April 2022

 

Join us to discover the authentic treasures of the Mediterranean on board MSC Splendida and embark on a fascinating week-long journey through legends and traditional markets, artistic masterpieces and breathtaking beaches, taking in Genoa, Marseille, Syracuse, Taranto and Civitavecchia.

Explore Genoa with its beautiful old town, the Aquarium and ever-chic Portofino, and be enchanted by Marseille and the colours and fragrances of Provence. 

After a day relaxing at sea, enjoying a rejuvenating massage, culinary delights and shows with an international flavour, we will arrive at one of the most fascinating destinations on this itinerary: the marvellous city of Syracuse. Take a seat on the terraces of the Roman amphitheatre and Greek theatre, which still host magical shows under the stars, and visit the spectacular Fountain of Arethusa in Ortigia, surrounded by green papyrus trees like the banks of the Nile. Discover Caravaggio's splendid masterpiece, ‘The Burial of Saint Lucy’, housed in the Abbey of Santa Lucia, and be amazed by the extraordinary acoustics of the Ear of Dionysius grotto, where legend has it that the tyrant Dionysius used to imprison his enemies and listen to their conversations. From Syracuse, you can also visit the old town of Ragusa Ibla and the city of Modica, famed for its delicious chocolate.

In Taranto, another highlight of MSC Splendida's itinerary, you can admire the Ponte Girevole (Swing Bridge), which allows ships to pass through to the ‘Little Sea’ beyond. Next, set out to discover the many gems scattered around the city, such as the carved topaz weighing a kilo and a half that is part of the Treasure of San Cataldo, plus the numerous artefacts on display in Taranto's Archaeological Museum, the MArTA, which also houses the ‘Tomb of the Athlete’, a sporting champion from the 5th century BC. You'll visit the Castello Aragonese, which is said to have inspired the story of the Count of Monte Cristo, and the Doric columns of Piazza Castello, the wonderful legacy of Magna Graecia. From Taranto, you can also head out to discover some of the marvels of the surrounding area, such as the Trulli of Alberobello, the Sassi of Matera and the Baroque treasures of Lecce.    

The stop in Civitavecchia offers the opportunity for a brief ‘Roman Holiday’ in the capital: visit the Colosseum and St Peter's Square, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and enjoy an ice cream in Piazza Navona.

Now is the perfect time to book your favourite cabin on board MSC Splendida. Our Cruise with Confidence programme offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to reschedule your cruise free of charge up to 15 days before the departure date (21 days for Fly&Cruise packages).