888-475-2573

Esther Ruth Knopfmacher

www.cruisesbyesther.com

954-752-2573

Mediterranea sailing on August 29th, 2012

11-Night Mediterranean (Mediterranean)

Departure Port:	Savona
Sailing Date:	Wednesday, 08/29/12
Return Date:	Sunday, 09/09/12
Nights:	11
Ship:	Mediterranea
Cruise Line:	Costa Cruises
Per Person:	from $154 per night

from $1,698.00
Per Person

Inside Cabin
From $1,698.00 pp

Ocean View
From $1,898.00 pp

Balcony
From $2,148.00 pp

Suite
From $4,148.00 pp

Additional Sailing Dates

2012 Departures:

7/16, 9/21, 10/24, 10/25

About The Cruise

The Costa Mediterranea has a unique personality inspired by Italy's 17th and 18th century palazzi and castles, while the decks are dedicated to mythology in the Mediterranean Sea - a crossroads of cultures and civilizations. The spectacular Maschera d'Argento Atrium spans 10 decks high and features an incredible sculpture of dancers suspended mid-air. Reminiscent of an aristocratic Sicilian palace, the two-level Degli Argentieri Restaurant is adorned with exquisite objects d'art and frescos. The interior spaces on board this 86,000 ton ship are truly an expression of an inimitable, unique style.

