From the port of Katakolon your coach first heads inland through the Greek countryside to Olympia, the archaeological site of the ancient Olympic Games. The area was excavated by a team of German experts in the 19th century, in the course of which many important artefacts were unearthed. According to legend Olympia was built by Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. The tour includes a chance to view the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome and the stadium, which was constructed with a maximum capacity of 40,000 spectators. You will also have some free time to do a spot of shopping before the tour ends with your return to the port and your ship.

Price per Person Starting from: $72.00Adults $50.00Children

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     From the port of Katakolon your coach first heads inland through the Greek countryside to Olympia, the archaeological site of the ancient Olympic Games. The area was excavated by a team of German experts in the 19th century, in the course of which many important artefacts were unearthed. According to legend Olympia was built by Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. The tour includes a chance to view the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome and the stadium, which was constructed with a maximum capacity of 40,000 spectators. You will also have some free time to do a spot of shopping before the tour ends with your return to the port and your ship.

Price per Person Starting from: $69.00Adults $48.00Children

Reservation On Board

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    Spend a few hours in pure relaxation mode and take advantage of this tour to Kouroúta beach, which forms part of the Amaliada municipality and is situated an approx. 30-minute coach ride from the port of Katakolon. The beach is an ideal spot to take in the beautiful views, enjoy the Greek sun, swim, lounge on the sand or go for a gentle walk. Do take some sunscreen, a hat and a bottle of water, although amenities can also be found at the beach. Your tour ends with your return to Katakolon and your ship. Please note: the tour operates from June until the end of September. Sun loungers and parasols are available free of charge for guests ordering food or drink.

Price per Person Starting from: $31.00Adults $22.00Children

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    Spend a few hours off the ship and follow the trail of ancient Olympians on this fascinating tour to the archaeological remains of Olympia, only a short coach drive from Katakolon. Ancient Olympia is the town that gave rise to and hosted the Olympic Games in classical times and is still the place where the Olympic torch is lit for our modern-day Summer Olympics, which were reinstated in 1896. Although Ancient Olympia was already re-discovered in 1766, excavation work only began in 1829 and responsibility for the site then passed to the “German Archaeological Institute at Athens” in 1870. Your trip around this UNESCO World Heritage Site will give you a chance to see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome and the stadium, which was designed to hold up to 40,000 spectators. The tour also includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which was opened in 1982 and is home to an astounding collection of artefacts found in the course of excavation work. Among the museum’s most notable exhibits are particularly fine collections of beautifully detailed sculptures and bronzes as well as numerous terracotta artefacts and mosaics. The complex also includes a book and souvenir shop, which you may also like to visit. Your Olympic tour comes to a close with a scenic return drive to the port and your ship. Please note: this excursion is not available for guests onboard MSC Divina and for any call falling on a Monday morning.

Price per Person Starting from: $81.00Adults $57.00Children

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    Spend a few hours off the ship and follow the trail of ancient Olympians on this fascinating tour to the archaeological remains of Olympia, only a short coach drive from Katakolon. Ancient Olympia is the town that gave rise to and hosted the Olympic Games in classical times and is still the place where the Olympic torch is lit for our modern-day Summer Olympics, which were reinstated in 1896. Although Ancient Olympia was already re-discovered in 1766, excavation work only began in 1829 and responsibility for the site then passed to the “German Archaeological Institute at Athens” in 1870. Your trip around this UNESCO World Heritage Site will give you a chance to see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome and the stadium, which was designed to hold up to 40,000 spectators. The tour also includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which was opened in 1982 and is home to an astounding collection of artefacts found in the course of excavation work. Among the museum’s most notable exhibits are particularly fine collections of beautifully detailed sculptures and bronzes as well as numerous terracotta artefacts and mosaics. The complex also includes a book and souvenir shop, which you may also like to visit. Your Olympic tour comes to a close with a scenic return drive to the port and your ship. Please note: this excursion is not available on 17 March 2014 (MSC Fantasia).

Price per Person Starting from: $78.00Adults $55.00Children

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      Designed to give you a taste of ancient Greece, this tour takes you inland from the port of Katakolon to the site of ancient Olympia, which was excavated by a team of German archaeologists in the 19th century, yielding a wealth of historical artefacts. Greek mythology has it that Olympia was built by Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Your tour around the archaeological site will take you past the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome and the stadium, which held up to 40,000 spectators – quite a crowd even by modern-day standards. To round off your “Olympic” experience, you will also have a snack and watch a typical Greek folklore show in a pleasant restaurant in Olympia. The tour ends with your return to the port of Katakolon and your ship.

Price per Person Starting from: $92.00Adults $64.00Children

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      Designed to give you a taste of ancient Greece, this tour takes you inland from the port of Katakolon to the site of ancient Olympia, which was excavated by a team of German archaeologists in the 19th century, yielding a wealth of historical artefacts. Greek mythology has it that Olympia was built by Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Your tour around the archaeological site will take you past the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome and the stadium, which held up to 40,000 spectators – quite a crowd even by modern-day standards. To round off your “Olympic” experience, you will also have a snack and watch a typical Greek folklore show in a pleasant restaurant in Olympia. The tour ends with your return to the port of Katakolon and your ship.

Price per Person Starting from: $88.00Adults $62.00Children

Reservation On Board

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      The ancient town of Olympia was the site of the very first Olympic Games and this tour gives you an opportunity to discover the archaeological remains of this iconic place. Excavated by a team of German archaeologists in the 19th century, the site offers a unique look at the way these ancient Grecians lived. In line with Greek mythology, the city was constructed by the king of the Greek gods, Zeus. Look forward to seeing the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome and the stadium, designed to hold up to 40,000 spectators. Next up are the beautiful vineyards of “Magna Grecia”. A welcoming cocktail will be served on your arrival, after which you will be shown how homemade wine and olive oil are produced. A light Greek snack will also be served at the estate before you return to the ship.

Price per Person Starting from: $90.00Adults $63.00Children

Reservation On Board

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      The ancient town of Olympia was the site of the very first Olympic Games and this tour gives you an opportunity to discover the archaeological remains of this iconic place. Excavated by a team of German archaeologists in the 19th century, the site offers a unique look at the way these ancient Grecians lived. In line with Greek mythology, the city was constructed by the king of the Greek gods, Zeus. Look forward to seeing the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the hippodrome and the stadium, designed to hold up to 40,000 spectators. Next up are the beautiful vineyards of “Magna Grecia”. A welcoming cocktail will be served on your arrival, after which you will be shown how homemade wine and olive oil are produced. A light Greek snack will also be served at the estate before you return to the ship.

Price per Person Starting from: $87.00Adults $61.00Children

Reservation On Board

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      Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a fascinating city and one which proudly keeps the heritage of its past alive. We will visit the Blue Mosque with its internal panels of blue and white ceramic tiles and enjoy a panoramic view over the ancient Hyppodrome that was once the centre of Byzantine public life. We will continue to St. Sophia Church to admire the wonderful Byzantine mosaics before stopping at the magnificent Topkapi Palace, centre of the Ottoman Empire between the XV and the XIX centuries and which also housed the Sultans and their Court; individual visit of Palace wings. We will have time for lunch before indulging the favourite Turkish past-time of shopping. Highlights of the day include a typical carpet demonstration and/or the chance to purchase in a luxury jewelry store and free time at the fabulous Gran Bazaar. Please note: drinks are not included in lunch; only water. If the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. Only cameras without a flash are allowed inside St. Sophia Church.

Price per Person Starting from: $139.00Adults $97.00Children

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    Don’t leave Istanbul without having visited the world-famous Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years of their 624-year reign. Your excursion begins with a fascinating guided tour of the Topkapi Palace, after which you can explore the different sections of the Palace and admire the beautiful view of the Bosphorus Strait at your own pace. The Palace also contains important holy Muslim relics, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword. After the Palace visit, the tour continues on to the Grand Bazaar for a chance to browse and purchase souvenirs. To round off your Topkapi experience, there will also be a typical carpet demonstration and/or a visit to a luxury jewellery store. Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe.

Price per Person Starting from: $62.00Adults $43.00Children

Reservation On Board

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   Enjoy a fascinating boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait which divides Istanbul into two, splitting the city between the continents of Europe and Asia. This excursion will begin in Istanbul’s historic district where we will board a boat heading to the Sea of Marmara and sail towards the Asian part of the city. Admire the ancient quarters of Uskudar and Kuzguncuk with wooden villas and houses, sail past the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Quarter and Leander’s Tower on the small island of Kiz kulesi. You will admire the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans and pass under the two bridges that unite Asia with Europe. Highlights of the day include a typical carpet demonstration and/or the chance to purchase in a luxury jewelry store before having free time for shopping in the spice market. Please note: this excursion is available only for guests onboard MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica & MSC Lirica. if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Spice Market will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe.

Price per Person Starting from: $59.00Adults $41.00Children

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   Leave the ship and enjoy a few hours discovering some of Istanbul jewels: the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, the Underground Cistern and the sights and scents of the spice bazaar. Our excursion begins with a visit to the Ottoman Rüstem Pasha Mosque designed in 1561 by the architect Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Damat Rüstem Pasha. We will admire its interior characterized by exquisite tomato-red Iznik tiles set in a stunning floral and geometric design typical of the early Iznik period (1555 – 1620). The mosque was built on a high terrace over a complex of vaulted shops and has a double porch with five domed bays. We will continue on to the “Cisterna Basilica”, the largest of several underground cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul, with 336 marble columns. You will admire the face of Medusa, located in the northwest corner of the cistern and which is set upside down, apparently to diffuse the power of this Gorgon’s gaze. The excursion also includes a visit to the colourful and perfumed spice market, free time at the fabulous Gran Bazaar and a chance to see a typical carpet demonstration and/or to shop in a luxury jewelry store. Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar and to the Spice Market will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. This excursion is available only for guests onboard MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica & MSC Lirica. Conservative attire is recommended for visitings sites of religious importance. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $74.00Adults $52.00Children

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    The excursion will begin with a transfer to the Blue Mosque where we will admire the interior panels of blue and white ceramic tiles. Built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque contains the tomb of its founder, as well as a madrasah (school) and a hospice. After the visit we will enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient Hippodrome that was the centre of the Byzantine public life before continuing to St. Sophia Church to admire the wonderful Byzantine mosaics and learn how this building evolved from a church to a mosque and which has since become a museum. You will have the opportunity to shop at a luxury jewelry store or to see a carpet demonstration before enjoying free time in the fabulous Gran Bazaar. Please note: the order of the visits may vary. If the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. Only cameras without a flash are allowed inside St. Sophia Church.

Price per Person Starting from: $85.00Adults $60.00Children

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      Enjoy an exclusive excursion discovering the “jewels” of this important Turkish city. Leave the port and drive to the Blue Mosque where we will admire the interior panels made up of blue and white ceramic tiles. Built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque contains the tomb of its founder, as well as a madrash (school) and a hospice. After the visit we will enjoy a panoramic view over the ancient Hippodrome that was the centre of Byzantine public life before continuing to St. Sophia church to admire the wonderful Byzantine mosaics and learn more about this building. One of Istanbul’s main attractions, it evolved from a church to a mosque and has since become a museum. The excursion continues at the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the ancient centre of the Ottoman Empire and private residence of the Sultans and their court. During the XVIII century the Topkapi Palace grew to its current size and incarnation and at times it housed 10.000 residents and Guests. We will break for a delicious lunch at the Ciragan Palace, located on the shores of the Bosphorus and which overlooks the ancient city of Istanbul. The original palace was torn down and rebuilt many times over the centuries ; it was used as a banqueting hall by Mahmut I for foreign ambassadors. After lunch you can indulge in the favourite Turkish past-time of shopping. You will have the opportunity to shop and enjoy free time in the Grand Bazaar as well as the chance to enjoy a short carpet demonstration and / or shop in a jewelry store. Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $205.00Adults $146.00Children

Reservation On Board

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     Join this day-long excursion and discover the gems of Istanbul by land and sea. Your tour will begin with a transfer to the Ottoman Rüstem Pasha Mosque designed by the architect Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Damat Rüstem Pasha from 1561 to 1563. We will admire its interior characterized by exquisite tomato-red Iznik tiles set in a stunning floral and geometric design typical of the early Iznik period (1555 – 1620). The mosque was built on a high terrace over a complex of vaulted shops and boasts a double porch with five domed bays. We will continue to the “Cisterna Basilica”, the largest of several underground cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul, with 336 marble columns. The name comes from a large public square, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. You will admire the face of Medusa, located in the northwest corner of the cistern and which is set upside down, apparently to diffuse the power of this Gorgon’s gaze. The excursion also includes a visit to the fabulous Gran Bazaar. Enjoy free time for shopping, watch a typical carpet demonstration and/or shop in a luxury jewelry store. We will have time for a delicious lunch before enjoying a lovely cruise across the Bosphorus, the waterway that lies between the two continents of Europe and Asia. You can admire Istanbul from the sea and see how the different periods of history unfold in the city’s monuments: witness the amazing Byzantine Anadolu Fortress and the Beylerbeyi Ottoman Palace, summer residence of the Sultans. Admire the ancient quarters of Uskudar and Kuzguncuk with their wooden villas and houses before continuing to Dolmabahce Palace, the Ortakoy Quarter and past Leander’s Tower ( also the “Maiden’s Tower” ) on Kiz Kulesi island. Sail under the two bridges that link Asia and Europe. Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $111.00Adults $78.00Children

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     This unique excursion takes you to the Asian and European sides of this metropolis located on the shores of the Bosphorus. We will cross the Bosphorus Bridge to reach the Asian side, with a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, summer residence of the sultans and stunning example of late Ottoman architecture. One of the most attractive rooms is the reception hall, with its extravagant marble pool and fountain. We will then board a boat to reach the European shore of Istanbul, where we will have lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to the amazing “Cisterna Basilica”, the largest of several underground cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul, with its 336 marble columns. Its name comes from a large public square, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. You will admire the face of Medusa, located in the northwest corner of the cistern and which is set upside down, apparently to diffuse the power of this Gorgon’s gaze. The tour also foresees some time for a typical carpet demonstration and/or visiting a luxury jewelry store before free time for shopping in the fabulous Gran Bazaar. Please note: drinks are not included in lunch - only water. If the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Taking photos or shooting videos inside Beylerbeyi Palace is prohibited.

Price per Person Starting from: $100.00Adults $70.00Children

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    After leaving the port, this fascinating excursion will show you the sights of this lovely Turkish city, including the Golden Horn, the historical inlet of the Bosphorus dividing Istanbul, and the ancient defensive walls of Constantinople. The tour also includes a visit to Süleymaniye Mosque, the city’s largest mosque that was built at the order of Sultan Süleyman, who was known as Süleyman the Magnificent. Having been completed in only seven years, the original complex consisted of the mosque itself, a hospital, public baths, a caravanserai and a public kitchen. The mosque also houses the tombs of Sultans Suleiman II and Ahmed II. A further highlight of the tour is a visit to the colourful and wonderfully aromatic spice market, some free time to spend browsing through the fabulous Grand Bazaar and a chance to see a typical carpet demonstration and/or to shop in a luxury jewellery store. The tour concludes by taking you back to your vessel. Please note: the order of the visits may vary. If the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar and to the Spice Market will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance.

Price per Person Starting from: $61.00Adults $43.00Children

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     Located on the Bosphorus Strait in the scenic natural harbour called the Golden Horn, the ancient city of Istanbul is the only metropolis worldwide to straddle two continents: Europe and Asia. As beautiful as Istanbul is by day with its magnificent mosques, cosmopolitan flair and fabulous architecture, after sundown the city is transformed into a fairytale world of twinkling lights that cannot fail to delight. This colourful and culinary night-time tour to Istanbul begins with a coach drive to a renowned nightspot for a delicious dinner, accompanied by live entertainment in the form of a typically Turkish folklore show. After dinner, look forward to rejoining your coach and embarking on a sightseeing tour of this exciting Turkish city, the largest in the country with a population of some 13 million in its greater catchment area. You will also cross the famous Bosphorus Bridge to reach the Asian side. Please note: this excursion is available only for guests onboard MSC Magnifica.

Price per Person Starting from: $132.00Adults $92.00Children

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    Your afternoon tour of Istanbul begins with a drive to Dolmabahce Palace, a splendid 19th-century building of European architectural style surrounded by French-style gardens on the waterfront of the Bosphorus. Constructed between 1842 and 1853 by one of the Ottoman Sultans, the palace then became the Sultans’ residence in preference over Topkapi Palace, which they had previously called home for nearly 4 centuries. Opulent and ornate are two words that come to mind when describing the palace, which is full of glittering French Baccarat and Czech Bohemian crystal chandeliers and countless fine portraits. The building also provides commodious accommodation with a total of 285 rooms, 43 large halls and no less than 6 Turkish baths. A panoramic coach tour of the modern part of Istanbul, including Taksim Square, is next before you return to your ship. Please note: taking photos or shooting videos inside Dolmabahce Palace is prohibited. This tour is availbale only for guests onboard MSC Divina and will be run in the afternoon.

Price per Person Starting from: $66.00Adults $46.00Children

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     The city of Istanbul is not only Turkey’s largest metropolis, but also home to a rich legacy of Byzantine history. On leaving the pier by coach, you will head for the first of these Byzantine moments with a stop at the fabulous Süleymaniye Mosque, the city’s largest place of Islamic worship. The huge structure was built at the order of Sultan Süleyman – also known as Süleyman the Magnificent – from 1550 to 1558. Apart from the mosque itself, the original complex also featured a hospital, primary school, public baths, caravanserai, several Qur’an schools, a medical college and a public kitchen to feed the poor. In the gardens behind the main building, you will also find two mausoleums with the tombs of Sultans Suleiman I, Suleiman II, Ahmed II and Safiye. A short drive will then take you to see the gorgeous Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, which is regarded as a particularly fine example of Byzantine architecture and is a further highlight on this tour. Most of the current building dates back to the late 11th century and over time, the church first underwent conversion into a mosque and latterly became a museum. The interior of the church is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes. Your Byzantine experience is rounded off with panoramic views of the city’s Byzantine walls and a chance to watch a typical carpet demonstration and/or to shop in a luxury jewellery store. The tour then ends with your return to the port and your ship. Please note: conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. This tour is not available on calls falling on a Wednesday.

Price per Person Starting from: $62.00Adults $43.00Children

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    Delve into the world of whirling dervishes and the 13th-century Sufi mystic known as Mevlãnã (or Rumi) on a fascinating night out in Istanbul. On your way to the venue to watch the "Whirling Dervishes Performance", you will also have a chance to see the outside of the Süleymaniye Mosque complex. Characterised by great architectural beauty, this amazing feat of early structural engineering is one of best-known sights in the whole of Istanbul. As followers of Mevlãnã, these Sufi ascetics of the Mevlevi Order take part in a formal ritual, called Sema, that involves 4 states of whirling. Each of these 4 stages represents a transition from an original state of being God’s unknowing servant to a state of acquired knowledge and perfection. This enlightened state can only be achieved through receiving God's love and truth as well as by allowing oneself to engage in spiritual communion with God. Watching the dervishes elevate themselves into a state of religious ecstasy – revolving at tremendous speed in time with the music, heads bent, eyes closed, arms and legs flailing wildly, colourful skirts swirling – is truly inspirational. Following the Sema ritual, you will make your way to the restaurant section in Süleymaniye Mosque – the former soup kitchen of the larger mosque complex designed by the architect Sinan – for a taste of Turkish specialities. Your return to the pier and your ship marks the end of the tour. Please note: as the restaurant is located in the Süleymaniye Mosque complex, alcoholic drinks are prohibited by Islamic rules. Only soft drinks, natural fruit juices or water will be served during dinner. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. This tour is available only for guests on board the MSC Magnifica.

