The Stay & Cruise package includes:

• 7 nights cruise
• 2 nights Hotel stay with breakfast included. In New York, there is also the possibility to choose a 3-night stay.
• Transfers: For stays before the cruise: Airport/Hotel and Hotel/Ship. For stays after the cruise: Ship/Hotel and Hotel/Airport.
• 1 excursion to discover the top attractions of the city
  
  For specific details about each destination, call us at +27 11 844 6073

The Stay & Cruise fare offers accommodations (bed and breakfast) as follow:

• Hotels in Venice - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation: Stay City Aparthotel or similar
• Hotels in Rome -  4 stars hotel B&B accommodation: Aran Park Occidental Hotel or similar
• Hotels in Athens - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation: The President Hotel or similar
• Hotels in Miami - 3 stars hotel B&B accommodation (American breakfast): Ocean Five Miami Hotel or similar
• Hotels in New York - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation (American breakfast): The Shelbourn Sonesta/M Social Hotel Times Square or similar.
• Hotels in Istanbul - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation: Avantgard Sisli Hotel Collection or similar

• ROME – VATICAN CITY

Guests will embark on an enlightening journey, exploring the majestic Vatican Museums and the iconic Sistine Chapel, all with exclusive skip-the-line access. As guests navigate through these cultural wonders, they will be captivated by the timeless works of old masters such as Michelangelo and Raffaello, showcased in the Pio Clementine Museum, the Belvedere Courtyard, and other remarkable treasures.

Guests will feast their eyes on the exquisite beauty of Michelangelo's La Pietà at St. Peter's Basilica, an experience that transcends artistry and leaves an indelible mark on the soul. This morning excursion is meticulously designed for our guests, featuring transfers from the hotel to Vatican City at 9:00 am and from Vatican City back to the hotel at 6:30 pm. Let this journey be a source of inspiration, awe, and spiritual reflection as guests immerse themselves in the profound artistic legacy of Vatican City.
 

• VENICE

Guests will embark on an inspiring 90-minute walking tour into the heart of Venice, a journey devoid of entrances. After a scenic 25-minute panoramic boat transfer, guests are poised to commence their exploration around San Marco, Venice's most famous square.

Guided by insightful commentary into the history of Venice, guests will admire the Marciana Library, the Loggetta del Sansovino, the imposing bell tower of San Marco, and the Clock Tower adorned with its bronze Moors. The Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nuove, embracing the square, provide a timeless backdrop, alongside the magnificent San Marco’s Basilica.

Adjacent to this architectural marvel stands the Doge's Palace, a pinnacle of Venetian Gothic, once the official residence of the Doges and the center of Serenissima’s power. Guests will stroll next to the renowned Ponte dei Sospiri (“Bridge of Sighs”), connecting the Palace to the Prisons. The guide will lead guests through the famous Venetian streets to the Grand Canal, offering a splendid view of the Rialto Bridge.

As the morning excursion unfolds, guests are encouraged to enjoy free time for lunch in a typical local restaurant (optional and not included) or explore the countless shops in the area. This tailor-made experience for guests includes morning transfers from the hotel to Piazzale Roma and from Piazzale Roma to the hotel (timings to be confirmed by the assistant).

“Chorus Pass”: free for MSC Guests
MSC Guests who decide to spend two nights in Venice with the Stay and Cruise pack will receive a complimentary "Chorus Pass" providing access to selected churches in Venice. Additionally, pass holders enjoy discounts at the Scuola Dalmata dei Santi Giorgio e Trifone and Scuola Grande dei Carmini.
 

• ATHENS

After breakfast, guests are invited to join their tour guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a bus panoramic tour of the historic center of Athens.

The tour includes key landmarks such as Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium. Guests will then explore the city's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Acropolis—during a fully guided tour. They will explore the iconic site, accompanied by insightful commentary from the tour guide.

As the journey continues, guests are encouraged to stroll through the narrow streets of Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Here, they can indulge in the flavors of a popular Souvlaki wrap. After this culinary delight, guests will rejoin their bus, which will transport them to Piraeus port for embarkation.
The morning excursion begins at the hotel and concludes at Piraeus Port, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all guests.
 

• MIAMI

Guests will embark on a captivating journey to discover the magic of Miami on this fascinating city tour, immersing themselves in its rich history along the way. The adventure unfolds in the Art Deco district of South Beach, a city renowned for providing an exceptional setting embraced by photographers, filmmakers, actors, supermodels, and fashion designers.

As the tour progresses, guests will traverse one of the bridges leading to the towering skyscrapers of Downtown, venture into the Financial District, and experience the vibrant culture of Little Havana, immersing themselves in the true essence of Miami's Cuban heritage. The exploration continues through the beautiful surrounding neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's diverse and captivating character.

The duration of this enriching experience is approximately 4 hours, with hotel pick-up scheduled between 8:30 am and 9 am. The tour concludes at Miami Port, perfectly timed for guests to embark on their next adventure. Let the magic of Miami come to life for our guests, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the city's dynamic tapestry.
 

• NEW YORK

Departing from the hotel in Midtown Manhattan, Guests will head southbound and will pass by The New York Public Library

and the Empire State Building up to the Flatiron district. The tour will follow with the Washington Square Park, with a look at some of trendiest
neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, Soho and Lower Manhattan, passing by City Hall, down to Manhattan southwest point at Battery Park,
where it is possible to spot the Statue of Liberty and New York Bay. Guests will make our back northbound passing by the World Trade Center, arriving
in Chinatown and Little Italy. Finally they will leave Manhattan to reach Dumbo in Brooklyn, ending the tour. Duration approx 3 hours with hotel pick up scheduled for 8:30 am - 9 am Tour will end at Brooklyn Port (around 11:30 - 12:00) for embarkation.

 

• ISTANBUL

Half Day Istanbul - Ortakoy & Dolmabahce Palace Tour: Resembling both a small center of daily life and a coastal borough, Ortakoy is one of the must see places for everyone visiting Istanbul. You will see the beautiful Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque; a Neo-Baroque building, right on the waterfront that has recently undergone major renovation works. Reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of a neighbourhood where Turks, Armenians, Greeks, and Jews historically lived side by side, you can also see the Etz-Ahayim synagogue, which is located close to the Bosphorus Bridge and the Greek Orthodox church of Aya Fokas (St Phocas). In the same area is one of Istanbul’s oldest hamams, built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in 1556, and the influential education establishments of Galatasaray University, Kabataş Private High School for Boys and Esma Hatun Seaside Mansion. Ortakoy presents you an adorable view along with its square and streets paved with rough cobblestone, various cafes standing on both the coastline and on cute cross streets on which the Ortaköy Bazaar is situated 600m waterfront length, which is the longest for a property on the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace was built in 19th century and is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. The palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid and it took 13 years to build the palace. It was completed in 1856, served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. It is an ostentatious blend architectural styles including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and modern Ottoman, dripping in luxury. The tour does not include internal visits except to the Dolmabahçe Palace ("Harem" and "Selamlik" sections). Guests in wheelchairs will only be able to visit the ground floor of Dolmabahçe Palace, which has a ramp at the entrance but no lift to visit the upper floors. As Dolmabahce Palace is closed to visit on Mondays, the tour is not available on Mondays. This tour is not including lunch.

 

• ISTANBUL

 Full Day Istanbul - Istanbul Classics & Old City Tour. The tour includes professional guide, transfers and entrance fees): This walking tour will take you to Istanbul’s most important sites, including The Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern & Grand Bazaar. Istanbul’s Hippodrome was once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sports life and was the largest of its kind. Although very little of it remains today, it nevertheless is a significant historic site. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an historic mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. Hagia Sophia is a magnificent architectural landmark, a monument that was important for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Hagia Sophia has always been one of the most impressive and important buildings ever constructed not only for its architectural feat but for the historical significance having been both a church and a mosque. Basilica is the largest underground cistern in Istanbul and is one of the magnificent ancient buildings of İstanbul, located in the southwest of Hagia Sofia. One of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, Grand Bazaar, a mindboggling labyrinth of 4000 tiny shops selling jewelry, antiques, carpets, leatherwear and souvenirs. To take a well-deserved break from shopping, we recommend you to stop by one of the many famous coffee houses. This tour includes a total of about 2.5km walking on uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with inclines and a total of 35 steps; this tour is unsuitable for wheelchair users or guests using walkers. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it at least two days before their arrival. Guests are required to remove their shoes to enter to Blue Mosque. Popular locations may be crowded, and queues must be expected; we recommend staying with your guide all the time. On Sundays or public holidays, the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a visit to the Arasta Bazaar. This tour is including lunch.

 

•  ISTANBUL

 Airport-Port Panoramic Tour - All Istanbul's beauties and impressive views while passing by bus:

            - Bosphorus Bridge: This bridge, connecting the European and Asian continents, is one of the symbols of Istanbul.                                                                                         
           - Dolmabahçe Palace: This magnificent palace located on the shores of the Bosphorus is one of the important historical and architectural structures of the European side.
           - Ortaköy Square and Mosque: Ortaköy Square and the adjacent Ortaköy Mosque, located on the shores of the Bosphorus, offer a stunning view.
          - The Galata Tower: an iconic medieval landmark located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built in the 14th century as part of the Genoese fortifications, the tower has served various purposes throughout its history, including as a watchtower, prison, and fire observation tower. Today, it is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The Galata Tower stands as a symbol of Istanbul's rich history and architectural heritage.
        - The Maiden's Tower: located in the Bosphorus Strait, is an iconic symbol of Istanbul. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and has served various purposes throughout its existence, including as a lighthouse, defense tower, and quarantine station. Today, it stands as a popular tourist destination offering stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus.
      - The Princes' Islands: also known as Adalar in Turkish, are a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul. They offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city, with their charming ambiance, picturesque landscapes, and historic buildings.
 
This tour will be done for the passengers who book Airport – Port transfer. Therefore the tour is only panoramic and the highlights mentioned on the description will be seen only from outside and far. You can explore the beauties of Istanbul's European side among your transfer to Galataport. There are no stops nor inside visit among the tour.

 

Do you already have a booking? To book your hotel package call us at +27 11 844 6073
Valid on on the cruises from the following embarkation ports and ships:

• Civitavecchia on MSC MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica , MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview (Summer 2024)
• Venice on MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia (Summer 2024)
• Piraeus on MSC Opera  (Summer 2024)
• Miami on MSC Seascape (Summer 2024)
• New York on MSC Meraviglia (Summer 2024)
• Istanbul on MSC Sinfonia (Winter 2024-25)