Explore and book MSC Cruises 7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise on the MSC Opera departing from Piraeus (Athens), Greece on Aug 5, 2024 and ending in Kos, Greece on Aug 12, 2024 Sail to Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Rhodes, Greece, Bari, Italy, Bodrum, Turkey, Kos, Greece

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Visit the Acropolis
Walk through Plaka
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

Kos, Greece

Steeped in Greek history and mythology, Kos is dotted with ancient ruins, thermal springs, and sandy beaches. As the birthplace of Hippocrates, it’s a destination that combines relaxation with a touch of history.

Rhodes, Greece

See the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
Speculate About the Ruins of the Colossus
Hike the Acropolis in Lindos
Visit Rhodes’ First Mosque
Walk Peacefully Through the Valley of Butterflie

Bodrum, Turkey

This Turkish port town seamlessly blends ancient history with beachside relaxation. Home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and a lively marina, Bodrum offers a Mediterranean dream.

Bari, Italy

Situated on Italy's Adriatic coast, Bari boasts rich maritime traditions, historic basilicas, and a lively promenade. Cruising to Bari offers a genuine Southern Italian experience, from its cuisine to its folklore.

7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

Mediterranean

Africa

Europe

Middle East

A refined style, precious materials and attention to detail make MSC Opera a cruise ship that really is something to sing about! Built along more classic lines than her sisters in the Musica and Fantasia classes, making a special atmosphere onboard while enabling you to visit those destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels.

While away a few enjoyable hours of game play at the Arcade on board the ship. Pit your wits and skill against those of your friends in any number of typical arcade options, including video games, pinball and more. Great fun guaranteed.

Arcade

You’ll need to combine hand-to-eye coordination with a deft, light touch to get around our entertaining open-air mini golf course on board the ship. Get together with your friends and family to see who has what it takes to be crowned the Mini Golf King or Queen.

Mini Golf

Our casinos are elegantly designed, featuring games for all types of players. You’ll be able to try your hand at Roulette or Blackjack, challenge yourself at one of our Poker tables, or choose among a variety of slot machines.

Med Pearl Casino

Tennis Tournament - if you've got a killer backhand then why not enter our onboard tennis tournament? It might not be Wimbledon but it'll serve up a great workout and possibly a taste of glory, tooSoccer Tournament - can you kick it? Yes you can! Sign up for the onboard soccer tournament and show off your skills. Your team needs you, so get involved. Volleyball Tournament - unleash your competitive side in our very own onboard volleyball tournament. Quick reactions and impressive reach could lead you and your team to glory! Basketball Tournament - ready to shoot some hoops? Then enter our onboard basketball tournament. Get involved and prepare for glory! Ping Pong Tournament - pick up a paddle and prepare for battle! The ping pong tournament is on and you're invited. Ready for the challenge? See you there! Table Soccer Tournament - if you're a fan of football in the miniaturized form known as foosball why not enter today's tournament? Just remember the golden rule - no spinning!

Sports Tournaments

II Patio Bar

Aroma Coffee Bar

Cotton Club

Byblos Discoteca

Gelateria Italiana

La Cabala Piano Bar

Our elegant Lounge Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy leisurely hours in the company of friends. Let the special ambiance work its magic on you while you relax in comfort and style with your favorite tipple in hand.

Lounges

Lo Spinnaker Bar

Whether you’re a night owl or simply fancy a tantalizing night cap before turning in, our night bars are there to cater to your needs. Choose from a range of innovative alchemist cocktails, created to suit those moments when only the extraordinary will do.

Night Bars

Piazza di Spagna

Sip on a glass of something refreshing – a cocktail, wine, beer or soft drink – in ultimate style at one of our Outdoor Bars, located both poolside and on the highest decks of the ships. Teaming glorious ocean views with enjoying a delicious drink has never been easier.

Outdoor Bars

Vitamin Bar

Sottovento Pub

Get set to be wowed by the creativity of our talented chefs at the Daily Special Corner. Wrap your taste buds around a different specialty every day of your cruise for an unforgettable culinary surprise.

Daily Special Corner

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Dessert Corner, a cornucopia of deliciously sweet treats that will have your mouth watering. Enter the magical world of fine patisserie, crafted with love by our team of talented bakers and pastry chefs with meticulous attention to detail.

