August 2022

 

Experience the Mediterranean with twelve-day cruises. From Jerusalem to Casablanca, from Marseille to Istanbul: the right season to discover the treasures of art, legend, the pleasures of life.

 

What's more valuable than time? It never seems to be enough in our lives. Even on holiday, sometimes it seems that we miss something. MSC Cruises' Autumn Long Cruises are the perfect opportunity to experience fascinating, stress-free and mild-temperature travel. Twelve-day itineraries, with extended stops at the main destinations. And while sailing, the right amount of time to pamper yourself: a romantic breakfast on the balcony of the suite, sunbathing by the pool, a regenerating massage, a special lunch, a party under the stars.

 

 

MSC Lirica. From Genoa to the East.

After sipping an apéritif in Portofino, we arrive in front of the Colosseum of Rome and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. In Messina, we admire the fantastic mechanical clock of the Cathedral with dozens of stories and animated characters. Rhodes is the city of the mythical Colossus and the beautiful bay of Lindos; it is a magnificent experience to climb the Acropolis on the backs of donkeys. In Cyprus, a dip in the crystal clear waters of Pissouri Beach, toasting with the intoxicating local wine. The Jerusalem leg takes us to one of the world's richest cities in history or to the shores of the Dead Sea to "walk" (almost) on the salt water. Wandering in Heraklion, we enter the remains of the Palace of Knossos in which the vicious Minotaur killed by Theseus was imprisoned in the labyrinth. And after the time all at sea: the incredible pink sand of Elafonissi beach awaits us.

 

MSC Fantasia. From Trieste to Turkey.

We start from the wonderful Piazza dell 'Unità d'Italia by the sea after drinking a coffee in one of the bars frequented by the writer James Joyce while writing Ulysses. In Zadar, we are enchanted by the Sea Organ; seven steps and 35 pipes that, crossed by the waves of the sea, generate wonderful symphonies. The alleys of Bari Vecchia are a continuous surprise like the Sassi di Matera or the Trulli di Alberobello. The Parthenon of Athens is one of the wonders of the world that must be visited at least once in a lifetime. The Izmir landing introduces us to Ephesus, which houses the Library of Celsus, the Baths and a magnificent Amphitheatre. Istanbul is the city suspended between Asia and Europe, enchanting with Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar. Last stop, Corfu, where Ulysses in Homer's Odyssey falls in love with Nausicaa. The Achilleion is the museum dedicated to Princess Sissi who found the joy of life on this island.

 

With MSC Magnifica to Morocco.

A unique itinerary that will also allow us to experience the thrill of crossing the mythical "Columns of Hercules," the Strait of Gibraltar. The Genoa Aquarium is a wonderful journey to discover the sea and its creatures. Barcelona is the triumph of the Mediterranean joy of living. The Ramblas is an open-air theatre, the Gothic Quarter a journey through time, the Boqueria market a lively display of fruit and vegetables worthy of a museum. In Casablanca, we are left speechless in front of the Hassan II Mosque; the 220-metre-high minaret projects a ray of light towards Mecca. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we go shopping in the Mercado de Africa and admire the Palmetum with 500 species of palm trees from all over the world. With the Cable Car, we reach the Jardim Tropical in Funchal to admire a spectacular panorama. We return to the shore with the Carros de cesto, a wicker sled held down along the descent by very sturdy drivers. In Malaga, we visit the Picasso museum and enjoy a snack of delicious tapas and wine from the Costa Sol. Marseille is home to the Island of Montecristo, the Old Port and Notre Dame de la Garde, the golden statue that dominates the city.