Day #	Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
1	Wednesday, 8/29/12	About Savona A part of the Italian Riviera near Genoa, Savona is a city rich in history and enterprise, largely centered around its port. A tour of the city may include a visit to "Columbus's House," a former residence of Christopher Columbus nestled in the Savona hills. Or one may visit Savona's most important monument, the Priamar, a recently-restored castle stronghold located near the port. Savona Activities Near the Rocca di San Giorgio, on the "Promontorio del Priamar", stands the fortress named Priamar, built after fall of Savona in Genoese hands (1528) by the Genoese in 1542, on the area of the old cathedral and old city and later used as a prison and military prison (italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned here). Near the Cathedral (built 1589 – 1604) is the Cappella Sistina, containing the tomb erected by the Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IV to honor his parents. The Cathedral has one of the most notworthy wooden choirs of XVI cent. European churches. Facing the cathedral is the unfinished Palazzo Della Rovere, built by Cardinal Giulio della Rovere (Pope Julius II) from the plans of Giuliano da Sangallo as a university. The old towers, survived after 1528 ruin (war with Genoa): the Campanassa (Commune tower where freedom of Savona was signed in 1191), towers Corsi and Riario, "Ghibelline Tower", and Torre della Quarda (also known as "a Torretta"), in Leone Pancaldo square. The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia. In neighbourhood of Savona remains a house documented as property of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, where they lived for many years (Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth). Savona	--	5:00pm
2	Thursday, 8/30/12	About At Sea Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want. At Sea	--	--
3	Friday, 8/31/12	About Katakolon Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia, site of the first Olympic games which began in 776 B.C. Olympia was a sacred precinct built exclusively for the quadrennial games dedicated to Zeus during which all hostilities were ceased in the name of athletic competition. Much was destroyed when the games were outlawed as a pagan festival in 393 A.D., but visitors can still see the Temple of Zeus and the 45,000 seat stadium. The Archaeological Museum houses sculptures, including the famous "Winged Victory." Katakolon Attractions Visit the site of ancient Olympia, 25 miles from Katákolon. With the impressive Temple of Zeus with its forty-foot statue of the god, and the original Olympic stadium, this town was a hive of activity in centuries past. Katakolon Activities You are invited to experience the beauty and charm of the Mercouri's Vineyards and Winery, to see the old and new winery, and also to have a taste of the three different wines produced locally. Katakolon	1:00pm	6:00pm
4	Saturday, 9/1/12	About At Sea Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want. At Sea	--	--
5	Sunday, 9/2/12	About Ashdod Site of an ancient Philistine town, today Ashdod is the gateway to Israel´s fascinating culture. Visit the historic and religious sites in Jerusalem and Bethleheim; or take an excursion to Masada and the Dead Sea. Ashdod	9:00am	9:00pm
6	Monday, 9/3/12	About Haifa This beautiful seaport is a marvelous departure point for sight-seeing in Israel. Drive through the orange and olive groves of the Judaen hills to Jerusalem, or take an excursion to Jericho, Nazareth, Bethlehem, or Acre. Haifa Activities Haifa University is situated on one of the Carmel peaks, 480m. above sea level. It is outstanding for its modern planning and three graduated buildings. For spectacular views of Haifa and the Bay area, visit the lookout point in the Eshkol Tower, the University's main building. The University also houses an art gallery with works displayed by artists, victims of the holocaust. A tour of the site includes the Visitors Center where a film is shown and a call at the Reuben and Edith Hecht Archaeological Museum. The Zoo and the Botanical Gardens are situated in Gan-Ha'em in the Carmel Center. The Zoo has a variety of animal species and some lovely secluded spots. Also visit the Botanical Gardens and the Nature Museum, where you can view stuffed animals and a rare collection of live snakes. "Mother's Park" is situated in the Carmel Center and offers a promenade, lovely lawns, a children play area and cafes. During the summer open air concerts and performances are held in the park. The Sculpture Garden is a beautiful setting for 22 bronze statues donated to the city by the scupltress Ursula Malbin. The garden perfectly combines art and nature and overlooks the Bay area and the Galilee landscape. The Bahai Shrine is a beautiful golden-domed Shrine is located on Mt. Carmel, the site of the Adminsistraative and Spiritual Center of the Baha'i Shrine. The remains of Said Ali Muhammad, one of the two founders of the Bahai religion are buried inside the Shrine. The spectacular Bahai Gardens, planted in 1909 and nurtured ever since surround the Shrine, by comparison, the interior of the Shrine has been done with utmost simplicity. A number of period styled houses still survive from the time German Templars settled in Haifa. Dating from 1868, many of the houses are located on Ben Gurion Avenue and in the immediate vicinity. The lovely houses and courtyards tell us of the Templars lifestyle. The focal point of Elijah the Prophet's activity, the cave has since become a pilgrimage site for believers of the three main religions. Visitors and pilgrims alike have recorded many inscriptions on the cave's walls, including Greek names and a Menorah. An impressive Church of the Carmelite Order, it serves as a pilgrimage center. The Stella Maris Church also houses a collection of antiquities. The Usfiya and Daliat-el-Carmel Druze villages are located on the Carmel summit. In the center of Daliat-el-Carmel you can find a colorful market, open daily except Fridays. Haifa	8:00am	8:00pm
7	Tuesday, 9/4/12	About At Sea Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want. At Sea	--	--
8	Wednesday, 9/5/12	About Izmir The beautifully-restored ruins of Ephesus near Izmir bring history to life. Ephesus is where Paul preached to the Ephesians, where St John wrote the Gospel and where the Virgin Mary died. Izmir Attractions The clock tower at Konak Square is Izmir's landmark today. It was built by architect Raymond Charles Pere in 1901 to commemorate 25th year of enthronement of Ottoman sultan Abdulhamit I. Roman aquaducts were built on the Meles (Kemer) river to bring fresh water to the city. They're from late Roman period and double arches were built by bricks and stones stick together with Roman mortar. Same aquaducts were restored and used also by Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. Today only few sections left from a long aquaduct which can be seen at Sirinyer (old Kizilcullu) district driving from the airport to the city center. Izmir	8:00am	6:00pm
9	Thursday, 9/6/12	About Athens Piraeus is the main port of Athens, the biggest in Greece, and one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus is walking distance from Kastella, a hill strewn with beautiful houses that offers a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf. Other points of interest include an archaeological museum, Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy an ouzo accompanied by seafood mezedes. Athens	8:00am	5:00pm
10	Friday, 9/7/12	About At Sea Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want. At Sea	--	--
11	Saturday, 9/8/12	About Civitavecchia For centuries the ancient port of Civitavecchia has served as the gateway to magnificent Rome. Its a city so immersed in history, you'll find yourself drifiting back to a distant time. Home of Michelangelos Sistine Chapel, Rome flourishes today as she did in her Golden Age. Experience Rome, a city of colossal ruins, majestic cathedrals and a golden past, worthy of many return visits. Civitavecchia Attractions Experience the history of Rome as you wander around the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Civitavecchia Activities Explore the amazing history and culture of Rome. Stop at the Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, a Roman sacrificial altar enclosed in a screen of Parian marble. Visit the Vatican Museum, where you can walk through the many rooms that house the largest art collection in the world. Travel through magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. View the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece of Renaissance art, the ceiling of which was painted by Michelangelo. Toss a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain - a way to ensure that you'll always return to Rome. Civitavecchia	8:00am	7:00pm
12	Sunday, 9/9/12	About Savona A part of the Italian Riviera near Genoa, Savona is a city rich in history and enterprise, largely centered around its port. A tour of the city may include a visit to "Columbus's House," a former residence of Christopher Columbus nestled in the Savona hills. Or one may visit Savona's most important monument, the Priamar, a recently-restored castle stronghold located near the port. Savona Activities Near the Rocca di San Giorgio, on the "Promontorio del Priamar", stands the fortress named Priamar, built after fall of Savona in Genoese hands (1528) by the Genoese in 1542, on the area of the old cathedral and old city and later used as a prison and military prison (italian patriot Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned here). Near the Cathedral (built 1589 – 1604) is the Cappella Sistina, containing the tomb erected by the Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IV to honor his parents. The Cathedral has one of the most notworthy wooden choirs of XVI cent. European churches. Facing the cathedral is the unfinished Palazzo Della Rovere, built by Cardinal Giulio della Rovere (Pope Julius II) from the plans of Giuliano da Sangallo as a university. The old towers, survived after 1528 ruin (war with Genoa): the Campanassa (Commune tower where freedom of Savona was signed in 1191), towers Corsi and Riario, "Ghibelline Tower", and Torre della Quarda (also known as "a Torretta"), in Leone Pancaldo square. The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia. In neighbourhood of Savona remains a house documented as property of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, where they lived for many years (Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth). Savona	9:00am	--
Number of Nights: 11

