Explore and book MSC Cruises 15 Night Mediterranean Cruise on the MSC Splendida departing from Sokhna (Cairo),Egypt on Apr 15, 2023 and ending in Sokhna (Cairo),Egypt on Apr 30, 2023 Sail to Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Santorini (Thira), Greece, Trieste, Italy, Mykonos, Greece, Suez Canal, Egypt, Bari, Italy, Katakolon (Olympia), Greece, Safaga (Luxor, Karnak), Egypt, Kotor, Montenegro, Aqaba, Jordan, Sokhna (Cairo),Egypt

Sokhna (Cairo),Egypt

Located near the southern tip of the Suez Canal, Sokhna is Egypt's premier Red Sea port. It's a gateway to Cairo's ancient wonders, combined with the serenity of Red Sea waters.

Safaga (Luxor, Karnak), Egypt

A launchpad to Egypt's Luxor, Safaga offers cruisers a chance to delve into ancient pharaohs' world. Its Red Sea location also makes it ideal for diving and beach relaxation.

Aqaba, Jordan

Jordan's window to the Red Sea, Aqaba offers historical sites like the ancient city of Petra and world-class diving in coral-filled waters. A cruise to this port combines the allure of ancient history with marine wonder.

Suez Canal, Egypt

Suez Canal Scenery
Three Continents in One Cruise

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

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.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Visit the Acropolis
Walk through Plaka
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

A gateway to Ancient Olympia, Katakolon in Greece is a destination for those passionate about classical history. Its quaint harbor and Mediterranean charm make it a delightful stopover.

Kotor, Montenegro

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.

Trieste, Italy

Perched at the crossroads of Italy and Central Europe, Trieste is a port city known for its Habsburg architecture, historic coffeehouses, and seafront squares. It's a melting pot of cultures with a distinct Adriatic flair.

15 Night Mediterranean Cruise

Mediterranean

Africa

Egypt & Red Sea

Europe

Middle East

Eco-ship MSC Splendida carries you in comfort, style and luxury to the most desirable cruise destinations in the world, while at the same time being a beautiful destination in her own right. With so much to see and do onboard, every day on MSC Splendida promises travelers of all ages a world of new discoveries before they even step ashore.

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

Our amazing on-board F1 Simulator delivers an adrenaline-pumping virtual-reality race, with you in the driver’s seat of an F1 racing car. Go head to head against other racers and thrill to the feel of engines gunning. Huge fun for the young and the young at heart, regardless of who wins the race.

MSC Formula Racer

Arena Sport Center

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.

Royal Palm Casino

Strike! That’s what you want to hear every time the bowling ball barrels down the alley. See whether you have the knack and play against your family and friends to crown the bowling champion in your midst.

Mini Bowling

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

Bar del Riccio

Club 33

L'Aperitivo Bar

Tartaruga Bar

Galaxy Lounge

La Piazzetta

Movida Bar

La Prua Piano Bar

Splendida Bar

Royal Palm Casino Bar

Tea House & Dim Sum

The Aft Lounge

Catch the big game, enjoy quality entertainment or relax with a cocktail at the convivial Sports Bar. Enjoy a selection of cold beer, cocktails, energy drinks, protein shakes or juices and complimentary hot dogs.

Sports Bar

The Cigar Lounge

The Purple Jazz Bar

The One Bar

Top Sail Lounge

L'Enoteca

L'Equatore

Bora Bora Buffet restaurant

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'Olivio Restaurant

La Reggia

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

Pago Buffet

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

Villa Verde

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

In this exclusive restaurant the art of the oriental cuisine meets the passion of a Celebrity Chef: Jereme Leung, pioneer of oriental fusion cuisine.

Sea Pavillion Hot Pot by Jereme Leung

This American-style steak house serves select Linz heritage angus beef, gold standard in high-end angus beef thanks to the best genetics in breed. The highest quality product custom cut by master butchers and aged to perfection. The menu is inspired by the great plains and it is accompanied by bold New World wines and cocktails with swagger.

Butcher's Cut

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.                                      

The Strand Theater

Visit our on-board 4D Cinema for a chance to enter a world of adventure without having to leave the comfort of your seat. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience, full of surprising features and visual effects.

4D Cinemas

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.

Sailaway Party

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

his is a competition for the whole family with dance, music and selfie challenges dedicated to Kelly & Kloe On Board, MSC Cruises’ original web series created for kids and families.

Family Game Show

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

who’s going to be the best dancer of the night? The whole family is invited to join the Youth Staff for a special disco time!

Family Disco

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 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

Fast-paced, energetic and a ton of fun to play, volleyball is one of the world’s most popular team sports and one you can enjoy at the outdoor volleyball court at the onboard Sport Center. Burn some calories and get a thorough cardio-vascular workout while you land a kill and beat the opposing team.

Vollyball

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

Fancy a game of footy? Your wish can be granted at the outdoor five-a-side football pitch at the Sport Center. Team up with some friends or family and play a match against another on-board team. A great way to have fun, get active and turn strangers into friends.

Five-A-Side Football

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

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

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

Come to the outdoor Basketball court at the Sport Center for a chance to hang out with friends, have fun shooting hoops and enjoy a full-body workout at the same time. You may not make the latest line-up of the Harlem Globetrotters, but you’re sure to have a great time.

Basketball

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

If a fast game of squash is your favorite way of keeping fit or if you’d just like to give it a first go, simply book the outside squash court at our onboard Sport Center and prepare to hit it like a pro. First played in Harrow, England, in 1830, the game certainly looks back on a long history.

Squash Court

Anyone for tennis? Play to your heart’s content at the outdoor tennis court of our onboard Sport Center. Tennis is ideal for getting some healthy activity, honing your hand-to-eye coordination and having loads of fun. Game, set and match to you.

Tennis Court

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

MSC Cruises

MSC Splendida

Situated on the shores of the Red Sea in the south of the country, the bustling city of Aqaba is Jordan's only seaport. A short 15-minute drive by coach will take you south to a beach club for some leisurely time off the ship. A drink will be served to welcome you at the club, after which a few hours will be yours to do whatever you please. Enjoy the resort amenities as you relax or swim in the pool or go for a refreshing dip in the Red Sea. This fun-packed experience of sun, sea and sand comes to a pleasant close with your return journey to the port and your ship.

Leave the port for a 1-hour 15-minute drive to Wadi Rum and feel the romance of the Arabian Desert. In this timeless and beautiful valley rises Wadi Rum, amidst sand dunes that shimmer across the rose-red desert sand. The Wadi Rum area has been inhabited since prehistoric periods and geologists have found slabs of rock with inscriptions in early Tahamudic writings throughout the valley. After your arrival at Wadi Rum, you will board a 4WD vehicle for a two-hour drive through magnificent desert scenery. Your next stop will be a desert camp where you will enjoy Arabic tea in a traditional Bedouin tent. Return to the port.

If it's rose-red in colour, situated in the middle of the Jordanian desert and reputed to be half as old as time itself, the destination of this all-day excursion can only be the amazing ancient city of Petra. Having laid hidden for centuries, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer rediscovered this jewel of early engineering in 1812 and then unveiled it to the rest of the world. Situated about a 2-hour coach ride to the north of Aqaba, the city was hewn out of the solid rock by Nabatean Arabs more than 2.000 years ago and served as their capital city. These clever Arab architects even succeeded in bringing fresh water to their town using a sophisticated water conduit system, which turned the city into an artificial oasis. Your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site begins with a walk through the narrow "Siq", a stunning natural canyon that winds its way through towering rocks. As you emerge from the canyon, the bright daylight will reveal Petra in all its rose-hued glory. Carved into the cliff and rising several storeys high, the surprisingly well-preserved colonnaded structures have more than stood the test of time. The guided tour of the site will also include the large amphitheatre and the royal tombs. To cap off your incredible sightseeing tour of this ancient city, a delicious lunch is included in the excursion in a nearby hotel. The scenic return journey in the comfort of your air-conditioned coach will bring this fabulous outing to a leisurely close.

Located some way to the north of Aqaba in the middle of the Jordanian desert lies one of the most spectacular sights this world has to offer, the ancient city of Petra. Considered to be "one of the most precious properties of man's cultural heritage" by the UNESCO council and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the city is famed particularly for the rose-red hue of the rock out of which it was hewn by ancient Nabatean Arabs c. 312 B.C.. After leaving your ship and boarding an air-conditioned coach, the first leg of tour will take you on a roughly 2-hour drive through the scenic Jordanian landscape to reach the ancient city. A walk through the narrow "Siq", a shadowy ravine that carves its way through sheer walls of rock, then follows to reach Petra itself. Prepare for the big reveal as you come out of the ravine, when the sudden sunshine will illuminate the palatial pink city rising majestically out of the rock face. Incredibly, the sizeable ancient city, which once served as the capital of the Nabatean Arabs and even boasted a conduit system that gave the town potable water, lay hidden from the world for more than 1.000 years until it was finally rediscovered by a Swiss explorer in 1812. Your guided tour of the extremely well-preserved site will also include visits to the Nabatean Theatre, temples, the royal tombs, and time to enjoy your packed lunch in a designated venue.

Spend some time on a private beach in Aqaba at the five stars Moevenpick Resort. Relax at the beach by the Red Sea or enjoy this five-star resort's swimming pools, Jacuzzi, a sauna, and a whirlpool. Take a look at the roomy sun terraces and at the outdoor restaurant. The resort also includes children activities and a shop if you wish to take a souvenir home for your friends. On top a top range of water sports activities, you may find parasailing, water skiing and jet skiing, banana, and tube, all available at extra charge to be paid at the resort.

This enjoyable tour of discovery teams a drive through the Arabian desert with a visit to a Bedouin camp for lunch. You'll begin your outing with a 1.15-hour coach transfer to Wadi Rum, where you'll then board a 4x4 vehicle for an explorative 2-hour trip through rose-red sand dunes. Enjoy the romance of the desert as you travel, an area inhabited since prehistoric times and home to rocks bearing traces of early Tahamudic writing. You'll be heading for a Bedouin camp, where a warm welcome and a tasty lunch await you. The return journey back to your ship will deliver more stunning desert views and give you time to relax.

A luxurious oasis nestled on the shores of the unique Red Sea and serviced by Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, the Beach Club provides a unique experience, perfect for those who are looking for excitement and enjoyable moments. Only a short 10-minute transfer separates you from a few hours of pure relaxation and fun. Once at the Saraya Beach Club, sit back and unwind by the swimming pools or the golden sandy beaches of the central lagoon. The Club is ideal for the whole family: facilities include swimming pool, kids pool and play area, restaurant, children activities and live DJ, free Wi-Fi and water sports managed by third party. All that you need to spend some time in style.

Prepare for a Bedouin adventure by jeep as you leave the port and drive along a modern road taking you to the breathtaking desert landscape, with photo stops along the way to capture images of shimmering mirages, strangely formed rocky outcrops and the glorious sunset. At the camp, the hospitable Bedouins will welcome you to their tent before showing you the site and their tough living conditions. After a chance to observe how the Bedouin women knead the dough for their typical unleavened bread, you will also have a chance to try it hot from the fire and drink their sweet aromatic tea. Water is drown from a nearby well surrounded by a few sturdy palm trees and is also where the livestock is watered. Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests in a wheelchair; a wind jacket and comfortable shoes are recommended. This tour starts at approx. 13.30. The safari leader will provide you with information only in English during the stops.

The underwater world of the Red Sea is a habitat for a huge variety of multi-coloured fish and other aquatic wildlife, all supported by an extensive coral reef located in Egypts coastal waters. This leisurely half-day tour now gives you a chance to spend some time off the ship and take a closer look at this fascinating world, yet stay bone-dry dry at the same time. An approx. 1-hour coach ride will first take you from Safaga to the beautiful Sindbad Resort Hotel in Hurghada. From there, an approx. 50-minute sea leg by motorboat then follows to the submarine platform, where you will be briefed before boarding the vessel. Equipped with camera-friendly panoramic windows, the underwater craft will descend to a depth of about 22 metres and then take you on a 30-minute trip around the Red Seas magical aquatic universe, offering you amazing views of the reefs many flamboyant inhabitants. Your return to Safaga and your ship then marks the end of your tour. Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair, who are claustrophobic or suffer with respiratory problems. Guests will have to reverse down a short flight of 8 steps.

After leaving the ship, your guided tour of ancient Egypt begins with a 3.5-hour drive to Luxor across the stunning Safaga Mountains, through desertscapes and small farming villages and over vast stretches of arid land that will take your breath away. Founded in 1,400 B.C., the awe-inspiring Temple of Luxor plus its avenue of Sphinxes, unique red granite obelisk, mosque and huge statue of Ramses II make the first stop. Time permitting, you will also have a chance to browse for souvenirs at the temple shop. The next leg of the tour will take you on a short, but scenic drive to a charming five-star hotel on the banks of the River Nile, from where you will then board a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat, for an enjoyable lunch cruising down the river. Next up is the Valley Of The Kings, an impressive wadi that has been carved out of a bleak, dry landscape and is the place where the great Pharaohs chose to bury their dead. Your guides will lead you through this amazing necropolis and will tell you more about the history of the New Kingdom of Egypt. You will visit the interiors of 3 tombs in the Valley to admire their elaborate wall paintings and carvings, after which you will head for the Colossi of Memnon. These imposing twin statues of Amenhotep III are all that is left of a once great temple. You will also have an opportunity to haggle your way to a souvenir at a vibrant Egyptian bazaar or in a Papyrus Institute. While the coach returns you to the port and your ship, you will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the wonderful desert vistas. Please note: this tour runs involves a total of 8 hours of coach transfers plus approx. 3.5 hours of walking on uneven ground with some steps, for which reason it is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. You are recommended to wear a sunhat and comfortable shoes. You will not be permitted to take cameras or camcorders inside the Valley of the Kings, nor use mobile phones to take photos or make videos. The tour does not include visits to the tombs of Tutenkhamun or Ramses V.

A leisurely 4-hour coach drive through desert scenery to Luxor, followed by crossing the Nile, will bring you to the West Bank and the three royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Sights along the way include the mortuary temples at Deir el-Bahari with the temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the statues of Amenhotep III, also known as the Colossi of Memnon, where a photo stop will be made. A delicious buffet lunch at a five-star hotel will be followed by a visit to the Temple of Karnak, a major site of ancient worship where you can view the Hypostyle Hall, Sacred Lake and Avenue of the Sphinxes. Another brief photo stop at Luxor Temple rounds the tour off before you return to Safaga and your ship. You will also have an opportunity to haggle your way to a souvenir at a vibrant Egyptian bazaar or in a Papyrus Institute. Please note: the tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. You are recommended to wear a sunhat and comfortable shoes. No stops will be made during coach transfers, but toilet facilities are available on the coach. You will not be permitted to take cameras or camcorders inside the Valley of the Kings, nor use mobile phones to take photos or make videos. The tour does not include visits to the tombs of Tutenkhamun or Ramses V.

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.

The flavours of Greece and a digitally enhanced look at the birthplace of the world's most prestigious sporting event - the Olympic Games - await you on an outing that begins with a scenic coach ride to the rural Magna Grecia Estate. You'll be taken round the farm to see the olive grove and learn about its history, view the vineyards, and say hello to the resident farm animals. Then you can relax to Greek mezes - tasty appetizers - and a glass of local wine before moving on to Olympia, the place where the ancient Olympic Games were held from the 8th century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. and athletes would enter the stadium through a covered passageway. Today, no more than a few parts of the temple have survived at the museum and only ruins remain at the site itself. Among others, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion and the Philippeion have all disappeared. But thanks to a mobile 3D reconstruction device, you'll be able to get a very clear idea of what Olympia would have looked like in its heyday. Your return to the ship then brings the outing to a close.

Designed to give you a taste of ancient Greece, this tour takes you inland from the port of Katakolon to the site of ancient Olympia, which was excavated by a team of German archaeologists in the 19th-century, yielding a wealth of historical artefacts. Greek mythology has it that Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, built Olympia. The site, surrounded by trees, includes dozens of remains of buildings constructed not only for religious reasons but also for the sporting events held there. Your tour around the archaeological site will take you past the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome, and the stadium, which held up to 40.000 spectators  quite a crowd even by modern-day standards. To round off your "Olympic" experience, you will also have a snack and watch a typical Greek folklore show in a pleasant restaurant in modern Olympia. The tour ends with your return to the port of Katakolon and your ship.

Combining history and antiquity with Greek folklore and family traditions, this half-day excursion has all the makings of a taste of Greece. Leave the port and head for your first destination: the ancient town of Olympia, the birthplace of the most important sporting event in the ancient world. Excavated by a team of German archaeologists in the 19th-century, the site offers a unique look at the way these ancient Grecians lived. In line with Greek mythology, the king of the Greek gods, Zeus, constructed the city. The site, surrounded by trees, includes dozens of remains of buildings constructed not only for religious reasons but also for the sporting events held there. You will have a chance to view the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome, and the stadium, which was constructed with a maximum capacity of 40.000 spectators. Afterwards, the excursion changes theme completely as you reach the Magna Grecia estate. Located in the lush surrounding of Olympia region, this family-owned farm will reconnect you with nature and old traditions. The visit is a feast for all the senses. Not only will you learn about the history of the olive trees, how the olives are harvested and how oil and wine are produced from the surrounding vineyards. You will also be entertained by a folklore show while enjoying a light snack of local products. After the visit to the farm, you will board the coach and return to the port.

Spend a few hours off the ship and follow the trail of ancient Olympians on this fascinating tour to the archaeological remains of Olympia, 40-minute drive from Katakolon. Ancient Olympia is the town that gave rise to, hosted the Olympic Games in classical times, and is still the place where the Olympic torch is lit for our modern-day Summer Olympics, which were reinstated in 1896. Although Ancient Olympia was already re-discovered in 1766, excavation work only began in 1829 and responsibility for the site then passed to the "German Archaeological Institute at Athens" in 1870. Your trip around this UNESCO World Heritage Site will give you a chance to see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome, and the stadium, which was designed to hold up to 40.000 spectators. The tour also includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which was opened in 1982 and is home to an astounding collection of artifacts found during excavation work. Among the museum's most notable exhibits are particularly fine collections of beautifully detailed sculptures and bronzes as well as numerous terracotta artifacts and mosaics. The complex also includes a book and souvenir shop, which you may also like to visit. Your Olympic tour ends with a scenic return drive to the port and your ship.

A short drive through picturesque villages and unspoiled scenery brings you to the Domain Mercouri Winery, known not only for its wines of supreme quality but also for its magnificent location. This is the area where the Refosco grape was first planted after being imported from Italy. In 1930, the Mercouris built a modern winery and distillery, updated again in 1990 with the latest technology. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the winery and then sample rare and prize-winning white and red wines while enjoying a local snack or two. Wine and olive oil are available for purchase, allowing you to savor the taste of the estate long after you depart. After a short drive, return to the ship.

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.

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.

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.

Experience a magical landscape of subterranean mountains, murmuring rivers and vast halls, exploring a 24.12 km cave system made up of four caves connected by an underground river, 5.3 km of which are open to the public. Greeted by a local guide, you'll enjoy an expert tour of this extraordinary subterranean land, world-famous for its massive "Brilliant" stalagmite and "baby dragon" salamanders or olms. A portion of the caves have been illuminated to provide a stunning optical show, highlighting the rocks' transparency and giving the illusion of a wall of water.

Visit the most famous attractions of this uniquely elegant city, starting your exploration of Trieste with a panoramic coach tour to admire some of its most famous sights and panoramas. You'll then climb the hill to the famous Cathedral of Saint Justus which overlooks the city, providing fabulous photo opportunities. The Cathedral was built in its current form in the 14th-century around a medieval complex that dates back to the 9th-century, with parts from the 6th-century that incorporate Roman elements. Your guide will show you round this remarkable building and remains of the Roman forum in its grounds. You'll then continue to the spectacular Miramare Castle, built on a karstic rocky promontory in 1856 by order of Maximilian of Hapsburg. Inside the castle, you'll be able to admire perfectly preserved furnishings and decorations in an eclectic style. As you pass from one room to another, you'll be enchanted by the charms of a sensibility that harmoniously combines Mediterranean splendour with typically Northern elegance. Travelling towards the modern city, you'll pass the places that made Trieste a major shipping and trading centre in the 18th- and 19th-centuries. Reaching the main square, Piazza Unità d'Italia, you'll love the Mitteleuropean atmosphere that still lingers throughout the city from Hapsburg times.

Visit the world's most famous and oldest continuously-operating stud farm, established in 1850, home to some of the most fabulously gifted horses in the world. Departing from Trieste, you'll cross the Slovenian border on a comfortable 20-minute coach trip to the Lipica Stud Farm, home of the famous Lipizzaner horses for over four centuries. Depending on your ship's scheduled departure and day of call, here in Lipica you'll be able to attend the elegant white horses' training sessions, watching the best horses perform classic dressage-based movements, including the highly controlled, stylised jumps and other movements known as "airs above the ground.

Explore the tranquil Medieval old city of Koper, its stunning architecture and quaint narrow streets hidden in the heart of the largest coastal city in Slovenia, which has both Italian and Slovenian as its official languages. Your tour will start by coach, taking you across the Slovenian boarder to the thriving port city of Koper and the magical medieval world it encloses. Walking at a leisurely pace through atmospheric alleyways and squares, you'll experience the authentic essence of Koper, admiring gems like Tito Square with its arcaded Venetian Gothic loggia built in 1463, the Cathedral of the Assumption with its belfry City Tower, and the adjacent circular Romanesque Rotunda of John the Baptist, a baptistery dating from the second half of the 12th century. At its centre, you'll find the 15th-century Praetorian Palace, the symbol of the city and now its Town Hall. Ensuring a truly personal experience, you'll enjoy free time to explore, shop or sip a coffee before returning to Trieste.

Explore this extraordinary city on foot with an expert guide, admiring its elegant Viennese architecture and literary past while experiencing its Mitteleuropean and Italian soul in a way that's only possible on a leisurely walking tour. Leaving the maritime station and passing the Aquarium, you'll reach the charming Piazza Venezia with a monumental statue of Maximilian of Augsburg at its centre, erected by his friend, Baron Pasquale Revoltella, whose winter residence  now the Museum of Modern Art  was designed by the Berlin architect Friedrich Hitzig. You'll then continue to Piazza Hortis, where the City Library frequented by writers James Joyce and Italo Svevo is located, together with the prestigious Naval Institute. Strolling on towards the old city of Cavana, you'll appreciate the fine buildings that have been beautifully renovated under the city's "Urban Project". Walking down Le Mura street, you'll then reach Piazza Trauner, where the Arco di Riccardo Roman arch, Basilica of San Silvestro and Church of Santa Maria Maggiore can be seen. Your guide will then lead you by the Scalinata delle Medaglie D'Oro steps to the Jewish Ghetto dating from the late 17th-century, the Roman Theatre built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and the bustling Via San Nicolò, ending up at the Canal Grande, the heart of the city, built between 1754 and 1756. Walking along the canal you'll admire the grand residences of the city's wealthy traders before visiting the orthodox church. On the way back to the ship, your guide will lead

The Rilke Trail is not a simple trail overlooking the sea. It is the white of the rocks falling into the sea, the scent of the shrublands, the unforgettable glimpses of the coastline and the blue sea and a place where poetry meets nature. Connecting the two villages of Duino and Sistiana, this 2-km breath-taking natural path is named after the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, from Prague, who found inspiration for his Duino Elegies in this enchanting scenery. This will be your destination for a few hours of walk through the nature and the beauty. Abandoned for long time, the path was restored in 1987 and finally lately opened to visitors. Walking along its mainly flat ground, you will have not only a chance to discover the Karstification phenomena, but you will also bask in the beauty of wilderness and nature with lovely views of Trieste gulf, the blue of the sea and the Duino Reserve. At the end of the walking path, board the coach and enjoy a relaxed return to the port.

Discover the beautiful two-thousand-year-old coastal town of Pore?, famous for its Roman streets and squares and, above all, its Euphrasian Basilica  the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary  a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelling from the port in a comfortable coach, you'll cross the Slovenian and Croatian borders on your way to the typical Croatian town of Pore? on the coast. Upon arrival, you'll be guided through the narrow streets and beautiful squares on foot for an up-close voyage of discovery. Your tour will be like a walk through history, admiring buildings and monuments in wide variety of different architectural styles thanks to Pore?s rich history, with periods under Roman, Ostrogoth, Byzantine, Venetian and Hapsburg rule. Completing the experience, you'll have free time to enjoy and discover the town as you prefer, strolling through the picturesque streets, shopping or just relaxing with a coffee.

Cruisebound

15 Night Mediterranean Cruise