Dessert Corner

Enticing aromas and mouth-watering flavors are served up at our Ethnic Corner. Choose your personal favorite from a range of delectable dishes, hand-selected from every corner of the world, from Asian to Indian – and everything in between.

Ethnic Corner

Our main restaurants invite you on a journey around the world’s cuisines, offering exceptional international dishes every day of your cruise. Check out the Elegant Dinner to try a signature dish by two Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa.

International Dining

Created with the little ones in mind, Kids’ Corner offers a selection of tasty, healthy and fun meals to tickle your children’s taste buds throughout your cruise. Dishes change on a daily basis so there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Kids Area

L'Approdo Restaurant

La Caravella Restaurant

Le Vele Buffet Restaurant

Come to the Carvery for deliciously tender, juicy and flavorful roast meat specialties that will please your palate any day of the week. Enjoy the theater of watching your personal favorites being carved right in front of your eyes especially for you.

Meat Carvery

As one of the healthiest diets on the planet, Mediterranean food takes center stage at our main restaurants, tempting you with French, Italian and Spanish cuisine. Don’t miss the Elegant Dinner with a signature dish our Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa

Mediterranean Dining

Check out the Pasta Station for authentic Italian pasta just like mama used to make. Discover a new selection of delicious flavor combinations every single day to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Pasta Station

We believe everyone’s special on an MSC cruise ship which is why we provide tailored menus and solutions to meet everyone’s dining requirements

Special Diets and Menus

The Take-Away Station is just the place to be when you’re feeling peckish for a snack on the go. A wide range of the most popular fast foods awaits you, the perfect casual dining fix for those moments when hunger suddenly strikes.

Take Away Station

A selection of light and tasty dishes awaits you at our Wellness Corner. Made with your health in mind, these dishes will boost your well being without putting a strain on your waistline. Stock up on your five-a-day with dishes that are delicious, nutritious and packed with flavor.

Wellness Corner

You’d normally have to travel to New York to see the top-rated shows, but thanks to our Broadway-style theaters you can enjoy entertainment with an international line-up of artists without having to leave the ship. Take your pick, there’s sure to be a show you love.    

Broadway Theater

It’s all white for a night with dazzling décor and costumes to suit the theme, plus a special performance starring our theater cast.

White Party

The Junior Club inspires connection and cooperation among 7 to 11-year-olds, through a wide variety of activities. Highlights range from Masterchef at Sea Juniors and Dorebro Sport competitions to our Fire & Ice live video game. Do you like acting, dancing or singing? Enjoy the thrill of filming with the Kelly & Kloe On Board Green Screen Experience!

Junior Club 7-11

With the Young Club, kids from 12 to 14 years old can dive into a world of discovery, involvement and interaction.Each day holds the promise of new experiences, with a dedicated programme of sport tournaments, hi-tech games and lots of other fun activities. And of course, every day also brings opportunities to make new friends.

Young Club 12-14

Teenagers aged from 15 to 17 years old can look forward to having the time of their lives on board. Teen Club activities range from sports and competitions, dance contests and social network games to Wii, Xbox and PS4 tournaments.

Teen Club 15-17

Once during every cruise we hold a special entertainment event called the LEGO® Experience On Board: an entire day dedicated to fun LEGO activities for the whole family to enjoy. Thanks to this special activity your kids can spend hours building and creating  whatever they want!

Lego Experience

The Mini Club welcomes children aged between 3 and 6 years old, bringing them new friends and lots of fun, enriched by the stimulating toys of our partnership with LEGO®. The club offers games, events and activities like Arts & Crafts to free their imagination and make every day special. And the whole family is invited to the Doremi Family Disco!

Mini Club 3-6

Every MSC Cruise is full of fun and discovery for kids of every age, starting with all the activities organised just for them and included in your fare. With a packed program of sports, games, competitions, parties and more, your children will enjoy endless discoveries with their new friends.Children can discover a world of their own thanks to 5 dedicated clubs for ages ranging from 0 to 17 years old, where they are looked after by our trained, multilingual personnel, certified for safeguarding children.

Kids Clubs

Our partnership with leading baby care brand Chicco provides a dedicated play area with facilities for babies and toddlers under 3 years old. You can leave your toddlers with our MSC Babycare staff*, or stay with them and enjoy the special Chicco toys and games. They'll love our music and rhythm activities, designed to awaken their curiosity.

Baby Club 0-3

Enjoying time off on your cruise doesn’t need to mean letting your fitness routine slide, so gear up and rendezvous with the power walking and jogging track on deck to get your daily exercise fix while also savoring outstanding ocean views.

Power Walking Track

Fitted with authentic TechnoGym® equipment and featuring panoramic ocean views, the onboard gym is the place to be for all those who take their fitness regime seriously. Hone your physique with a full set of TechnoGym® apparatus every day of your cruise to look better than ever before.

Gym by Technogym

MSC Aurea Spa boasts an exotic interior of natural stone, precious woods and rich mosaics, and is equipped with specific and massage treatment suites. Being pampered by a traditional Balinese Massage is a truly unique experience. Thanks to a blend of scented essences and aromatic oils, your body is enveloped in an endlessly peaceful and relaxing aura.

MSC Aurea Spa

Get a lasting sensation of absolute well being that will accompany you well beyond your cruise. All our ships are equipped with a Thermal Area where you can enjoy a soothing sauna, a relaxing steam or an invigorating whirlpool bath.

Thermal Area

Relaxing on one of our ships will do wonders for you, but we also have a few secrets on board to help you look and feel even better. Make the most of our range of safe and effective Anti-Ageing treatments and return from your cruise visibly rejuvenated.

Medi Spa Center

You can enjoy the expertise of highly specialized staff in aesthetic treatments to offer you excellent results and improve the relaxing effects of your cruise. Customize your cruise with the best treatments for your body. Unwind and feel fantastic!

Beauty Salon

Refresh your look with a new hairstyle! There are different packages which include a personalized shampoo & conditioning mask, a haircut and a single process color treatment. Leave the salon styled and ready for a great evening onboard.

Hair Salon

MSC Cruises

MSC Opera

Bari not only sits pretty on the Adriatic but is also blessed with a beguiling medieval quarter - Bari Vecchia - that this tour will have you exploring by bike. You'll meet your guide, then get a short safety briefing and after putting your helmet on, you'll set off at a pleasant pace. The first of the medieval views comes in the shape of the early 12th-century Castello Normanno-Svevo, built by the Norman King Roger II, as you cycle towards the Basilica di San Nicola, built between 1087 and 1197 in honour of Bari's patron saint. You'll visit the site before cycling down Strada del Carmine to pass Bari Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Sabinus, and consecrated at the tail end of the 13th-century. As a last treat on the bike ride, you'll pedal your way up to Castello Normanno-Svevo to enjoy superb panoramic views of the town and surrounding area. You'll then have some time to spend as you wish before returning to the port and your ship.

Discover the architectural wonders of beautiful Bari in this leisurely half-day excursion. Board a little wheeled train and get set to explore the city in all its glory. This guided tour of Bari will also bring you the opportunity of a stroll around the historical quarter of "Bari Vecchia" and its medieval architecture. A visit to the Basilica of St. Nicholas is included, built in honour of Bari's patron saint. Founded towards the end of the 11th-century A.D., the basilica has been an important religious pilgrimage site for nearly a thousand years. An exterior viewing of Bari's old Norman castle will form a further focal point of your tour itinerary before continuing with a guided walk through the historical centre. Some free time at leisure is also part of the tour before it concludes with the return to your ship. Please note: This tour is unsuitable for guests with walking difficulties. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. Guests may choose to return to the port soon after the guided tour or to remain in Bari's city centre to have free time and come back to the port by shuttle bus later.

About a 1-hour coach drive up the coast from the port of Bari lies the pretty harbour town of Trani, your destination on this enjoyable tour, which combines a sightseeing leg with a chance to sample some of the delicious locally produced olive oil. Trani's long and rich history, which dates back to its 9th-century foundation, is still prominent in the town to this day. As you make your way around the town's history trail, your first stop will be Svevo Castle, an imposing 13th-century fortification of highly rectilinear construction that overlooks the sea. You will have some time to spend at your leisure before you continue on to the 11th-/12th-century Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino. Built in honour of San Nicola the Pilgrim, this magnificent Romanesque-style building is a real treasure, with the stunning stained-glass windows, the remains of a 12th-century mosaic floor and the transversal crypt dedicated to San Nicola particularly worthy of mention. The sightseeing leg of the tour ends with a refreshing walk along the seafront promenade before the coach then takes you to an old oil mill for an informative visit and a chance to tantalise your taste buds with some of the wonderful locally produced olive oil and other typically Puglian delicacies. Your return to the port and your ship ends the tour.

