7nt MSC Melody - Mediterranean

Itinerary:

Day 1: Barcelona - Departure port, Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region. It lies along the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Besós and Llobregat. In the Northwest a set of hills run parallel to the coast. In the Southwest the old town lies along the port and is divided by the famous   “La Rambla”. Today Barcelona is Spain’s second biggest city as far as population is concerned and it is the main industrial centre of the country. Barcelona hosts two universities, several museums and libraries and has been a cultural and artistic centre since the Middle Ages.

Day 2: Ibiza - IBIZA often called the White Island it is one of the Balearic Islands and certainly the most charming unspoilt paradise of them all. Ibiza is steeped in history, having been invaded by many different civilisations, each leaving their mark. The 'real Ibiza' is the land of farmers and fishermen and some of the most beautiful areas, off the beaten track. Ibiza Town is the island's capital and has steep, cobbled streets, leading to a cathedral and fortress. The harbour has an array of street cafes. The town has retained its charm with typical, white houses and a range of Spanish restaurants. It has always been renowned for its style, which attracts the rich and famous. During the 1960's it was here that the peace-loving hippies fell in love with the island.

Day 3: Tunis - African and Arabic hospitality await you in exotic Tunis, on the coast of North Africa. Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, actually consists of three cities: the modern Capital City of the Tunisian Republic, with its wide streets, skyscrapers and busy sidewalk cafes; the Arabic Medina (Old Town) from the Middle Ages, an exciting labyrinth laden with secrets, narrow alleyways, small shops, huge mosques and palaces and finally Carthage, the ancient Phoenician - Roman city, which lies 18 km from the city.

Day 4: Messina - MESSINA is a pleasant town located with the best harbour on the Strait of Messina between the Tyrrenian and Ionian Seas, in northeast Sicily on the lower slopes of the Peloritani Mountains. A port city opposite the Italian mainland, Messina has industries producing silks, muslins, linens, and chemicals. As it is only five kilometres from the mainland, it is a common port for ferries and a frequent stop on Mediterranean trade routes.

Day 5: Naples - Naples It is said that when one thinks of Naples, one thinks of music and moonlight. While Milan may have its chic, Florence its art and Rome its historical grandeur, Naples can outdo them all on one count – its sheer napoletanità. This is a mixture of heart-stopping beauty, life-threatening chaos and a strong sense of life being lived to its limits. Squeezed in between Europe’s second-largest active volcano on one side and the sulphurous springs and boiling mud pools of the Flegrean fields on the other, all hemmed in by the blue bay around which the city clusters, Naples is a city to discover…

Day 6: Livorno - Mysteriously named Leghorn by English visitors in the 17th century,the city is known locally as Livorno. This 15th century fi sherman’svillage has grown to become one of western Italy’s largest ports,and is located in the center of the hilly region of Tuscany; convenientlyclose to the Renaissance wonders of Florence and thefamous leaning tower of Pisa.

Day 7: Monte Carlo - Monte Carlo the resort town of Monte Carlo situated in Monaco, on the Côte d'Azur of France. While multi-storey buildings are banned on the French part of the coast, high blocks abound in Monaco – there is nowhere else to build but upwards. Monte-Carlo provides you many discoveries, a highly cultured place with its many museums, a nice welcome with the most expensive hotels in the world.

Day 8: Barcelona - Arrival port