Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!
This tour program is currently unavailable.
To be the first to know when we have more departures available, subscribe to our Hot Deals mailing list.
Western Mediterranean Cruise: Spain, Italy, Portugal & Gibraltar
The Rossio in Lisbon, Portugal
Join us on this fantastic celebration of the cultural riches and natural beauty of the Western Mediterranean as we set sail aboard the luxurious
MSC Orchestra. Our journey is an exotic living mosaic, where every port recalls another magnificent era of castles and fortresses, ancient cultures, exotic art, and architectural treasures and grandeur. We'll visit fascinating ports of call in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and even the British colony of Gibraltar, while enjoying the lavish Italian lifestyle aboard our cruise ship.
If you're dreaming of a luxury cruise vacation without compromise, this is one opportunity you can't afford to miss. But hurry and reserve your space before our magnificent Mediterranean dream vacation is all sold out.
Itinerary at a Glance & Port Call Times
| Spain, Italy, Portugal & Gibraltar Cruise |
| Day |
Port of Call |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 2 |
Barcelona, Spain |
|
2 pm |
| 3 |
Genoa, Italy |
10 am |
6 pm |
| 4 |
At sea |
-- |
-- |
| 5 |
Málaga, Spain |
11 am |
11 pm |
| 6 |
Cádiz, Spain |
7 am |
5 pm |
| 7 |
Lisbon, Portugal |
9 am |
6 pm |
| 8 |
Gibraltar |
3 pm |
8 pm |
| 9 |
Alicante, Spain |
1 pm |
9 pm |
| 10 |
Barcelona, Spain |
8 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 Barcelona.
Day 2: Arrive in Barcelona. Arrive in Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain. After customs formalities, you'll be escorted to Port de Barcelona to board the MSC Orchestra and begin your weeklong Mediterranean cruise.
Savona port
Day 3: Savona/Genoa, Italy. With origins dating back to the middle of the Bronze Age, Savona's ancient structures and winding streets are just minutes from the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and is an area rich in culture. Explore on your own, or join an optional shore excursion to Genoa, Liguria's capital and ancient Maritime Republic. (B,L,D)
MSC Orchestra 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)
Málaga's cathedral and Alcazaba at sunset
Day 5: Málaga, Spain. Arrive this morning in Málaga, a lively city on the Costa del Sol, a 100-mile stretch of gorgeous Mediterranean coastline which boasts some of the best beaches in Spain. The Phoenicians from Tyre founded Málaga over 3000 years ago, and through the ages, many cultures have made their mark here, including Carthaginians, Romans, Visigothic, Moors and even gypsies. The Moors left the imposing castle on Gibralfaro hill, which overlooks the city and is connected to the Alcazaba below, a fortress and regal residence.
View of Málaga port & bullring from Gribralfaro hill
In the city center, you'll find Málaga's famous Plaza de Toros (bullring), built in 1874 and one of the finest in the world. Málaga is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and home to the renowned Picasso Museum. Explore on your own, or choose from an array of optional shore excursions. Be sure to sample some of Málaga's sweet wine and tasty tapas. (B,L,D)
Cathedral & beach, Cádiz
Day 6: Cádiz, Spain. Dating back to 1100 BC, Cádiz is thought to be the oldest city in Europe. Its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean made it an important city for trade in the 18th century. Like other Andalucian cities, Cádiz stands out for its Moorish architecture, narrow cobbled stone streets and its easy-going personality. Enjoy time for independent exploration or optional tours that offer excursions within Cádiz as well as to other parts of Andalusia. (B,L,D)
Lisbon Rooftops & the river Tagus
A Lisbon funicular
Day 7: Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon is a sprawling, incredibly charming city set on the banks of the Tagus River. Enjoy time at leisure for optional touring or independent exploration. We recommend a walk or tram ride through Lisbon's winding streets and hills. You'll encounter medieval facades, art-nouveau buildings, black and white mosaic sidewalks, fado bars, and charming boutiques at every turn.
Elevator de Santa Justa
Wander down to the expansive Pedro IV square, known as the Rossio, where locals and tourists alike gather in the elegant Pombaline Baixa district. There, you'll find the Elevador de Santa Justa, an ornate, 100 year-old freestanding cast iron elevator, built by a student of Eiffel to connect downtown streets with the uphill Carmo Square. From the top, you'll get fantastic views of Lisbon Castle, the Rossio and the Baixa.
Continue on to the Chiado, the trendiest area in the city, home to charming cafés, galleries, bookshops, and many opulently decorated churches.
Discoveries Monument, Belém
Or head to historic Belém, the place from which Vasco da Gama and many of the other great Portuguese explorers set off on their oceanfaring voyages during the Age of Discovery in the 15th & 16th centuries. You'll see their likenesses carved into the massive Monument to the Discoveries. (B,L,D)
Rock of Gibraltar, Spain
Day 8: Gibraltar. Arrive this morning in Gibraltar, a British colony set in the Spanish hillside at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea. The famous Rock of Gibraltar, offers several points of interest in cluding St. Michael's Cave, which served as a hospital during World War II, the Gibraltar Museum, and a 12th century Arab castle. Ascend the Rock by foot or cable car to take in the fantastic panoramic views from Europa Point. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Alicante, Spain. Arrive this afternoon in the Spanish resort city of Alicante, where you'll have time to unwind and enjoy the beaches, warm weather, and relaxing atmosphere. We also recommend a stroll along the Explanada de España, a palm-lined promenade along the harbor. Other interesting attractions include the Castillo de Santa Barbara and the old Barrio de Santa Cruz. (B,L,D)
Las Ramblas, Barcelona
Day 10: Barcelona. Disembark this morning in Barcelona, capital of Cataluña, home to the 1992 Olympics, and Spain's most exciting, flamboyant and sophisticated city. Walk the beautiful shaded Las Ramblas boulevard, which the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca once said "the only street in the world which I wish would never end."
Plaça Real, Barcelona
See the famous palm tree-lined Plaça Real square, hub of Barcelona nightlife. Take time to explore the Barrio Gotico (old quarter), a 14th century maze of tiny houses, stately palaces and intriguing shops. Visit one of the many cafés where Catalan voices accompany dancers swaying to the Sardana or the impassioned foot-stamping Flamenco.
Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Marvel at one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century, Antoni Gaudí's lavishly extravagant Cathedral of Sagrada Família. This magnificent architectural creation began in 1882 and still under construction today. Ascend its towers, adorned with giant colorful fruit and constructed of such a thin lattice of stone that they seem to defy gravity, for some of the best views of the city. (B)
Day 11: Barcelona/USA. Your memorable Mediterranean journey ends as you transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Arrive in the USA later today. Or, continue your stay in Barcelona by adding a late return and extra nights to your package. (B)
About Your Cruise Ship
MSC Orchestra
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 Portugal, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Spain, click here.
Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting Mediterranean journey begins this evening as you check-in for your overnight jet flight bound for Barcelona.
