Explore and book MSC Cruises 7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise on the MSC Lirica departing from Venice, Italy on Jun 7, 2025 and ending in Ancona, Italy on Jun 14, 2025 Sail to Venice, Italy, Mykonos, Greece, Santorini (Thira), Greece, Kotor, Montenegro, Ancona, Italy

Venice, Italy

Venice needs little introduction. The 'City of Canals' has captivated travelers for centuries. As your cruise ship approaches, the silhouettes of domes and bell towers paint the skyline. Gondolas glide silently beneath ornate bridges, and timeless architecture narrates stories of the city's opulent past. To visit Venice is to step into a living canvas of art and history.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a gem on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, nestled at the end of a fjord-like bay and surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. This UNESCO-listed town boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and ancient fortifications. Key attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the climb to the Fortress of San Giovanni, offering breathtaking views of the bay. A vibrant waterfront, bustling markets, and local eateries make Kotor an irresistible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Mykonos, Greece

One of Greece's most iconic islands, Mykonos is famed for its white-washed buildings, labyrinthine streets, and lively nightlife. Its beaches and crystal-clear waters are Mediterranean highlights, making it a top stop on Aegean cruises.

Santorini (Thira), Greece

The Mountain of Prophet Elijah
Winery Tour
Oia and Traditional Santorini Market
Prehistoric Museum
Sailing at the Caldera
Akrotiri Ruins and Oia Village
Fira
Pyrgos Village with Mezes and Wine
Palaia & Nea Kameni - Santorini Volcano

Ancona, Italy

Positioned on Italy's Adriatic coast, Ancona offers historical treasures like the Cathedral of San Ciriaco and the Arch of Trajan. Its harbor, sandy beaches, and local seafood provide a delightful Italian coastal experience.

7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

Africa

Mediterranean

Europe

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

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

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.

Palm Beach Casino

Armonia Lounge & Library

II Lido Bar

L'Atmosphere

Lord Nelson Pub

La Canzone del Mare Bar

Starlight Disco

The Beverly Hills Bar

Vitamin Bar

Cigar Room

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

Gelateria Italiana

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

Kids' Corner features a dedicated buffet line exclusively for kids and their families, offering a playful and relaxed dining experience. With a menu that changes daily, young cruisers can enjoy healthy and fun meals designed to excite their taste buds. This family-focused space ensures mealtime is as enjoyable as the adventures onboard.

Kids Area

Tradition and modernity go hand in hand in this stylish sushi restaurant. This charming venue offers deliciously authentic Asian cuisine prepared on the spot with only the freshest, highest quality ingredients.

Kaito Sushi Bar

La Pergola

La Bussola Restaurant

Le Bistrot

LÍppocampo Restaurant

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

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

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

For those unexpected hunger pangs, the Take-Away Station is your go-to spot for quick and casual dining, offering popular fast foods. Enjoy a convenient snack whenever you need it during your cruise adventure.







Take Away Station

Wellness Corner

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

A start-of-the-cruise event celebrating the ship's departure, led by the Entertainment Team and dancers in a spectacular Costume Parade.

Sailway Party

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

For parents of toddlers under 3 years old, this partnership with Chicco ensures a safe and enjoyable play area. Leave your little ones with the MSC Babycare staff or join in the fun with special Chicco toys and rhythmic activities designed to spark curiosity.



Baby Club 0-3

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

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

The Mini Club, designed for children aged 3 to 6 and in partnership with LEGO®, is a hub of creativity and fun. With a wide range of activities and the exciting Doremi Family Disco, it’s a place where young imaginations soar and families create lasting memories together.

Mini Club 3-6

Teens aged 15-17 are in for an unforgettable cruise experience. Dive into the Teen Club's action-packed world, featuring sports, dance-offs, social games, and thrilling Wii, Xbox, and PS4 tournaments.



Teen Club 15-17

Set sail for a day of creativity with the LEGO® Experience On Board. Your family can enjoy a full day of LEGO-themed activities, providing endless hours of building and creating for the kids while fostering family fun.

