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

Start planning your cruise and book your excursions in Barcelona and its surroundings

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

 

Start planning your cruise and book your excursions in Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon

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

 

Start planning your cruise and book your excursions in Genoa and Portofino

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.