Experience the history-laden waters of the Mediterranean Sea aboard your cruiseliner, an effective hotel on the water which conveniently transports you between magnificent port cities. Revel in the splendor of multiple European coastal cities in a relatively short period of time, a wonderful advantage of cruise-based travel. Departing from the romantic waterways of Venice, you'll voyage to Bari, its harbour a principal seaport of ancient Rome. Sail to Katakolo on the Ionion Sea, your avenue to the ancient site of Olympia, before venturing to the Turkish metropolis of Izmir, with over 3,500 years of urban history. See the incredible architecture of Istanbul, the former Constantinople, capital of the most impressive empires of the Middle Ages. Sail to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik, the most prominent and revered destination on the Adriatic. This voyage will take you where the history, culture, breathtaking scenery and magnificent wines will capture your imagination and leave lasting impressions you won't soon forget. Discover the true Italian atmosphere on this cruise departure which combines private tours & transfers. Available MSC Magnifica Cruise Departure Dates (2012): Apr 7, Apr 14, Apr 21, Apr 28, May 5. Available MSC Divina Cruise Departure Dates (2012): Jun 2, Jun 9, Jun 16, Jun 23, Jun 30, Jul 7, Jul 14, Jul 21, Jul 28, Aug 4, Aug 11, Aug 18, Aug 25, Sep 1, Sep 8, Sep 15, Sep 22, Sep 29, Oct 6, Oct 13, Oct 20, Oct 27

In the rich cultures of Europe and celebrated cities of Italy, few places capture the imagination as much as Venice. Its fabled canalled thoroughfares and gilded palaces possess a beguiling beauty unsurpassed by anywhere else on Earth. Everywhere you go you'll find works of art - in the architecture itself or within the walls of the palaces and basilicas that are liberally sprinkled in every area of the city. Venice is an ever-changing, living canvas. No other place has such a mutable geography where you can discover delightfully peaceful piazzas and deserted canals seemingly unmarked on any map. Quite simply, there is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

On arrival in Venice you will be met and transferred by a private motor launch and English speaking assistant to your accommodation on Venice Island. Our local representative will accompany you on the transfer and assist with your hotel check in.

The Best Western Albergo San Marco Hotel (3*) is located in the heart of historical Venice, just 50 mts from St. Mark Square, the Basilica of St. Mark, and Doge's Palace and is 20 minutes by boat from St. George's Island. The Guggenheim, Accedemia Galleries and the Rialto Bridge are located nearby. Set in a 19th century building completely refurbished, this property is equipped with all modern facilities. All rooms are furnished in the typical Venetian style and the warm, careful service will make you feel like home. The restaurant offers tasty typical Venetian dishes and an international menu. Thanks to its position, this hotel is the ideal starting point to enjoy all the charm of this unique city.

Overnight at Albergo San Marco (3*).

Meet your english speaking guide for a 4 hour guided private tour to Murano and Burano on your own private boat.  After being picked up by your guide at your hotel, take in the sights as you sail past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant'Elena and the famous Arsenal of the Venetian Republic. The first stop on your tour is Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Here we stop to visit to one of the most famous and ancient glass factories, where you can enjoy a live glass blowing demonstration performed by a Maestro Glass Maker. The second stop is at the picturesque island of Burano, famous not only for its lace but also for the fishermen's houses painted in bright colours. Relax and enjoy a coffee before your tour guide will bring you back to your hotel or to Venice centre.

Sit back and relax on a marvellous and enchanting half an hour evening gondola ride through the Grand Canal and inner canals of Venice. You will breathe the atmosphere of this ancient city built on water. Start your journey at the 'Stazio Gondole Santa Maria del Giglio". Close to Saint Mark, right on the Grand Canal, in front of Guggenheim Collection palace and Santa Maria della Salute church; this gondola station is one of the oldest Gondola stops in Venice.

Overnight at Albergo San Marco (3*).

In ancient times, the Aegean Sea was the birthplace of two ancient civilizations – the Minoans of Crete and the Mycenean civilization of the Peloponnese. Later arose the city-states of Athens and Sparta among many others that constituted the Athenian Empire and Hellenic civilization, followed by Persian and Roman invasions leading to inhabitations by the Byzantine Empire, the Seljuq Turks, and the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the waters that the earliest civilizations of the Eastern Mediterranean sailed, and make landfall to explore historic port cities along the way.

Be met by an English speaking assistant at the Port and take a private motor launch to your hotel where they will aid you with your hotel check in. If your hotel does not have a docking place, your transfer will leave from the closest possible docking place.

Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled in before attending the welcome dinner, where you can meet your fellow cruisemates.

MSC Magnifica is the latest ‘Musica-class premium cruise ship from MSC Cruises. Marries extraordinary comfort with pioneering design and technology to offer outstanding energy efficiency and environmental performance. The ship carries 2,500 passengers and most can enjoy the luxury of a sea-facing cabin with balcony. Recreation options onboard MSC Magnifica are endless. Soak up the sun in the solarium or choose from 3 swimming pools. MSC Magnifica boasts all the fine dining and entertainment amenities you would expect on a superior premium cruise ship, and much more.

Overnight at MSC Magnifica (6N) (VCE).

Bari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Apulia (or, in Italian, Puglia) region, on the Adriatic Sea, in Italy. It is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, and is well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas. Bari is made up of four different urban sections. To the north is the closely built old town on the peninsula between two modern harbours, with the splendid Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of San Sabino (1035–1171) and the Swabian Castle built for Frederick II, which is now also a major nightlife district. To the south is the Murat quarter (erected by Joachim Murat), the modern heart of the city, which is laid out on a rectangular grid-plan with a promenade on the sea and the major shopping district (the via Sparano and via Argiro).

Overnight at MSC Magnifica (6N) (VCE).

Katakolo (or Katakolon) is a seaside town and port in western Ilia, Greece. The town centre is on a headland overlooking the Ionian Sea and separating the Kyparissian Gulf from the rest of the Ionian. The port is a frequent stop for cruise ships on tours of the Ionian and Mediterranean seas, offering an opportunity for passengers to visit the site of Ancient Olympia.

Overnight at MSC Magnifica (6N) (VCE).

Izmir, historically Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and the country's largest port after Istanbul. It is located in the Gulf of Izmir, by the Aegean Sea. Izmir has almost 3,500 years of urban past, and possibly that much more of advanced human settlement. Modern Izmir also incorporates the nearby ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, Sardis and Klazomenai.

Depart the Izmir port with your private driver and guide, passing through lush countryside en route to the site thought to have been host to the Virgin Mary in her final years of life, the House of Virgin Mary. From there, a short drive will bring you to Ephesus, the most important ancient ruins in Turkey. Upon arrival, enter the Open Air Archaeological Museum where you will see the Odean, Fountain of Trajan, the temple of Hadrian, and the steam baths of Scholastika. The impressive Library of Celsius, adorned with columns and statues is yet another key remnant of the Greek, and later Roman, past that can be seen. One of the largest theatres of the ancient world, the Grand Theatre, remains at the site of Ephesus, with a capacity of 24,000 seats. Explore these ancient marvels, an invaluable link to antiquity. Follow your tour with a brief carpet presentation before returning to the ship.

Overnight at MSC Magnifica (6N) (VCE).

Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Enjoy a half a day tour in Istanbul with your own English speaking guide and private car. The tour includes visits to the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture; the Blue Mosque, famous for its architecture as for its blue tiles; the Byzantine Hippodrome, where chariot races were held. The tour ends with the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest, with 4,000 shops. Return to ship.

Overnight at MSC Magnifica (6N) (VCE).

Today is a relaxing day spent at sea, en route to your next destination, Dubrovnik. There are plenty of entertainment options aboard your ship, or for pure relaxation, grab a drink and settle in with a book. This is the carefree beauty of cruise travel.

Overnight at MSC Magnifica (6N) (VCE).

Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea coast, positioned at the terminal end of the Isthmus of Dubrovnik. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva county. In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The prosperity of the city of Dubrovnik has always been based on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages, as the Republic of Ragusa, it became the only eastern Adriatic city-state to rival Venice. The Renaissance era city walls, and red terra cotta rooftops of the old town, are spectacular remnants of the city's rich past.

After breakfast this morning, you'll be disembarking your ship in the beautiful medieval city of Dubrovnik. Bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates as your voyage has come to conclusion.

Enjoy a private port transfer with vehicle and English speaking driver.

Meet your local guide for a private 3hour walking tour of Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful stone-built cities in the world. As one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Dubrovnik owes its special charm to the historic monuments which testify to its rich history. While strolling with your guide down Stradun, the main street, you will stop to visit the Franciscan monastery. Continue down to Orlando Column and the Sponza Palace and visit the Church of St. Blasius, the patron-saint of the town. Discover Rector’s Palace, and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary and its treasury. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this stunning town on your own. We recommend you to take a walk along the city walls (2500m around the old town), visit one of the numerous museums or take a funicular ride to the top of the Srd hill. Return transfers to/from your hotel are included.

The Bellevue Hotel (4*) sits on a living rock 30 meters above the Miramare bay and just walking distance from the Dubrovnik Old Town; a haven for people seeking a true getaway. This modern five-storey property is situated in spectacular location just 800 meters from the city center, historical monuments, museums, churches, monasteries, art galleries, shops and boutiques. The hotel’s interior is defined by a chic-art concept, organic materials and a fresh Mediterranean feel. Beautiful panoramic views of the sea, as well as the use of traditional arts and artisans and renowned Croatian artists create a unique and tranquil ambience. Experience a treat for all senses, a world of discrete luxury, natural details and elegance, and magnificent panoramic sea views at the Bellevue Hotel.

Overnight at Bellevue (4*).

This morning meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a private tour of the Dubrovnik Hinterland – the region of Konavle. Your first destination is the ancient Mediterranean town of Cavtat.  After a 7th century invasion which destroyed the town, refugees from the Cavtat formed another settlement, Dubrovnik, cementing a permanent link between Dubrovnik and Cavtat. Your guide will take you for a stroll through this picturesque little town and up to the top of the hill where you will discover the extraordinary Mausoleum of Racic Family. After the walk, you will continue your exploration of the traditional countryside of Konavle. In the village of Cilipi, the local family Novakovic will welcome you at their humble estate that has a small ethno museum presenting Konavle region history, a tavern with a wine cellar and a variety of agricultural structures.  While you enjoy their hospitality, they will serve a traditional lunch (included). After the lunch, your guide and driver will take you back to Dubrovnik.

Overnight at Bellevue (4*).

Take a private airport transfer with an English speaking driver in Dubrovnik.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .