Portugal, Italy, Spain, France - MSC Orchestra

Day 1: Genoa

The ship MSC Orchestra sails from Genoa port at 19:00

Day 2: Marseille, France

The ship arrives at Marseille port at 09:00 and departs at 17:00

A pleasant thing to do is simply sit down at one of the cafes overlooking the port of Marseilles and, sipping a Pastis, observe the landscape and the people who inhabit it.
Also called the "Porpoise City ", Marseille is France’s sunniest town, charming with its gullies where you can swim, its history and culture and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. You cannot leave without having first toured on the “Cours Julien”, the street for shopping. The port of Marseille is perhaps a typical tourist destination, but it deserves to be visited for the ferry that leaves from the Town Hall and the old church, which replaced a Templar building.

Not to be missed: Aix-en-Provence, Avignon -  the city of the Popes, The discovery of Marseilles by bike

Day 3: At sea

Day at your leisure to explore the facilities and enjoy the entertainment onboard the ship. 

Day 4: Malaga, Spain

The ship arrives at Malaga at 08:00 and departs at 19:00

All the flavour of Spain in our stop at the port of Malaga, a city perched on the heights of the Costa del Sol that dominates the Mediterranean with pride. The port of Malaga is one of the access ports to the Spanish province. The city, perched on the Costa del Sol, is synonymous with art, culture and sunshine, while its hills invite you to explore the surrounding area. Here you will find the Cenachero, Platero and Biznaguero, three emblematic statues that surround the spirit of the place. For cars lovers, the automobile museum traces the history of the innovations seen in the industry. The Montes Natural Park offers several options for excursions of varying difficulty, from beginners to those trails for experienced hikers. Finally, we suggest that you do not miss a show of the Malagueña dancers.

Not to be missed: Discover Gibraltar, Visit to Malaga, Marbella and Puerto Banus

Day 5: Cadiz, Spain

The ship arrives at Cadiz at 07:00 and departs at 17:00

Cádiz, an old Spanish settlement in Andalusia, is characterised by a multitude of historical watchtowers. The port city rewards its visitors with excellent beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cathedrals, and a fascinating old town. This destination is a gateway to spectacular Seville. Further afield, discover the dazzling White Villages of Andalusia high up in the hills.

Visit the stunning city of Seville on an excursion to immerse yourself in its colour and culture. Stop at Saint Mary of the See, the Gothic Cathedral, before exploring the charming streets and patios of the old Jewish Quarter. Call by the Alcázar, the ancient royal palace, to glimpse a fine example of Mudéjar architecture. Next, explore Maria Luisa's Park and the iconic Plaza de España, before joining the locals for a drink and some tapas.
 
After docking the port of Cádiz, explore the city and savour its rich history. The city is home to one of the oldest Spanish settlements and is located in the heart of Costa De Luz. Choose an MSC excursion to explore the city’s Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical elements. Keeping the best until last, the tour highlight is a live flamenco show. This authentic demonstration of Andalusia's traditional dance ends your tour before returning you to your ship.
 
See the legendary White Villages of Andalusia. Visit the ancient hilltop city of Medina Sidonia, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour along cobbled passageways. Marvel at the town’s ancient castle, medieval walls, and charming whitewashed houses. Then, continue your adventure at Arcos de La Frontera, a village perched on a limestone promontory. An electric train will take you to the town centre, where you’ll wander a labyrinth of streets filled with Arabic-influenced architecture. Finally, enjoy some free time further exploring before returning to the port.

Day 6: Lisbon, Portugal

The ship arrives at Lisbon at 08:00 and departs at 16:00

Lisbon is a city of decadent charm that we can discover among lifts and slopes and small restaurants where they serve salt cod in every variant. The capital of Portugal is a concentration of the Portuguese lifestyle. Upon arrival at the port of Lisbon, you’ll start your stay enjoying delicious local cuisine. You won’t have any difficulty finding a restaurant on the river bank where you can have a glass of Vinho Verde and taste some sweet rice treats. Whatever you’re looking for, from strong emotions to calm, the city can satisfy you. You can also bask on its beaches or visit the historic buildings of the city of seven hills. Then jump on the tram and head to the art galleries and museums of the second oldest capital in Europe.