Lego Experience

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

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

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the MSC Aurea Spa, a sanctuary of Balinese tranquility. Offering a variety of signature treatments, a thermal area, and beauty services, it’s your escape to rejuvenation and luxury.

MSC Aurea Spa

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

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

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 Lirica brings you a distinctive cruise experience centered on elegance, comfort and hospitality in the finest MSC Cruises tradition. Magnificent internal vistas from the foyer and unimpeded ocean views from the lounges’ floor-to-ceiling windows contribute to a sense of relaxed spaciousness, which is complemented by a variety of intimate lounges.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 Cruises

MSC Lirica

Enjoy an excursion in the Parco del Cardeto in the Italian city of Ancona, a natural environment of particular interest and extraordinary panoramic spots above the high coast, the cliff, and the city. The tour begins with your departure on foot from the cruise terminal at the port of Ancona. Your tour guide will then lead you on a hike that will take in various monuments of great artistic beauty and historical importance, along tranquil paths away from the noise of the city lying below. Your destination, the Parco del Cardeto, is the green heart of the town's historic centre, offering breathtaking views of the city and the sea. You will also be able to see the Roman amphitheatre of Ancona and the Old Lighthouse, visit the Jewish Cemetery and the Castelfidardo Military Powder Warehouse.

Discover the many palaces and museums of the historic town of Osimo in Italy's Marche region. The excursion includes visits to the Palazzo Municipale and the Cathedral of San Leopardo with its Baptistry, the Belvedere Terrace and the gardens of Piazza Nuova. Other site of interest on the tour include the fascinating Cantinone Caves, a network of tunnels under the town with esoteric bas-reliefs.

Tucked away just a short distance from Ancona lies a jewel of Italian architecture, the town of Jesi and your destination on this enjoyable tour. Begin with a visit to Palazzo Pianetti, an imposing 18th-century Rococo palace with an exquisite interior. Now serving as a municipal museum and exhibition site, the Palazzo is also home to the Pinacoteca Civica, Jesi's much-respected art gallery. A group of works including the masterful altarpiece, St. Lucy before the Judge, by Lorenzo Lotto, a notable late 15th- to mid-16th-century Italian painter, is considered the gallery's star exhibit. Moving on, an unhurried stroll will both allow you to enjoy the full breadth of the town's civic splendour and take you past the late 18th-century Pergolesi Theatre, in honor of the great composer born in Jesi, on Piazza della Repubblica before you head back to Ancona and your ship. Please note: comfortable shoes recommended. This tour is unsuitable for guests with walking difficulties.

Budding painters, photographers, and dreamers all will enjoy the art and aesthetics of Urbino and delight in the quaint streets and squares of this lovely walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will reach Urbino after an approx. 1.5-hour coach drive to meet your guide and start a short walking tour around the historic old town, one of the best-preserved medieval centres in Italy. Located on a sloping hillside, Urbino offers picturesque views over the verdant valleys, straight out of an Italian masterpiece. You will visit the "Palazzo Ducale" begun in the second half of the XV century, and which houses the National Gallery of Marche with one of Italy's most important collections of Renaissance paintings. Next, you will enjoy a snack buffet in a bistrot next to "Piazza della Repubblica".

Leave the port and begin your tour with a visit to San Ciriaco Cathedral in Ancona before starting a journey into the verdant countryside of the Italian Marche region. This sightseeing tour by coach takes you to Sirolo, a lovely seaside village with a fully restored medieval centre. The charming square in the middle of the village, Piazza Belvedere, affords beautiful views of the sea and Mount Conero, a 572-metre promontory just south of Ancona that got its name from the Greek word for the strawberry trees that grow on its slopes. You will have time to explore the village and its church at your leisure before enjoying a coach transfer to Portonovo, another coastal village in the Marche region for a unique photo stop. The excursion will also give you the opportunity to sample some local products and shop at the same time. Next, drive back to Ancona for some free time for shopping before returning to the port.

Time to do nothing but hang loose, stretch out on golden sands, and ponder the meaning of life are what holidays are all about. Give yourself a few hours off the ship, take a break from sightseeing and indulge in some special moments that will soothe your soul and let you reconnect with your inner self on this enjoyable outing to Numana. A short coach ride from Ancona will first take you through the pretty Marche countryside to reach Numana, a resort town situated close to the state park and protected ecological area of Mount Conero. The main areas of this attractive old town are the historical Numana Alta quarter and the Numana bassa district, which includes the bustling port. However, Numana also offers visitors a choice of beach resorts, which will be your destination on this tour. Your seaside sojourn provides a perfect opportunity to do whatever you please  swim in the inviting blue of the sea, lie back and soak up the sun, taste a slice of pizza (included) or perhaps simply sit and let the moment work its magic on you before the tour is brought to a close with your return to the ship.

An approx. 60-minute drive through the Italian countryside will take you to Genga and the unforgettable Frassasi Caves. Your guide will escort you on an underground adventure among the otherworldly stalagmites and stalactites found within the famous cave system, discovered, and then explored between 1948 and 1971. The safe routes through the spectacular caves coupled with dramatic lighting make this a truly awe-inspiring experience for the whole family. The caves also boast Europe's largest single cavern, the Grotta Grande Del Vento  so big that Milan Cathedral would easily fit inside. After the caves visit, board the coach again to reach some souvenir stands and have free time for shopping. Next up is a visit to Montecappone Winery where you will stop for a tasting inclusive of buffet of snacks and wine.

Next to an amazing nightlife, cosmopolitan atmosphere and beautiful landscape, Mykonos is also home to a slew of gorgeous beaches, some of which you will be discovering by boat on this appealing half-day tour. Only a short coach ride from the pier will see you reach Agios Ioannis, from where a local kind of boat known as a caïque will take you on a sun-kissed sail around the islands southern coastline. Feel the breeze in your hair and soak up the views as you pass Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paranga and Super Paradise beaches  some of the best on the island. Depending on the weather, swimming stops are also scheduled in the vicinity of selected beaches, so its worth having your swimwear on under your clothes. A chance to go ashore at Paradise beach and enjoy the facilities also forms part of the outing, as do delicious cold Greek snacks on board the caïque as you make your way home. Please note: the tour runs from June to September, but is available only for guests on board MSC Poesia. Guests are recommended to wear swimwear under clothes and to bring a hat, sunscreen and towels. The tour is not available for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. Beach stops are not scheduled (with the exception of a stop at Paradise beach), but swimming will be possible directly from the caïque.

Nestling in a secluded cove on the southern shoreline of Mykonos lies one of the island's longest beaches  Kalo Livadi  and your destination on this appealing half-day seaside treat. Pop your swimwear on under your clothes, leave the ship and spend a mere 30 minutes on a coach to reach the idyllic setting, perfect for some serious relaxation on pristine sand while lounging on a sunbed. The shallow and crystal-clear Aegean Sea is an open invitation to paddle or swim, whereas the many tavernas that flank the beach make an ideal spot to savour the views with a refreshing drink in hand. You will have about 3 hours to enjoy the beach whichever way you like before the coach then returns you to the ship.

Fabulous beaches, a windmill-dotted landscape, friendly locals and a particularly lively night-time clubbing scene have all gone to make Mykonos the popular holiday destination it is today. This tour will see you leave the ship, hop on a local, public seabus for a short trip to the old port to enjoy an evening of Greek hospitality and a light dinner in a restaurant. In addition to delicious local specialities and wine, you will also get to enjoy a folkloric show while at the restaurant. You can even join in yourself and shake a leg or, if you prefer, simply clap in time with the music. The tour also includes a guided walk around the narrow lanes of Mykonos town, full of whitewashed houses and enclosed gardens. At the end of the tour, you can either return to the ship straight away or spend more time in "Chora", as locals call the town, until you feel ready to call it a night and make your own way back to the ship by shuttle boat.

Situated in the middle of the Cyclades Group lies Delos, the "Island of Light", and the destination of this enjoyable tour. After a short boat trip, your exploration of Delos' historical remains and rich mythology can begin. Legend has it that Zeus took a shine to the beautiful Leto, in the course of which affair she fell pregnant. However, this drew the ire of Zeus' wife, Hera, who promptly forbade Mother Earth to give Leto refuge. Just when all hope seemed to be lost, a serendipitous island  Delos  rose out of the sea, giving Leto a safe haven to deliver twins Artemis and Apollo. Popular as a pilgrimage site among ancient Grecians, Delos became one of the wealthiest shrines of antiquity. Among the remains of this era is the Avenue of Lions, so named for a row of originally 7th-century Naxian-marble lions that seem to guard the spot where Leto is said to have given birth. You can then crown your exceptional experience by taking the path up to Mount Cynthos, from whose peak Zeus is said to have watched the birth of his twins. Do not let the uphill hike deter you, for the mind-blowing view from the peak is worth every step. Round out your visit by exploring some of the numerous other monuments at the site before beginning your return journey to your port. Please note: this tour includes approximately 1.5 hours of walking, at times over uneven surfaces. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. Guests will be required to return their audio guide equipment to their tour guide in perfect condition at the end of the tour. Guests will be charged for any damage to or loss of audio guide equipment.

As one of the Cycladic Islands, Mykonos has enjoyed great popularity as a holiday destination since the 1950s, offering travellers traditional Greek hospitality plus a lively nightlife against a backdrop of stunning beaches, whitewashed houses and a scenic interior. Just what makes the island so appealing is revealed in the course of this leisurely walking tour, which is set to showcase the rarely seen corners of town, its hidden gems, narrow winding streets and secluded walled gardens. In addition, if the layout of Mykonos town appears confusing, it is. Specifically designed that way to thwart pirate attacks, the town continues to flummox all but the locals to this day. A trademark feature of the island are its numerous windmills, redolent of a bygone age during which they ground the wheat that made the bread that fed the island. Standing squat, round and proud against the buffeting wind, these portly landmarks make a great photo opportunity. Your exploration of Mykonos then draws to a close with your return to the port.

Venture out and uncover the many different facets of Mykonos island, the "St. Tropez of Greece". Just how much the island has to offer is yours to discover on this relaxing and mainly coach-based tour, which begins with a drive to the so-called Panorama vantage point. A photo stop will give you a chance to capture beguiling views of Mykonos town and the old port, before a scenic route will take you through the picturesque villages of Agios Ioannis and Kalafatis as well as past the cosmopolitan beach of Ornos. A stop will be made at the heart of Mykonos to visit the island's second-largest settlement, the village of Ano Mera, at whose centre stands the monastery and church of Panagia Tourliani. Probably founded at some time during the 16th-century and then remodelled in 1767, the cloister is a major draw for travellers visiting the area. A generous helping of warm Greek hospitality then awaits you in a village taverna, giving you a chance to reflect on your day of Mykonian magic as you relax to the aniseed flavour of ouzo and the savoury goodness of typical Greek appetizers. More pleasing views can then be enjoyed during the return drive to the port and your ship.

Join us on this excursion combining fun, adventure and Santorini's wild landscapes enabling you to spend a few hours exploring this lovely island in a completely different way. A short tender boat ride from the ship will take you to Athinios port where we board a bus to the location where your 4x4 jeeps await you. Board the vehicle and start your adventure driving to Akrotiri, located on the southern end of the island, an amazing lunar landscape created by the last eruption of the volcano. You'll then drive to Vlihada beach, where you will have a short break to jump in the cool waters of the Aegean Sea or to simply enjoy the views. The natural beauty of this secluded beach, framed by pumice stone hills, will enchant you. Next destination is the traditional village of Pyrgos for an opportunity to taste typical Greek snack at a local restaurant. Continue to the mountain of Profitis Elias, the highest of the island (550 m) with an incredible panoramic view of Santorini; be certain to have your camera ready for your memory book. Then take a road drive passing by the villages of Exo Gonia, Kamari and Monolithos. Your destination will be the capital of the island, Fira. Here you'll have free time to stroll through the city and admire the beautiful views of the caldera before taking the cable car down to the port of Fira to return by tender boat to the ship.

Sail through the "Caldera", the Gulf of Santorini, to the tiny, uninhabited island of Nea Kameni. The island is home to a volcano which we will visit during a walking tour and which enriches the waters around the island. More islands are in store as we continue to Palea Kameni where our boat will anchor for about 30 minutes so you can swim from the boat in the warm, sulphuric waters. You then return to Skala port to board a tender boat back to your cruise ship.

Popular as a tourist destination due to its lovely beaches, relaxed atmosphere and wonderful weather, the beautiful Greek island of Santorini is also known for the ancient city of Akrotiri, which is situated at the southern end of the island and forms the destination of this half-day tour. A tender boat will first take you on the quick ride from the ship to Athinios port, from where you will continue on an approx. 20-minute coach ride to ancient Akrotiri. Once a thriving settlement during the Minoan Bronze Age, the town was buried by a tremendous volcanic eruption in the middle of the second millennium B.C.. The cloak of lava and ash that descended on the settlement served to preserve the site, which includes pristine frescoes, pottery, furniture, an advanced drainage system and even some three-storey buildings, all of which have been uncovered since excavation work began in 1967. The 1.5-hour stay at this Minoan settlement will give you plenty of time to have a good look around and soak up the special atmosphere of this prehistoric location. The visit will be followed by a little bit of free time to visit the nearby modern village of Akrotiri, after which you will head for the village of Fira where your guide will tell you how to take the cable car down the port to catch the tender boat back to your ship.

Your relaxing beach experience begins with a short trip on a tender boat to Athinios port, after which a coach will take you to Perivolos Beach, a picturesque stretch of sand giving onto the beautiful blue of the Aegean Sea. You will have some time to enjoy beach life and the various taverns, pubs, and restaurants you will also find along the seafront. The rest of your trip will be in Fira, the capital of the island of Santorini where you can opt to have some free time in town or return to the ship on your own. You will be given instructions on how to reach the Orthodox Church and how to take the cable car back down to the port of Fira, where you will pick up your tender boat to return to the ship.

A short tender boat ride from the ship will take you to Athinios port where we will board a bus to Oia, a typical Greek village characterized by narrow streets, traditional white churches with blue domes  a picture-postcard vision of the Mediterranean! This village is famous for its hill-top location which offers a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Santorini. Enjoy a short guided walk followed by approx. 45 minutes free time before boarding the coach and reach a nearby winery where delights of a different kind are in store. Sample local delicacies made of cheese, tomatoes, olives, and bread accompanied by a delicious wine tasting session. Next on your list is the small town of Fira, located in the west of the island and perched on a cliff 260 metres above sea level. You will have free time to discover the narrow streets of the town where the predominant colour is white and blue; don't forget your camera because every corner of Fira is a great place to take panoramic pictures. Near the Orthodox Cathedral you will say goodbye to your guide, but not before being told how to take the cable car back to the port of Fira. From the port, a boat will take you to the ship.

Exciting, exclusive, edifying: three attributes that not only aptly describe this tour, but also the Greek island of Santorini itself, which was created when the crater left by a huge volcanic eruption collapsed, leaving only the rim, a so-called caldera. After a short boat ride to Athinios port, you will continue by coach to explore the island's history, capital, and dramatic landscape. First up is ancient Akrotiri, a town that flourished during the Minoan Bronze Age, but then fell victim to a major volcanic outbreak that covered it ash in the middle of the 2nd millennium B.C.. Since excavation work began in 1967, many extremely well-preserved artefacts have been uncovered, including frescoes and even some three-storey buildings. You will have about 1.15 hours to enjoy this prehistoric site before you move on to Fira, Santorini's capital, for more free time to spend as you please. The pretty lanes are fun to walk down, the cafés great for a pit-stop and the views of the Kamenis, twin volcanic islets in the bay, spectacular. Last up is Oia, a blue-and-white village in Cycladic style perched on the very edge of the caldera. After a guided walk through its pretty cobbled streets, a stop at a local winery will give you a chance to sample local delicacies made of cheese, tomatoes, olivers and bread accompanied by a delicious wine tasting session. Next, board your coach to reach Athinios port where a motorboat awaits to take you back to the ship.

As you tender ashore to the port of Athinios you will be captivated by the hues of deep blue in the sea and by the vista of the graphic island of Santorini ahead. Enjoy a scenic ascent via the colourful rocky sides of the caldera, offering a spectacular panorama of the island. Drive to Oia, passing by many traditional villages, the crowning glory of peace and tranquillity. Built on the northern part of the caldera rim, it is here where many artists have been inspired due to its magnificent location. Walk through the village along cobble stoned streets marvelling at the wonderful panoramic views and admiring the traditional architecture. Enjoy some time to browse in tiny shops selling ceramics, paintings, and jewellery. The tour ends at Fira, the picturesque capital of Santorini perched on the volcano's caldera. Here you will have the option to either stay in town for further exploration or reach the tender service station by cable car or by foot.

No visit to the romantic city of Venice could ever be considered complete if it failed to include a trip on a typical Venetian gondola, rowed by a traditional gondolier. To acquire a licence to practise this old and venerable profession, a would-be gondolier must prove to have expert navigational skills, know the waterways inside out and be familiar with the city's history and landmarks. As you make your way from canal to canal, you can admire the beautiful bridges, the magnificent royal palaces, and the typical narrow Venetian streets, called calli, from a unique perspective. The excursion includes free time in St. Mark's Square, home also of St. Mark's Cathedral that you will admire from outside before a local guide takes you on an informative and comprehensive walk around the calli. The tour draws to a close with the return to the port by boat.

Your Venetian day begins with a 2-hour coach drive from Monfalcone through the regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto during which you can enjoy the landscape. Next, a boat is waiting for you for a pleasant cruise in Venice lagoon to reach Murano. In 1291, when furnaces were banned from Venice as a fire precaution, the manufacture of exquisite glassware was transferred to this island. Witness the masters of this delicate craft at work during your visit to a leading factory followed by an opportunity to acquire some of this timeless art. Next, board the boat again and reach one of Venice's most famous site: St Mark's Square. Once there, start your guided walking around this world-famous square with the iconic Doge's Palace, the bridge of Sighs, San Marco Basilica. Your guide will provide you plenty of information outside these monuments before boarding the boat again to return to your awaiting coach for the drive back to Monfalcone.

Experience the best of Venice's outstanding cultural heritage on this memorable tour. A boat will take you to St. Mark's Square, and you will then have a few hours to visit the Doge's Palace on your own. This unique monument was built between 1309 and 1424 and then damaged during a fire in 1574. The sympathetic restoration work respects the original Gothic style. Since the 16th-century, the Palace has been linked to the city's prison by the famous Bridge of Sighs. Before returning to the port, you will also have a little free time to spend in St. Mark's Square.

If you disembark in Venice and want to taste a little of the city before taking your flight home, enjoy a gondola ride to explore this romantic city. As you travel from canal to canal, a breathtaking vista of bridges, palaces, and narrow streets, known as calli, unfolds before your eyes. The tour includes a little free time in St. Mark's Square, before which a local guide will take you on an informative walk around the calli. Thanks to a pre-reserved access time, you will have the opportunity to independently visit one of the symbols of Venice: the magnificent Doge's Palace. On returning to the port and collecting your luggage, your tour will be brought to a close with your transfer to Venice Marco Polo airport.

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7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise