On the 19^th October MSC Magnifica returned to the seas with an incredible itinerary taking in destinations in both the East and Western Mediterranean.  In this 10-night cruise she visits Messina, Malta, Civitavecchia for Rome, Livorno for Florence, Genoa, Kataklon and Pireus for Athens-keep reading to find out which excursions are absolute musts!

 

Messina:  MOUNT ETNA AND TAORMINA  

Duration: approx. 7 ½ hours, lunch included 

Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano and this tour will take you to see this natural phenomenon and the gorgeous town of Taormina nearby.

A little over half way up Mount Etna lies the cable car station of Rifugio Sapienza – twice buried by lava over the years – from where you'll then walk to the two inactive Silvestri Craters.  Leaving Mount Etna behind, you’ll then take a coach to reach Taormina. After a break for lunch in a local restaurant, your guide will take you around the main sights of this lovely little town.

 

Livorno:  TUSCANY COUNTRYSIDE: PISA AND WINE TASTING

Duration: approx. 5 ½ hours

Get a glimpse of the famous Tuscan countryside on your coach ride from Livorno to the city of Pisa, noted most for its famous Leaning Tower. Your guide will show you Piazza dei Miracoli, the site of the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the beautifully domed Baptistry of St. John.

You’ll then make your way to Vialto Farmhouse, set in the middle of the Tuscan hills and only a short drive from Pisa. Enjoy the Italian hospitality, try the famous Tuscan wines and taste some of the local specialties!

 

Pireus: ATHENS RIVIERA & TEMPLE OF POSEIDON

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Drive along the Athens Riviera, with its sharply indented coastline fringed with beautiful beaches. You’ll reach Cape Sounion at the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula and the destination of this half-day outing. High on a cliff and overlooking the blue Aegean Sea stands the imposing Temple of Poseidon. This magnificent 5^th-century BC temple offers breath-taking views of classical Greece along with beautiful scenery; the perfect location for a photoshoot!

 

Rome: ROME & THE WONDERS OF THE VATICAN MUSEUM

Duration: 9 hours, lunch included

A 1 ½ hour coach will take you to Rome where your guide will provide a sightseeing tour of Rome's key monuments including the Aurelian Walls, the Pyramid, Caracalla's Baths, the Circo Massimo, the Colosseum and the romantic "Lungotevere": all from the comfort of your coach. You’ll head to the Vatican next where you’ll visit the Vatican Museum where you’ll skip the long queues to get in!   

 

You’ll see inside the Sistine Chapel, marvel at the exquisite frescoes by Michaelangelo before stopping for lunch at a local trattoria!  A walk around St Peter’s Square and the Basilica are the icing on the cake of your day in Rome.

 

There’s no better way to discover a port in a short time than by trusting MSC to show you around. Find out more about MSC’s new itinerary, and make sure you book any excursions that take your fancy before they sell out!