Mediterranea

Ship: Mediterranea
The Costa Mediterranea has a unique personality inspired by Italy's 17th and 18th century palazzi and castles, while the decks are dedicated to mythology in the Mediterranean Sea - a crossroads of cultures and civilizations. The spectacular Maschera d'Argento Atrium spans 10 decks high and features an incredible sculpture of dancers suspended mid-air. Reminiscent of an aristocratic Sicilian palace, the two-level Degli Argentieri Restaurant is adorned with exquisite objects d'art and frescos. The interior spaces on board this 86,000 ton ship are truly an expression of an inimitable, unique style.

Inside Cabin
From $1,698.00 pp

Ocean View
From $1,898.00 pp

Balcony
From $2,148.00 pp

Suite
From $4,148.00 pp

Additional Information

Costa offers all kinds of dining options, so you can eat formally or casually, in the open air, in a restaurant or in your stateroom any time of day or night!

Dining choices abound from poolside dining to midnight buffets. Each day you may choose to dine Casual at the buffet, Traditional in the main restaurant or in one of our world-class Specialty restaurants (additional charge applies). Cozy bistros serve pizza, gelato, cappuccino and espresso and room service awaits your call 24 hours a day.

Theres a variety of dining experiences onboard every Costa ship:

Trattoria Italiana ~ Casual Dining in the buffet or by the pool deck.
Tradizionale ~ Traditional Dining in the main restaurant.
Salute e Benessere ~ Spa Menu for the health conscious.
Dining di Lusso ~ Deluxe Dining in one of our specialty restaurants.
Piccolo Morso ~ A Lite Bite from the buffet or room sevice 24 hours a day.
Pizzeria ~ Pizza in the bistro.
Spuntino ~ Treats to Sweets from the midnight buffet.

Morning

You can have your breakfast served free of charge in your cabin. If you prefer a more substantial morning meal, special breakfasts are also available, for which you have to pay on some ships.

If you prefer to breakfast in the self-service restaurant, you will find newly baked croissants and traditional Italian coffee. Our bread and cakes are always fresh and fragrant, being prepared each day in the ship's bakery. And if your morning hunger is still not appeased, pizza is served free of charge as a late-morning snack.

Late Morning

Lunch, too, is an opportunity to enjoy some delicious dishes in the restaurant, in the buffet or beside the pool. There are special menus for vegetarians or people on a diet.

We have a special children's menu with some tempting choices. Using their 'boys and girls card', children can ask for a drink whenever they feel thirsty.

Don't miss out on special eating occasions such as the Pasta Festival or barbecues on deck.

Afternoon

The most elegant event is afternoon tea, served by the pool or in the ship's saloon. Teas from all over the world are dispensed in fine china cups to a relaxing musical accompaniment.

From time to time, Costa kitchen staff give cookery lessons, demonstrating their skills and inviting you to taste their handiwork.

Evening

In the evenings, you can relax and enjoy good food in the ship's restaurants, or don evening dress to take part in the more exclusive gala dinners.

On some ships, you can experience a gastronomic treat by booking a table in the a la carte Club restaurant, where dishes are prepared by renowned chefs. The atmosphere is luxurious, intimate and relaxing, an exclusive privilege for Costa Crociere clients.

Today families are realizing the ease and enjoyment of cruising with Costa, which offers the perfect setting for a reunion. Onboard there are menus, activities and a variety of entertainment designed to suit every family member from kids to grandparents. From Italian language classes to cooking classes to duty free boutiques and a la carte body treatments, plus our youngest guests and their parents are invited to participate in our Costa Kids Program. Indeed, some of the best things do come in small packages and thats certainly the case with our Costa Kids Program. From pizza parties and pirate treasure hunts to face painting, masquerades, and even Italian language lessons, supervized activities like these are all in a days play for kids lucky enough to cruise with Costa. And that means you and your family can enjoy all the fun of Cruising Italian Style. Morning, afternoon and evening events are scheduled to entertain children from 3 (out of diapers) to 17. Whether its an ice cream social or a karaoke contest, Costa knows how to keep kids busy...and we arent kidding!
	Costa Kids Program From morning to night our entertainment staff are here to entertain children and teens, giving you the time to relax and enjoy the whole cruise and, if you like, while on excursions. For all children between the ages of 3 to 17, Costa Cruises entertainment staff are available every day from 9:00 am to midday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and from 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm. This is a free group service. There are four Clubs: 2 for children: Mini from 3 to 6 years, Maxi from 7 to 11, 2 for teenagers: Teen Junior from 12 to 14, Teen from 15 to 17. Teen Junior is only active during certain periods. Children under the age of 3 are allowed to enter and stay in the room only during certain times (not during busy times in high season) and must be accompanied by an adult.

	Ship Amenities for Kids *Games room* Younger guests can have hours of fun in a pirate ship or giant lego brick room, with a vast assortment of video games. *Shore Excursions* While Costa does not offer shore excursions specifically for children, there are, a number of shore excursion activities well suited to them at special rates. *Family Fun* Kids and their parents can get together and participate in fun activities like karaoke, bingo and even a talent show. These activities are a great opportunity for parents and kids to spend time together and have loads of fun while theyre at it!

	Kids Menu and Beverage Card Children will love the special Kids Menu that is served at every meal for it contains all of the foods that kids like best! Spaghetti, Pizza, Hot dogs, Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Grilled Cheese, Ice Cream and more - there is always something to please even the most finicky eaters! Plus, Costa offers a Boys & Girls beverage card for 10 non-alcoholic drinks so kids can have fruit juices and carbonated drinks at any time during their cruise!

	Parents Night Out Costa gives parents traveling with children some time off by organizing two events where kids spend the evening with other guests their age at a fun themed dinner (Squok, Pirates, Circus, Video games world, Halloween, WWF in the Jungle or Underwater) and fun activities designed especially for them. While the kids are being entertained, parents can relax as they enjoy sumptuous cuisine and a romantic evening together, feeling secure that their children are having fun while being supervised by our dedicated Youth Counselors. With this program, parents and children will both be pleased with the variety of shipboard activities and the warmth of Italian Style cruising.

	Babysitting While cruising is a vacation for the whole family, Costa also provides quiet time for Mom and Dad. That can be during the day, while the kids are entertained in the Kids Club program, or at night, while the kids are with group baby-sitters. Mini and Maxi Club nighttime group baby-sitting, held in the childrens area, is a free of charge baby-sitting service until 1:30 am. There is no night time baby-sitting service available for children under 36 months of age.

So many pleasures await you onboard that you can indulge in the vacation of a lifetime without ever setting foot on land. Will you join in the dozens of shipboard activities like art auctions, horse racing, bridge games, Italian lessons and trivia contests? Or learn to prepare perfect pesto in an Italian cooking class. Explore all the possibilities available to you when youre Cruising Italian Style. Costa cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices a fine resort has to offer. Most days are filled with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational classes and lounging by the pool. During the evenings theme nights, bands, discos, dance extravaganzas, musical revues and a lively casino take the stage.
	Excursions Costa holidays are big journeys in total comfort! Lots of discoveries every day: beaches and islands, fjords and mountains, major capitals and picturesque villages, museums and monuments, exotic shopping in the most beautiful locations on earth.

