Come with me to explore Santorini, Turkey and the most beautiful pearls of Italy

Enjoy with us this year not only cruises at sea, but also the Best Pearls of Italy. This year, we are embarking on a total of three exclusive special tours where you will visit not only the ports along the cruise route but also interesting places inland that you can't reach on a traditional cruise with the MSC Divina. And all this is included in the basic price of the tour!

Hello, my name is Pavel Číž and I will be your delegate on the first of the cruises with a visit to the Most Beautiful Pearls of Italy, which we will set sail on May 8, 2024. You who know me, know well how much I love Italy and on this cruise I want to show you a piece of this beautiful country.

Imagine waking up to a view of a glowing Naples, with a breakfast full of fresh Italian delicacies... That's exactly the kind of morning an MSC Cruises cruise can give you. If you love travel, exploring new cultures, great food and unforgettable experiences, this cruise is for you!

Our journey with Riviera Tour offers unparalleled travel experiences. From the historical riches of Naples and Siena, to the iconic beaches of Mykonos and Santorini, to the cultural diversity of Izmir and the incredible architecture of Florence. And let's not forget what makes every moment on board unforgettable - great food and entertainment.

Day One: Rome

Right after our overnight journey to Italy, we will arrive in Rome, the capital of this country, where we will have plenty of time to explore the most beautiful places of this ancient centre of civilisation. We will see the famous Colosseum, the Forum Romanum, the Capitol, the monument to King Victor Emmanuel II, the Trevi Fountain, have coffee in Piazza Navona, the most beautiful square in Rome, and I will also take you for the best Italian ice cream in a secret establishment in the city center. Then we'll check out the Castel Sant'Angelo and the Vatican, which we'll talk a lot about. And tonight? A real Italian dinner and literally soaking up the smell of spring. Then we'll have our first night in Italy at a hotel near the city.

Come with me to explore Santorini, Turkey and the most beautiful pearls of Italy

Day two: Tuscania and embarkation in Civitavecchia

We start the next day like the Italians: with a cup of coffee in a bar in Tuscany, a beautiful ancient town just outside Civitavecchia, our later embarkation port. You will be literally blown away by the tour and the photos of the place itself. Then we'll board the MSC Divina, a five-star ship that I found very pleasant, easy to navigate and great service.

Day three: cruise at sea

Although we may not realise it at first glance, the great advantage of this cruise is the two full days at sea, during which you can really relax and literally clear your head. Cruising is not just about exploring new destinations. It's also about taking time for yourself and your friends. So let's make the most of a free day at sea. We can swim, sunbathe, use the hot tubs and much more.

This tour is not "just" about the destinations we will visit during our cruise and travels in Italy. It's also about the experiences on board - from gourmet dinners with menus prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, to high-end entertainment, to relaxing in a luxurious spa. Every day is a new adventure and every night is a plethora of opportunities to enjoy life.

Day Four: Mykonos

During the cruise we will also visit Mykonos. Most of us don't get to this Greek island on holiday, so it's a great choice to visit it as part of a cruise. Mykonos, with its iconic white windmills, is synonymous with perfect beaches and never-ending parties. It's a place where ancient heritage meets modern lifestyle.

Day 5: Izmir

In Izmir, you will get a glimpse into a completely different world - Turkish markets full of colours, smells and tastes will completely absorb you and offer you a completely unique experience. A different country, a different culture and a very nice walk. Izmir is modern Turkey and it is incredible how history can be combined with new architecture. We will talk about the attractions of Izmir, but also about the customs and peculiarities of this country. You will really enjoy your stay here.

Those interested can also take a trip to the archaeological site of Ephesus, an ancient centre of Asia Minor with a huge harbour, about an hour's drive away, and to the House of the Dormition. On the June cruise 24,219, our delegate will accompany you on this trip.

Day Six: Santorini

Santorini is a tale of glorious sunrises and sunsets, reflected on white houses with blue roofs over steep high cliffs. The natural beauty and tranquillity of this place are like a balm for the soul. For adrenaline junkies, a donkey ride awaits. This island is literally a photographer's paradise: every shot is a photo for the album.