Leave the port of Bari for a scenic 1-hour coach ride through the Italian countryside to Alberobello, a town in the Apulia region that forms the top of the "heel" of the boot of Italy. Thanks to its distinctive round stone houses with conical roofs, known as "trulli", the town was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1996. Your tour includes a guided walk through the delightful streets of this most unusual village. Many of these "trullo" houses are topped by a so-called "pinnacolo" - a sort of white cap or sphere - and all of them have curious symbols, possibly good-luck charms, painted on the roofs. The town also includes the only "trullo" church in the world, St. Antonio which can be easily recognized with its monumental entrance, two side chapels and a bell tower. If there is time, you will also go on a short sightseeing tour of Bari by coach before you return to the port and your ship.

Leave the port for a 1-hour drive to the Caves of Castellana where we will meet our guide for a fantastic subterranean journey through the cave complex. The caves were first explored in 1938, although their existence had been known since the XVIII century. At 60 metres deep, marvel at the cave chambers and the myriad of alabaster stalagmites and stalactites encrusted with calcite crystals. Back above ground we will travel on to Polignano a Mare, a lovely town perched high on a rock with wonderful views over the sea. Explore the whitewashed streets meandering under the flowered arches and enjoy the hillside terrace that overlook the sea.

Enjoy a 1-hour drive to Matera, the city of the weird and wonderful "Sassi", caves and the first town in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your journey will be enhanced by some information you will receive by an assistant before reaching this amazing location. These caves were inhabited from the Neolithic times right up until 1952. Perhaps because of its unique and tangible history, the atmosphere here is extraordinary and the place exudes a mystic air. You visit "Casa Grotta", a furnished Sassi cave museum house, giving you an insight into people's life in the past in these peculiar houses, and even a rocky church, which is the symbol of the local culture. Many film directors have chosen to set films in Matera, as it is such an evocative place and Mel Gibson's controversial film, "The Passion of the Christ", was shot here.

Time to do nothing but hang loose, stretch out on golden sands, and ponder the meaning of life are what holidays are all about. Hop on your coach for a transfer to a beach club on the coast of Monopoli area and spend approx. 3 hours making the best of your time, working on your tan or swimming in the crystal sea. The beach club is equipped with sun umbrellas and beach chairs to make your stay pleasant and relaxing. The excursion concludes with the drive back to the port of Bari.

While a generous portion of sun, sea and sand at Yabanaki Beach tops the bill of this enjoyable tour, it begins with a panoramic coach ride to Athens, passing the 5th-century defensive port of Zea on the way. A coach-based roundup of Athens main landmarks then follows, after which you'll continue on to the seaside resort of Varkiza and Yabanaki Beach. This well-appointed location offers all the usual beach amenities, several water-based activities, and a number of Greek tavernas should you fancy a drink or something to eat (at extra cost). You'll be able to spend about 3 hours at the beach before the coach picks you up again for the journey back to the ship.

Leave the port of Piraeus and enjoy a 1.5-hour drive by coach through the Greek countryside to Corinth Canal, where a short stop will be made to observe the boats that will very likely be passing through the narrow waterway. Separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the Greek mainland, the canal is 6.4 km in length, only 21.3 metres in width and was dug at sea level, which removed the need to build additional locks along its course. After swapping your coach for a small boat, you will embark on a leisurely and enjoyable trip along the canal. The steep embankments of the waterway are a testament to the engineering nightmare that building the canal posed. A snack will be served during your boat trip, at the end of which you will begin your return journey to Piraeus and the ship.

Take some time out to visit two of the most famous places in Greece on a tour devoted to delivering maximum entertainment and insight into the chosen locations: the perfectly proportioned Parthenon and the thoroughly impressive Corinth Canal. After covering the short distance from Piraeus to Athens' upper city, you will pass through the Propylaea Gateway to reach the monument that embodies classical Greece: the Parthenon atop the Acropolis. Dating back to 432 B.C., the imposing Parthenon overlooks and affords gorgeous views of the no less beautiful Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and Athens' old town. Next up is the colossal structure of the Corinth Canal. Separating the Peloponnesian peninsula from mainland Greece, the narrow canal was carved out of solid rock and completed in 1893, but only after many and varied obstacles had been overcome. After boarding a local boat in the village of Isthmia, prepare to be awe-struck as you cruise down the canal with perpendicular walls rising steeply to either side. Once back on terra firma, you will also have a chance to take some photos from the lofty height of a bridge spanning the canal. Your tour will then draw to a leisurely close with your return drive to Piraeus and your ship.

When near Athens, visit the Acropolis - arguably the city's most prominent landmark - but this time with an augmented reality twist. The all-day outing begins with a short coach drive to Athens, the capital of Greece, and the famous location. You'll then have to climb approx. 80 steps to reach the ancient complex at the top of Acropolis Hill. Once you've been kitted out with a smart device, you'll then get to enjoy an augmented visit and see images of how the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike or the Erechtheion would have looked in their heyday. At the end of your AR visit, you'll continue on foot through the Acropolis pedestrian zone to reach the New Acropolis Museum. Plenty of time will be yours at the museum to see its many exhibits, which include statues, sculptures, and marbles from the Parthenon. You'll also be able to visit the gift shop to browse for a souvenir before re-boarding the coach for the journey back to Piraeus.

Spend a few hours on dry land to experience Athens from two very different perspectives: from the lofty heights of Mount Lycabettus, the tallest peak in the vicinity, and then at ground level in the city's sprawling historical quarter, the so-called Plaka District. Your Athenian adventure begins with a round-up of the city's main sights by coach, after which you will head out to the foothills of Mount Lycabettus. The Lycabettus Funicular Railway will then be responsible for aiding your ascent up the mountain  a spine-tingling experience in itself. At the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular, 360° views of Athens and the surrounding area. Some free time for you to take photos and enjoy the unique mountain atmosphere is then scheduled before you head back to the city and the Plaka historical quarter. This fully pedestrianized part of town is characterised by a maze of narrow lanes, stunningly beautiful Neoclassical architecture, and close proximity to the Acropolis, for which reason it is also called "The Neighbourhood of the Gods". You will have plenty of time to spend enjoying these exceptional surroundings at your own pace before your journey begins back to Piraeus and your ship.

This excursion is ideal for those unable to climb the steps to the Acropolis but who wish to gain an overall impression of Greece's capital city. We will meet our guide at the port and board the bus for an excursion that covers the key attractions. As we drive from Piraeus to Athens, our guide will point out the main ancient and modern sites including Hadrian's arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our tour will continue past the National Gardens, the Panathinion Stadium, the Academy, the University, and the National Library. You will be able to see the Acropolis from a distance and we will break to take photographs before proceeding to Plaka. You will have some time for free exploration or for shopping; your guide will help you finding the perfect souvenir to bring home.

Situated only a short distance from Athens, the port of Piraeus makes a perfect starting point for a visit to the Greek capital and, of course, the world-famous Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits atop a rocky hill that rises 150 metres above the city in the Attica Basin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only home to the archaeological remains of several ancient buildings, but also the location of the amazing Parthenon, the symbol of Athens. Built between 447 and 432 B.C., the Parthenon temple was originally dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, was then converted to a Christian church in honour of the Virgin Mary in the 5th-century A.D. and was finally turned into a mosque, for which a minaret was added to the complex, in the 15th-century. Today, the Parthenon is widely seen to be an abiding symbol of ancient Greece and as the birthplace of modern democracy. To save your feet, the scenic tour will take you to see all the main attractions of this profoundly historic city from the comfort of a modern coach. You will have time to visit the amazing National Archaeological Museum - an archive of rare artefacts that knows no rival - and the meticulously restored old part of Athens, the so-called Plaka district. The beautiful old buildings in Neoclassical style, narrow lanes and archaeological remains that characterise the district give the place an old-world feel that is sure to capture your imagination. A brief stop will be made at a local souvenir shop before the tour concludes with your return to the ship.

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7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise