Spain, France and Italy cruise with MSC Cruises

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. Things to See & Do * La Rambla * World-famous opera house El Liceu * Plaça Reial (Royal Square) * Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia * The National Museum of Art of Catalonia

Cannes is a commune in France, located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes and the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Cannes is one of the best-known cities of the French Riviera, famous for the International Film Festival and the glitzy hotels, cars, beaches, and visitors. Cannes is 36 km from Nice, 55 km from Monaco and 60 km from the Italian border. From this elegant city, it's an easy drive to the other star attractions along the French Riviera. Enjoy the plunging cliffside scenery on one of the corniche roads as you head for Monte Carlo. Or perhaps visit Antibes with its lush, bougainvillea-draped villas, or the medieval walled town of St. Paul de Vence. Things to See & Do * Old town * Port * Beaches * Palais des Festivales * Covered Market 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. Things to See & Do * Old Port area * Phare de Sainte Marie, a lighthouse on the inlet to the Old Port * The Centre Bourse and the adjacent rue St Ferreol district - the main shopping area *Museums and historical buildings * Abbey of Saint Victor

Genoa is a city and a seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria.Famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa remains a bustling seaport. The city's Renaissance heritage is preserved in splendid palaces overlooking the harbor. The Old Quarter of Genoa, is especially enthralling for those who like to explore. It is best to travel on foot through the narrow streets (called carruggi) which are meticulously kept, as are the expansive palazzi (mansions) of medieval merchants which line them. Around the Palazzo Reale, many shops sell Turkish carpets and the best of silk. Other attractions in Genoa include the Palazzo Ducale now used for exhibitions and concerts, the Via Garibaldi art gallery and the original waterfront or Porto Antico. The waterfront is also full of atmosphere and there are many bars and restaurants where one can watch the world go by. The 16th century lighthouse, the Lanterna, which rises over 120 meters (325 steps!) above the sea, can be seen 50 kilometers away, and has guided mariners to the port for 100s of years. Things to See & Do * Piazza de Ferrari * Strada Nuova * St. Lawrence Cathedral * Second largest aquarium in the world located at Porto Antico (old harbor) * Galleria Mazzini Portofino (Ligurian: Portofin) is a small Italian fishing village, comune and tourist resort located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town crowded round its small harbour is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. A stroll through the shady streets and sun-splashed quays of this tiny village on the Italian Riviera, will reveal the pastel houses, designer shops and charming sidewalk cafés which attract the chic elite. Portofino's Things to See & Do * Castello Brown - 16th century castle/fort * Church of St Martin * Portofino Beaches * Shopping and restaurants around the Portofino harbor * Paraggi - quaint beach town walking distance from Portofino

La Spezia is a city in the Liguria region of northern Italy, at the head of La Spezia Gulf, and capital city of the province of La Spezia. It's a beautiful city where the colours of the sea blend with the nearby mountains. The streets are full of bergamotto trees, and the colourful and sunny seafront Passeggiata Morin (Morin walk) is faced by the historical gardens. The gardens offer a unique combination of colours. There are numerous varieties of plants ranging from the cedar to the magnolia and other types of characteristic palms, alternated by a large blossoming of roses among wild agaves. Things to See & Do * Castle of San Giorgio * "Ubaldo Formentini" - Civic Museum in the Castle of San Giorgio * Abbey church of Santa Maria Assunta * Historical Gardens Cinque Terre The Ligurian coast will reveal the splendour of its contours as you sail along its abrupt landscapes facing the Mediterranean Sea. The coastline is scattered with small beaches and fishing villages clinging to the cliffs that form the beauty of this hanging province. From the sea, you will enjoy an exception view over the Cinque Terre, impressive in their isolated and authentic natural setting. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national park since 1999, the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza et Monterosso distil their charm and their uniqueness as our eyes drink in the shimmering colours of the pastel facades illuminated by the sunshine.

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

Cruising at sea.

Palma de Mallorca is the capital city of Majorca, the largest island of Spain, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Balearic Islands archipelago and a major tourist destination. Palma boasts a magnificent Cathedral, an interesting historic quarter, Arab baths and Bellver Castle and museum. Its beach is also the most popular on the island. Things to See & Do * Palma Cathedral * Playa de Palma – most popular beach on Majorca * Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo – museum of contemporary art * Pueblo Español architectural museum * Banys Àrabs – Arab bath buildi

Disembark.