9 Nights Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - MSC Fantasia

DAY 1 - Piraeus, Greece

From 2021, the city of Piraeus, one of the oldest ports in the world, will join the list of ports visited by MSC Mediterranean Cruises. Guests will be introduced to the treasures of Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. Piraeus, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, has been the port of Athens since ancient times. It's a city filled with incredible wonders including Mikrolimano Bay, Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the Archaeological Museum. Nowadays, Piraeus is a bustling centre with attractive waterfront cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal stop in the Mediterranean. Use it as a stepping stone to see the Acropolis and greater Athens.  MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

 · The Dramatic Ruins of the Parthenon on the Acropolis

• Pláka Discovery· Corinth Canal Cruise The majestic Parthenon stands proud among the remains of the ancient Acropolis, a citadel perched on a rocky cliff, rising 150-metres above the city of Athens. Don't miss the opportunity to see this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site on an extraordinary MSC Cruises excursion. Begin with a climb to the top of Acropolis Hill to admire the magnificent Parthenon, the Temples of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. Then, visit the modern Acropolis Museum with its outstanding display of archaeological finds, before heading to the Corinth Canal. After visiting the Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll journey to Pláka, the historical quarter of Athens. Affectionately known as the 'Neighbourhood of the Gods', its maze of old streets is nestled around the northern and eastern foothills of the Acropolis. This MSC Cruises excursion will see you admiring a number of sites including archaeological remains and restored Neoclassical buildings. Immerse yourself in the area's classical atmosphere before indulging in a spot of souvenir shopping.  The Corinth Canal, an MSC Cruises excursion, is a narrow artificial waterway, completed in 1893. Separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, the canal is a popular attraction and a grand engineering feat! A series of bridges connects the two sides of the canal, allowing for a railway line and roads to cross over. Starting with a coach ride through the bucolic Greek countryside, you'll then enjoy a leisurely boat cruise down the canal.

---

DAY 2 - Kusadasi, Turkey

A witness to some of the world's most powerful empires, including Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, Turkey is abundant with ancient relics and UNESCO World Heritage sites. It's a country renowned for its sweeping ocean vistas, bustling souks, archaeological wonders, and stark Saharan landscapes.Kusadasi and Ephesus, two of its seaside towns, are both an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination ⁠- one a glamorous beach resort overlooking the glittering Aegean Sea, the other an age-old commercial centre full of captivating antiquities. 

Select an unforgettable tour from a list of MSC Cruises excursions including:· Ephesus· Virgin Mary House

• St. John ChurchNot far from modern-day Selcuk lies ancient Ephesus, a city that's peppered with romantic remains spanning classical Greece to the Roman Empire. Spend the day admiring artefacts in the Archaeological Museum, cast your gaze over the countryside from Ayasuluk Fortress, soak up the sun at the Great Theatre, or marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the majestic Temple of Artemis.Make a pilgrimage to Virgin Mary House where it's purported St. Mary, mother of Jesus, spent the last years of her life. Rediscovered in the 19th century by a Roman Catholic nun, the venue is now a sacred place to pay a visit and features a wishing well, baptismal pool, enchanting chapel, and cobbled courtyard garden.For those who prefer architectural opulence instead of rusticity, discover the awe-inspiring interiors of the Anglican Church of St. John the Evangelist. Located in the coastal city of Izmir, this venerated religious site is home to a collection of fine paintings, a kaleidoscopic domed ceiling, and a majestic marble altar.

---

DAY 3  - Istanbul

A shore excursion on your MSC Mediterranean cruise can be the opportunity to discover İstanbul which stands astride two continents, Europe and Asia.As if its spectacular geographical location were not enough, it can also boast of being the only city to have played capital to consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, a role that has shaped the region's history for more than 2500 years and bequeathed to İstanbul a staggering wealth of attractions.

Most cruise visitors spend all their holiday time in Sultanahmet, home to İstanbul's main sightseeing attractions: the church of Aya Sofya, the greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire; the Topkapı Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire; and the massive Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Here also are the ancient Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (housed in the former Palace of İbrahim Paşa), the eerily lit Yerebatan Sarnıcı, a fascinating Byzantine underground cistern, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), the largest covered bazaar in the world.The monumental architecture, attractive parks and gardens, street-side cafés, and the benefits of a relatively traffic-free main road combine to make this area pleasant for both sightseeing and staying on an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion. İstanbul's Ottoman-era Grand Bazaar gets more than its fair share of souvenir-hungry visitors.The area around it, however, is relatively little explored, which is a shame as it holds some very worthwhile attractions, from the historic Cembirlitaş Hamamı, one of the best Turkish baths in the country, to the city's very best mosque, the hilltop Süleymaniye Camii. The best single reason to head across to the Asian shore of the city is to experience a Bosphorus cruise. The views from the Bosphorus are superb, with domes and minarets dominating the skyline of the Old City, and skyscrapers the business districts beyond Beyoğlu.

---

DAY 4  - Day at Sea

A day at sea gives you the opportunity to recharge before docking at your next port. Enjoy the many amenities your ship has to offer by pampering yourself with a relaxing spa day, catching an entertaining show with talented performers, or savouring an evening of fine dining at one of our many restaurants. Stick to your fitness goals by heading to the gym or hitting the mat for a mindful yoga session. Peruse a variety of shops to discover fashionable outfits, accessories, and jewellery. With endless attractions and activities, your sea day experience will be one for the books. 

---

DAY 5 - Corfu, Greece

The resort island of Corfu, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, is renowned for its rocky mountains, beautiful beaches, and utterly romantic atmosphere.It's capital city, also named Corfu, is one of the ancient jewels of Greece. Here you'll find a Venetian fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage old town boasting winding lanes, bustling bars, towering houses, and heavenly gardens. Discover ancient remains from eras past, scattered throughout the island. MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including: · Achilleion Palace

• Corfu's Beaches· Palaiokastritsa Monastery

 Travel winding roads lined with olive trees and neo-classical terraces to the magnificent Achilleion's Palace. This MSC Cruises excursion will immerse you in a stately world - the former residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Achilleion's Palace is a stunning white mansion, offering delightful gardens and views over the sea. Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time in Corfu for shopping and dining before returning to the ship. MSC Cruises is delighted to offer an excursion along Corfu's gorgeous coastline. Indulge in some leisure time on Palaiokastritsa's beaches and take in the natural scenery. Boarding a boat, skim past the hidden gems of Corfu's coastline, including the incredible Nausicaa Cave. Stop at Paradise Beach for an hour of downtime where you can relax on the sand or take a swim.  Afterwards, visit an abundance of natural wonders by boat including the Blue Eye, St. Nikolas Caves, and the Lion's Head. Finally, return to the town of Palaiokastritsa for shopping and a bite to eat. Another extraordinary MSC Cruises excursion embarks on a scenic drive through Corfu's orange groves, cypress trees, and pines, to beautiful Palaiokastritsa. There, you'll learn how kumquats are harvested and turned into liqueurs at a traditional kumquat factory. Perched high on a rocky promontory over the Ionian Sea, the village offers views of the Byzantine Monastery. Decorated with frescoes of religious icons, this historical church is an unmissable spectacle. Next, stop at the town of Makrades to sample meze, wine, and ouzo at a traditional taverna. The inn's 19th-century agricultural tools and vintage olive press offer a glimpse into a bygone era.

---

DAY 6 - Bari, Italy

The Italian port city of Bari, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, lies on the coast of the archaeologically-rich Apulia region.This ancient town offers a remarkable mix of old and new, with historical churches, castles and piazzas positioned near modern galleries, shops, and museums. Further afield, discover an abundance of natural wonders including UNESCO World Heritage site caves. With its breathtaking beaches and world-class restaurants, Bari is a memorable seaside destination. MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including: · The 'Sassi' in Matera

• Alberobello· Caves of Castellana and Polignano a Mare

Discover the magical canyon city of Matera on an MSC Cruises excursion. This striking location is renowned for its 'Sassi' district, a network of caves carved into the mountain. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a number of caves date back to Neolithic times. Matera has an evocative biblical atmosphere attractive to film directors including Pierpaolo Pasolini (The Gospel According to Matthew, 1964) and Mel Gibson (The Passion of the Christ, 2004).

