Cruise Italy & Greece with MSC

The city of Venice sits at the top of the Adriatic Sea in the north east corner of Italy. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city sits on 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon – a salt marsh. In the 12th century Venice became a city state and its location at the top of the Adriatic made it a key naval and commercial centre as well as a flourishing art centre. Modern Venice is stunning and retains the wonderful history of this unique city. It is a city of museums, galleries, piazzas, palaces, churches and more. One visit isn’t enough to see all that Venice has to offer but visitors should try and see the Basilica San Marco and San Marco Square, the Doges Palace and the Gallerie dell'Accademia which houses some of Italy’s finest art treasures.

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro. It is located in a most secluded part of Gulf of Kotor. Kotor is an old Mediterranean port and major tourist destination. It has one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic, listed with UNESCO world heritage sites. This small medieval town on the beautiful Kotor Bay is both charming and seductive. Narrow streets, contiguous houses, bulwarks, churches, cathedrals, squares, carnivals and feasts, create an environment that one cannot resist. Kotor has numerous other sights, such as Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and ancient walls which stretch 4,5 km directly above the city. Sveti Đorđe and Gospa od Škrpijela islets off the coast of Perast are also among more popular destinations in Kotor vicinity.

At Sea

Mykonos is the most famous tourist island in the Eastern Mediterranean and certainly the most cosmopolitan among the Cyclades. Mykonos easily captures the visitors interest, thanks to the great variety of choices on offer here. There is something for everyone; “holidays” here can mean anything from the most peaceful relaxation to the wildest partying. Located on the islands’ western harbor, the “Chora” of Mykonos is a very beautiful old island town, which in the past had its own merchant fleet. Today it maintains a balance between tourism-related development and the preservation of its very picturesque features. There are whitewashed houses, proud windmills, a multitude of chapels, busy back streets with balconies full of flowers and a multicolored fleet of fishing boats in the port. In the background is the Paraportiani Church; alongside it, sea-washed “Little Venice”. After sunset everything changes: crowds throng this luxurious marketplace and the restaurants, bars and discos consign the tiny town to the pleasures and the different rhythm of the night. Ano Mera one of the most eastern side of the island, a tranquil village in the midst of farms, is a lovely locale, known for its excellent taverns. It is ideal for bicycling and hiking, and there are beaches nearby for swimming and water-sports. Tourists may also visit the two monasteries in the area, “Tourliani” and ”Paleokastro”. As long as the sun is shining, the island’s greatest attractions are the many beautiful beaches and the clean blue-green sea. Most of the beaches are on the south side of the island. Among these are the much frequented Platy Gialos, Psarou, Ornos, Paranga “Paradise” (Kalamopodi), “Super Paradise” (Blintri), Elia, Kalafati, Kalo Livadi, and Lia. On Mykonos western shore are Agios Stefanos, Houlakia, Tourlos, Megali-Ammos and Agios Yannis (opposite Delos). A day devoted to exploring Delos is a must before returning home. This ancient ruined city dedicated to Apolo, was also a major center in the Mediterranean. There are a number of small museums in Mykonos town and, during the summer, there is an outdoor cinema, the Cine Mando, and various art exhibitions, theatrical performances and concerts.

Syros is a beautiful Cycladic island in the heart of the Aegean Sea, located between Mykonos and Tinos, and best known for its elegant capital, Ermoupoli. The scenery is a stunning mix of classic whitewashed hillside villages, colourful neoclassical buildings, quiet beaches, and sparkling blue waters that give the island a more authentic and relaxed Greek feel. Top things to do include exploring Ermoupoli’s charming streets and Miaouli Square, visiting the impressive Apollo Theatre, discovering the hilltop Ano Syros village with its medieval charm, relaxing on beaches like Galissas or Kini, enjoying fresh seafood at waterfront tavernas, touring the beautiful Church of St Nicholas, and taking in panoramic island views from the island’s scenic hilltop viewpoints.

At Sea

Ancona is a historic port city on Italy’s Adriatic coast in the Marche region, offering a scenic blend of seaside charm and rolling countryside, and it also serves as a gateway to the Renaissance town of Urbino. The scenery features a lively harbour, sweeping sea views, rugged coastal cliffs, and green hills stretching inland dotted with vineyards and medieval villages. Top things to do include visiting Urbino’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, exploring the magnificent Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale), seeing masterpieces at the National Gallery of the Marche, strolling through Ancona’s old town and Piazza del Plebiscito, admiring the Cathedral of San Ciriaco perched above the sea, relaxing at the beautiful beaches of Conero Riviera, and tasting local Marche specialities such as truffles, olives, and fresh seafood in traditional trattorias.

Venice-Marghera, Italy