Incredible Mediterranean

Today you'll depart for Barcelona, Spain.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 2 to arrive on Day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome to Barcelona! Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to the hotel for the night.

Overnight: Hotel Badalona Tower or similar, Barcelona Area

Meals included: None

After breakfast, enjoy an approximately 4-hour half-day guided tour of the city. Travel through the famous Gothic Quarters of Placa de Catalunya, Paseo de Gracia and Las Ramblas. You'll also see Gaudí’s inspirational Sagrada Familia (entrance not included).

Once the tour finishes, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or continue exploring on your own. Barcelona is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. The city’s restaurant scene, anchored by the central Boqueria market, ranges from fine dining to tiny tapas bars. You won’t be short of things to uncover in this fascinating city.

Overnight: Hotel Badalona Tower or similar, Barcelona Area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy an approximately 415-kilometre scenic drive through Costa Brava towards Arles. This is a French city in the Provence region, encircled by exceptional beauty on the banks of the Rhône river.

Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure in this UNESCO-listed city. It's famous for its historical buildings and links to artists such as Van Gough as many of his paintings were inspired by this city.

Overnight: Hotel Arles Plaza or similar, Arles

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, your journey continues to the French Riviera. Travel along the scenic Riviera to Nice, where you’ll stop to enjoy its vibrant culture. Nice is one of the world's most beloved coastal cities, situated on the coast of the Bay of Angels.

Continue travelling onwards to Monaco, a magnet for the rich and famous. Home to the annual Monaco Grand Prix, not to mention one of the most impressive harbours (purely for the size of the yachts), Monaco is stepping into another world!

Afterwards, head along the beautiful Italian Riviera. Nestled between the south of France and the Tuscan border lies the region of Liguria. You'll find verdant mountains to the north and east, while the sapphire-blue Mediterranean features in the south and west. In the late afternoon, after travelling approximately 485 kilometres, check into your hotel in the Genoa area, a beautiful region known for its colourful seaside towns and pristine beaches.

Overnight: Novotel Genova City or similar, Genoa

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, continue your journey to the Italian Riviera's hidden secret, Porto Venere. This is known for its Regional Natural Park, a protected area with trails and dive sites. The park encompasses Palmaria Island which is dotted with beaches and caves. The Gothic-style Church of St. Peter sits atop a rocky headland. Nearby is the centuries-old Castello Doria, an imposing cliff-top fortress with views of the Gulf of Poets in the Cinque Terre National Park. Its picturesque harbour is lined with brightly coloured houses, while narrow medieval streets feature shops that lead up the hill from the ancient city gate to the castle. Stroll around the old town and don't miss the atypical “pesto” shops selling delicious, freshly made basil-based sauce and related products like fresh pasta.

Continue your journey to Lucca, one of Tuscany's most beloved artistic cities. The first thing that catches the eye is the intact circuit of walls built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Lucca was built to a medieval plan and much of its architecture bears witness to the various historical ages that it has lived through. The most notable of these is the Roman amphitheatre, converted into Piazza dell'Anfiteatro by architect Lorenzo Nottolini.

Today you'll travel approximately 220 kilometres.

Overnight: Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi, Lucca (Florence Area) or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast this morning before joining a half-day guided tour of Florence. In the heart of Tuscany, Florence was once the centre of medieval European trade and is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. Enjoy an overview of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo which boasts glorious vistas over the red roofs, the Arno River and ancient city walls out towards the Tuscan countryside. From here, walk around Florence’s many highlights including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and the Campanile Tower.

Relish the remainder of the day at leisure before heading back to the hotel in Lucca.

Overnight: Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi, Lucca (Florence Area) or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, travel approximately 370 kilometres through the beautiful Italian countryside to the eternal city of Rome. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to delve into the rich culture and gastronomy of this beautiful city.

Overnight: Hotel La Gioccca, Rome or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, begin a half-day guided tour with a local guide to experience some of the richest historical sites in the world. You'll see the Piazza Venezia, the outside of the Colosseum arena, the Arch of Constantine (entrances not included) and more. You can also see the Palatino where former emperors and influential people once lived and the exterior of the vast Circus Maximus where chariot-racing events were held (entrances not included). Your tour ends just in time for lunch (not included), leaving you the afternoon free to explore on your own.