Not to be missed:Taste Vinho Verde, The National Museum of Ancient Art, The old tram line

Day 7: At Sea

Day at your leisure onboard the ship to enjoy the facilities and entertainment of the ship. 

Day 8: Alicante, Spain

The ship arrives at Alicante at 08:00 and departs at 17:00

Alicante, located in the Costa Blanca, is one of the most beautiful cities of the Spanish East Coast. During your cruise you will discover a vibrant city connected to the sea and rich in history and architecture. From the Santa Barbara fortress, the main castle of the city, to parks and boulevards, such as the Explanada de España where you can enjoy Alicante’s breathing fresh air and relax in cozy bars and terrace cafés.

With an Excursion you will discover the Santa Barbara Castle, Alicante’s main historical sight. Sant Barbara Castle is an imposing medieval fortress located on the bare rocky hill above the town beach. From the old walls you can admire spectaculars views of the city and the whole bay.

A cruise excursion can also be an opportunity to discover the Mountain village of Guadalest, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. The sixteenth-century Moorish castle town and former Muslim settlement is built high up in the surrounding rock, and you enter through a gateway tunnelled into the mountain.

With one of the excursions you can also discover the Explanada de España, Alicante’s famous maritime promenade. It runs parallel to the port, from Plaza Puerta del Mar to Parque de Canalejas and has a mosaic pavement that mimics the waves of the sea. This boulevard is full of cafés and terraces where you can try some typical food or just relax while enjoying the Mediterranean views.

Day 9: Mahon, Spain

The ship arrives at Mahon at 09:00 and departs at 16:00

Mahon and Menorca island are one of the most beautiful places you will discover during your cruise. With pristine beaches and scenes that seem to be taken from a holiday postcard, Menorca is the perfect destination to relax and enjoy the exceptional natural beauty of the island, declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993. But beyond the turquoise waters and breathtaking landscapes, Menorca is a sophisticated island with a unique history legacy that reflects the Spanish culture and the British influence – the island was a British possession for more than 70 years.

With an Excursion you will discover Ciutadella de Menorca, located in the west coast of the island. From the city centre, called Es Born, you can walk through Ciutadella and discover palaces, historical buildings, narrow streets and the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Also, the old port is a very charming place where you can relax and stroll while admiring the beauty of the city.

Located in the middle of the island there is the mountain Monte Toro, the highest point in Menorca from where you can admire spectacular views of the island. With one of our excursions you can reach the top of it and visit the medieval sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Monte Toro, one of the most special places for the locals.

Day 10: Olbia, Italy

The ship arrives at Olbia at 10:00 and departs at 18:00

Wedged into the coastline, Olbia is the gateway to the gorgeous and glamour beaches of the Emerald Coast and Gallura, both located in Sardinia, one of the most naturally beautiful islands you can dock at during a cruise: a magical place you cannot miss to visit! Olbia has numerous bars and restaurants, usually abuzz with tourists.

Well known hotspot for celebrities from all around the world, in the 1960s, the five-star development of the Costa Smeralda helped to transform the economy and touristic offer of the entire island. Don’t miss out a day chilling among pure crystalline waters, goldens sands, luxurious lifestyle and cultural treasures.

With its typical rustic-red architecture, Porto Cervo, the main resort on the Costa Smeralda, embodies the dream of an idyllic Mediterranean village without any of the irritations of real life. Graffiti- and litter-free, Porto Cervo exults in its exclusivity, with a glittering yachting marina and shopping as its centrepiece.

Santa Teresa di Gallura is Sardinia’s northernmost port and a very picturesque village and is extremely lively in summer. Let yourself be inspired bythe best-in-class Mediterranean beaches and the marvellous landscapecarved by the wind offering superb views over Corsica, just 11 km away.

Day 11: Genoa, Milan

The ship arrives at Genoa port at 09:00