Explore and book MSC Cruises 7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise on the MSC Armonia departing from Venice, Italy on Jul 20, 2025 and ending in Brindisi, Italy on Jul 27, 2025 Sail to Venice, Italy, Mykonos, Greece, Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Split, Croatia, Brindisi, 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.

Brindisi, Italy

Temple Of St. Giovanna
Hohenstaufen Castle
Lecce

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

Split, Croatia

Croatia's second-largest city, Split is an Adriatic gem with its UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and Riva promenade. Offering both Roman history and modern Croatian life, it's a highlight of any Dalmatian coast cruise.

7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

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

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.

Casino

This lounge features live entertainment and dancing later in the evenings. It was often packed for predinner cocktails and later in the evening.

Bar del Duomo

Unwind in the refined atmosphere of this Lounge Bar—a haven for leisurely moments with friends. Revel in comfort and style as you savor your favorite drink in this elegant space.

Lounges

Caffe San Marco serves extra-fee hot coffees, iced and frozen coffees and chocolate drinks, as well as free biscotti and pastry items. You'll also find alcoholic drinks, such as espresso martinis.

Caffe San Marco

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

Night Bars

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

Outdoor Bars

This classy little cocktail bar, branded by Bacardi, features specialty mojitos and a pianist in the evenings. An enormous blown-glass light fixture -- which is stunning in presentation as well as size and (presumed) weight -- dominates the space.

The Red Bar

The wine and cocktails are the same as elsewhere on the ship, the menu offers many more beer options, including Newcastle Brown Ale, Amstel and Murphy's Irish Red on draught; more than 20 beer varieties in bottles; and a handful of beer cocktails.

The White Lion Pub

Breakfast offers eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage, smoked salmon, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, yogurt, cereal, pastries, bread, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit juices. Lunch features a three-course menu made up of starters (soup, cheese croquettes, Greek salad), a main (typically steak, pasta and fish dishes -- hamburgers are always available and the vegan version is better than average), a daily special and desserts.Dinner offers at least three courses, as well, plus an always-available menu with options that include Caesar salad (chicken optional), grilled chicken breast, steak or salmon dishes served with French fries, baked potatoes or the vegetable dish of the day. Specials could be anything from roast pheasant to red snapper.Vegan choices are also offered and most special diets can be catered for onboard.

Marco Polo

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

This nicely situated spot serves up hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, fruit and desserts buffet-style and also has its own bar. Waiters patrol the area to serve drinks

II Girasole

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

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

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

Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with a wide selection of Italian and international cuisine. This casual buffet-style eatery offers fresh flavors, quality ingredients, and plenty of variety for every taste. Perfect for a relaxed lunch on the go.

La Brasserie Buffet

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

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

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

Indulge in a favorite mouthwatering surf 'n' turf meal with the juiciest of steaks and bountiful seafood.Our menu will take your taste buds on a cruise of their own as you indulge in hearty seafood favorites, such as crab cakes and lobster, and melt-in-your-mouth fillets and ribeyes.

Surf And Turf

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

Wellness Corner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thermal Area

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

Medi Spa Center

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

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

Grant your wish for a game of football at the outdoor five-a-side pitch in the Sport Center. Team up with friends or family, engage in a friendly match, and turn strangers into friends as you have a blast and stay active.

Five-A-Side Football

Join in the fast-paced fun on board with a game of volleyball at the outdoor court. Get a cardio workout, land that kill shot, and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition!


Volleyball

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

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

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

One of the ships that first introduced MSC Cruises’ distinctive combination of classic Mediterranean style and pioneering design, MSC Armonia is now even better equipped to satisfy every need, thanks to an impressive array of new features and facilities. So step on board and embark on a voyage of discovery before you even set sail!

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

La Brasserie is MSC Armonia's buffet cafeteria set up at the back end. It holds just 290 people.La Brasserie stays open from 6 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. There's also a 24-hour coffee, tea and water station inside La Brasserie.

La Brasserie

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:  Vegetarian Menus of delicious specialties, freshly prepared to the gourmet standards for which MSC is renowned; Kosher meals (pre-packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner) may be available onboard. Kosher meals can be consumed in the main restaurants and must be booked at least 3 weeks before ship’s departure. Halal products (beef, lamb and poultry) may be available on board following former request of the guest at least two months before departure; Gluten-Free Menus* are prepared by skilled personnel in dedicated kitchens on board. MSC Cruises has obtained a certification from Bureau Veritas to provide gluten-free menus worldwide (food code: 20 ppm).