Visit the picturesque town of Alberobello on an MSC Cruises excursion. Here, you'll discover whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs - known locally as 'trullo'. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Alberobello's iconic dwellings are a wonder to behold. Take in the town's quaint cobbled streets and attractive plant pots before stopping at St. Antonio, the only trullo church in the world. If you're keen on epic adventures, don't miss a journey to the Caves of Castellana, situated in Italy's wine and olive region - the Itria Valley. Descend underground into a subterranean realm and see stalactites and stalagmites encrusted with calcite crystals. On this unforgettable MSC Cruises excursion you'll also visit Polignano a Mare, a town nestled on a craggy ravine overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Stroll the whitewashed streets, take in the views from the hillside terraces, or dip your toes in the turquoise waters of Spiaggia Lama Monachile beach.

---

DAY 7- Trieste, Italy

If you are looking for elegance and culture, the ideal destination is Trieste. An MSC Mediterranean Cruise will take you to the old cafés where you can relive the same atmosphere that inspired many writers, among the Art Nouveau and Neoclassical palaces, or along the Grand Canal.Your MSC Cruise will take you to the "little Vienna on the sea" which is now one of the largest ports in Italy for freight traffic, one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the peninsula. A meeting of peoples, languages and religions that magnify the city's Central European, Slav and Mediterranean soul.One of the MSC Excursions will guide you to visit The Castle of Miramare, residence of Maximilian of Hapsburg and Charlotte of Belgium. A desirable palace for its view of the Gulf of Trieste and unique elegance of the furnishings still visible of the apartments, on the spouses' ground floor and the guests' first floor. Built between 1856 and 1860, it contains a small castle used by the married couple during the construction works in the magnificent richly scented park that surrounds it.

Another MSC Excursion will take you to visit the Roman amphitheatre at the foot of the Colle di San Giusto, set among the modern buildings of Trieste, a city with an ancient history. Constructed around the end of the 1st century, it was only brought to light in 1938. Interestingly, it once overlooked the sea.Everything in Trieste faces the sea including Piazza Unità d'Italia, the Piazza Grande, the destination of an MSC Excursion. Strolling along this large rectangle framed on three sides by the city's most famous buildings and the renowned Caffè degli Specchi, stopping under the column of the Statue of Charles VI and idling in front of the Fountain of the Four Continents, are experiences crowned by the view of the sea on the fourth side.

---

DAY 8- Day at Sea

A day at sea gives you the opportunity to recharge before docking at your next port. Enjoy the many amenities your ship has to offer by pampering yourself with a relaxing spa day, catching an entertaining show with talented performers, or savouring an evening of fine dining at one of our many restaurants. Stick to your fitness goals by heading to the gym or hitting the mat for a mindful yoga session. Peruse a variety of shops to discover fashionable outfits, accessories, and jewellery. With endless attractions and activities, your sea day experience will be one for the books. 

---

DAY 0- Katakolon

On the Peloponnese shores stands the little seaside town of Katakolon, Greece, an MSC Mediterranean cruises destination. Situated on a headland overlooking the blue Ionian Sea, this charming location boasts a lighthouse, the Agios Nicolaos Church, and musical instruments museum. A short ride away lies the ancient site of Olympia, the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3000 years ago, it hosted Greece's first Olympic Games in its Panhellenic religious sanctuary. MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including: · Olympia, Folklore Show and Tasting· Olympia and its Museum· Magna Grecia Estate and Olympia in 3D

Explore the fascinating world of Greek mythology on an MSC Cruises excursion to the archaeological site of Olympia. This is one of the most significant places in Greece's history, settled in the hilly region of the river Alfeiós. Visit the remains of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome, and the great stadium which seated up to 45,000 spectators. Then, in the town, enjoy a delicious meal and a typical folklore show in an authentic local restaurant.  For a truly immersive experience, choose an MSC Cruises excursion that also stops at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. This cultural hub displays an extraordinary selection of elaborate sculptures, terracotta artefacts, and beautiful mosaics, discovered during the site's excavation. See sculptures of Pelops in a chariot race, Lapiths, Centaurs, and The Labours of Hercules from the temple of Zeus. The museum also comprises a fantastic book and souvenir shop offering plenty of keepsakes and gifts.  Take an MSC Cruises excursion to the Magna Grecia Estate which is a short coach-drive past the charming villages surrounding Katakolon. Explore the vineyards, see the farm animals, and savour some meze appetisers with a glass of regional wine. Next, visit extraordinary Olympia, where you'll imagine what the games site looked like back in 8th-century B.C. At the museum, be entertained by a virtual 3D reconstruction of Olympia during its most magnificent period in history.