Day-by-day itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 25.03.2027 Vicenza–Mestre, Italy
Flight Sofia–Vienna /07.55–08.35/ and Vienna–Venice /12.50–13.55/. After arrival we head to Vicenza to explore the city. Located in Veneto, it impresses with elegant 16th-century Palladian buildings that earned it UNESCO listing. We will stroll through the historic centre and admire the Basilica Palladiana on the central Piazza dei Signori and the Column of the Lion, symbolising the Venetian Republic that once ruled here. Our walk passes elegant palaces, hidden courtyards and charming cafés. Free time for lunch, then return to Mestre for our overnight stay.
Day 2 26.03.2027 Venice, Italy
After breakfast we load our luggage onto the coach and head to Tronchetto, where we take a boat to Saint Mark's Square. A walking tour awaits in one of the world's most romantic cities. We will see the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, Saint Mark's Square with the basilica and the Doge's Palace /outside/. Free time to discover the city's hidden treasures independently. Return by boat to Tronchetto, then transfer to the cruise terminal to board the ship. Sailing at 19.00.
Day 3 27.03.2027 at sea
Today is at sea, so enjoy everything a cruise offers on board. Begin with an unforgettable sunrise on deck over a cup of coffee, followed by a morning gym session and a generous breakfast. Spend the day relaxing completely by the pool or join the varied entertainment, games and activities on board. In the evening, share a romantic ocean sunset, enjoy a fine restaurant dinner and end with a dazzling show and dancing. This is what cruising is all about!
Day 4 28.03.2027 Katakolon, Greece
Port stay in Katakolon from 10.00 to 17.00.
Katakolon is a small port town on the western coast of the Peloponnese, a frequent cruise stop. Ships mainly call here because Ancient Olympia is just 30 km from the port. The first documented Olympic Games took place here more than 2,700 years ago. Olympia lies in the valley between the Alpheios and Kladeos rivers. Originally a sacred place dedicated to the gods, it became an important centre of the cult of Zeus from the 10th century BC. The Games were held here every four years, a tradition beginning in 776 BC and continuing until AD 393. A walk through the archaeological site reveals the remains of the temples of Zeus and Hera, the ancient stadium, the palaestra, gymnasium, Philippeion and other buildings associated with the sanctuary's religious and sporting life. At the centre lies the Altis, an enclosed sacred space containing the main temples and cult structures. The stadium itself is one of the most fascinating places, as this is where the sporting competitions were held. The site joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1989. Excursion duration: about 4–5 hours.
Day 5 29.03.2027 Heraklion, Crete
Port stay in Heraklion from 10.00 to 18.00.
Stay in town or join our excursion to Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos.
Crete is not only the largest Greek island but a true treasure trove of history, art and culture. Our excursion begins at the extraordinary excavations of Knossos, ancient capital of the great Minoan kingdom. We explore the palace remains dating from 1900 BC, repeatedly damaged by earthquakes over the centuries. The final catastrophe came between 1500 and 1450 BC, when an earthquake caused by the eruption of Santorini destroyed the royal residence for good. We visit the throne room, storerooms, central courtyard and impressive staircase, reliving the myth of Minos. The palace is thought to be linked to the myth of the labyrinth and Minotaur because of its number of rooms, originally probably more than 1,000. Sir Arthur Evans's restorations, though criticised for their innovative style, help convey the splendour of this vast structure. On the return we stop in the capital Heraklion, the island's cultural and economic centre. Walking through the centre, we pass beautiful squares framed by buildings from Venetian and Ottoman rule. Excursion duration: about 5–6 hours.
Day 6 30.03.2027 Rhodes, Greece
Port stay in Rhodes from 08.00 to 17.00.
Known as the city of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, Rhodes is well worth visiting. The UNESCO-listed old town is enclosed by strong fortress walls. Entering through one of its 11 historic gates takes us into the fairy-tale world of knights. We visit the 15th-century Palace of the Grand Master, stroll along the famous Street of the Knights with medieval inns named after the knights' home countries, and lose ourselves in narrow cobbled lanes. Finally, free time to shop in the many souvenir stores or enjoy a delicious Greek lunch in an old-town taverna. Excursion duration: about 2 hours.
Day 7 31.03.2027 Limassol, Cyprus
Port stay in Limassol from 10.00 to 17.00.
Aphrodite's island is famous for its beautiful resorts and archaeological remains. Stay in Limassol to explore the old town and fishing harbour or join our excursion to Paphos. On Cyprus's west coast, it is one of the island's most important historic centres. Its history dates back to the Neolithic, and it was closely associated with the cult of Aphrodite. The most interesting part is Kato Paphos Archaeological Park beside the harbour. It contains remains from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, with most surviving monuments dating to Roman times. Particularly famous are the floor mosaics in the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus, showing scenes from Greek mythology. The park also contains the ancient Odeon, Agora and Asclepieion. Paphos's archaeological sites became UNESCO World Heritage in 1980. Excursion duration: about 5–6 hours.
