Discover the beauty of Spain, Tunisia, Malta & Italian Coast as you cruise the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Embarking in Barcelona, Spain's cultural heartbeat, you'll visit historically and culturally significant port cities in Tunisia, Malta and Italy before returning back to Spain where it all began. Find yourself in North Africa, visiting La Goulette, the port of Tunis, situated near the ruins of the glorious ancient city of Carthage. Continue to Malta, a jewel of the Mediterranean, where you'll visit its UNESCO recognized capital, Valletta. Visit Sicily, where you'll explore the city of Messina, founded back in the 8th century BC, and then travel to Civitavecchia, the port of the magnificent city of Rome, centre of the most powerful empire of the ancient world. You'll sail to Genoa in Northern Italy, known as la Superba ("the Superb one"), and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, before returning to Barcelona. These coastal destinations offer magnificent art, scenery and wine, while draped in history from the height of the Roman Empire, and earlier. See the world quickly, while relaxing all the while. Available Cruise Departure Dates (2012): Apr 1, Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 22, Apr 29, May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, Jun 3, Jun 10, Jun 17, Jun 24, Jul 1, Jul 8, Jul 15, Jul 22, Jul 29, Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19, Aug 26, Sep 2, Sep 9, Sep 16, Sep 23, Sep 30, Oct 7, Oct 14, Oct 21, Oct 28, Nov 4, Nov 11

In Barcelona, and throughout Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the Catalans, and Spanish, the official language of Spain.Wherever you are in Barcelona, there's always something to see nearby around the neighbourhood or district: jewels of home-grown Catalan architecture, modernisme, and contemporary architecture, markets that are a treat for the senses, treasures of the ancient Roman and medieval city, parks where you can unwind … And the best thing of all is, you don't have to be a great explorer to find and discover all of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. Barcelona is legendary for its nightlife, but don't venture out for dinner before 11pm, the restaurants don't really get going till midnight, and the clubs start hopping from the wee hours till dawn.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Hotel Barcelona Catedral (4*) is located right in the city centre, and is exclusive, modern and comfortable. It offers guests excellent quality rooms and an efficient service. The hotel features a swimming-pool, gym, personal trainer, patio-chill out, restaurant with outdoors terrace and smoking area, parking, free internet computers, wireless internet connection throughout the hotel and cooking lessons.

Overnight at Barcelona Catedral (4*).

Take a half day walking tour following the footsteps of the legendary Architect Gaudi, with your private professional English speaking Guide. Walk in Barcelona of 1900's, in the neighbourhood of " El Ensanche", discovering the temple of "La Sagrada Familia", Gracia avenue with the houses of Gaudí, and the Batlló House. Other sights to be visited are the Paseo de Gracia, and the facades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. (Tickets to Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera are included).

Overnight at Barcelona Catedral (4*).

Cruise the historic waters of the Mediterranean aboard your luxury cruise vessel, making calls-to-port at many of the region's most triumphant cities of bygone eras. Your onboard experience will be enriched with shore excursions out to explore the local culture, the beaches, or well-preserved relics of the past, such as great mosques or hand-masoned city walls.

Visit one of Catalonia's most interesting destinations, the Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat. Located near the top of a 4,000-foot rugged mountain at about 50 km northwest of Barcelona, the Monastery is home to about 80 monks.The Basilica, next to the monastery, is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Montserrat, popularly called the Moreneta as she is black, patron saint of Catalunya and a presence strongly felt and revered, and also holds one of the monastery's most noted attractions, the 50-member Escolanía, one of the oldest and most renowned boys' choirs in Europe, dating from the 13th century. (Museum entrance fees to be paid upon arrival, not included in tour price).

Port transfer to/from city centre accommodation with private vehicle and driver.

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

MSC Splendida, a premium cruise liner where the best of cutting-edge technology and exceptional comfort are splendidly combined. MSC Cruises has laid out a 5-star service for demanding guests in the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive area complete with 72 spacious suites and 24-hour butler service. In the Top Sail Lounge complete with Skydome, guests can delight their palate under a dome of sparkling stars. For their well-being, guests may partake in the MSC AUREA Spa. Here, the magic of Balinese massage meets holistic water treatments, a legacy of Roman times. Saunas, Turkish bath, solarium, relaxation room, Thalassotherapy, massage room, whirlpool - guests can enjoy all the facilities in a relaxing, luxurious surroundings. Entertainment on board the luxury MSC Splendida ship leaves guests spoilt for choice: 4 swimming pools, an exercise room, squash court, the chance to simulate the thrill of Formula 1, and more...

Overnight at MSC Splendida (7N) (BCN).

Today is a relaxing day spent at sea, en route to your next destination, La Goulette. 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 Splendida (7N) (BCN).

La Goulette is the port of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. The town's Kasbah fortress was built in 1535 by Charles I of Spain but was later captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1574. The ancient ruins of Carthage lay near La Goulette.

Overnight at MSC Splendida (7N) (BCN).

Meet your private guide and driver as you take the scenic route across the island with a stop to expereince a glass blowing demonstration in an artists vilage.Then, you're headed to Malta's old capital, Mdina--a living medieval city. Stroll through the city's streets and enjoy the fantastic view from the bastions. Visit the Cathedral before a short drive to Mosta. Mosta's dome is the fourth largest unsupported dome in the world. During WWII a bomb pierced the dome and landed, unexploded, in the church. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to the port in Valletta.

Valletta is the capital city of Malta, and was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Valletta's streets and piazzas contain architecture ranging from the early 16th century (built during the rule of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem), to Modernist in design. The city serves as the island's principal cultural centre and its unique collection of churches, palaces and museums attract visitors from around the world. The fortifications of the port, built by the Knights, contribute to the unique architectural quality of the city.

Overnight at MSC Splendida (7N) (BCN).

Messina is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, Italy and the capital of the province of Messina. The city, founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake and associated tsunami on December 28, 1908, killing about 60,000 people and destroying most of the ancient architecture. The city was largely rebuilt in the following year, yet later incurred further damage from the massive Allied air bombardments of 1943. Later, the city gained a Gold Medal for Military Valour and one for Civil Valour in memory of the event and the subsequent effort of reconstruction.

Overnight at MSC Splendida (7N) (BCN).

The Port of Civitavecchia  on the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is located 80 kilometers west-north-west of Rome, across the Mignone river. The harbor is formed by two moles and a breakwater, on which latter is a lighthouse. Civitavecchia means "ancient town", and it is today a major cruise and ferry port, the main starting point for sea connection from central Italy to Sardinia, Sicily, Tunis and Barcelona.

Overnight at MSC Splendida (7N) (BCN).

The Port of Genoa is an Italian seaport on the Mediterranean Sea. Genoa's bustling old streets running down to the port retain a gritty character all but lost in most modern cities. It's easy to wander around the back streets of the old town and not come across another tourist for hours. The streets are brimming with beautiful Renaissance architecture, ornate churches vying for attention with luxurious palaces housing some magnificent works of art, including many Old Masters. Many of these palaces line a single street, via Garibaldi, which was the home of the Genoese nobility in the 16th century and has preserved its graceful buildings in beautiful condition.

Overnight at MSC Splendida (7N) (BCN).

After breakfast this morning, you'll be disembarking your ship back in Barcelona. Bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates as your voyage has come to conclusion.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .