MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Flair: Treasures of Southern Europe - Valletta to Bilbao
MS Europa -  May 26 - June 9, 2012

Famous cultural heritage from ancient times to the present day lines the streets of venerable Rome. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you will return to the "eternal city" at some point in time. Subsequently, our journey takes us to beautiful Florence, the heart of the Renaissance. Tapas and Spanish savoir vivre are at home in the alleys of Barcelona, the buoyant metropolis on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Portugal's ornament towers on the banks of the Tejo - visit Lisbon, another gem of European history.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: the historic centres of Rome*
  and Florence*, the Tower of Belem*, the Monastery of the
  Hieronymites*
• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites: the Bay of Girolata and
  the Calanche of Piana
• Train journey to the Abbey of Montserrat*
• Flamenco show on board
• Golf & Cruise voyage with comprehensive golf package*
• 12th MS EUROPA Golf Cup

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

Valletta/Malta
Stroll through the alleys that look like the setting of a film featuring mediaeval knights and discover Malta and Gozo with our pre-cruise programme*.

Civitavecchia (Rome)/Italy
Welcome to the "eternal city" of Rome*. Whether Colosseum, Forum Romanum or Spanish Steps - here, you will encounter significant historic and cultural sites at every turn. St. Peter's Basilica is the heart of Vatican City. Thanks to 45 altars, countless columns and masterpieces such as The Pietà by Michelangelo, the impressive interior offers an unforgettable sight. In the 13th century, the popes still resided in mediaeval Viterbo* which, just like the Etruscan town of Tuscania*, grants beautiful insights into bygone days.

Calvi/Corsica/France
The lively little port town with its Genoese citadel is one of the most beautiful coastal settlements on the island. In the hinterland, you will enjoy the atmosphere of tranquil Corsican mountain villages* and sample "spuntino", local specialities, at an auberge. Late in the afternoon, the EUROPA will be cruising through the wonderful Gulf of Girolata with its tall, jagged rock faces with you.


Livorno (Florence)/Italy
"La Bella" was already associated with the fine arts in the Middle Ages - Florence* is considered the cradle of the Renaissance and will thrill you with fantastic art treasures. The princes of the Medici gathered their collections at the Uffizi Gallery. Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael or Dürer are just some of the masters whose works are on display here. In the little village of Bolgheri, you will enjoy the peaceful life in Tuscany*. During a visit to a vineyard in the nearby mountains, you can take advantage of the opportunity to sample some of the wines typical of this region.

Porquerolles/Iles d'Hyeres/France
Whoever wishes to do so is free to explore the largest of the "golden islands" by bike at a leisurely pace. Alternatively, you can also get to know the pristine isle in your own time by taking a walk to the Fort St. Agathe or strolling along the little beach promenade.


Barcelona/Spain
Pure indulgence - discover Barcelona in culinary terms* and sample all kinds of different delicacies during a stroll across the famous market La Boqueria. Following a visit to the Gothic quarter, you have the opportunity to eat typical Spanish tapas. Montserrat Monastery* is a place of tranquillity. A funicular takes you up to one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Spain, the "Black Madonna" of which already attracted many pilgrims in the Middle Ages.
Palma de Mallorca/Balearic Islands/Spain
The EUROPA reaches the pearl of the Balearic Islands and will be docked in the harbour of the popular island for the night. The view across charming Palma* from Bellver Castle, the cathedral La Seu, typical Majorcan pastry at a coffeehouse - enjoy a pleasant time in the island's capital city. In the hinterland, you will be enchanted by Fornalutx*, one of the most picturesque villages in Spain. How olives are traditionally processed will be revealed to you at an old oil mill, where you can also sample specialities typical of Mallorca. From Soller*, the "Red Lightning" takes you back to Palma.

Marbella/Spain
The romantic historic district of Marbella* with the gorgeous Plaza de los Naranjos and the luxury marina Puerto Banus* have been attracting the jet set to the Costa del Sol for many years. In the hinterland lies historic Ronda*. The picturesque white village is considered to be one of the birthplaces of modern bullfighting, and its bullfighting arena dating back to the 18th century is an architectural gem.

Portimao/Portugal
On the trails of Henry the Navigator, you will explore the coast of the Algarve. Lagos* was the starting point of many expeditions commissioned by the prince. The wind rose made of stone in the Fort of Sagres* is also believed to date back to the time of the king's son, and Cabo de Sao Vicente* with its steep rocky coast already marked the southwestern tip of the European mainland in those days, too. The jeep safari* takes you right into the rolling hinterland. Partly off-road, we will travel to the highest point of the Algarve, the peak of Pico da Foia. As a matter of course, we will not miss out on the opportunity to sample the local schnapps at a distillery.

Lisbon/Portugal
The EUROPA approaches the "beauty on the banks of the Tejo" and stays for the night. A panoramic trip* to the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites gives you an initial overview of the Portuguese metropolis. However, Lisbon's upper and lower town are ideally suited for exploring them on your own; the tram route 28, for instance, takes you through the narrow, hilly streets all the way to the Alfama district. The pretty town of Sintra and the fanciful palace Quinta da Regaleira* are included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. A scenic excursion outside the gates of the city.

Bilbao/Spain
Embark on your return journey today - or stay a little longer and enjoy the post-cruise programme* Bilbao and the Basque Country.