Discover the beauty of Southern Italy & The Mediterranean on a staff pick tour and cruise package!
Start in Rome, where you can see the ancient Colosseum and more on a city tour. Step back in time among the vast ruins of Pompeii, then explore the stunning Amalfi Coast from Sorrento to Amalfi, visiting Ostuni, Lecce, Matera, Otranto and Monopoli. Jump on an MSC cruise and explore the best of Greece including the stunning islands of Santorini, Katakolon & Corfu!
With return international flights, a 7-night MSC cruise, 9 nights in hotel accommodation and 29 meals, including daily breakfast, this will be a holiday to remember for years to come.
Want more? Add extra days to your itinerary with Arrive Early and Stay Behind in Rome, Italy packages.
Cannot travel in 2024? Check out our Puglia, Amalfi & The Med 2025 package
Today depart for the flight to Rome, Italy!
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on Day 2, to arrive on Day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
Meals included: In-Flight
Upon arrival in Rome, be met and transferred to the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Cristoforo Colombo, Rome (or similar)
Meals included: None
Following breakfast at the hotel this morning, join a half-day guided tour of Rome with a local guide. You will experience some of the richest historical landmarks in the world. First see Piazza Venezia before walking towards the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio), designed by Michelangelo in the 1500s. Next, travel down Via dei Fori Imperial (Road of the Imperial Forums), the former centre of ancient political, commercial, and legal life. See the spectacular Colosseum (entrance not included), area of gladiators, and the Arch of Constantine, a monument dedicated to Emperor Constantine by the Senate and the people of Rome. In addition to these wonderful sights, see Palatine Hill, where former emperors and influential figures once lived, and the exterior of the gigantic Circus Maximus, the first and main site of chariot racing and mass entertainment. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Cristoforo Colombo, Rome (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing your journey to the stunning Sorrento coastline. Arrive in Pompeii later this morning to learn about this magnificent archaeological site on a locally guided tour. Built in the ancient Roman era, delve into the history and spectacle of the city buried from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. It remains surprisingly intact, and a great insight into the life of a commercial city of ancient Rome. Afterwards, continue to the beautiful seaside Amalfi Coast after an approximately 270km travel day.
Overnight: Hotel Marad, Amalfi Coast Area (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast on an approximately 50km travel day. Uncover the 50km stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula with your tour leader. A hugely popular holiday destination, the Amalfi coast features sheer cliffs, a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-coloured fishing villages. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves. Spend a full day exploring these beautiful villages with your tour leader.
In Sorrento, you'll see the picturesque cliff-top resort town, wedged on a ledge between the mountains and the Mediterranean. It’s well-located for regional sightseeing and is a pleasant place to stay and stroll among beautiful landscapes.
Marvel at the cliffside village of Positano on the southern Amalfi Coast. This is the coast's most picturesque and photogenic town with vertiginous houses dotting the cliffside down to the sea in a cascade of sun-bleached peach, pink and terracotta colours. No less colourful are its steep streets and steps lined with wisteria-draped hotels, smart restaurants and fashionable boutiques.
Amalfi is an outstanding example of the Mediterranean landscape, this is a town in a dramatic natural setting below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. The Arab-Norman Sant’Andrea cathedral at the heart of the town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era.
Overnight: Hotel Marad, Amalfi Coast Area (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, head southeast through sun-baked landscapes to the region of Puglia. On the way stop at Matera for a guided tour and exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sassi (Italian for “stones”) - a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases, and arches, hewn out of the solid rock. First occupied in the Palaeolithic Age, the myriad of natural caves were gradually burrowed deeper and expanded into living spaces by peasants and artisans throughout the classical and medieval eras. Today, these underground residences are being re-inhabited by italians, and staying in one of the ‘Sassi di Matera’ cave hotels has become one of Europe’s most exotic new experiences. The journey continues over rolling green hills and wide mountain views, as you head towards Alberobello. Upon arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 315km travel day.
Overnight: Hotel Lanzillotta, Alberobello (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, take some time to discover the spectacular town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the small, whitewashed stone houses here - known as Trulli - which are clustered together throughout the city and built entirely without mortar.
Continue to Ostuni early this afternoon. Ostuni is a unique town with winding streets and beautifully decorated, colourful window frames that can fool you into thinking you’re somewhere in Greece. Enjoy a stroll around the old town with your tour leader to see the amazing monuments and medieval buildings. The cultivation of olives is one of Puglia’s greatest resources and economic certainties - enjoy a tasting of authentic local Italian olive oil while you’re here. In the late afternoon arrive in Lecce and take the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 120km travel day.
Overnight: Hotel Zenit Salento, Lecce (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today head to Otranto on an approximately 100km travel day, a historic seaside town and port on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy. It’s a small town with a lovely holiday atmosphere and makes a good destination for a day trip. The picture-perfect blue waters, white buildings and diving rocks make Otranto the frequent cover star of maps, books, and articles about Puglia. On a clear day, it is possible to see over the Strait of Otranto to Albania. The name of Otranto is probably best known abroad for The Castle of Otranto, Horace Walpole’s pioneering Gothic novel. However, the creepy castle of Walpole’s imagination bears little resemblance to the fortress of the real Otranto. In the afternoon travel through the Salento Coast, a divine place for a swim or scenic drive. Here the chalk lightens the red soil, and the crystal sea laps the cliffs and kisses the olive trees at the shoreline.
Enjoy a stop at Torre Sant’Andrea beach (Saint Andrew Tower beach). The looming rocky towers of Torre Sant’Andrea make the waterfront of this small Italian fishing community stand out even within a picturesque backdrop. Continue to the unique site of the Poetry Cave (Grotta Della Poesia), a natural swimming pool located in Roca Vecchia village, considered one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world. The cave is made of two turquoise and blue karst sinkholes surrounded by stunning scenery. Rare inscriptions, animal sacrifices and other inscriptions have been found in a small sinkhole next to the Cave Poetry, named “Little Poetry”. Return to Lecce late this afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel Zenit Salento, Lecce (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided tour of Lecce with a local guide. The architecture here is recognised for its hugely decorative gargoyles, columns, and gremlins. See the Basilica of Santa Croce that features sculptures and a rose window, Piazza del Duomo and the Sant’Oronzo Column, a Roman column topped with a bronze statue of the city’s patron saint (entrances not included). In the afternoon depart for Bari, the capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region. On the way stop at Monopoli, a cosy town with quaint narrow streets and pretty squares. Enjoy an orientation tour of the old town with your tour leader. Like so many towns on the Adriatic, Monopoli’s history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castles that tell many a story. Later this afternoon, arrive in Bari and check into the accommodation after an approximately 160km travel day.
Overnight: Vittoria Parc Hotel, Bari (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
(Depart at 19:00)
Enjoy free time this morning to further explore this incredible city. Perhaps visit some of the city highlights such as the 11th-century Basilica of San Nicola, a key pilgrimage site, surrounded by narrow streets. To the south, the Murat Quarter with 19th-century architecture, a promenade and pedestrianised shopping areas. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the cruise terminal to embark on your spectacular Mediterranean voyage!
Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Enjoy fun new experiences around the clock on an MSC Cruises' ship, from enriching indoor and outdoor activities during the day to magical night-time entertainment. With cinemas, tournaments and competitions, outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family and magical night-time entertainment, you’ll have a hard time choosing between all the things you can see and experience.
Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
(Docked from 08:00 to 18:00)
Approximately 200-km southeast of mainland Greece, lies Santorini, a Cyclades Island. This destination was formed from the remains of a volcanic caldera which is evident in its rugged geology. Santorini is famous for its sheer cliffs, red beach, and whitewashed houses that contrast strikingly against the blue Aegean Sea. The island is also home to ancient archaeological sites, hot spring swimming, and stunning wineries.\n
MSC offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• Oia Village
• The Archaeological site of Akrotiri\n
• Black Stretches of Volcanic Sand
Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
(Docked from 06:00 to 17:00)
The city of Piraeus is one of the oldest ports in the world so it's the perfect spot to be introduced to the treasures of Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. Piraeus, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, has been the port of Athens since ancient times. It’s a city filled with incredible wonders including Mikrolimano Bay, Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the Archaeological Museum. Nowadays, Piraeus is a bustling centre with attractive waterfront cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal stop in the Mediterranean. Use it as a stepping stone to see the Acropolis and greater Athens.
MSC cruises offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The Dramatic Ruins of the Parthenon on the Acropolis
• Pláka Discovery
• Corinth Canal Cruise
Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
(Docked from 09:00 to 18:00)
On the Peloponnese shores stands the little seaside town of Katakolon, Greece situated on a headland overlooking the blue Ionian Sea, this charming location boasts a lighthouse, the Agios Nicolaos Church, and musical instruments museum. A short ride away lies the ancient site of Olympia, the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3000 years ago, it hosted Greece’s first Olympic Games in its Panhellenic religious sanctuary.
MSC offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• Olympia, Folklore Show and Tasting
• Olympia and its Museum
• Magna Grecia Estate and Olympia in 3D
Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
(Docked from 09:00 to 18:00)
The resort island of Corfu is renowned for its Rocky Mountains, beautiful beaches, and utterly romantic atmosphere.
It’s capital city, also named Corfu, is one of the ancient jewels of Greece. Here you’ll find a Venetian fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage old town boasting winding lanes, bustling bars, towering houses, and heavenly gardens. Discover ancient remains from eras past, scattered throughout the island.
MSC offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• Achilleion Palace
• Corfu’s Beaches
• Palaiokastritsa Monastery
Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
(Docked from 08:00 to 16:00)
Discover the jewel of the Ionian Sea — the Greek island of Cephalonia. Explore awe-inspiring caves, wander sandy coves, or take a dip in its turquoise waters.
Here, colourful port villages cluster around scenic harbours and dazzling beaches. This natural paradise is home to an abundance of fauna including turtles, pine martens, and seals.
MSC offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
• The Spectacular Melissani Cave
• Fiscardo and Assos
• Drogarati Caves and St. Efimia Village
Overnight: MSC Cruises - ‘MSC Opera’
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
(Arrive at 07:00)
Enjoy your final meal on board before arriving back at the port of Bari. After disembarking the ship, be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel in Rome for the night after an approximately 430km day.
Overnight: Hotel Cristoforo Colombo, Rome (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, according to your flight time, be transferred to the airport for the return flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later.
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