9-night Mediterranean cruise: Taranto to Barcelona on Costa Fascinosa
The Malta, Tunisia, Italy, Corsica (France), France, Spain is a 9-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Costa Fascinosa, operated by Costa Cruises. Departing Taranto on September 13, 2026 and arriving in Barcelona on September 22, 2026, the voyage visits 10 ports including Malta, La Goulette, Palermo. CruiseCaptain has fare history for this sailing.
Fixed editorial images from the places on this itinerary. They stay stable each time you return to this sailing.
Taranto
Taranto is a coastal city in southern Italy. It lies between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea) bodies of water. Bridges link the mainland to the old town, on a small island. This is home to the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, the Spartan Museum of Taranto, and San Cataldo Basilica, with a baroque facade. The MArTA Archaeological Museum has a collection of artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
Malta
The UNESCO-protected port of Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, is one of the must-see stops for every Mediterranean cruise of merit.
You can admire this port, constructed in the second half of the 16th century by the Frenchman Jean de la Valette and moulded by the religious and military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from your MSC ship even before disembarking. The over 300 monuments rising in little more than half a square kilometre make this a place with one of the greatest density of historical attractions to visit during a cruise, not mentioning other attractions such as its beaches, seaside locales and restaurants.
An excursion to the island can start right from its capital, Valletta, which enchants the cruise-goer with its famous Maltese balconies, which decorate the facades of houses in its old quarter. Surrounded by a multitude of churches, which the islanders assure are as many as the days of the year, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Malta’s biggest tourist attractions.
The National Museum of Archaeology, on the other hand, hosts prehistoric artefacts found on the island. By the Grand Harbour, one can visit the underground passages of Auberge de Castille and the beautiful Baracca Gardens, which overlook the harbour; at night, when the city gates would close, its porticoes served as shelter for travellers. To get a taste of the life of Malta’s ancient nobility, visit Casa Rocca Piccola.
A 16th century Palazzo now the residence of the 9th Marquis De Piro, it has period furnishings and has a bomb shelter built for protection against bombings during the Second World War. The set of the film Popeye can still be seen from Malta’s largest beach, as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha with a fresco of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Christ; according to tradition, Saint Luke, who was shipwrecked on the island with Saint Paul, is the author of this Byzantine-style fresco.
La Goulette
From mosaics and ruins to souks and sights, La Goulette provides a fascinating insight into the Tunisian way of life.
Reaching the tip of Africa gives you the chance to explore some of the delights of exotic Tunisia. Dominating the fine avenues and lush foliage of La Goulette is the Great Mosque while in the suburbs lie the ruins of the once powerful ancient city of Carthage. Originally founded in 814BC by the Phoenicians, Carthage rose to real pre-eminence under Roman rule and grew to become one of the empire's largest cities, second only in size to Rome itself. Explore the remnants of this once great metropolis - ruins of villas, bathhouses, sanctuaries and theatres offer a fascinating insight into the past. Back in La Goulette, don't forget to haggle for souvenirs in the bustling souk markets where stalls are laden with copperware, rugs and aromatic spices.
A large ship just waiting to be experienced. Costa Fascinosa is the perfect venue for a laid-back holiday, full of fun. Features modern and multi-faceted artworks.
With its 114,500 tonnes, it’s one of the largest Italian merchant marine ships. Born to pay homage to the theatre, its decks are named after famous people such as: Zhivago, Aida, Tosca. Architecturally, the heart of Costa Fascinosa is its huge atrium which opens with the central staircase on to nine decks, from 3 to 13 degrees; the area has large mirrors that enhance the visual effect, to be fully appreciated from the panoramic lifts. The Aqua Park with its pirate décor and fairy-tale castle is the perfect space for kids. Now take a look at the current position of Costa Fascinosa.
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