MSC Grand Voyages

The port city of Genoa is the gateway to Italy’s glamorous riviera. Delight in a shore excursion to picturesque Portofino, starting with a boat cruise from Santa Margherita Ligure. Admire sea views and a yacht-filled harbor. Stroll along the harbor, enjoy the colorful houses, or relax in a waterfront café.

Portofino, surrounded by verdant hills, is a playground for celebrities and VIPs.Explore Genoa on foot with MSC Cruises. Wander narrow streets to Piazza de Ferrari, visit Palazzo Ducale, and admire UNESCO sites like Palazzo Bianco. Enjoy Ligurian cuisine and see the Cathedral of San Lorenzo before returning to the ship.

Several thousand years of activity, both human and natural, have helped shape Marseille, France, into the city it is today. Marseille’s terracotta rooftops, turquoise sea, limestone rocks and vivid street art form a landscape like no other in France.

MSC shore excursions let you discover tucked-away treasures like the model boats that hang from the ceiling of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Snap photos of the Cathedral of Marseille that sits overlooking the ocean. Amble around Le Vieux-Port, admiring the sea views and lingering over a drink at a cafe terrace. Behold the Palais Longchamp, built to commemorate the arrival of water to Marseille. View the limestone cliffs that beckon nature-lovers to Calanques National Park. On your Marseille holiday, MSC make it easy to experience Provence heritage. Marvel at medieval ramparts in Avignon. Plunge into the port of Cassis. Admire the honey-coloured stone facades in Aix-en-Provence.

Tarragona, Spain, is a treasure trove of Roman history nestled along the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. The city's ancient ruins, including the impressive Tarraco Amphitheatre and the UNESCO-listed Roman walls, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Stroll through the charming Old Town to admire the medieval architecture and discover hidden gems around every corner. For a taste of local culture, the Tarragona Cathedral, with its mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, is a must-see.

Tarragona also serves as an alternative port for cruisers heading to Barcelona. Ships dock at Port Tarragona, which is roughly 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Tarragona's city center and about 92 kilometers (57 miles) from Barcelona, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour by car or train.

Spain's third largest city, Valencia offers a little bit of everything, from historic sites and bustling city squares to placid beaches. Old world charm meets modern architectural wonders in this eclectic city that is steeped in art and culture. Ships will dock at the Port of Valencia.

Top Things to Do in Valencia:

• shop at the Mercado Central
• view the city from the Torres de Serranos
• visit the UNESCO listed Silk Market
• explore the Requena Caves
• visit the L'Oceanogràfic aquarium
• enjoy some Paella