Enjoy the relaxed and efficient nature of cruise travel as you voyage to the jewels of the Mediterranean Sea. Embarking in Civitavecchia, the port of glorious Rome, you'll visit historically and culturally significant port cities in Spain, Tunisia and Malta before returning back to Italy where it all began. Sail to Genoa in Northern Italy, known as la Superba ("the Superb one"), and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, followed by a visit to the cultural hotspot of Barcelona, steeped in impressive Gaudi architecture. Cruise to La Goulette in Tunisia, a perfect avenue into the ancient archaeological site of Carthage. Continue to Malta, a jewel of the Mediterranean, where you'll visit its UNESCO recognized capital, Valletta. Complete the experience with a visit to Sicily, where you'll explore the city of Messina, founded back in the 8th century BC. Your 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. This itinerary is the best way of seeing several Mediterranean Highlights in a short period of time.

Available Cruise Departure Dates (2012):
Apr 6, Apr 13, Apr 20, Apr 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, Jun 1, Jun 8, Jun 15, Jun 22, Jun 29, Jul 6, Jul 13, Jul 20, Jul 27, Aug 3, Aug 10, Aug 17, Aug 24, Aug 31, Sep 7, Sep 14, Sep 21, Sep 28, Oct 5, Oct 12, Oct 19, Oct 26, Nov 2, Nov 9

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to explore the sites of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A few blocks away, Old Rome is the center of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Fountains of Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, and plenty of shopping and dining. Just across the river is the Vatican, the Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighborhood, Vaticano. Via Veneto leads north into modern Rome to the train station and is lined with glitzy shops and hotels for every budget.

Enjoy a private Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

Hotel Trevi (3*) is two steps away from its namesake the Trevi Fountain.  It offers a refined atmosphere equipped with the best facilities within a historical 16th century palace.  It is located in the proximity of the famous “Via Veneto”, and the magnificent Spanish Steps.  Breakfast is served on a splendid, yet peaceful, rooftop garden where guests can enjoy the view of a typical urban skyline of the Eternal City. Comfort, tradition and efficiency is the principle for making  each stay unforgettable. Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

Overnight at Hotel Trevi (3*).

After you lunch, enjoy a shared three hour afternoon tour to discover Ancient Rome. On board an air conditioned coach and in the company of a professional Guide, you will cross Piazza della Repubblica with the Najadi’s Fountain, before continuing along Via Nazionale till Piazza Venezia, heart of the city with the Monument to Victor Emanuel II also called "Vittoriano". Continue by bus to the Colosseum and the surrounding Arches of Constantine and Tirus and have a walk into the Roman Forum, the most important archeological atea in the world, and possibly the Capitol Square. Proceed to Theatre Marcello to reach St. Paul’s outside the walls where you will no doubt enjoy the visit. This is where the Apostle of the people is buried. At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel. (Please note: Shorts and uncovered shoulders are not admitted into churches).

Overnight at Hotel Trevi (3*).

After breakfast, enjoy a shared tour of the Vatican city. Explore one of the world's most extensive art collections with an expert local guide on this fascinating tour of the Vatican. Your guide will share the stories and secrets contained within the Museums' walls, pleasures originally meant for the exclusive enjoyment of the Pope. Experience Michelangelo's famous Creation of Adam with your own eyes as you explore the Sistine Chapel and wander Raphael's Rooms. After taking in the Museums, be humbled by the imposing beauty of Saint Peter's Basilica, where you will encounter another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta'. For a fascinating finish, stop to admire the magnificent Saint Peter's Square, as your guide points out Bernini's ingenious use of optical illusion. (Tour includes privileged entrance to the Museums, entrance ticket and reservation fee for the Vatican Museums, headsets to facilitate hearing the English speaking tour guide. Visitors wearing shorts or sleeveless tops are not admitted to churches).

Overnight at Hotel Trevi (3*).

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.

Take a port transfer with a private vehicle and driver. Please note that a surcharge may be post billed to you if you require a transfer after 8pm or before 7am.

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) (ROM).

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) (ROM).

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.

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

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) (ROM).

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) (ROM).

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) (ROM).

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) (ROM).

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

You will be transfered to Rome Airport.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .