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Highlights of Sicily + Western Mediterranean Mosaic cruise

Relax and immerse yourself in the gracious towns, dramatic landscapes and stunning ancient treasures of Sicily before enjoying a relaxing Western Mediterranean cruise.

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Itinerary
Ship

D'alt Vila, Ibiza Old Town
The Greco Amphitheatre at Taormina
Sicily's pretty coastline
Florence skyline
Arno River waterfront, Florence
The Greek Theatre at Taormina
One of the mosaics at the Piazza Armerina
Leaning Tower & Square of Miracles, Pisa
Monte Carlo near Villefranche
Selinunte
Some of the ruins at Agrigento
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Valencia
Medina, Tunis
Sicily
Carthage, Tunisia
Greco-Roman ruins at Taormina
Taormina and Mount Etna, Sicily

DAY 1: UK - Naples - Sorrento.

Fly to Naples where you will be met by our representative and transferred by coach to your hotel in Sorrento. (D)

DAY 2: Sorrento - Villa San Giovanni - Taormina area.

We travel through the wild and mountainous scenery of Italy's far south to board the ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Sicily. It is then a short coach journey to your hotel in the Taormina area. (B, D)

DAY 3: Taormina.

The day is yours to get your bearings and explore the beautiful resort of Taormina. For a breathtaking view of the coast and Mount Etna, head to the Piazza Nove Aprile, the heart of the town set spectacularly on a precipice overlooking the sea. You may wish to join us for an optional Sicilian evening. (B, D)

DAY 4: Taormina - Mount Etna - Syracuse.

Called 'Mountain of Mountains' by Sicily's Arab settlers, Europe's largest active volcano is an impressive sight, its towering peak rising up from a landscape of pine woods and citrus groves. Join us for an included visit, during which you can enjoy stunning views from the heights of the volcano and, if you choose, take an optional jeep ride (or cable car when operating) to approximately 7,500 feet. Note: This may be subject to minimum participation. We then head south to Syracuse where you can take our optional tour of it's fascinating heritage site (the extensive 'Zona Archeologica' has a wealth of impressive Greek remains) or spend some time exploring the town at your own pace. You will stay in the Syracuse area. (B,D)

DAY 5: Syracuse - Noto - Agrigento.

Today we travel south to the town of Noto a unique UNESCO heritage site, referred to as the Baroque Jewel and built on a plateau overlooking the citrus tree valley of Asinara. Then it's on past the sulphur mines of Caltanissetta to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, one of Italy's most impressive archaeological sites. Your included sightseeing tour with a local guide will include visits to the exceptionally well preserved Greek Temple of Concord and the awe-inspiring Temple of Juno Lacinia. You will stay overnight in Agrigento. (B, D)

DAY 6: Agrigento - Selinunte - Palermo.

Our next stop is Selinunte, another of Sicily's fascinating heritage sites (entrance fee included). Much of the city still lies buried, but there are extensive remains to be explored, including the Acropolis, which has ruins of temples and fortifications, as well as the foundations of rows of shops. We then head north east to Sicily's capital, Palermo, where you will stay for the night. (B)

DAY 7: Palermo.

A full day to explore Sicily's busy and colourful capital, set in a valley called 'Conca d'Oro' (the 'Golden Shell'). In the afternoon, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour for a more in-depth look at the city, which has a wealth of lovely squares and market places, churches and palaces? Also included is a visit to nearby Monreale with it's unique Arab-Norman style Cathedral. In the late afternoon, we head for the harbour to take the overnight ferry to Naples. (B)

DAY 8: Sorrento.

The ferry arrives in Naples in the early morning, after which you will transfer to your hotel in Sorrento for one night. (B)

DAY 9: Sorrento - Naples.

Transfer to Naples to embark your cruise ship, MSC Orchestra. (B, D)

DAY 10: Livorno (for Florence and Pisa).

On the western shores of Tuscany, 16th century Livorno is the gateway to two of Italy's most poetic cities - Pisa and Florence. Founded in 1577 by the Medici family, its photogenic centre is an easy walk from the port and features lovely canals, bridges and plazas fringed with chic cafés and shops. Nearby, Pisa is famed for its amazing Leaning Tower and magnificent cathedral while Florence, the capital of Renaissance art, is home to the magnificent Uffizi Gallery featuring works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci, the Piazza del Duomo, the statue-filled Piazza della Signoria and the fairytale Ponte Vecchio bridge. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Villefranche.

Villefranche enjoys a stunning location on one of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean and is conveniently located close to both Nice and Monaco. The Old Town is made up of a labyrinth of steep lanes built on the terraced hillside. Why not enjoy an optional excursion to glamorous Monte Carlo, part of the principality of Monaco. Monaco is still presided over by the Grimaldi Royal family and is one of Europe's smallest independent states. Parts of the city are perched atop sheer, 200-foot high sea cliffs and offer spectacular views. Today, roam the quaint Old Town streets to see the handsome Rococo Casino, the Palais du Prince - once home to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, and the cathedral which houses both of their tombs. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Valencia.

