MSC Yacht Club Mediterranean: 9 nights from Istanbul with MSC Fantasia
25 May 2025

Korfu

Bari

Bari is one of the most flourishing cities in southern Italy renowned for its important historic centre, once enterly sorrounded by walls. Some of them are still visible and inside them you can visit churches, several theatres and numerous medieval palaces connected by narrow and picturesque streets. Located between two provinces, Brindisi and Foggia, is the third most populous city for number of inhabitants in southern Italy after Naples and Palermo. The relics of St Nicholas, the city's patron saint, are kept in Bari, making its church an important Orthodox centre.

The conformation of the city resembles that of an eagle, whose head is represented by Bari Vecchia, the oldest part of the city. We suggest to you to visit Bari especially in spring and autumn, when the climate is milder and rainfall is scarce. In Bari there are many monuments to visit to those who decide to embark from its port and perhaps take a tour of the city. Don't miss the Cathedral of San Sabino, palazzo de Gemmis and in the center of the Murat district palazzo Mincuzzi, rich in Art Nouveau decorations.

If your ship allows you a long stopover and you are a nature lover, don't miss the Alta Murgia nature park or the Gargano park about 2 hours away from the city. In Bari, the main city park is the 2 Giugno park, with a rich and cool pine forest where you can relax and perhaps have a snack of the classic zeppole. For lunch, we recommend a dish of the famous Apulian orecchiette, Bari's cuisine is rich in traditional agricultural products such as extra virgin olive oil, wheat and tomatoes. Friselle, panzerotti, taralli and fried polenta are very famous. Also of great importance at the table is fresh fish, from gilthead bream alla San Nicola to meatball casserole.

Trieste

Trieste overlooks the Adriatic Sea and it is the starting point of serveral cruise ships. Set sail from Trieste and discover the pearls of the Adriatic, Dubrovink e Kotor, up to reach the enchanting Greek Islands for a unique cruise!

Trieste is a city located in the far end of the Adriatic Sea, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste is developed on several levels. One of its peculiarities are its wide streets, squares where there are majestic buildings of various architectural styles, they are typical of the Austrian domination era. One feature of the city that is known worldwide is its tourist and commercial port.

The port of Trieste has always been an important commercial centre, for example during the Habsburg Empire it was the main sea outlet for commercial activities.

We suggest you to visit the majestic Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, that directly overlooks the sea and offers a very suggestive sight. Trieste is a city where the influence of the East is evident both in its traditions and in the local cuisine that has united flavours and various ingredients for unique recipts. The main dishes consist of soups and stews, but also gnocchi and stuffed pasta. If, on the other hand, you want to try a meat dish, don't miss the tasty cevapcici, very spicy meatballs of Balkan origin. While to finish, enjoy a presnitz, a pastry made of puff pastry and dried fruit of Hungarian origin.

If your ship sets sail from Trieste, do not miss the opportunity to visit this city and its most important monuments such as the Molo Audace. From here you can admire the sea before heading towards the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built in Baroque style. Not to be missed is the San Giusto Hill and the famous Roman Theatre, which will leave all archaeology lovers speechless.

Katakolon

Athens

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.

Izmir

Istanbul