This itinerary is for a past tour program.
Check out our current tour & cruise packages in the Mediterranean.
In person, the Greek Islands are even more lovely, picturesque and romantic than portrayed in the movies. You'll find whitewashed houses peering over steep cliffs which drop straight down into a breathtaking azure sea. Our Greek Isles and Croatia cruise visits among the most gorgeous of these incredible islands, including Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu. The lovely Italian port of Bari and the Medieval gem Dubrovnik are also part of this exciting cruise itinerary. A bonus night in Venice completes your Mediterranean vacation.
Despite all the glamour, excitement, food and fun, you won't pay a fortune to enjoy your Mediterranean dream cruise vacation. We've negotiated special prices on two departures just for you, including discounts on the superior outside and deluxe balcony (veranda) cabins. But don't wait too long. With unbelievable prices including airfare, fuel surcharges, most transfers, all meals aboard the cruise and a bonus night in Venice, space won't last long.
| Eastern Mediterranean Cruise | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Port of Call | Arrive | Depart |
| 2 | Venice, Italy | -- |
6pm |
| 3 | Bari, Italy | 2:30pm | 7:30pm |
| 4 | Corfu, Greece | 7am | 1pm |
| 5 | Santorini, Greece | 8:30am | 2:00pm |
| 5 | Mykonos, Greece | 9pm | 12am |
| 6 | Piraeus (Athens), Greece | 7:30am | 4:30pm |
| 7 | Olympia & Katakolon, Greece | 7am | 2pm |
| 8 | Dubrovnik, Croatia | 8am | 2pm |
| 9 | Venice | 9am | -- |
Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting Eastern 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, where you'll board the MSC Musica for your weeklong cruise. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.
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. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.
Day 4: Corfu, Greece. Disembark this morning on the Greek Island of Corfu, the northernmost and second largest Ionian island after Cephalonia. Its abundant natural beauty and striking combination of the cosmopolitan and the traditional gives the island a unique ambience. Exciting optional excursions offer visits to Achilles' Palace or relaxing beach and boat tours. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.
Day 5: Santorini & Mykonos, Greece. Arrive early this morning at Santorini. This stunning island, with breathtaking panoramas and rugged landscapes, is actually a volcanic crater slightly immersed in the sea. The island is famous for its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques which cling to steep cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car or mule.
Explore the island on your own or choose from several optional shore excursions that take you to some of Santorini's most picturesque sites. Among other sites, visit the Museum in Fira town and a typical winery, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy three of the island's most famous wines, served with delicious cheese.
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.
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. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.
Day 7: Olympia & Katakolon, Greece. Disembark this morning at the small port town of Katakolon. We recommend a visit to nearby Olympia, where you'll wonder at the ruins of the awesome Temple of Zeus and explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games. These games were the most important international event in the Hellenic world from 776 B.C. to 393 A.D. and continue today, with the lighting of the Olympic flame that is carried by runners throughout the world. Visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Archeological Museum on your own or join an optional excursion. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.
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. 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. Breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.
Day 9: Venice, Italy. 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. Breakfast provided.
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.
See specifications, deck plans & more photos of the Musica.
Grand and graceful, the MSC Musica offers an elegant blend of tasteful design, cosmopolitan ambience and sparkling entertainment venues. Onboard dining options include the elegant Le Maxim dining room and the exotic Kaito sushi bar. Stop by one of the Musica’s 10 clubs or bars, including the L’enoteca wine bar and the Havana Club cigar room.
The Musica's 1275 spacious staterooms and suites, many with private balconies, all include bathroom with shower, satellite television and full-service mini bar. Relax in the serene Aloha spa, or stretch your muscles in the expansive fitness center or two swimming pools or on the tennis court or jogging track. The Musica also encompasses an internet café, library, casino and shopping arcade.
The MSC Musica is registered in Italy.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Italy, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Greece, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Croatia, click here.
Vacationing in Italy for Spring Break was our 13-year-old son's idea. We hadn't a clue how to pull it all together in less than 5 weeks, and then a friend recommended Friendly Planet. From the get-go (meaning my initial contact with your reservation agent), I knew that we would be in good hands. The tour of 8 key cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Venice, and Siena, was beyond our wildest expectations. And the price was right! And our charming tour guides were one better than the other! We also enjoyed the company of our fellow travelers -- all truly wonderful people. Since then, every chance I get, I recommend Friendly Planet to my family and friends.
— Fran Carpentier, New York, NY