Cruise Italy, Spain & France with MSC

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoys a mild climate all year round.Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most successful ports and one of the world’s leading cities in art and architecture. From the modern cruise terminal at the docks you will need a taxi or tour to see the artistic beauty of this unique destination, credited to the talents of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi, Jose Clara and others. Stroll the mosaic-paved Ramblas, the city's social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays. See its unique Catalonian cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi and some outstanding museums. Sights of interest include the Columbus Monument, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (1298 to 1454), the Maritime Museum, Picasso Gallery, La Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's unfinished cathedral), Palau Guell (Gaudi mansion) and the Olympic stadiums.

Marseille is the second-largest city of France and forms the third-largest metropolitan area, (Paris and Lyon are larger). Located on the Mediterranean Sea, it is France's largest commercial port and the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région, The Old Port or Vieux-Port is the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Dozens of cafés line the waterfront. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market.

Genoa, set along Italy’s Ligurian coast, is a vibrant port city defined by grand palaces, narrow medieval lanes, and a lively maritime waterfront, while nearby Portofino offers a contrasting world of pastel houses, luxury yachts, and a picture-perfect bay. Visitors can explore Genoa’s historic centre, visit the impressive Palazzo Ducale, stroll the bustling Porto Antico, or wander through its famous caruggi alleyways. A short trip to Portofino brings scenic coastal walks to Castello Brown, relaxed moments in the harbour piazzetta, and boat rides along the rugged Ligurian shoreline. Together, they blend urban character with elegant seaside charm.

Livorno is a port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea on the western edge of Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Livorno and the third-largest port on the western coast of Italy. Livorno is one of the most important ferry ports in Italy offering sailings to both Corsica and Sardinia and is also one of the countries major naval towns. Livorno itself is surrounded by beautiful sea and nature with a wonderful countryside including rich parks. Attractions in Livorno include the Natural History Museum and the Aquarium, the Villa Henderson, which combines antique finds with modern educational tours, and also has a Botanic Garden. The quarter known as Nuova Venezia (New Venice), built during the 17th century, still preserves some of its original features. Particularly interesting are the Medicean Fossi, a network of navigable canals connecting the warehouses and homes of merchants which, like those in Venice, had entrances at water level leading to rooms where goods were once stored. Piazza della Republica is still admired today for its unusual architecture. It is in fact a bridge covering a long stretch of navigable canal.

Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world and is a history lesson in itself. Key sites include the Vatican City, The Forum, the Colosseum and the ruins of the Circus Maximus. There are many museums and art galleries, with works by Raphael, Bottecelli, Pinturicchio and Belini and many more. The Vatican City has many spectacular buildings and churches to visit principle amongst which is the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo ceiling. It is the world's smallest independent sovereign state and also features St. Peter's Basilica was built over 1,500 years ago the Vatican Library hand the Vatican Garden. Modern Rome is a city of restaurants, open piazza's, wonderful shopping and more. Things to See & Do * Vatican City * Sistine Chapel * St. Peter Basilica * The Colosseum * Trevi fountain

At Sea

Valencia is a charming old city and the capital of the Valencia province of Spain that is well worth a visit. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea approximately 4 hours to the south of Barcelona and 3 hours to the east of Madrid. Valencia is famous for its Fallas festival in March, for being the birthplace of paella, for hosting the 2007 America´s Cup, and for the massive architectural project by Santiago Calatrava called The City of Arts and Sciences. There used to be a river running through the centre of the city but the river was redirected a while back and so now there's a beautiful park where the river used to be. This is a very nice place to while away any free time you have in the city on a sunny day. Valencia has something for everyone, long beaches of golden sand on the coast, inland mountain ranges, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, golf courses and sailing lessons, culture and entertainment, holy shrines, exquisite cuisine, good business, interesting congresses and conventions.

Barcelona, Spain