times

16:00 Flybe

Departure Times

16:00 Flybe

Departure Times

16:00 Flybe

Departure Times

16:00 Flybe

Departure Times

15:50 Flybe

Departure Times

15:50 Flybe
 
London Gatwick

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet
 
London Heathrow

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways
 
Manchester

Departure Times

12:15 Flybe

Departure Times

12:15 Flybe

Departure Times

12:15 Flybe
   

Departure Times

12:15 Flybe

Departure Times

12:15 Flybe

Departure Times

12:15 Flybe
 

Magic of the Italian Lakes + Western Mediterreanean Cruise 14 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

Earlier Dates Date Depart From Price from PP   Later Dates
  1 Jul 2012 Birmingham

Departure Times

16:00 Flybe
Select  
  1 Jul 2012 London Gatwick

Departure Times

07:40 easyjet
Select  
  1 Jul 2012 London Heathrow

Departure Times

07:45 British Airways
Select  
  1 Jul 2012 Manchester

Departure Times

12:15 Flybe
Select  

Magic of the Italian Lakes + Western Mediterreanean Cruise

Price from £1099.00

What's Included

  • Flights UK - Milan - UK
  • Accommodation in twin room with private facilities on tour and as per cruise ship details
  • Meals 7 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D) on tour and full board on cruise ship
  • Services of a tour director on tour
  • Porterage at hotels on tour and on cruise ship (for one suitcase per person)
  • Individual Audio System you will be given headphones and a receiver so you can clearly hear the tour director/local guides during your visits (on tour)
  • Transfers between overseas airport, hotels and cruise ship
  • All local, port and airport taxes
  • Single share option (on tour only)

Holiday highlights

  • Milan Visit
  • Sirmione Visit
  • Lake Garda Scenic drive
  • Verona Visit and see Juliet's balcony
  • Lake Como Boat trip to Bellagio
  • Civitavecchia (for Rome)
  • Palermo
  • Palma de Mallorca
  • Valencia
  • Marseille

Departures from

  • Birmingham
  • London Gatwick
  • London Heathrow
  • Manchester

Departures between

01 Jul 2012 to 28 Oct 2012

Print this page

NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.