Nautical but nice halt-term adventures

If you’re after a value-for-money family break this October half-term, look no further than Italian cruise line, Costa Cruises.
Not only are Costa Cruises’ colourful ships packed with family-friendly facilities, but you’ll wake each day to a new experience in a different magical destination.
Costa Cruises has a programme of fun-filled activities for smaller guests and teens. Every ship has special ‘Squok Club’ areas for children in four separate age groups: Mini (3-6 years), Maxi (7-10 years), Teen Junior (11-14) and Teen (15-17).
Costa Cruises is the leading cruise line in the Mediterranean and each ship in the fleet brings a cosmopolitan flavour to cruising. You’ll holiday with Europeans of all nationalities, be entertained by world-class performers and dine on delectable Italian-influenced cuisine.
Every day will bring the chance to explore some of the most beautiful and culturally rich places on earth, all complemented by exceptional standards of personal service.
The location of the cruise is only half the experience as Costa Cruises’ ships are a destination in themselves. You’ll find swimming pools, cinema screens, fitness centres, a choice of bars and restaurants and a myriad of other activities to entertain you and your family. You’ll even find a 4D cinema or CD recording studio on the newest members of the fleet.
So, find your sea legs and hit the high seas with one of these October 2009 half-term voyages. All of the following cruises depart and arrive back during the English school half-term:
Costa Pacifica – Mediterranean Magic
Seven nights – from only £1,456 for two adults & two children sharing one cabin
Colourful culture, exotic landscapes and splendid architecture are just some of the things you’ll encounter on this fascinating tour of the Mediterranean. You’ll embark Costa Pacifica in bustling Civitavecchia and continue along the Italian coast to Savona. Next, cruise to Spain, where stops at Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca offer a chance to savour delectable cuisine and relax on the beautiful beaches of the Spanish coast. Following a day in ancient Tunis, journey to Malta and enjoy the many cultural attractions the island has to offer. Cruise on to the fascinating Sicilian city of Palermo before arriving back in Civitavecchia.
Departs Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy, on Sunday 25 October 2009
The price is based on a cruise-only basis, including all meals, entertainment and activities. Flights and transfers can be added for an additional charge.
Costa Serena – Ancient Treasures
Seven nights – from only £1,756 for two adults & two children sharing one cabin
Departing from the famous canals of Venice, begin your adventure with a stop-off in the Italian maritime city of Bari, before arriving at Katakolon, the port for Olympia and the ancient birthplace of the Olympic Games. Cruise on to Turkey, where you can explore the cities of Izmir and Istanbul, where ancient bazaars and extraordinary architecture make your time truly unforgettable. A day’s cruising leads to the final stop of Dubrovnik, an enchanting city and one of the most attractive destinations on the Adriatic Riviera, before you return to Venice.
Departs Venice, Italy, on Sunday 25 October 2009
The price is based on a cruise-only basis, including all meals, entertainment and activities. Flights and transfers can be added for an additional charge.
Costa Victoria – Adriatic & Aegean
Seven nights – from only £1,636 for two adults & two children in two cabins
Explore the Adriatic and Aegean seas on board the luxurious Costa Victoria. Departing from Venice, navigate towards your next Italian stop, Ancona, a city renowned for its historical architecture and regional seafood cuisine. Sail onto Greece, with stops in Santorini, Mykonos, Athens and Corfu, all featuring sun kissed beaches, lush olive groves and picturesque villages. Explore the remains of an ancient civilisation in Athens and roam through the world renowned Pantheon and Acropolis. Travel onto Dubrovnik, a charming port city by the Dalmatian coast also known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, and then make the return journey to Venice.
Departs Venice, Italy, on Saturday 24 October 2009
The price is based on a cruise-only basis, including all meals, entertainment and activities. Flights and transfers can be added for an additional charge.
For more information on Costa Cruises or to book, go to costacruises.co.uk.