	Casino While the ship is sailing, there's time to have a go at everything, which includes placing a bet at the Casino. Slot machines, roulettes and poker tables await you, so why not try your luck, have fun with your friends and spend an evening that's out of the ordinary? Remember that you'll need cash in order to play, with the exception of a few ships where you'll be able to use your Costa Card as well. Entry to the Casino is restricted to people over the age of 18.

	Fitness No doubt, a Costa cruise offers an atmosphere thats just right for romancecozy dinners for twostrolling on deck at sunset and dancing the night away. And families love cruising too with the childrens programs, kid-friendly menus and dedicated childrens areas keep children happy. A cruise vacation is the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with family and friends. Because its so easy to meet new people, its a favorite vacation choice for singles and couples. Lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air and soak up the sun while reading a book. But if youre more active, join in exercise or dance classes and sports contests, practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, go jogging on deck, swim, take a steam in the spa or work out in the gym. From the casual fitness enthusiast to the fitness devotee, Costa ships offer state-of-the-art fitness facilities as well as a wide range of conditioning activities including fitness walks, aerobics, stretch and relaxation.

	Entertainment Your days and nights onboard can be as active or relaxing as you wish. Shipboard entertainment options and organized activities are orchestrated by your cruise staff and you may participate or not as you see fit. A complete schedule of the next days events is listed in the Daily Program that is delivered each evening to your stateroom. Youll discover an amazing thing about Cruising Italian Style. So many pleasures await you onboard that you can indulge in the vacation of a lifetime without ever setting foot on land. Will you join in the dozens of shipboard activities like art auctions, horse racing, bridge games, Italian lessons and trivia contests? Or learn to prepare perfect pesto in an Italian cooking class.

	Shops Remember that perfume you've always wanted? Designer clothes for a special occasion, jewellery, watches, accessories, cosmetics, souvenirs: somehow the objects you buy on holiday always remind you of the pleasure you experienced at the time. Why not take the opportunity therefore to visit all the stores on the ship? They're open while the ship is sailing and offer attractive duty free deals.

	Photographers Cruises create so many happy and carefree moments: from cocktails by the pool to romantic dinners, evenings at the disco, children playing... It really is like in the movies. Luckily, our on-board photographers are always ready to capture the moment and any special occasion, allowing you to take the most beautiful memories home with you. Remember also to visit the Photo Shop, where you'll find all the photography and telephone services you might need on your holiday.

	Spa Therapeutic massages with essential oils, sauna, Turkish bath, yoga, ancient body care rituals inspired by oriental disciplines and a wide range of options to purify and rebalance your body. Discover all the benefits of exclusive beauty and relaxation treatments every day in the on-board wellness centres. Costa Serena and Costa Concordia also offer a unique experience: Samsara SPA, the biggest and most stylish cruise ship SPA.

Costa Mediterranea Staterooms | Dining | Family Cruising | Life Onboard

Year Built	2003	Capacity	2,114	Meeting Rooms	No

Year Refurbished	N/A	Elevators	12	Casino	Yes

Registry	Italy	Restaurants	3	Disco	Yes

Tonnage	86,000	Bars	3	Fitness Center	Yes

Cabins	1,057	Pools	4	Children's Program	Yes

Handicap Cabins	8	Theaters	1	Internet Cafe	Yes

Shops	No	Library	Yes	Spa	Yes

Cabin Categories | Decks

Grand Suite: GS
Inside:
Oceanview with Veranda: 10
Oceanview: 4
Panorama Suite: PS
Suite: S

Cabin Details

Oceanview stateroom with balcony, two lower beds that can convert to queen size, whirlpool bath, shower and sitting area. Direct dial, ship-to-shore telephone service, television, hair dryer, safe deposit box and mini-bar in every stateroom.

Prices are per person, double occupancy, cruise only and on select sailings. Prices shown are for stateroom categories as noted and are shown in US Dollars. Government taxes and fees are additional. Airfare is not included. Prices and itineraries are based on availability and are subject to change without notice.

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