Costa Cruises is bringing mainland Europe closer to the UK and launching a brand new 11-day itinerary taking in the capital cities of seven European countries.

Departing from the UK on Costa Magica, ‘A Taste of the Great Capitals of Europe’, will transport guests to the delights of Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo and Edinburgh.

This truly cosmopolitan cruise allows travellers to visit Parisian bistros, sample fresh local seafood in Copenhagen’s Nyhavn area, take a leisurely stroll along the canals of Amsterdam and admire the 212 bronze and granite statues in Oslo’s Vigeland Park.   

“Only Europe’s number one cruise company could come up with an itinerary like this one, uniting Europe and enabling guests to visit seven of the continent’s top short break destinations all in one trip,”  says Marco Rosa, Area Director UK, Ireland, Scandinavia & South Africa from Costa Cruises. 

“Every year we do our utmost to innovate and improve, providing a unique holiday experience that will turn our customer’s dreams into reality. We are delighted with this new addition.”

The first departure is scheduled for 29 May 2011 from Harwich. Cruises will sail from Dover on 8, 18 and 28 June, 8, 18 and 28 July and 7 and 17 August 2011. The final cruises of the season will depart from Harwich on 27 August and 6 September.

Costa Magica will call at the following ports:  Le Havre, with excursions to Paris; Dover, gateway to London; Amsterdam; Hamburg, with trips to Berlin; Copenhagen; Oslo; and Edinburgh.  For cruises leaving on 28 May, 17 July and 6 August, the port of call at Edinburgh will be replaced by a stopover in the Scottish harbour of Invergordon, the seaway to Loch Ness and the Highlands.