MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Italy - La Dolce Vita - Nice to Valletta
MS Europa -  May 20-26, 2012

The famous rocky island juts out of the Gulf of Naples and captivates romantics from all over the world. And not only Capri touches the heart - relish life on the exclusive Costa Smeralda and the breathtaking Amalfi coast. The Lipari Islands are characterised by calmness and tranquillity - with the exception of the lava-spewing Mt Stromboli. On the EUROPA, you will be mesmerised by the sound of bel canto and entertained by La Notte Italiana - enjoy the party night on board.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: ancient Pompeii* and the
  Amalfi coast*
• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: the Aeolian Islands
• Capri and the Grotta Azzurra
• The historic district of Trapani*
• La Notte Italiana - party night on board
• Bel canto - Italian opera on board
• New port of call: Trapani/Sicily/Italy

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
   Subject to changes.

Nice/France
The French Riviera is your starting point for unforgettable days in the Mediterranean.

Porto Cervo/Sardinia/Italy
On the Costa Smeralda lies this popular summer haunt of the beautiful and rich with one of the most luxurious marinas in the Mediterranean. At nighttime, the clientele likes to dance at the "Billionaire Club", and during the day, they enjoy themselves on the pretty piazzetta or go shopping in the exclusive boutiques of the resort in which you, too, will be having a nice time today. Or perhaps you would like to set out on your own to visit the Roman church San Simplico in nearby Olbia? Made entirely of granite, it is the gem of the town and dedicated to the oldest known-of bishop of the island. Inside the church, you will see milestones that were erected along ancient Roman roads in the distant past.

Capri/Italy
Until well into the night, the EUROPA will be lying off the coast of the "rock in the sea". The mountaineous island has a surface area of no more than 10 km2 and has attracted romantics from all over the world since the rediscovery of the Blue Grotto ("Grotta Azzurra") in 1826. From the Marina Grande of elegant Capri, old steps lead up to tranquil Anacapri. You may find it more convenient to take the funicular to the historic district with its popular Piazza Umberto located at an elevation of 275 m. Those who aspire to get even higher will subsequently take the chair lift to the top of Monte Solaro and enjoy the fantastic view. Or would you like to visit the Blue Grotto by boat? Capri augurs marvellous hours - crowned by a wonderful sunset.

Positano/Italy
The picturesque Amalfi coast is dotted with the pastel-coloured houses of the legendary little seafaring town. Stroll through the stunningly beautiful alleys or admire the views across the famous coast on the landscape tour to the hinterland*. En route, you can sample typical Italian specialities at an oil mill. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Pompeii* was impressively preserved for posterity by a volcanic eruption in the year 79 A.D. Villas, frescoes, temples, tavernas - the old Roman town grants unique insights into life in ancient times.

Lipari/Lipari Islands/Italy
During the night, the EUROPA reaches the world of the seven Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea and circumnavigates Stromboli with its volcano which is active to the present day. In the morning, you will be greeted by "Meligunis", "the sweet one", as the Greeks used to call Lipari in distant times. The little port town of the same name is dominated by an imposing acropolis hill that is ideally suited for exploring it on your own. Besides the fort, it accommodates a cathedral and one of Italy's most significant archaeological museums. From the vantage point Belvedere Quattrocchi in the southwest of the island, you can see as far as Mount Etna on Sicily on bright days.

Trapani/Sicily/Italy
Normans, Spaniards and Aragonese have ruled over the city, the pretty Baroque historic district of which is located on a peninsula in the sea. In ancient times, Trapani* was the port of Erice*, a city founded by the Elymians which is picturesquely perched high up in the mountains and offers fantastic views across the surroundings from its two castles. One of the most significant ancient sites of the island is Selinunte*. Stroll through the acropolis and the eastern temple area and let yourself be taken back to the world of the old Greeks and their gods.

Valletta/Malta
Beautiful Malta and Gozo are two wonderful reasons to stay a little longer - enjoy the post-cruise programme*.