Experience the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea from Barcelona & North Africa to beautiful Rome. Set sail from the cultural hotspot of Spain, Barcelona, as you embark on a cruise journey of the historic Mediterranean Sea. Visit a remnant of Morocco's French colonial past, with the metropolis of Casablanca and its French-designed Ville Nouvelle. Sail to the magnificent beaches of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and Funchal in Portugal, a pleasant escape from the dreary winter months back home. Visit Malaga, with it's impressive monuments and millennia of archaeological remains from Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras, making the city closely resemble an open air museum. Conclude your voyage at Civitavecchia, the port of the glorious city of Rome, where true Mediterranean history and culture is at its peak. There is no shortage of discoveries awaiting you on this magnificent voyage.

Available Cruise Departure Dates - Barcelona>Rome(Civitavecchia):
2012: Nov 15, Nov 26, Dec 18, Dec 29
2013: Jan 9, Jan 20, Jan 31, Feb 11, Feb 22

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.

Modern hotel housed in a 19th-century building and located in Barcelona’s city centre, just 200 metres from the Rambla Cataluna. The 77 guestrooms have light, modern decor and offer satellite television, direct-dial phones and Internet access. Hotel Granados 83 guests can swim in the hotel's pool, relax with a drink in the bar, and order snacks from the room service menu.

Overnight at Granados 83 (4*).

Your private English-speaking guide will show you the central highlights of Barcelona. If you are interested in a certain era in history or have an interest in a particular artist, let your Sales consultant know in advance as we can tailor your tour. Roman, Gothic, Modern......Gaudi, Picasso, Miro.....or enjoy some culinary delights with a gastronomy tour.

Located on Las Ramblas, in the heart of Barcelona, Hotel 1898 (4*) takes its name from the year in which the last Spanish colonies, Cuba and the Philippines, gained independence. Elaborate and elegant decor, lavish finishing touches and unusual quality make Hotel 1898 an ideal spot for those who appreciate luxury and enjoy small pleasures.

Overnight at Hotel 1898 (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 your time to get settled in and explore your cruise vessel's facilities. You'll have a great opportunity to meet some of your fellow cruisemates at dinner this evening.

MSC Divina, named in honour of screen legend and MSC Cruises “godmother” Sophia Loren, will be christened in Marseille in May 2012. Modelled on her sister-ships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, she features some remarkable enhancements. The gorgeous Infinity Pool in the aft of the ship, with its “beach zone” adjoining the glass balustrade, offers a unique view of the ship’s wake fading into the sunset. And if you’re travelling in the expanded MSC Yacht Club, you can relax in style in the Top Sail Lounge. Your cruise ship is your first and last destination each day. As well as a hotel, spa, sports club, shopping centre and entertainment complex, it should also be a place where you can enjoy a cosy coffee break, a quiet stroll or a romantic drink beneath the stars. Experience the glamour of the past with all the comforts of the 21st century, thanks to their unique Italian style.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

Enjoy your first full day at sea, cruising the historic trade routes of the Mediterranean. Familiarize yourself with the ship, and if you're feeling lucky, try your luck at the onboard casino. You'll arrive to your first destination, Casablanca, early tomorrow morning.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

Casablanca is a city in western Morocco, on the Atlantic coast. It is the country's largest city and chief port. The site was used early on as a port for Romans and Phoenicians, eventually becoming a town under Portuguese rule, and later abandoned in the mid 1700's after a devastating earthquake. In 1907, the French took control of the rebuilt Casablanca and retained power until 1956. The city still retains much of its French colonial architecture and culture.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

Today is a relaxing day spent at sea, crusing onward toward your next port destination, Tenerife in the Canary Islands of Spain. You will temporarily leave the waters of the Mediterranean and sail the far east waters of the Atlantic Ocean. If you're so inclined, the onboard Aurea Spa has several relaxing services on offer.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

Santa Cruz de Tenerife (commonly known as Santa Cruz) is a joint-capital and the second-most populous city of the Canary Islands of Spain. Located on the northeast coast of Tenerife, Santa Cruz sits on the Atlantic Ocean. The city also has one of the world's largest carnivals; the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The main landmarks of Santa Cruz include the Auditorium of Tenerife, the Santa Cruz Towers and the Church Counterfoil of the Concepcion. Santa Cruz is a melting pot of diverse cultures that give it a cosmopolitan character.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

Funchal is the main city of Madeira Island and is the most populous Portuguese city outside mainland Portugal. It has a unique location on the island: a natural "amphitheatre" surrounds the city, with gentle slopes beginning at the harbour and rising almost 1200 metres. This provides a natural shelter and was what attracted the first settlers. Funchal is a cosmopolitan and very panoramic city with several splendid park areas.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

Enjoy a day of cruising, as you begin your journey back toward the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You'll reach your next destination, Malaga, Spain, early in the morning. Visit the onboard cigar lounge and enjoy the company of some of your cruisemates.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

The Port of Málaga is an international seaport located in the city of Málaga in southern Spain, on the Costa del Sol coast of the Mediterranean. It is the oldest continuously-operated port in Spain and one of the oldest in the Mediterranean, founded around 1000 BC by Phoenicians. Málaga's history itself spans about 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

Relax at the onboard swimming pool, or take some time to dive into a book as today is your final day at sea. In the morning, you'll arrive at Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, where you will disembark after breakfast.

Overnight at MSC Divina (9N).

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.

This morning after breakfast you'll disembark from your cruise ship, and bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates. Your Mediterranean cruise journey has come to its completion.

Transfer from Civitavecchia port to Rome hotel with private vehicle and English speaking driver.

Enjoy a 3 hour private tour of Rome exploring the rich past of the Roman era taking in the most famous sites of Imperial Rome. The Capitolium square owes its splendid layout to Michelangelo. The Roman Forum, the centre of Imperial Rome, lies just down the valley between the Palatine, Quirinale and Capitolium hills. Several Temples, Triumphal Arches, Ancient Basilicas, Rostra, the Curia House and many other ancient monuments, make this valley a sort of open-air museum. See all of these sights, including the Colosseum,  with your Private Guide as you discover the wonders of Rome.

The Hotel Trevi Collection (4*) is located next to ancient monuments and palaces of the past, 200 mt from Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Barberini. The modern and refined style gives character to the living environments, the play of lights and colors are its personality. The room’s design, furniture and last amenities, will make your stay unforgettable and unique. A modern contemporary style, with amenities and services in the forefront, completed by a relax area with Jacuzzi, will make your stay here an absolutely unforgettable experience.

Overnight at Trevi Collection (4*).

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 Trevi Collection (4*).

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

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .