Italy & Malta from Piraeus - Costa Fascinosa

Day 1: Larnaca - Athens

Direct flight Larnaca to Athens. The ships departs from Piraeus port at 20:00.

Day 2: At Sea

Day at your leisure to enjoy the facilities of Costa Fascinosa ship.

Day 3: Valletta, Malta

The ship arrives at Malta port at 09:00 and departs 19:00.

Explore the city of Valetta on a scenic excursion. Visit beautiful Barrakka Gardens, a landscaped public park, before taking in views of the Grand Harbour. Next, glimpse stunning Baroque and Neoclassical buildings which are cast across the city. Admire the ornate interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s world-renowned painting. Finally, explore the medieval walled city of Mdina, a maze of narrow streets and historical landmarks such as the Baroque St. Paul’s Cathedral. This incredible structure, which dates back to the 12th-century, features a wide array of striking frescoes.

Discover Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. Discover the Rotunda of Xewkija, the dramatic cliffs at Sanap, and the idyllic Xlendi Bay and its famous saltwater lagoon. Weather permitting, take a swim in Hondoq Bay, celebrated for its pristine beach and aquamarine waters. Then, on your way back to port, enjoy a shopping break at the artisan Gozo Crafts’ Centre.
 
If you’re an archaeology buff, book an exciting excursion to the Megalithic Temples of Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both Malta and nearby Gozo are home to an impressive set of prehistoric monuments, some which pre-date the Egyptian pyramids! Explore these mysterious places of worship before travelling to the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where you’ll see brightly coloured ‘luzzu’ boats dancing on the water. Finish the day with a scenic drive through the Cottonera region, before taking a walking tour of Vittoriosa, an old fortified city. 

Day 4: Catania, Italy

The ship arrives at Catania port at 07:00 and departs 17:00. 

Catania, nestled at the foot of Mount Etna on Sicily’s eastern coast, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can expect to wander through vibrant markets like La Pescheria, where fresh seafood and local produce abound, while the Baroque architecture of the city, especially the stunning Piazza del Duomo, provides a backdrop steeped in history. Catania’s rich culinary scene, featuring specialties like arancini and pasta alla Norma, adds to the allure, making it a destination that tantalizes the senses and offers a unique glimpse into Sicilian life.

Day 5: Taranto, Italy

The ship arrives at Taranto port at 09:00 and departs 18:00. 

Taranto, a historic port city in southern Italy, is known for its rich maritime heritage and strategic location between the Ionian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto. Visitors can explore its charming old town, which is dotted with ancient architecture, including the impressive Aragonese Castle and the stunning Cathedral of San Cataldo. The city is also famous for its beautiful waterfront and bustling fish market, reflecting its long-standing connection to the sea. Taranto's vibrant culinary scene showcases local delicacies like fresh seafood and traditional Apulian dishes. Additionally, the nearby beaches offer a perfect escape for sun-seekers, making Taranto a delightful blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty.

Day 6: Argostoli/ Kefallinia

The ship arrives at Argostoli port at 09:30 and departs 16:00. 

Kefalonia is the largest and most beautiful island in the Ionian Sea. Enjoy a nice stroll along the oleander and Palm waterfront, which runs alongside the harbour dock.Argostoli may have been shaken by earthquakes, but it managed to preserve its original urban landscape for as long as possible.
So you can enjoy a stroll through the Old Town and explore attractions such as the rebuilt Monastery of Agios Gerasimos or the main church decorated with many frescoes. The area around Argostoli with its Cypress, olive and pine trees also invites you to discover. You will be surprised at the beach of Myrtos, at the port of the sleepy fishing village of Agia Efimia and at the cave Melissani or Drogarati.

Day 7: Mykonos, Greece

The ship arrives at Mykonos port at 12.00 and departs at 22.00.

A scooter ride to the beaches of Mykonos will allow you to discover the beauty of the island with ease. You can enjoy a drink with a view of the windmills.
After docking at the old port of Mykonos, enjoy the numerous natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful island. Take advantage of the break to stroll through the maze of streets and alleys where you can discover the beauty of the architecture and the layout of the city. The small white houses with shutters as blue as the sky, the pigeon houses and the numerous small churches of Mykonos will simply enchant you.
Not to be missed: The windmills of Mykonos, The beach of Platys Gialos, The Island of Delos

Day 8: Athens- Larnaca

The ship arrives at Piraeus port at 06:00. Return flight to Larnaca.