Please note:
• Guests who are interested in visiting the Vatican Museums and the magnificent Sistine Chapel are advised to book tickets online well in advance to secure their place.
• A tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel cannot be booked whilst on tour with the operator.

Overnight: Hotel La Gioccca, Rome or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for the return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Please note: Some flights may arrive in Australia (or New Zealand) +1 day later.

Meals included: In-Flight

Today you'll depart for Barcelona, Spain.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 2 to arrive on Day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome to Barcelona! Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to the hotel for the night.

Overnight: Hotel Badalona Tower or similar, Barcelona Area

Meals included: None

After breakfast, enjoy an approximately 4-hour half-day guided tour of the city. Travel through the famous Gothic Quarters of Placa de Catalunya, Paseo de Gracia and Las Ramblas. You'll also see Gaudí’s inspirational Sagrada Familia (entrance not included).

Once the tour finishes, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or continue exploring on your own. Barcelona is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. The city’s restaurant scene, anchored by the central Boqueria market, ranges from fine dining to tiny tapas bars. You won’t be short of things to uncover in this fascinating city.

Overnight: Hotel Badalona Tower or similar, Barcelona Area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy an approximately 415-kilometre scenic drive through Costa Brava towards Arles. This is a French city in the Provence region, encircled by exceptional beauty on the banks of the Rhône river.

Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure in this UNESCO-listed city. It's famous for its historical buildings and links to artists such as Van Gough as many of his paintings were inspired by this city.

Overnight: Hotel Arles Plaza or similar, Arles

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, your journey continues to the French Riviera. Travel along the scenic Riviera to Nice, where you’ll stop to enjoy its vibrant culture. Nice is one of the world's most beloved coastal cities, situated on the coast of the Bay of Angels.

Continue travelling onwards to Monaco, a magnet for the rich and famous. Home to the annual Monaco Grand Prix, not to mention one of the most impressive harbours (purely for the size of the yachts), Monaco is stepping into another world!

Afterwards, head along the beautiful Italian Riviera. Nestled between the south of France and the Tuscan border lies the region of Liguria. You'll find verdant mountains to the north and east, while the sapphire-blue Mediterranean features in the south and west. In the late afternoon, after travelling approximately 485 kilometres, check into your hotel in the Genoa area, a beautiful region known for its colourful seaside towns and pristine beaches.

Overnight: Novotel Genova City or similar, Genoa

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, continue your journey to the Italian Riviera's hidden secret, Porto Venere. This is known for its Regional Natural Park, a protected area with trails and dive sites. The park encompasses Palmaria Island which is dotted with beaches and caves. The Gothic-style Church of St. Peter sits atop a rocky headland. Nearby is the centuries-old Castello Doria, an imposing cliff-top fortress with views of the Gulf of Poets in the Cinque Terre National Park. Its picturesque harbour is lined with brightly coloured houses, while narrow medieval streets feature shops that lead up the hill from the ancient city gate to the castle. Stroll around the old town and don't miss the atypical “pesto” shops selling delicious, freshly made basil-based sauce and related products like fresh pasta.

Continue your journey to Lucca, one of Tuscany's most beloved artistic cities. The first thing that catches the eye is the intact circuit of walls built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Lucca was built to a medieval plan and much of its architecture bears witness to the various historical ages that it has lived through. The most notable of these is the Roman amphitheatre, converted into Piazza dell'Anfiteatro by architect Lorenzo Nottolini.

Today you'll travel approximately 220 kilometres.

Overnight: Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi, Lucca (Florence Area) or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast this morning before joining a half-day guided tour of Florence. In the heart of Tuscany, Florence was once the centre of medieval European trade and is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. Enjoy an overview of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo which boasts glorious vistas over the red roofs, the Arno River and ancient city walls out towards the Tuscan countryside. From here, walk around Florence’s many highlights including the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, the Piazza del Duomo and the Campanile Tower.

Relish the remainder of the day at leisure before heading back to the hotel in Lucca.

Overnight: Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi, Lucca (Florence Area) or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, travel approximately 370 kilometres through the beautiful Italian countryside to the eternal city of Rome. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to delve into the rich culture and gastronomy of this beautiful city.

Overnight: Hotel La Gioccca, Rome or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, begin a half-day guided tour with a local guide to experience some of the richest historical sites in the world. You'll see the Piazza Venezia, the outside of the Colosseum arena, the Arch of Constantine (entrances not included) and more. You can also see the Palatino where former emperors and influential people once lived and the exterior of the vast Circus Maximus where chariot-racing events were held (entrances not included). Your tour ends just in time for lunch (not included), leaving you the afternoon free to explore on your own.

Please note:
• Guests who are interested in visiting the Vatican Museums and the magnificent Sistine Chapel are advised to book tickets online well in advance to secure their place.
• A tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel cannot be booked whilst on tour with the operator.

Overnight: Hotel La Gioccca, Rome or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Departs: 17:00

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure before making your own way to Civitavecchia cruise terminal to embark on a 7-night Mediterranean cruise.

Please note: Civitavecchia cruise terminal is located approximately 75 kilometres from central Rome. The cruise terminal can be reached directly via train from the Rome Train Station.

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Divina

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Divina

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 14:00
Departs: 23:30

During the 18th century, Mykonos’ maze of tangled lanes would confuse even the most well-travelled pirates. Nowadays, pretending to get lost in these winding alleys makes for a day of entertainment! This cruise destination is known for its romantic Greek Island glamour. See brilliant beaches, turquoise waters and picturesque whitewashed villages.

MSC Cruises shore excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see (charges apply):
• The Famous White Windmills
• The Island of Delos
• 4X4 Adventure and Beach

Please note: Docking at this port is subject to the availability of the dock. If not available, guests will be tendered to shore.

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Divina

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 09:00
Departs: 18:00

Türkiye has been witness to some of the world’s most powerful empires including Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. It's also home to numerous ancient relics and UNESCO World Heritage sites. You'll find it's renowned for its sweeping ocean vistas, bustling souks, archaeological wonders and stark Saharan landscapes. Kusadasi and Ephesus, two of its seaside towns, are both glamorous beach resorts overlooking the glittering Aegean Sea.

Select an unforgettable tour from a list of MSC Cruises excursions (charges apply):
• Ephesus
• Virgin Mary House
• St. John Church

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Divina

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 07:00
Departs: 17:00

When you're cruising the Mediterranean, you can't miss the deep, fjord-like inlet of Marmaris which is surrounded by pine-cloaked hills. Little is left of the sleepy fishing village Marmaris used to be, a mere three decades ago. Development has dwarfed the old core of shops and lokantas lining narrow, bazaar-like streets, an intricate warren contrasting strongly with the European-style marina and waterfront.

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Divina

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Divina

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 11:00
Departs: 20:00

A cruise to Naples puts you in a city rich with history and a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient architecture and cathedrals. The city's highlights range from the imposing medieval Castel Nuovo with its view of Mount Vesuvius to the bustling streets of Spaccanapoli, known for artisan workshops and authentic Neapolitan life. Deeper into the city, you can find the underground catacombs of Rione Sanità or admire masterpieces at the Capodimonte museum. No visit is complete without sampling the city's renowned Neapolitan pizza and other culinary delights.

Better yet, combine your Naples cruise with an excursion to Pompeii, the archaeological site that lay buried for 1,700 years following the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD (charges apply). Today, visitors can walk the cobbled streets and admire the mosaics adorning the villas of the town’s wealthiest families. Back in the present day, a cruise to Naples also lets you live the glamorous life in Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Divina

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrives: 07:00

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard before disembarking and making your own way to the airport for the return flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Overnight: MSC Cruises' MSC Divina

Meals included: Breakfast

Please note: Some flights may arrive in Australia (or New Zealand) +1 day later.

Meals included: In-Flight