Home of paella, vibrant Valencia boasts a chequered past of Roman and Moorish occupation. Fringed by golden beaches, its centre is a compelling blend of sunny plazas, Gothic churches, gardens and modern skyscrapers. Explore the charming centre's narrow alleyways and visit the stunning Romanesque-Gothic-Baroque Cathedral, said to be the resting place of the Holy Grail, to climb the coiling staircase of its octagonal tower for breathtaking views over the city below. Later, admire Valencia's main square, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the fine Museo de Bellas Artes and the Torres de Serranos, part of the city's original 14th century gate. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Ibiza.

Known as a party island, Ibiza has much more to offer than vibrant nightlife. Scratch the surface and you'll find a wonderfully laid-back island of stunning scenery, charming resorts and amazing beaches. Join an optional tour of the interior, taking in traditional, sugar-cube villages spread over rolling hillsides draped in fragrant fruit groves. Enjoy free time to explore the capital, Ibiza Town, which clusters around d'Alt Vila, the picturesque walled old quarter. This beautiful district rises steeply from the harbour in a flurry of curling cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses and picturesque chapels and houses the 16th century hilltop citadel and fortifications and a splendid 13th century Gothic Cathedral. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: La Goulette (for Tunis and Carthage).

The capital of Tunisia, Tunis is a melting pot of Arabic, French and African influences. Today, explore this fascinating city and its spellbinding medina at leisure. Dating from the Middle Ages, the maze of winding lanes brims with spice shops, perfume vendors, mosques and colonial houses. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Carthage, an ancient Phoenician city that once rivalled Rome, to admire its spectacular ruins or visit Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia's most beautiful village, where white-and-blue houses and artists' workshops pepper a clifftop. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Catania (for Taormina and Mount Etna).

A land of Greek temples, Roman relics and colourful seaside resorts, Sicily has much to see. Discover Mount Etna on an optional tour, driving through lush vineyards and fruit groves to the volcano at the island's centre, which has erupted over 130 times. Its magnificent crater, lava fields and potholes are reminders of its mighty power. Alternatively, visit Taormina, one of Sicily's most picturesque towns, on an optional tour. Founded by Ancient Greece, this clifftop jewel has flower-filled streets and medieval buildings galore, and is crowned by a spectacular amphitheatre that commands fantastic views over the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Naples - UK.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Sorrento: Tirrenia (3*); Taormina area: Albatros at Letojanni (3*); Syracuse: Parkhotel (3*); Agrigento Area: Akrabello (3*); Palermo: Politeama (4*).

Early Booking Offer

Upgrade your cabin to an outside to receive £50 per cabin, an outside with balcony to receive £100 per cabin or a suite (on request) to receive £150 per cabin on board credit, subject to availability.

MSC Orchestra
Twin inside cabin, MSC Orchestra
Twin outside cabin with porthole, MSC Orchestra
Balcony cabin, MSC Orchestra
Four Seasons Dining Room, MSC Orchestra
Villa Borghese Dining Room, MSC Orchestra
L'Ibiscus Dining Room, MSC Orchestra
Shanghai Restaurant, MSC Orchestra
Amber Bar, MSC Orchestra
Purple Bar, MSC Orchestra
Café, MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra

Suffused with a refreshing sense of spaciousness and style, MSC Orchestra is a thoroughly contemporary ship designed to embody MSC's respected reputation for good service, well-appointed accommodation and cutting edge design. Offering a varied choice of themed bars and lounges, plenty of leisure amenities and exciting activities to choose from, MSC Orchestra comfortably accommodates 3013 guests in 1275 bright, comfortable cabins and is an ideal base from which the explore the wonders of the Mediterranean.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Sun deck; 2 swimming pools; 4 Jacuzzis; 5 restaurants; 8 bars and lounges and 2 outdoor bars; sports centre with basketball and tennis courts; jogging track; mini golf and deck games; Body & Mind Spa with thalassotherapy, hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, aromatherapy, massage, saunas and Turkish Baths; fitness centre; yoga; beauty parlour; Palm Beach casino; Covent Garden theatre; cigar room; shopping arcade; art galleries; card room; library; disco; internet centre; medical centre; 13 lifts.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The choice of on board dining options includes 2 dining rooms: Villa Borghese and L'Ibiscus, as well as the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant, La Piazzetta Cafeteria, and 4 Seasons à la carte restaurant. Many dishes are cooked with a traditional Italian flavour, although an assortment of international-styled options is also available.

Cabins

All cabins have twin beds that can be made up as a double; air-conditioning; satellite TV; minibar; safety deposit box; telephone; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category 3 inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions

3 Twin inside cabin lower deck

4 Twin outside cabin lower deck

6 Twin balcony cabin middle deck

8 Twin balcony cabin middle deck

11 Twin balcony cabin middle/upper deck

12 Balcony suite upper deck

Tipping

A fixed service charge of 7 euros per person per day will automatically be added to your on board account. This will be shared amongst the crew. Tipping is discretionary and should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk during your cruise.

MSC Orchestra
Twin inside cabin, MSC Orchestra
Twin outside cabin with porthole, MSC Orchestra
Balcony cabin, MSC Orchestra
Four Seasons Dining Room, MSC Orchestra
Villa Borghese Dining Room, MSC Orchestra
L'Ibiscus Dining Room, MSC Orchestra
Shanghai Restaurant, MSC Orchestra
Amber Bar, MSC Orchestra
Purple Bar, MSC Orchestra
Café, MSC Orchestra