Price per Person Starting from: $134.00Adults $121.00Children

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   Located on the Crimea peninsula in Ukraine, the resort town of Yalta is home to Livadia Palace – the White Palace. Not only was it the last vacation residence of the tsar, it also played host to Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin during the momentous 1945 Yalta Conference that went on to decide the future fate of Europe. The building itself is about 100 years old and also includes the royal family’s beautiful former private chapel. Next up is a photo stop at the turreted castle known as the Swallow’s Nest, so named due to its precarious position on the very edge of a dramatic 40-metre precipice overlooking the Black Sea. Built between 1911 and 1912, this Neo-Gothic castle is a true châteaux fantastique in every sense of the term. An enjoyable return journey then takes you back to the port. Please note: the tour includes a long walk on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $78.00Adults $55.00Children

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   A little inland from the port of Yalta on the Black Sea lies the town of Massandra, which was founded on the spot once occupied by an ancient Greek settlement. An interesting guided tour of the palace of Alexander III, the tsar of Russia in the late 19th century, then follows. The elegant Baroque palace was historically used to welcome the Russian Romanoff family. During the visit you can admire sumptuous décor, furniture, documents and photographs. The beautiful palace grounds are also open to visitors and certainly worth a look. A stop to take photographs will then be made at the castle called the Swallow’s Nest. The eyrie-like position of this turreted Neo-Gothic castle, which is approx. 100 years old, on the edge of a high cliff gave rise to the name and affords wonderful views of the Black Sea below. Please note: the tour includes a long walk on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $78.00Adults $55.00Children

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   Your tour begins with a coach drive from the port of Yalta to the famous Neo-Gothic Swallow’s Nest castle near the spa town of Gaspra for a photo stop. The whimsical turreted castle was finished in 1912 and is perched precariously at the edge of a 40-metre cliff. The next stop on your tour is Alupka Palace near the seaside town of Alupka in southern Ukraine. Formerly known as Vorontsov Palace, the magnificent complex was completed in the mid-19th century. Designed by the same English architect involved in the design of Buckingham Palace, Alupka Palace features an English Tudor-style exterior and boasts a rich collection of paintings and sculptures. It was also the place that Winston Churchill and the British delegation stayed during the Yalta Conference in 1945. Your tour ends with your return to the port. Please note: the tour includes a long walk on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $76.00Adults $53.00Children

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   Your half-day excursion begins with a coach drive from the port of Yalta to Massandra and the elegant, Baroque-style Palace of Alexander III, which was historically used to welcome the Russian Romanov dynasty. The Palace is particularly celebrated for its sumptuous décor and exquisite furniture, a fascinating collection of documents and photographs as well as beautiful gardens, which are open to visitors and well worth exploring. The second part of the tour will take you to Livadia Palace – which is also known as the “White Palace”. Once used as a summer retreat of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II, the Palace’s most recent claim to fame was as the location of the momentous 1945 Yalta Conference, which served to decide the future of Europe at the end of WWII. Your return to the port and your ship brings the excursion to a close. Please note: the tour includes a long walk on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $68.00Adults $48.00Children

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    The beautiful city of Yalta, some wonderful sights and a few enjoyable hours off the ship await you on this tour, which will see you leave the port by coach for a scenic 30-minute ride to the nearby Nikitsky Botanical Gardens, your first stop. As one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Crimea, this recreational oasis was opened in 1812 and covers a huge area of 11 square kilometres. As you make your way around the lovely gardens, prepare to marvel at some of the 18,000 different species of plants and flowers found in the park. The tour then continues on to the resplendent Livadia Palace, which is also known as the “White Palace” for its dazzling façade and once was a summer retreat of the last Russian’s tsar, Nicholas II, and his family. The regal palace also played host to Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin during the momentous 1945 Yalta Conference. Leaving Livadia Palace behind, you will then move on to what is perhaps the quintessence of romantic architecture: the wonderful Swallow’s Nest castle, a turreted construction in pure white perched precariously on the very edge of a 40-metre cliff overlooking the Black Sea. The early 20th-century building is of Neo-Gothic design. Do take some photos before you begin the return journey to Yalta port and your ship. Please note: the tour includes a long walk on uneven ground and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $61.00Adults $43.00Children

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   Located on the northern banks of the Black Sea, the town of Odessa was founded by Catherine the Great in 1794. Enjoy a walking tour along the main promenade of Odessa to admire the Potemkin Staircase, Pushkin's Monument and the exterior of the Opera House. We will visit to the Museum of Fine Arts and its wonderful collection of Ukrainian and Russian paintings. Short stop in the Arcadia district which is packed with great restaurants and cafés before stopping at Shevchenko Park to admire an enchanting view over the Black Sea. Please note: shooting videos or taking photos inside the Museum of Fine Arts is prohibited.

Price per Person Starting from: $81.00Adults $57.00Children

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    Combine a spot of retail therapy with some sightseeing on this enjoyable tour of Odessa. The tour begins with a walk along the main promenade of Odessa, with views of the Potemkin Staircase, Pushkin’s monument and the exterior of the Opera House to enjoy along the way. A short stop will be made in Sobornaya Square to see the wonderful Transfiguration Cathedral and to browse for souvenirs. The next leg of your shopping tour will then take you to the pedestrian area of Deribasovskaya Street, one of Odessa’s main thoroughfares and home to a wide range of boutiques, large stores, attractive leafy parks and green spaces. You will have sufficient time to have a look around the shops before making your way back to the port and your ship.

Price per Person Starting from: $76.00Adults $53.00Children

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     As the fifth-largest metropolis in Ukraine, a major seaport and the proud owner of a long and venerable history dating back to medieval times, the city of Odessa has much to offer and is certainly worth a visit. Part one of the tour will see you leave the pier and set off to discover the best of Odessa on foot, following a route that will take you down Prymorsky Boulevard, home to some of the city’s most important buildings and landmarks, including the monument to Duc de Richelieu and the famous Potemkin Stairs – a giant staircase designed to appear either longer or shorter depending on the perspective from which it is viewed. A photo stop will be made near the late 19th-century Odessa Opera House, an architectural masterpiece of Vienna Baroque style. Part two of the tour will see you board a modern coach for an approx. 1-hour drive to the village of Nerubayskoe and the famous catacombs, which were created as a result of stone mining and stretch beneath the city for more than 3,000 kilometres. After paying the catacombs and the museum a visit, your return journey to Odessa will provide more appealing views to enjoy as you pass picturesque villages, vast wheat fields and lush vineyards, all of which go to illustrate why Ukraine is also nicknamed “The Bread Basket of Europe”. Please note: we suggest to bring comfortable shoes and a jacket for the visit to the catacombs. This tour is not suitable for guests who are claustrophobic, have walking difficulties or use a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $61.00Adults $43.00Children

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      Don’t miss this great chance to explore the historical city of Odessa and its beautiful old buildings on a sightseeing tour dedicated to showing you the main attractions of the old town and palaces associated with two of its most famous noblemen: Count Leo Tolstoy and Prince Gagarin. One of these is the Odessa House of Scientists, a former residence of a cousin of Count Tolstoy, the world-famous author of War and Peace. The Baroque-style architecture of this 18th-/19th-century building is not just an amazing sight to behold on the outside, but is just as resplendent on the inside with features such as marble and gold decorations and furniture upholstered in Chinese silk. The tour then continues on to the former mid-19th-century mansion of Prince Gagarin, but which now houses the Museum for Russian & Ukrainian Literature with manuscripts and personal belongings of Pushkin, Bunin, Brodsky as well as other notable writers and poets. A special violin recital in the Golden Hall of the mansion will then follow – accompanied by a glass of chilled bubbly. A final stop at Odessa’s magnificent Opera House rounds off your tour before you head back to the pier and your ship. Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $74.00Adults $52.00Children

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     Setting off directly from the pier, this tour of Constanta – one of the oldest cities in the whole of Europe with a history dating right back to 600 B.C. – begins with a stop at the Roman Mosaics, a once huge 3-tier complex that was constructed in the 4th century A.D. and constitutes an exquisite reminder of Constanta’s heyday as a centre of commerce. A visit to the fascinating Navy Museum is next, which is located close to the port. Apart from charts, models of ancient and modern boats, old navigational instruments, photos and documents, the museum’s copious collection even includes a dug-out canoe made from a single tree trunk, a 16th-century navigation set and a mid-17th-century Venetian celestial globe. Your tour then continues by coach to the city centre, where you will have time to explore on your own, do some shopping or maybe simply relax in a café. During your return drive back to the pier and your ship, one final stop will be made at the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, a wonderful Greco-Roman-style building constructed towards the end of the 19th century. Please note: conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. A fee is requested to take pictures or to shoot videos at the sites.

Price per Person Starting from: $61.00Adults $43.00Children

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    Leaving the port of Constanta, an approx. 1-hour coach drive will take you north through Romania’s pretty coastal landscape to the ancient city of Histria. Thought to have been founded sometime between 630 and 665 B.C., Histria claims the title of Romania’s earliest settlement. At the height of its prosperity, the town boasted paved streets, comfortable houses, aqueducts, gymnasiums and temples. You will have a chance to visit both the Histria Museum and some impressive ruins from the Hellenistic, early-Roman and late-Roman eras including the remains of public buildings, baths, secular basilicas, Christian churches, shops and workshops. Adjacent to the ruins lies the informative museum with a unique collection of highly valuable local archaeological artefacts. Together with the other ancient cities along the north-western coast of the Black Sea, Histria is abiding proof that the ancient Greeks and Romans were well settled in this part of Europe. The scenic return journey to the port and your ship will give you plenty of time to ponder on how it might have been to live in these bygone times. Please note: as this tour involves walking on uneven ground with some steps, it is not suitable for guests with mobility problems. A fee is requested to take pictures or to shoot videos at the sites.

Price per Person Starting from: $70.00Adults $49.00Children

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     Get a real taste of Romania on this leisurely tour, which begins with a short coach transfer from the pier to the old town of Constanta to visit the Greco-Roman Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, followed by a short walk to the mid-19th-century Genoese Lighthouse, a perfect spot to take photos. The tour then continues with a short coach drive out of town to the town of Murfatlar and its famous vineyards. The Murfatlar Vineyard is not just distinguished by being Romania’s largest wine producer, but equally by the many international prizes and awards the high-quality wines produced here have won. Your visit to the vineyard also includes a wine tasting session, giving you a chance to try some of Murfatlar’s very best produce. To round off this enjoyable experience, you can also look forward to a display of folkloric dance to the sounds of traditional music before you head back to the port and your ship. Please note: conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. A fee is requested to take pictures or to shoot videos at the sites.

Price per Person Starting from: $70.00Adults $49.00Children

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   From the port an hour coach drive will take you across the Evrotas Valley and to the ancient city of Mystras. Mystras was formerly the fortified capital of the Byzantine Peloponnese and it is here that we will visit an important archaeological site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage centre in 1989. View the impressive Mystras Palace, a rare example of Byzantine architecture, and the church, Agia Sophia, which has two small chapels containing beautiful frescoes. We will also visit the church of Agios Dimitrios before heading for the town of Sparta which was the greatest military power of Greece and is now a beautiful city with tree-lined boulevards. Brief stop in the main square before returning to Gythion. Please note: as this tour involves extensive walking on uneven ground and uphill this excursion is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $66.00Adults $46.00Children

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   Located between the towns of Pirgos Dirou and Areopolis, the Diros Caves are perhaps one of the most fascinating natural sites in Greece. The Paleolithic and Neolithic artefacts found here suggest that the caves were one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. We will leave the port and drive inland to reach Pyrgos Dirou. A subterranean river flows inside the caves and we will board small boats for an amazing journey across the cave lake – the best way to admire the stunning, multi-coloured stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes and sizes that have formed here over millennia. Gliding across the water, we will enter many cave chambers and caverns, marveling at this silent underground world. Magical ! Please note: life vest onboard the small boats; the temperature inside the cave is approximately 18°. This tour is not suitable for guests with claustrophobia, with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

Price per Person Starting from: $76.00Adults $53.00Children

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   Journey into the heart of Greek identity as you learn about the history of olive oil production, which has influenced this country’s culture and commerce for centuries. A 45-minute coach ride through scenic ancient vineyards will take us to the town of Sparta, in the heart of Evrotas valley. Here we will visit a major olive oil museum, a showcase to this essential, beautiful product that is so integral to Greek and Mediterranean identity. Learn about olive oil production and importance of the olive in local culture; see how olive oil was produced as far back as the Byzantine era and discover today’s techniques. Our museum visit is followed with a drive through Sparta to admire the principal neoclassical buildings such as the Town Hall. Some leisure time scheduled before returning to the port.

Price per Person Starting from: $43.00Adults $30.00Children

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