MSC Orchestra – Western Mediterranean Cruise (10 Nights + 1 Pre-Night)

Itinerary

Lisbon ➤ Alicante ➤ Mahon ➤ Oblia ➤ Genoa ➤ Marseille ➤ Malaga ➤ Cadiz ➤ Lisbon

DAY 1 – Lisbon

On arrival at Dublin Airport, Terminal 1, proceed to the TAP Air bag-drop desk, and proceed through security to your departure gate. On arrival in Lisbon, make your own way to your 4* pre-cruise accommodation for a great nights’ sleep before embarking on your MSC Cruise adventure.

DAY 2 – Lisbon & Embark on Ship

Wake up in the beautiful city of Lisbon Strung out over a series of hills facing the glistening waters of the broad estuary of the Tejo, it is one of Europe’s most handsome cities. Check-out of your hotel and make your own way to the Lisbon cruise terminal to board MSC Orchestra. Once onboard explore the ship and all it has to offer. Why not take the opportunity to book any excursions or shows you may like to do during the week? (Any MSC excursions booked are at an additional cost)

DAY 3 – Day at Sea

Spend the day at sea and explore all that MSC Orchestra has to offer.

DAY 4 – Alicante

This morning, find yourself in Alicante, located in the Costa Blanca, is one of the most beautiful cities of the Spanish East Coast. Discover a vibrant city connected to the sea and rich in history and architecture. From the Santa Barbara fortress, the main castle of the city, to parks and boulevards, such as the Explanada de Espa a where you can enjoy Alicante’s breathing fresh air and relax in cosy bars and terrace cafes.

DAY 5 – Mahon

Wake up in Mahon, Menorca’s capital, Perched high above the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean, the town’s compact centre is no more than ten minutes’ walk from one end to the other. Its architecture consists of an unusual hybrid of classical Georgian townhouses, which reflect a strong British connection, and tall Spanish apartment blocks shading the narrow streets.

DAY 6 – Olbia

Wake up this morning in Olbia, you don’t have to travel to the Caribbean to find sea that sparkles in every shade of blue. Sardinia’s northeast coast is an earthly paradise of shimmering reefs, coves and bays. While the Tomb of the Giants and Sa Testa Sacred Well are nods to the city’s ancient past, explore the granite hewn Basilica di San Simplicio and Castle for fine standing examples of medieval architecture.

DAY  7 – Genoa

Arrive in Genoa a marvellously eclectic, vibrant and full of rough-edged style city. Explore its old town: a dense and fascinating warren of medieval alleyways home to large palazzi built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries by Genoa’s wealthy mercantile families and now transformed into museums and art galleries before returning to the ship.

DAY 8 – Marseille

Find yourself on the spectacular coastline of the French Riviera where lies Marseille. 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.

DAY 9 – Day at Sea

Spend the day at sea and explore all that MSC Orchestra has to offer.

DAY 10 – Malaga 

Explore Malaga, this destination is a vibrant coastal city in Spain’s popular Costa del Sol. This thriving port offers a wide range of things to see including the ancient hilltop citadels Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. Stroll along the modern waterfront or wander the cobbled streets of the old quarter.

DAY 11 – Cadiz

Find yourself in Cadiz, an old Spanish settlement in Andalusia, it is characterised by a multitude of historical watchtowers. The port city rewards its visitors with excellent beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cathedrals, and a fascinating old town.

DAY 12 – Lisbon & Disembark Ship

All too soon you find yourself back in Lisbon. Make your own way back to Lisbon Airport for your return flight to Dublin.