Morocco, Portugal, France, Spain and Italy – 24 September, 3 and 12 October 2021 – MSC Virtuosa – 9 nights

Malaga, Spain

Málaga is a municipality, capital of the Province of Málaga, in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain. With a population of 569,130 in 2015, it is the second-most populous city of Andalusia and the sixth-largest in Spain. The southernmost large city in Europe, it lies on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) of the Mediterranean, about 100 kilometres (62.14 miles) east of the Strait of Gibraltarand about 130 km (80.78 mi) north of Africa.

Malaga, Spain

Málaga, España

Direction

Casablanca, Morocco

Direction

Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal

Direction

Barcelona, Spain

Direction

Marseille, France

Direction

Genoa, Italy

Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy

Direction

Overview

Discover the magnificent, brand new Costa Virtuosa as she sails from Malaga on a series of three cruises lasting 9 fantastic nights. With this delightful itinerary you will be able to enjoy some fascinating ports whilst also enjoying three full days at sea. Spending the second day in the Moroccan city of Casablanca where you will have the opportunity to take a day trip to Marrakech or enjoy the exotic souks that this part of Africa is famous for. On to the lovely city of Lisbon where you will find the people welcoming, the food great and the street life absorbing. After a glorious day cruising the Mediterranean we arrive in the Catalan capital of Barcelona home of Gaudi, sun-filled plazas and great bars and restaurants. Marseilles is the next stop – this is the remodelled Provencale city that is the home of Bouillebaisse and Pernod! Its inner harbour is a legend and is a great place to spend a few hours. Genoa on the Ligurian coast is a bustling port town but close to the sleepy but elegant resorts such as Portofino. Another welcome day at sea before returning home to Malaga – a great cruise visiting five countries and two continents.

Itinerary

DAY	PORT	ARRIVAL	DEPARTURE
1	Malaga, Spain	–	19:00
2	Casablanca, Morocco	09:00	23:00
3	At Sea	–	–
4	Lisbon, Portugal	08:00	16:00
5	At Sea	–	–
6	Barcelona, Spain	13:00	20:00
7	Marseille, France	08:00	18:00
8	Genoa, Italy	09:00	17:00
9	At Sea	–	–
10	Malaga, Spain	12:00

CASABLANCA/MARRAKECH

Casablanca, an impressive port city on Morocco’s magical coast, is an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. Discover Mauresque architecture, attractive beaches, and the colourful Old Medina.

Place Mohammed V, a square of symbolic significance, is resplendent with palm trees and a majestic fountain. Beyond the port, two extraordinary cities await your discovery — vibrant Marrakech and beautiful Rabat.

MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

• Hassan II’s Mosque

• Marrakech

• Rabat

An enchanting adventure awaits, on an MSC Cruises excursion, across the buzzing city of Casablanca. Enjoy a scenic journey through streets and squares before stopping at an authentic Habous district market. Visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Lourdes and the Hassan II Mosque — the largest mosque in Africa. Resting on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic, take in spectacular sea views and fine architectural craftsmanship.

Visit Marrakech on an MSC Cruises excursion, a Moroccan imperial city known as the ‘Pearl of the South’. Here, you’ll discover the ornately decorated Saadian Tombs and the mesmerising 19th-century Bahia Palace. Afterwards, take in Marrakech’s iconic market square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with merchants, performers, restaurants, food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers, and henna artists.

Tour picturesque Rabat, Morocco’s capital, on an MSC Cruises excursion — a city known for its Berberera royal fort, French colonial and Islamic heritage, and historical citadel. Your guided tour begins at Place Mechouar Square, built at the end of the 19th century. From here, you’ll visit Hassan Tower, an iconic minaret on the bank of the Bu Regreg river. Discover the elegant Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the resting place of the Moroccan king. Finally, unwind in the emerald Andalusian Gardens in the Kasbah of the Udayas.

LISBON/CASCAIS

Visit Lisbon on an MSC Mediterranean cruise and explore one of the world’s most ancient cities and the second oldest European capital after Athens. It’s yet to go global and its white-domed cathedrals and cobbled alleyways make it quintessentially Portuguese. As the only capital city on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon is also remarkably inexpensive: food, drink and entertainment all offer exceptional value for money.

MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

• The Impressive Belem Tower

• Old-Fashioned Trams

• Lisbon By Land And Water

The iconic Belem tower, is Lisbon’s and possibly Portugal’s most recognisable monument. Built as a ceremonial gateway and fortress when Portugal had a global empire, it spectacularly failed to defend the city. In 1580 it fell to invading Spanish forces in just hours and French forces occupied it in the Peninsula War. It’s been a prison, light house and customs centre and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to see the pits where prisoners were thrown in, and the 16th century rhinoceros gargoyle.

Lisbon’s old fashioned trams are unique to the city and have been around for generations. The trams are both a tourist attraction and a reliable way for commuters to travel across the town of Lisbon. Board the tram at Martim Moniz Square and head up towards the hills of Lisbon. Along the way, you will see the Old town, passing Graça quarter and Alfama district. Finally, you will reach the highest point at Portas do Sol belvedere, with enchanting views of the metropolis and the Tagus river.

Exploring Lisbon by both land and water is an unparalleled experience in Portugual’s capital city. This MSC Excursion offers you the opportunity to board an amphibious craft that is both able to navigate on water and travel on land. The tour first begins on land and covers the main landmarks such as Praça do Comércio, Praça do Rossio, Liberty Avenue and Marquês de Pombal Square. The tour then continues on water as you will embark on a 30 minute trip along the River Tagus. While sailing across the river, admire the picturesque skyline from a waterside perspective.

BARCELONA

One of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, the seaside city of Barcelona is known for its iconic architecture, colourful culture, and world-class drinking and dining.

Explore Antoni Gaudí’s surreal Sagrada Família, the famous boulevard of the Ramblas, the medieval Barri Gótic, and the Museu Picasso. But there’s even more to discover in this sprawling Spanish city, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination: from hidden tapas bars and fabulous food markets to Europe’s biggest football stadium.

Choose your favourite tours from a list of unforgettable MSC Cruises excursions including:

• Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família

• The Montserrat Mountain and the Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat

• Camp Nou Stadium

An MSC Cruises excursion to Sagrada Família offers you the unmissable gift of visiting Gaudí’s ingenious Roman Catholic basilica. Journey to this architectural feat with the option of an electrically assisted Mercedes-Benz eBike which you can then use to ride through the city. On your travels, discover the nearby town of Santa Coloma de Cervelló and take in Gaudi’s incredible Church of Colonia Güell. Or visit his other architectural masterworks — Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Choose an adventurous MSC Cruises excursion to the majestic Montserrat Mountains. See Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s lively boulevard, and pause to marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. Then, travel through picturesque countryside to the rugged sandstone peaks of the Montserrat Mountains where the Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat is situated. Founded in the 11th-century, the monastery still houses over 70 monks and functions to this day. Discover the charming village of Sant Sadurni and visit the prestigious Vilarnau Wine Cellars. There, you’ll learn how Spanish cava wine is made and you’ll get to partake in a tasting session.

MSC Cruises excursions in Barcelona provide endless excitement for the whole family. But what could be more thrilling than visiting Camp Nou, Europe’s largest stadium? This temple of football seats nearly 100,000 people and plays host to international matches every year. It’s also an impressive concert and events venue hosting acts such as Sting, Peter Gabriel, U2, and Bruce Springsteen. Experience game day energy when entering the players’ dressing rooms or visit the museum and the interactive zone for a virtual view of the arena.

MARSEILLE

On the spectacular coastline of the French Riviera lies Marseille, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. This atmospheric port city is known for its unique mix of grit and glamour, seen in its labyrinth of streets and historical architecture. Only a few miles from Marseille’s charismatic cafes and bustling Vieux Port, stunning cities are to be found. Visit Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of Cézanne, or take in the ancient beauty of Avignon.

MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

• The Unmistakable Notre-Dame de la Garde

• Aix-en-Provence

• Avignon

The seaport of Marseille remains a must-see destination for its culture, colour, and atmosphere. An MSC Cruises excursion will transport you to a characterful world filled with art, architecture, and cuisine. Explore the port and its primary landmark: the Neo-Byzantine basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, constructed between 1853 and 1864. From the summit, you can take in incredible views over the city and the deep blue Mediterranean. Don’t miss a stroll along Marseille’s waterfront, past the aristocratic Borély Castle and Garden. See Longchamp Palace in the town centre before spending time in the old port.