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.

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.

MSC Armonia carries about 2,500 passengers at a time and the theater holds just 557 people .Teatro La Fenice is also used for daytime entertainment, such as a Master Chef competition, during which passengers, both children and adults, have fun competing, just like on the TV show. It's staged once during the cruise.

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!

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.

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.

Gym By Technogym

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.

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.

MSC Cruises

MSC Armonia

Take a leisurely few hours off the ship to leave Brindisi and head for Porto Cesareo on the beautifual Apulian coastline. The coach transfer will take about 40 minutes, after which you'll board a boat to cruise the 30-km stretch of coastline that links Porto Cesareo with Punta Prosciutto, a Protected Marine Area. You'll cruise around the capes, islets and reegs within these waters and stops will be included for you to take a dip in the turquoise sea. You'll also pass an underwater archaeological site where Greco-Roman columns can be seen in the water on your way to Isola dei Conigli, the larger of the islands near Porto Cesareo. Also called Rabbit Island for reasons that are not entirely clear, the spot is perfect for relaxing, working on your tan, taking a dip, or going for a stroll. Just don't expect any rabbits. A chance to go snorkelling as well as a snack of Apulian bread, olives and tuna are also included in the itinerary. Your outing ends with your return to the ship by coach.

Leave the port with a local guide and drive along the highway to Ostuni, "the white lady" stands on three hills in Murge. It was an important Greek  Roman city in the first century AD. The picturesque medieval village with its white houses with winding streets and cobbled alleyways dominates the plains below. The brightness of its whitewashed houses sets against the pink-tinged brown of its main monuments. Bits of baroque twist out of unexpected places, including the obelisk, 21 m high, devoted to Sant'Oronzo. Its own cathedral is the most eloquent expression of the importance of this town. It has an important façade in late gothic style belonging to XV century. Visitors will be captured by Delia's story, a woman who died 25.000 years ago. She was pregnant when she died and her skeleton together with her phoetus was discovered in Ostuni in 1991. A particular mix of characteristics makes Ostuni the most typical example of Apulian town architecture. The tour includes a visit to a typical oil mill with a tasting session of olive oil.

Get your fill of the wonderful Apulian city of Brindisi, whose origins date right back to the 16th century B.C., from the comfort of a modern coach on this leisurely sightseeing tour. First up is the Gothic-Romanesque-style Church of Santa Maria del Casale, a somewhat monolithic building of late 13th-century construction with a striking façade of grey and yellow stones that is situated a short drive from the city. After some time to view the interior, complete with 14th-century frescoes, your coach returns to the city to drop you off in the old town, which you will then have a chance to explore on foot. Your starting point will be the columns of the Appian Way that head a staircase which in turn leads to Brindisi's 12th-century Romanesque cathedral - the place where both King Ruggero II and his son, Frederick II, got married. As you continue your walk down the main street of the old town, further stops will be made at the gorgeous Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, which was constructed in the 1100s and features a circular plan, as well as at the San Pietro degli Schiavoni Roman archaeological excavations, which continue to remind visitors of the past - all the while overlooked by the modernist architecture of the Teatro Verdi, which was inaugurated only in December 2006. After some free time to explore the modern part of the city, the tour concludes with your return to the ship.

A 40-minute coach ride to the south of Brindisi will take you to a place that is often called "the Florence of the south", the lovely old Apulian town of Lecce, which was influenced and shaped by periods of Roman, Greek, Ostrogoth and Norman rule. Celebrated both for its more than 2.000-year history and a wealth of Baroque-style buildings, Lecce is well worth exploring, which this enjoyable sightseeing tour gives you a chance to do in the best way possible: on foot. From the beautiful Piazza S. Oronzo in the heart of the city and the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, through the Church of the Holy Cross, which took a staggering 345 years to build and was finally completed in 1695, and the mid-16th-century Castle of Charles V, right up to the Baroque-style Celestines' Convent and the magnificent Piazza del Duomo in the town centre, Lecce rewards visitors with lovely views and vistas by the score. You will also learn about paperwork process as your guide will take you in the city area where all traditional laboratories are located. Do take your camera and make lasting memories to show the folks at home. After your guided tour, there will still be some time for you to stroll around or to do some shopping before beginning your pleasant return journey back to the port through the appealing Apulian countryside.

