Eastern Mediterranean Cruise: Italy, Greek Isles & Croatia

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Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!

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San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice

This dazzling cruise itinerary features some of the most fascinating of ancient sites in Greece; a visit to Dubrovnik, considered the most beautiful port along the Adriatic Riviera; and a bonus night in Venice, one of Europe's most loved cities. You'll enjoy all of this as you sail aboard the MSC Armonia, whose lavish spa, pools, restaurants, and other facilities could keep you entertained even without all the enticing ports of call. And best of all, we've negotiated very special pricing on multiple departures that make this an irresistible vacation value.

If you've been dreaming about cruising the gorgeous azure waters of the Mediterranean, don't miss this opportunity to enjoy cruising at its best. Even the upgraded superior outside and balcony (veranda) cabins are available at big reductions, so don't wait to book your spot.

Itinerary at a Glance & Port Call Times

Italy, Greek Isles & Croatia Cruise
Day	Port of Call	Arrive	Depart
2	Venice, Italy		5 pm
3	Bari, Italy	1 pm	6 pm
4	At sea
5	Rhodes, Greece	9 am	4:30 pm
6	Piraeus (Athens), Greece	7:30 am	4:30 pm
7	Argostoli/Cefalonia, Greece	10 am	4 pm
8	Dubrovnik, Croatia	8:30am	2 pm
9	Venice	9 am

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting Mediterranean journey begins this evening as you check-in for your overnight jet flight bound for Venice.

Day 2: Venice, Italy. After arriving in Venice, you'll be escorted to the port to board the MSC Armonia for your weeklong cruise. (B,L,D)

The marina in Bari, Italy

Day 3: Bari, Italy. After a night of sailing, arrive midday at your first port of call, Bari, Italy, the capital city of the Apulia (Puglia) region and the second largest city in Southern Italy. In the north of the city, you'll find the splendid Basilica of San Nicola, the nearly 1,000 year-old Cathedral of San Sabino, and the Swabian castle. Murattiano, the modern heart of the city, offers a stunning seaside promenade and a major shopping district. Other sites of interest include the Archaeological Museum and the Provincial Art Gallery. Visit these sites on your own or choose from several optional excursions, including a pleasant walking tour of the city. Before boarding the ship, be sure to sample some of Bari's exquisite wines including Primitivo, the Castel del Monte, and Trani Muscat. (B,L,D)

MSC Armonia Deck & Pool

Day 4: At sea. All the fantastic facilities of the ship are available to you as you spend a day at sea. Stroll the ample decks, enjoy the sun, swim, and take advantage of the many leisure activities aboard your luxury ship. (B,L,D)

Port of Rhodes

Day 5: Rhodes, Greece. Today you'll visit Rhodes, the beautiful "Island of Roses." In the heart of the island's biggest city, also named Rhodes, is the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe, a fascinating web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin ruins. Its mighty fortifications provide the finest surviving examples of defensive architecture of the time.

View over Lindos bay, town and the acropolis, Rhodes

Lindos, with its whitewashed houses clustered beneath a soaring castle-capped acropolis, is Rhodes' most picturesque village and most important Doric settlement because of its natural harbor and vantage point built 125 meters above sea level. Wander about on your own or take advantage of optional shore excursions. (B,L,D)

Parthenon, Athens

Day 6: Athens, Greece. Arrive early this morning at Piraeus, the port of Athens. Athens, capital of Greece and the country's largest city, is dominated by the flat-topped hill of the Acropolis site of the Parthenon, one of the most famous classical monuments in the world.

View over Athens from the Acropolis

The center of modern Athens, most notably the chic area of Kolonaki, has many designer boutiques, excellent restaurants and a plethora of classical and modern sites including Constitution Square, the Panathenian Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), the Presidential Palace, the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parthenon with its many monuments atop the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. (B,L,D)

Assos village, Cefalonia, Greece

Day 7: Cefalonia, Greece. The largest of the Ionian Islands, Cefalonia is named after the mythological figure Cephalus. The Romans ruled this limestone island from 189 BC, but it was reintegrated into Greece in 1864. Cefalonia recently gained popularity after the film and novel, "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" were set on its shores. Enjoy time at leisure to explore Cefalonia's villages, monasteries, and caves, or join an optional guided shore excursion. (B,L,D)

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 8: Dubrovnik, Croatia. Early this morning, arrive in Dubrovnik, one of Europe's best preserved walled cities founded in the 7th century and now declared a World Heritage Site. Dubrovnik is certain to enchant any visitor. Thick age-old walls surround the ancient port town. The winding cobblestone streets are filled with old red-tiled roof houses and distinctive medieval age buildings. This afternoon is at leisure to discover the treasures of the historic old town at your own pace or join an exciting optional shore excursion. (B,L,D)

Venice Cathedral

Day 9: Venice. Arrive in Venice this morning. After breakfast, disembark from your cruise and enjoy a full day to explore this gorgeous city of canals on your own. You'll find a treasure trove of ancient ruins, art, music and architecture and more in the most romantic city you'll ever visit, with the cafes of St. Mark's Square, palazzo-lined canals where gondolas glide happily along, the Bridge of Sighs and so much more. Your hotel is ideally located, within short distance of many major attractions, as well as the best shopping and dining. (B)

Gondolas by the Rialto, Venice

Day 10: Venice/USA. Your memorable Mediterranean journey ends as you say arrivederci Italia and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Arrive in the USA later today. Or, continue your stay in Italy by adding a late return and extra nights to your package.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Italy, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Greece, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Croatia, click here.

About Your Cruise Ship, the MSC Armonia

See specifications, deck plans & more photos of the Armonia.

Majestic in stature, yet intimate and welcoming onboard, the MSC Armonia is the ideal way to cruise the Mediterranean. The Armonia features 856 elegant staterooms, all of which are equipped with satellite TV, radio, mini bar and private bathroom. See charming villages from the private veranda of your cabin, and take in stunning views of the Mediterranean as you unwind with massage therapy at the spa or work out in the health club and spa.

Savor the casually elegant Italian ambiance of the MSC Armonia in the Marco Polo Restaurant. Stop in for a refreshing libation at the Moulin Rouge Piano Bar or the White Lion English Pub, and at night, head to the top of the ship to the Starlight Disco.

The Costa Armonia is registered in Italy.

The trip of a lifetime! Friendly Planet did everything it promised and more. I have never seen such beautiful scenery and dealt with such wonderful people. I felt very safe and would even venture to go on one of your tours alone. Everything was taken care of. Our tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and spoke very good English. One of our guides even arranged for another extension after the trip. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FRIENDLY PLANET TOURS! I tell everyone who is interested in an exotic trip to be sure to check Friendly Planet out. I will definitely go with Friendly Planet again.

— June Garst, Conroe, TX

I judge the value of a vacation by the desire to return. After seeing Greece on this tour, I most certainly want to go back.

— Carol Gargan

testimonial photo [Italian Treasures] was wonderful and we are very pleased that we chose Friendly Planet as our tour provider. Our tour director, Flavio Nicoletti, was top-notch in every way. He was professional, knowledgeable, friendly and fun-loving. He went out of his way on many occasions to ensure that our group had the best possible experience. He arranged wonderful excursions, including an evening at a Tuscan Farmstead which my travelmates and I will always remember as a highlight of our trip. I co-host a radio Morning Show in North Carolina. During the trip I called into the show to report on the trip. Flavio even agreed to join me during the call and go on the air with us! He did a great job! My friends and I now feel that we have a friend in Rome. We are so thankful to Flavio and to Friendly Planet for making our once-in-a-lifetime trip so special and memorable.

— Tamera Rumfelt, Kernersville, NC

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