Mediterranean Cruising Italian Style with WingsItaly | Spice Escapes

A Roman Story & Mediterranean Journey

This isn’t just another Mediterranean cruise. This is WingsItaly and Spice Escapes — sharing Costa with you!

Raised between the Eternal City and Sicily, Andrea Moro of Wings Italy isn’t simply hosting this journey… he’s inviting you into the places that shaped him. The streets he knows by heart. The sea that once connected an empire.

This adventures follows the very routes that once connected the ancient world:

Savona — Roman Liguria and imperial trade routes
Marseille — A Greek port later woven into Roman culture
Barcelona — Once Roman Barcino, where ancient walls still stand
La Goulette (Tunis) — Gateway to mighty Carthage, Rome’s greatest rival
Palermo, Sicily — Rome’s first overseas province after the Punic Wars

Highlight of the Cruise and unique to Costa!

A Signature Moment: Sea of Stars

After Barcelona something magical happens. Far from city lights, Costa Toscana stops beneath the Mediterranean sky. For one unforgettable hour, the decks grow quieter. The sea becomes darker. The stars shine as they did for Roman sailors thousands of years ago.

With a drink in hand (your drinks package is included), soft music playing, and warm night air around you — this becomes more than a highlight. It becomes a memory!

During this “Sea Destination” moment:

• The ship navigates to a darker open-sea point

• Deck lighting may be reduced to enhance visibility

• Guests gather for stargazing in minimal light pollution

• The focus is on the night sky and the magic of being surrounded by open sea

It’s simple. Atmospheric. Emotional.

Includes

International flights if required
Meet & Greet in Rome by WingsItaly
1 night Bed & Breakfast in central min 3* Rome hotel (local rating)
7 nights full board on board
Michelin-star evening Destination Dishes
My Drinks Package on board (wines, beers, cocktails, soft drinks & coffees)
Port taxes
Gratuities on board
Transfers airport to Rome Hotel
Transfers from the Hotel to the Port for embarkation
Transfer Port to Airport
Fully hosted by WingsItaly
Daily activities & themed evenings
Pools, theatre shows & fitness facilities

Extras

Room/cabin supplements if selected
Personal travel insurance
Some meals & drinks
Personal extras

Why This Launch Is So Special

This is not a standard group departure — it is a personally hosted WingsItaly experience.

From the streets of Rome to the heart of the Mediterranean, this journey blends ancient history with modern Italian style. It’s not simply a cruise itinerary — it’s a story, guided by Andrea Moro and Claire Dymond, sharing the places, culture and spirit that shaped them.

What makes it a special sailing with Costa? Well, Costa is proudly Italian — vibrant, social, warm and full of Mediterranean energy. From the cuisine and aperitivo culture to the lively evenings and elegant design, the atmosphere on board feels authentically European. You’re not just observing Italy — you’re immersed in it.

This is more than a cruise.

It’s Italy at sea — hosted, personal, and shared with you.

An Authentic Mediterranean Atmosphere On Board

One of the unique aspects of sailing with Costa Cruises is the authentic atmosphere.

Costa is predominantly enjoyed by Italian and Spanish guests, creating a vibrant, warm and truly Mediterranean energy throughout the ship.

It’s lively piazza-style evenings.

It’s late dinners filled with laughter.

It’s aperitivo culture at sunset.

For guests, this means:

Immersion in real Mediterranean culture
A ship filled with Italian, cuisine and style
A social, energetic and welcoming environment

All staff speak English and the programmes and excursions are available in English .

WingsItaly will be there to guide and there will be possibilities for free hosted tours in certain cities and/or the option to book a Costa excursion !

Location & Itinerary

What to expect

Your Journey Begins in The Eternal City Rome

Day 1 Thu 6 May - Departing the UK the day before the cruise begins takes the stress of delayed flights out of the equation and you can just concentrate on enjoying your trip!

Your adventure starts in the heart of Rome — not simply as a destination on a map, but the beginning of your adventure. From the moment you land, you are not navigating Rome alone but fully hosted with WingsItaly who will personally meet and greet at the airport, welcoming you not as tourists — but as friends and fellow adventurers.

A short transfer (well the distance is short but this is Rome so traffic rules here!) brings you into downtown Rome, where ancient ruins elegant piazzas and golden evening light set the scene. After checking into your centrally located downtown hotel, time to breathe, refresh and perhaps enjoy your first gentle stroll through the Eternal City (subject to arrival times).

Enjoy a coffee in a nearby café, listen to the distant sound of church bells with the quiet thrill of knowing something special has just begun.

A hosted informal orientation walk will gently introduce you to your surroundings.

As evening falls, your journey truly begins. You’ll gather for your first optional group dinner booking (not included) in a peaceful residence — often described as a hidden sanctuary within the city. Managed by the religious sisters, this serene setting offers a rare contrast to Rome’s streets. Please note this group optional meal adventure will include a walk from the Hotel to the Restaurant , if you wish to take a taxi this can be arranged at your own costs.

The restaurant is a simple & elegant. & authentic & established in 1969 its located within the historic Palazzo Lante in Piazza dei Caprettari. The restaurant is just a few metres from the Church of San Eustachio, close to the Pantheon.

Over a prepared meal by the sisters in a quiet corner of downtown Rome, that many visitors never see, you’ll share stories — as Romans and friends alike. Stories of local traditions, of history woven into everyday life, of what it truly means to belong to Italy. Tomorrow, you set sail, but tonight you belong to Rome.

Day 2 Fri 7 May — From Rome to the Sea

After breakfast, check-out, enjoy free time to explore Rome at your own pace. Time to explore more and then you’ll travel together to Civitavecchia — the ancient Roman port built by Emperor Trajan — where your ship awaits.

From city streets… to open sea.

You will board the magnificent Costa Toscana, and your Mediterranean voyage begins. You’re not just travelling, you’re moving through chapters of history — with a Roman host bringing it all to life.

Embarking Civitavecchia, Rome

Departure: 07:00 PM

Day 3 Sat 8 May - Savona

Arrival: 08:30 AM Departure: 06:00 PM

Day 4 Sun 9 May - Marseilles

Arrival: 08:30 AM Departure: 06:30 PM

Day 5 Mon 10 May - Barcelona

Arrival: 08:00 AM Departure: 06:00 PM

Day 6 Tue 11 May - At Sea. Balearic sea darkest spot

From: 12:01 AM To: 12:30 AM

Day 7 Wed 12 May - La Goulette

Arrival: 08:00 AM Departure: 04:00 PM

Day 8 Thu 13 May - Palermo

Arrival: 08:00 AM Departure: 04:30 PM

Day 9 Fri 14 May - 08:30 AM Disembarking and returning home.

Optional excursions during the cruise will be made available to pre-book closer to the cruise departure.

Food & Meals

Italian Cuisine at Sea — As It Should Be

WingsItaly likes Costa many reasons and the main ones are - Food is the soul of Italy and they know this ship!

On board, you’ll enjoy:

Michelin-star “Destination Dishes” inspired by each port
Elegant multi-course dinners
Wine bars, cocktail lounges & Italian cafés
My Drinks Package included
Group dining each evening in the main à la carte restaurant
The freedom to enjoy the buffet whenever you wish

Each meal connects you to Italy, France, Spain, Tunisia and Sicily through flavour.

Optional meal Day 1 Rome

Please note the set menu will be at Eau Vive Roma, will include 3 courses and dietary can be accommodated for approx. costs of £40 and is a set 3 course meal with 1 glass of wine and water. Eau Vive is entirely managed by the Missionary Workers of the Immaculate, who are highly regarded for their warm hospitality, attentive service, and dedication to continuing their spiritual mission through their work. Closer to the cruise we will share the menu being offered and you can choose to book or do your own thing.

Travel & Stay

Infinity poolsWhirlpoolsAqua ParkSpaTheatre showsLounges

Your Ship - Costa Toscana — Modern Italy at Sea!

Inspired by colours, creativity and elegance of Tuscany, Costa Toscana is Costa’s stunning LNG-powered flagship — vibrant, stylish and proudly Italian.

Ship Highlights

The spectacular Colosseo central entertainment atrium
The thrilling Volare Skywalk glass walkway
Infinity pools & whirlpools overlooking the sea
Splash Aqua Park
Samsara Spa for ultimate relaxation
Elegant theatre shows & themed evenings
Italian-designed lounges and social spaces

Designed for energy and atmosphere, the ship combines modern sustainability with unmistakable Italian flair.

Your Home at Sea

Choose the cabin that suits your style:

Interior
Ocean View
Balcony

Whatever you choose, you are part of one hosted family — travelling together, sharing stories, laughter and unforgettable views.

Check out the ship on the link below and do be sure to watch the video to really get a feel for the ship and it's quality!

https://www.costacruises.eu/fleet/toscana.html

Getting There

Provisional flight information

Flight options · choose yours on the booking page

6 May 2027London GatwickRomedep 06:30arr 10:10

14 May 2027RomeLondon Gatwickdep 10:50arr 12:40

6 May 2027London HeathrowRomedep 06:40arr 10:15

14 May 2027RomeLondon Heathrowdep 12:00arr 13:50

6 May 2027ManchesterRomedep 08:20arr 12:15

14 May 2027RomeManchesterdep 11:20arr 13:20

6 May 2027GlasgowRomedep 07:10arr 11:10

14 May 2027RomeGlasgowdep 11:55arr 14:20

Included Hold luggage 22kg

NB - flights are not currently available so these time and airports are based on 2025 schedules

Availability & Pricing

Book Now

Mediterranean Cruising Italian Style with WingsItaly

type

Own flight without transfers£1679Available Glasgow£1939Available London Gatwick£1939Available London Heathrow£1939Available Manchester£1939Available

Mediterranean Cruising Italian Style with WingsItaly - Accommodation

type

Place in a twin share room/Interior cabin£0Available Place in a twin share room/sea view cabin£249Available Place in a twin share room/balcony cabin£449Available Place in a single room/interior cabin£549Available Place in a single room/sea view cabin£749Available Place in a single room/balcony cabin£1099Available

Not enough spaces left for you? Join the waitlist

Booking Confirmation

If you book this trip it will not be confirmed until you have received a confirmation email from us, normally within 72 hours, however If we are waiting for another booking to match you with in a cabin confirmation may take longer. If we cannot confirm your booking you will of course be able to get a full refund.

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of 6 months. These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. This means that travellers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual.

This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.

Further information on the EES can be found on the following link - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

Starting in end 2026 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

NB - There is no start date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.

Global Health Insurance Card

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.

Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.

NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!

The latest FCO travel guidance for the countries you will visit -

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Host & Everything Else

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