Visit the southern French town of Aix-en-Provence on an MSC Cruises excursion. Explore the religious landmark of St. Saviour Cathedral, which was built over the remains of a Roman temple. Honouring the sun god Apollo, this richly decorated structure features Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque features. Next, enjoy a pleasant hike to the Four Dolphins Fountain and the Mazarin Quarter, home to honey-hued mansions from the 17th-century.

If you appreciate rich medieval history and sophisticated culture, visit ancient Avignon on an MSC Cruises excursion. This amazing city is home to the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting medieval Gothic architecture. A former residency to Popes of history, you’ll marvel at the building’s tapestries and frescoes. Afterwards, wander the mesmerising streets and have a spot of lunch in a French brasserie-restaurant.

GENOA

The port city of Genoa, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, is the gateway to Italy’s glamorous riviera. Wander down its winding medieval alleyways, take in historical, Piazza Matteotti, and admire a magnificent cluster of 16th and 17th-century buildings. Genoa’s heritage as a naval power is evident in La Lanterna, a historical lighthouse built in 1543. Beyond the city, romantic towns can be found nestled along the coastline, including the gelati-coloured Portofino.

MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

• Portofino

• Collection of ornate buildings

• Charming old town

Delight in an MSC Cruises excursion to picturesque Portfino, a famous fishing village on the Italian Riviera. Starting at Santa Margherita Ligure, you’ll take a short and leisurely boat cruise to Portfino’s shoreline where you’ll admire spectacular sea views and a glamorous yacht-filled harbour. Surrounded by verdant hills, Portofino is a fashionable playground for A-list celebrities and international VIPs. Stroll along the harbour, admire the gelato-hued houses, or enjoy a drink in a waterfront café.

Genoa makes for an unforgettable experience, and there is no better way to explore it than on a MSC Cruises Excursion. Wander the charming narrow streets of the old town known as ‘carruggi’ to reach the imposing Piazza de Ferrari area with the Palazzo Ducale. Discover the rich history of Genoa’s aristocracy showcased in the elegant district of Via Garibaldi dating back to the Renaissance era with resplendent edifices that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Palazzo Bianco or Palazzo Rosso with remarkable art collections inside. On your way back to the port, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the 16th-century Palazzo del Principe, the superb Admiral Andrea Doria’s residence.

The old town of Genoa is an ideal MSC Excursion if you are looking to explore the city on foot. This pleasant walk through Genoa’s historic town center will take you around the city that once was a major commercial hub for all overseas traders. After a stroll through the carruggi, reach the main square named Piazza de Ferrari and marvel at Palazzo Ducale. Take a little break and taste some local Ligurian cuisine such as focaccia and bruschetta at the “Cisterne del Ducale”. Before returning to the ship, the tour also includes an external tour of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.

Fares

Fully inclusive prices
Onboard Experience	Cabin	24-Sep	03-Oct	12-Oct
Bella	Inside	Sold out	€ 919	€ 919
	Outside	Sold out	€ 1.089	€ 1.089
	Balcony	Sold out	€ 1.249	€ 1.249
Fantastica	Inside	Sold out	€ 989	€ 989
	Outside	Sold out	€ 1.179	€ 1.179
	Balcony	Sold out	Sold out	€ 1.349
Cruise only prices
Onboard Experience	Cabin	24-Sep	03-Oct	12-Oct
Bella	Inside	Sold out	749	749
	Outside	Sold out	899	899
	Balcony	Sold out	1069	1069
Fantastica	Inside	Sold out	799	799
	Outside	Sold out	999	999
	Balcony	Sold out	Sold out	1159

Basic cruise prices do not include any drinks packages but do include gratuities and all taxes

Fully inclusive prices include all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and all gratuities

Ship Details

MSC Virtuosa’s namesake comes from the word virtuoso, meaning someone highly skilled in any field of activity, and so MSC Virtuosa was named to pay homage to the skill and expertise of the MSC Cruises architects and shipyard partners at Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique who designed and built this innovative class of ships. This new cruise ship is one of the two largest in MSC Cruises’ fleet, along with her sister ship MSC Grandiosa, boasting an impressive array of guest features all coming together in perfect harmony to deliver the ultimate cruise holiday experience.