Empires of the Eastern Mediterranean

Pricing is based on departure date: 26 November 2026

Alternative departures available from April 2026 to November 2027.

Depart Venice and follow the ancient maritime routes of traders, emperors, and explorers. Discover Olympia’s legendary birthplace of the Olympic Games, Crete’s Minoan heritage, and the sun-drenched island of Rhodes. Continue to Cyprus before venturing to Egypt’s historic shores, where Alexandria and Port Said reveal gateways to the timeless wonders of the Nile. After serene days at sea, return to the Adriatic with a stop in Split before your voyage comes full circle in Venice.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary highlights

Venice-Marghera, Italy

It is fair to say that everyone should visit Venice, Italy, at least once in their lifetime. Other destinations may not live up to the hype, but even the most hardened traveler will be swept away by the sheer beauty of this lagoon city. Look closely and you’ll see that art and history are everywhere – in the glorious Renaissance façades, the ornate churches, the ubiquitous statues (winged lions being a particular favourite) and, more conventionally, the endless choice of galleries and museums.
 
There is something for everyone on a trip to Venice: walk the Doge’s Palace and admire the grand state rooms and ornate chambers where decisions were made that shaped the course of history in the Mediterranean. Pause to take a picture of the iconic Bridge of Sighs, which once gave prisoners a glance into the outside world before being ushered into a cell, usually provoking a heavy sigh (hence the name).

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

On the Peloponnese shores stands the little seaside town of Katakolon, Greece, an MSC Mediterranean cruises destination. Situated on a headland overlooking the blue Ionian Sea, this charming location boasts a lighthouse, the Agios Nicolaos Church, and musical instruments museum. A short ride away lies the ancient site of Olympia, the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3000 years ago, it hosted Greece’s first Olympic Games in its Panhellenic religious sanctuary.

Heraklion (Crete), Greece

Crete's capital Heraklion, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, is an energetic city with a prolific history.
Admire majestic Mount Yioúhtas as you dock in the harbour and ancient Koules Fortress on the port’s western pier. Discover the mythical Palace of Knossos or visit historical monasteries and churches. Crete is a fascinating slice of Greek island life just waiting to be explored!

Rhodes (Lindos), Greece

Rhodes, a Greek Dodecanese island and MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, archaeological ruins, and magnificent museums. Its historical Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest medieval city in the European continent!

Limassol, Cyprus

Sitting on the stunning Cypriot coastline, Limassol makes for a fascinating MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. The city is celebrated for its medieval castle, waterfront sculpture park, and vast array of museums. Beyond Limassol lies the fascinating town of Paphos and a host of natural and archaeological wonders including Millomeri Waterfalls and Apollo’s Sanctuary.

Port Said, Egypt

Founded at the start of the Canal excavations, by the late nineteenth century Port Said (Bur Said in Arabic) was an important port where all the major maritime powers had consulates.

Now it’s a port of call on your cruise of the Mediterranean Sea with MSC Cruises. On the southern side of the city centre, the area close to the Arsenal Basin is a good place to see some of Port Said’s dusty nineteenth-century European-style colonial houses, which although dilapidated remain wonderfully evocative. Sadly, with new constructions springing up constantly, these buildings may not be there much longer. The city centre’s principal thoroughfare, Sharia al-Gumhorriya reflects Port Said’s metamorphosis from salty entrepôt to slick commercial centre, with plate-glass facades superseding early 20th-century balconies as the street progresses north.

Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria was Egypt’s capital for almost a thousand years before fading into oblivion, only to be reborn in the modern age as a Europeanized metropolis In Arabic the city is called Al-Iskandariya, after its founder Alexander the Great.

For visitors sailing on an MSC cruise to Egypt, the modern city’s top three attractions are its iconic library, the Alexandria National Museum and the Roman Theatre (all on the periphery of downtown, fifteen minutes’ walk from the central Midan Sa’ad Zaghloul).

Alexandria runs along the Mediterranean for 20km without ever venturing more than 8km inland – a true waterfront city. With an MSC Mediterranean cruise excursion, you can also visit its great Corniche, which sweeps around the Eastern Harbour and along the coast past a string of city beaches to Montazah and Ma’amoura, burning out before the final beach at Abu Qir. Most foreign tourists frequent the downtown quarter of El-Manshiya, where many restaurants are within a few blocks either side, or inland, of Midan Sa’ad Zaghloul.
The Corniche (and breezes blowing inland) make basic orientation quite simple, but the finer points can still be awkward and even the latest map doesn’t show every backstreet in the centre. Starting as an alleyway off Midan Sa’ad Zaghloul, Sharia Nabi Daniel widens into a busy shopping street leading towards Masr Station, passing a synagogue, a Coptic cathedral and a mosque – each related to different facets of Alexandria’s history – on the way.

The only trace of what existed here in antiquity however is the street’s alignment, which follows the ancient Street of the Soma, a wide thoroughfare paved in marble that dazzled the Arabs in 641 even though its finest buildings had already vanished.

Split, Croatia

The captivating port of Split, located on the Dalmatian coast, is one of Croatia’s star-attraction cities and a major MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. Immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere of its old centre, admire Diocletian buildings, or wander the city’s spectacular waterfront and shade yourself under the palm trees.

Your Ship: MSC LIRICA

MSC Lirica brings you a distinctive cruise experience centred on elegance, comfort and hospitality in the finest MSC Cruises tradition. Magnificent internal vistas from the foyer and unimpeded ocean views from the lounges’ floor-to-ceiling windows contribute to a sense of relaxed spaciousness, which is complemented by a variety of intimate lounges.

Get ready to dive into one of our pools, let your hair down at the themed parties, treat yourself to something delicious in one of our amazing restaurants, and much more! 

Throughout your cruise, you can enjoy a wide choice of entertainment options and activities during the day, evening and night, from live music and spectacular shows to shopping, fitness classes and sunbathing by the pool. So whatever your age or inclination, you’ll always find something fun to do.

What’s included with your vacation

Your vacation essentials are always included. Savor a variety of delectable complimentary dining options. Enjoy captivating entertainment, from live shows and music to themed dance parties and more.

• Standard beverages like water and coffee
• Complimentary meals and snacks available in a variety of restaurants
• Live shows and entertainment
• Most onboard activities and games

Venice (Marghera) → Katakolon (Olympia) → Heraklion (Crete) → Rhodes (Lindos) → Limassol → Port Said → Alexandria → Split → Venice (Marghera)

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.