Italy, Spain, France & Tunisia - MSC Seaside

Day 1: Larnaca - Barcelona

Fly to Barcelona and embark on MSC Seaside from Barcelona port. The ship departs at 18:00.

Day 2: At sea

Day at your leisure to explore and enjoy the megaship MSC Seaside.

Day 3: Le Goulette, Tunisia

The ship arrives at Le Goulette port at 08.00 departs at 18.00.

The added value of a vacation in Tunis is that in a stretch of just a few kilometres one can admire beautiful sites dating from the pre-historical period to the present day.

An excursion from the berthing port – La Goulette – to the remains of the ancient Carthage, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979, will take you to the heart of one of the most dynamic and important centres of the Mediterranean. In Carthage one can admire the Roman baths of Antonino, built in the 2nd century AD, the amphitheatre by the same name, which can host 5000 spectators and a small Punic necropolis. Not to miss during your cruise is also a visit to the Carthage National Museum, one of the two archaeological museums in Tunisia, from where one can enjoy a splendid view of the port of La Goulette.

The excursions continue along the coast up to Sidi Bou Said, the “Portofino” of Tunisia, built by the Andalusian Arabs fleeing from Spain, which has become a holiday resort since the 18th century. The heights of the cliffs dominate over the Tunis Bay with its unique colours: the bright white of the walls, the intense blue of the doors and windows, the warm sand colour of the cobbled streets and the explosive fuchsia of the bougainvillea flowers. Another visit not to miss is to the Bard National Museum, hosted in the Hafsid palace built in the 13th century.

Allow yourself some time to walk around Tunis as an alternative to Sidi Bou Said before returning to your cruise ship: the central market, not too far from the Medina, the old own, is a souk typical of Middle Eastern cities, offering cruisers a variety of shops selling fabrics, clothing, spices and crafts. As in any market of this kind, a sale is made only after some haggling, may cruisers be warned!

Day 4: Palermo, Sicily

The ship arrives at Palermo port at 08:00 and departs at 18:00.

Your stop in the port of Palermo will enable you to discover the ancient city founded in the 8th century AD by the Phoenicians, plus the refined cuisine: don’t leave without tasting the famous cannoli! Palermo will impress you with its beauty, inherited from the Middle Ages when it was dominated by the Arabs before being conquered by the Normans. The Norman Palace and its extraordinary Cappella Palatina, Palermo and Monreale Cathedral, are architectural gems that combine Roman, Arabic, Norman and Byzantine styles. But it’s also the Botanical Garden and the surprising banyan with its luxurious trunks that will leave you with unforgettable memories of the city.

Not to be missed: The Norman Palace, The Palatine Chapel and The Capuchin Catacombs

Day 5: Naples, Italy

The ship arrives at Naples port at 06:30 and departs at 16:30.

Cruise to Naples, located on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast, a city rich in history. A tour around Naples' grand piazzas, cathedrals and castles in the old centre will take you back centuries.

Pompeii is not too far either, a dashing city which boasts diverse cultural offerings and charming streets. Buildings, churches, streets, ancient fortresses and castles in the sea, as well as natural caves make Naples unforgettable. Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy. The margherita pizza, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, was named after Queen Margherita. The Funicular in Naples is one of the longest funicular lines in the world. 

Day 6: Livorno, Florence

The ship arrives at Livorno port at 09:00 and departs at 19:00.

How lucky to visit the Tuscan region, Florence & Pisa, resplendent in art and history. What's even more fortunate is that all the main attractions in Florence are centrally located for the perfect walking tour. See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Michelangelo's David.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, symbolizes the wealth and power of Italy's golden age more than any other city in Italy. It offers much more than the famous leaning tower.
The Leaning Tower was designed many centuries ago as a Campanile - a free-standing bell tower of Pisa Cathedral. Although designed to be standing vertically, the tower started to lean the southeast direction shortly after its construction began.
Cathedral of Santa Marla Del Flore is the second largest cathedral in the world, capable of holding 3,000 people. Begun in 1296, it took 140 years to complete.

Day 7: Marseille, France

The ship arrives at Marseille port at 10.00 and departs at 19.00.

On the spectacular coastline of the French Riviera lies Marseille. This atmospheric port city is known for its unique mix of grit and glamour, seen in its labyrinth of streets and historical architecture. Only a few miles from Marseille’s charismatic cafes and bustling Vieux Port, stunning cities are to be found. Visit Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of Cézanne, or take in the ancient beauty of Avignon.

The seaport of Marseille remains a must-see destination for its culture, colour, and atmosphere. Explore the port and its primary landmark: the Neo-Byzantine basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, constructed between 1853 and 1864. From the summit, you can take in incredible views over the city and the deep blue Mediterranean. Don’t miss a stroll along Marseille’s waterfront, past the aristocratic Borély Castle and Garden. See Longchamp Palace in the town centre before spending time in the old port.
 
Visit the southern French town of Aix-en-Provence. Explore the religious landmark of St. Saviour Cathedral, which was built over the remains of a Roman temple. Honouring the sun god Apollo, this richly decorated structure features Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque features. Next, enjoy a pleasant hike to the Four Dolphins Fountain and the Mazarin Quarter, home to honey-hued mansions from the 17th-century.
 
If you appreciate rich medieval history and sophisticated culture, visit ancient Avignon. This amazing city is home to the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting medieval Gothic architecture. A former residency to Popes of history, you’ll marvel at the building’s tapestries and frescoes. Afterwards, wander the mesmerising streets and have a spot of lunch in a French brasserie-restaurant.

Day 8: Barcelona - Larnaca

MSC Seaside ship arrives at Barcelona port at 08.00 and return flight to Larnaca.