Leave the port of Brindisi 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 mortarless 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. You will return to the port.

This tour is especially created for those who like independent exploration. Leave the port of Bari for an hour coach drive through the Italian countryside to Alberobello. Once in town, you will have plenty of time to discover this UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the famous "trulli" houses, topped by a so-called "pinnacolo", a sort of white cap or sphere, or take a walk in the streets of the town, looking for a souvenir. Make sure to be in time at the place to pick up your coach to return to the port and your ship.

Leave Brindisi and head for Porto Cesareo on the beautifual Apulian coastline. The coach transfer will take about 40 minutes, after which you'll board a boat to cruise the 30-km stretch of coastline that links Porto Cesareo with Punta Prosciutto, a Protected Marine Area. You'll cruise around the capes, islets and reefs within these waters and stops will be included for you to take a dip in the turquoise sea. You'll also pass an underwater archaeological site where Greco-Roman columns can be seen in the water on your way to Isola dei Conigli, the larger of the islands near Porto Cesareo. Also called Rabbit Island for reasons that are not entirely clear, the spot is perfect for relaxing, working on your tan, taking a dip or going for a stroll. Just don't expect any rabbits. A chance to go snorkelling as well as a snack of Apulian bread, olives and tuna are also included in the itinerary. Your outing ends with your return to the ship by coach.

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.

Solin, formerly the ancient city of Salona, seems to stand still in time. Situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, Solin reached the pinnacle of prosperity in the 3rd- and 4th-centuries, and was the birthplace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian  who later built his imposing Palace in the neighbouring city of Split. The excursion includes a 30-minute visit to the city's archaeological excavations before driving along the Split Riviera to Trogir, also under UNESCO's protection, which was founded in the 3rd-century B.C. Take in the stunning monuments of Trogir, which include the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. This building dates back to the 8th-century and is probably the finest example of sacral architecture in Croatia. Enjoy an hour leisure time in Trogir before returning to the ship.

The small and formerly quiet town of Medjugorje, which is situated in the Herzegovina region near the Croatian border, suddenly acquired global popularity as a religious pilgrimage site in 1981 after news broke that the Virgin Mary had appeared to six local Catholics. A 2.5-hour drive along the lovely Adriatic coastline will take you to view Medjugorje's key attractions such as Apparition Hill, St. James' Church and the statue of St. Leopold. You will have a chance to stick with your guide, pray at this important religious site or explore the location at your leisure. The path up to Apparition Hill is adorned with a set of impressive bronze plaques that illustrate the various Mysteries of the Rosary as a recollection of the life of Christ. If you prefer, you can alternatively stay near the church and visit the outside altar, the statue of our Blessed Lady and the confessionals. The tour concludes with your return to port and your ship.

Croatia certainly has more than its fair share of natural beauty and one such example, the sizeable Krka National Park, forms your scenic destination on this enjoyable half-day tour. Stunning views of ibenik-Knin county will keep you entertained during the 1.5-hour coach transfer to the park. Once you have arrived, you'll first head for one of the park's most popular attractions, the beautiful natural pool and waterfall called Skradinski buk. The River Krka runs through the area and feeds the Skradinski waterfall, one of three cascades in the park. Do keep your camera at hand as you set off on a guided walk through the greenery, revealing not only views of the river and gushing cascades, but also including a visit to an old mill with an ethnographic exhibition. There will also be time for you to explore the natural setting at your leisure before the coach ride back to the port, with more lovely vistas to savour on the way, wraps up the tour.

A short drive will take you south-east of Split and along the scenic Adriatic coast to Omiš, a pretty little town situated at the point where the River Cetina flows into the Adriatic Sea. Continuing your journey down the lovely canyon of the River Cetina, you will soon arrive at the Radmanove Mlinice restaurant and picnic site. Idyllically located close to the river in verdant surroundings, this popular excursion destination is not just the perfect place to enjoy a local snack of smoked ham and cheese with a glass of local wine, but also to take some photos. Your tour then heads back to Split, where you can explore the town's attractions on foot during an hour guided tour. As you stroll through the open-air market or sit on sun-warmed stones, the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to forget the bustling, modern port that exists only a stone's throw away. This juxtaposition of the old and the new is all part of Split's unmistakeable charm. After some free time in town, you will return to your ship.

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