Day seven: cruise at sea

We return to the high seas once again for a day of Aegean and Mediterranean cruising, taking advantage of the ship's endless hospitality. During the evening hours, we will pass the Strait of Messina, whose watery eddies formed by the mixing of the waters of the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas gave rise to the Greek myths of the sea monsters Σκύλλα and Χάρυβδις (Skylle and Charybdis).

Day eight: Naples

Naples will introduce you to Italy at its most authentic. The pizza just coming out of the wood-fired oven, the smell of fresh espresso wafting through the streets and the skyline of Vesuvius is a scene straight out of a movie. Plus, during the walk, I'll show you the headquarters of MSC Cruises, whose ship we're sailing on.

Day 9: Siena and Florence

We get back on the bus and start our journey home. Along the way, we stop in Siena and Florence, cities that feel like living open-air galleries full of art, history and architecture, guiding you through the stories of the Italian Renaissance and today.

Siena

Do you feel that most of today's tourist destinations have lost their authenticity under the pressure of commercialization? Don't worry, Siena, a beautiful city in central Tuscany, will show you that true Italian culture is still alive. Siena offers the best of Italian lifestyle, gastronomy and history without the crowds of tourists that you find in other parts of Italy. This city, forgotten in time, has something for everyone, from magnificent medieval monuments to unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

Why visit Siena?

Piazza del Campo - the heart of the city, famous for its unique shell shape. Twice a year, the famous palio horse race is held here, full of colour, passion and tradition.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Siena) - one of the most beautiful works of Italian Gothic architecture, which dazzles not only with its facade but also with its richly decorated interior.

Local cuisine - Siena is a paradise for food lovers. From traditional pizzerias where you can taste authentic Italian pizza, to upmarket restaurants offering specialities such as "Pici" (handmade pasta) or "Panforte" (local sweet).

Art and culture - the city is full of galleries, museums and churches where you can admire the works of famous artists such as Duccio, Simone Martini and many others.

Nature and landscape - Siena's surroundings are like something out of a fairy tale. The green hills of Tuscany are dominated by vineyards, olive groves and picturesque villages. Ideal for hiking or cycling. This is what we will admire on the bus journey from the port. A visit to Siena is not just an ordinary trip, it's a journey into the heart of Italy where you can experience true Italian hospitality, experience history first hand and be pampered with local delicacies. After the tour, we'll relax on the coach en route to Florence. And you will certainly fall asleep from fatigue on the bus.

Florencie

Imagine waking up in a city where history breathes on every corner, where every alleyway holds a story and every piece of food is a work of art. Welcome to Florence, the heart of Tuscany, where art, history and gastronomy come together in a perfect symphony.

Why visit Florence?

Because you can really feel the history at every turn: from the magnificent Duomo Cathedral with its unforgettable dome, to the majestic Palazzo Vecchio, to the famous Ponte Vecchio - Florence is a living museum of the Renaissance. Art that will amaze you. We'll also check out the outdoor sculpture gallery at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world, home to countless works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli. And I'll show you David.

In Florence, gastronomy will delight any gourmet: the cuisine is full of flavours and aromas. Whether it's a traditional Florentine steak, ribollita or a simple bruschetta, your palate will be delighted. Stories and legends that come alive in the streets - every street, every square has a story.

Travel broadens your horizons, but Florence also teaches you to feel and perceive beauty in its purest form. It teaches us that art is not just in the galleries, but all around us - in the smell of fresh pastries, in the smiling faces of the locals, in the sounds of the city. Beyond the unforgettable experiences and photos that will grace your albums and social media, you'll leave Florence with a feeling of connection to history, art and culture that is priceless.

If this post has inspired you to embark on the journey of your dreams, don't forget to share it with your friends! Who knows, maybe your next vacation will turn into an adventure you'll never forget. I look forward to seeing you. So how about coming with me on this cruise? If so, don't delay, there aren't many spots available on the May cruise.