Day 8 01.04.2027 Port Said, Egypt
Port stay in Port Said from 07.00 to 21.30.
Although Cairo is about 3 hours away, the chance to visit the recently opened GEM, the newest and largest museum devoted to ancient Egyptian civilisation, is a compelling reason for this excursion. The huge complex holds more than 50,000 artefacts tracing Egypt's history across millennia. This is more than a collection of statues and sarcophagi: visitors follow the development of Egyptian civilisation — its rulers, daily life, religious beliefs, funerary rituals and art. One attraction is Tutankhamun's treasury, with over 5,000 items: the golden funerary mask, jewellery, furniture, weapons, chariots, ritual objects and the young pharaoh's personal possessions. For the first time, the collection is presented together on this scale. Another highlight is the Khufu boat museum, displaying the famous royal solar boat found near the pyramids in 1954. We continue to the three great Pyramids on the Giza plateau near the museum, Ancient Egypt's most impressive legacy and the sole surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. At their foot stands the Great Sphinx, a monumental limestone sculpture with a lion's body and human head. Full-day excursion with lunch included.
Day 9 02.04.2027 Alexandria, Egypt
Port stay in Alexandria from 08.00 to 22.00.
Alexandria was conceived to bear Alexander the Great's name and grand ambition; it later became the Ptolemaic capital and one of the ancient world's most important centres. Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures intertwine here in the Kom el Shoqafa catacombs, the modern Library of Alexandria recalling antiquity's most celebrated centre of knowledge, and Qaitbay Citadel on the site where the legendary Lighthouse once guided ships into the city. Join this tour to uncover Alexandria's secrets. Excursion duration: about 5 hours.
Day 10 03.04.2027 at sea
Today we enjoy a peaceful day on board. Make the most of the spa and shops; the pool and loungers on the open deck await.
Day 11 04.04.2027 at sea
Another day at sea to enjoy the pleasures of cruising.
Day 12 05.04.2027 Split, Croatia
Port stay in Split from 09.00 to 17.00.
Welcome to Split, often called the flower of the Mediterranean. Its name dates to the 3rd century BC, when it was established as a Greek colony, but its fame was secured by Roman Emperor Diocletian, who chose to build his final palace and spend his last years here. Built as both a luxurious villa and military camp, the UNESCO-listed palace remains one of the world's best-preserved Roman buildings. Join our walking tour to discover the old town's historic churches and squares and Diocletian's Palace with a guide. Excursion duration: about 2 hours.
In your free time, browse the small antique or souvenir shops, stroll along the waterfront and be sure to try the region’s signature fresh seafood or truffle pasta.
Day 13 06.04.2027 Padua, Italy
We arrive in Venice at 08.00. After disembarking, we take an excursion to Padua, just 30 km from Venice. Saint Anthony's city lies in the Po Valley and is a centre of the Renaissance. Donatello and Titian worked here, while Galileo taught at the local university for 18 years from 1592. We explore the historic centre, seeing Prato della Valle, Saint Anthony's Basilica and the market square Piazza delle Erbe with Palazzo della Ragione, home of the city council. We also visit the 19th-century literary Caffè Pedrocchi, frequented by artists and writers. Free time for lunch, then transfer to the airport for flights Venice–Vienna /19.10–20.15/ and Vienna–Sofia /21.25–23.55/.
Conditions:
The cruise price is valid with 25 paying participants.
Notification deadline if the minimum number of participants is not reached: 20 days before departure.
Airport and port charges may change. You will be notified no later than 20 days before the excursion starts.
The flight schedule may change.
In adverse weather or other circumstances preventing safe docking, the captain may change the ship’s ports and times of call.
An international passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to Bulgaria is required.
Children under 18 travelling with 1 parent need notarised authorisation from the other parent. A photocopy of the authorisation must also be carried during the trip.
The agency holds tour operator liability insurance with Euroins, policy No. 03700100006150.
The agency offers additional trip cancellation insurance.
The days on which excursions take place may change.
Fuel surcharges:
Because fuel prices constantly change, the airline and cruise company may impose a fuel surcharge. The tour operator reserves the right to adjust the trip price by the actual surcharge amount. It is payable for all flight bookings to which it applies, regardless of when they were made. The tour operator must announce it and the customer must pay it no later than 21 days before departure.
Bookings:
A deposit of 30% of the excursion price is payable on booking.
Full payment 60 days before departure.
Hotels
Our ship
MSC LIRICA
Inspired by Italian classical music, the ship has 13 decks named after famous composers: Rossini, Vivaldi, Bellini and Verdi.
Its 992 cabins offer guests a peaceful and comfortable voyage.
A wide choice of dining and entertainment venues:
Two main restaurants, L’Ippocampo and La Bussola; Le Bistrot self-service buffet restaurant; La Pergola grill and pizza — all included in the cruise price. Kaito Sussi bar is an à la carte restaurant at an extra charge.
Several bars: L’Atmosphere piano bar, Lord Nelson English pub, The Beverly Hills bar, The Coffee bar and café, La Canzone del Mare pool bar, a vitamin bar and an ice-cream bar.
Broadway theatre with a different show each evening; shopping arcade with fashion boutiques and shops for jewellery, cosmetics, accessories and drinks; disco, internet café, library, card room, casino with gaming tables and slot machines, and a photo studio.
Sport and spa:
Aurea Spa with massages and beauty treatments, hairdressing and manicure, solarium and steam bath,
Sports centre with a Technogym-equipped gym, minigolf and 2 pools.
Children’s and youth area:
Club for children up to 3 years old in cooperation with Chicco
Mini club for ages 3–11 with LEGO games and a children’s pool.
Teen club up to age 17 with video games
Rooms:
Suites, balcony cabins, cabins with a non-opening window, inside cabins and accessible cabins. All have satellite TV, telephone, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning and minibar, with internet and room service at an extra charge. Most have a sofa converting into a third bed or 2 bunk beds for 2 children. Guests choosing Aurea enjoy additional privileges including access to MSC Aurea Spa's thermal area, priority boarding and luggage drop-off.
Information current as of 08.2026; changes are possible.
Prices:
Cabins
Per person in a double cabin
Single cabin
3rd adult
Child up to 17.99 years
Inside
2125 EUR
3860 EUR
1705 EUR
1365 EUR
Window
2555 EUR
4660 EUR
1905 EUR
1435 EUR
Balcony
2965 EUR
5440 EUR
2095 EUR
1500 EUR
Aurea balcony
3205 EUR
5850 EUR
2235 EUR
1570 EUR
The child price applies when accommodated as the third or fourth person in a room.
The third bed may be a sofa bed or fold down from the wall.
Inside cabins have no windows.
Windows do not open.
Optional excursions
Optional excursions — adult / child up to 12 years
Katakolon–Olympia — coming soon
Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos — 92 EUR / 82 EUR
Rhodes — walking tour with a palace visit — 48 EUR / 33 EUR
Limassol–Paphos — coming soon
Port Said–Cairo — 205 EUR / 180 EUR
Alexandria — 120 EUR / 95 EUR
Split — 35 EUR / 28 EUR
Excursions are conducted in Bulgarian or with interpretation into Bulgarian.
Excursion prices include transfers and a guide.
Excursions operate with at least 20 registered participants.
Excursion places are limited and allocated in booking order at the prices advertised at the time. Prices may change.
Excursions are booked and confirmed in Bulgaria. Joining locally is possible only if places remain available.
Excursions include walking. Travellers with reduced mobility should carefully assess their abilities and stamina.
Price includes:
Flights with airport taxes, 23 kg checked baggage and 7 kg cabin baggage on Austrian Airlines and Air Dolomiti;
Airport–hotel–ship–airport transfers;
1 night with breakfast at a 3* hotel in Mestre;
Boat excursion to Venice;
Coach excursion to Vicenza;
Coach excursion to Padua;
11 nights aboard MSC Lirica;
Full board on the ship: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, afternoon snacks and 11 dinners in the main restaurant and buffet;
Dispensed water, coffee, tea and juices at breakfast;
Use of ship facilities including swimming pool, loungers, gym, nightclub and beach towels;
Participation in games, competitions and themed parties;
Live music, shows and entertainment;
Port charges;
Medical insurance with EUR 10,000 cover from Euroins;
Tour manager from the agency.
Price excludes:
Drinks.
Optional shore excursions.
Ship service charge: 12 EUR per adult per day, 10 EUR per child up to 17.99 years, payable in Bulgaria;
Room service, spa services, massages, hairdressing and manicure.
Attractions and services: casino, shops, photographer, internet, etc.
Any fuel surcharge.
Medical insurance supplement for ages 65–74: 14 EUR.
Medical insurance supplement for ages 75–85: 42 EUR.
Trip cancellation insurance — recommended
Aircraft seat selection (airlines allocate seats randomly): price on request. Aircraft seats are allocated randomly. Choosing a specific seat costs extra. Seat reservations are possible one week before departure, independently using the ticket number provided by the agency.