Journey Through Alps to Isles

Welcome to Munich! Upon arrival, head to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay.
You have a 24-hour hop on hop off bus tour included.

Today you’ll visit the Neuschwanstein Castle. Named the 8th wonder of the world, Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most famous sight. A fantastical castle on a mountain perch in the Bavarian Alps, our Neuschwanstein Castle Tour has inspired and amazed generations of visitors, among them Walt Disney. The castle from a fairy tale simply has to be seen to be believed – and the best way to do so is with our hassle-free day trip in the company of an expert guide who will take care of all arrangements and make sure you skip the long line to go inside.The beautiful old town of Füssen, a short two hour journey from Munich, lies at the gateway to the Bavarian Alps. Just outside town, the picturesque old royal district of Hohenschwangau is framed with mountains, forests and lakes. Here, Hohenschwangau Castle can be found, the boyhood home of the future King Ludwig II. Above it, soaring to the sky from its lofty seat in the mountains, his great creation: Neuschwanstein Castle. Neuschwanstein is the most iconic sight in Bavaria and Germany.

Take the train this morning from Munich across Bavaria and the Austrian border to Innsbruck. the train passes through the historic market town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and through stunning mountain scenery to the self-proclaimed capital of the Alps, Innsbruck. Look out for Kufstein Fortress as you cross the Austrian border. Once to Innsbruck, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay, and begin to explore. Rest of day at leisure (Overnight in Innsbruck).

You have a 48-hour Innsbruck Card included – Would you like to visit a museum, take a ride on the Nordkettenbahnen lifts or do a tour on the hop-on, hop-off bus? You can do all this and more with the Innsbruck Card. Plus you save all of the time usually spent thinking about entry tickets and additional costs. The Innsbruck Card is valid for museums in Innsbruck as well as numerous other attractions such as lifts and cable cars, the Crystal Worlds, local sights, public transport and much more. The card saves you money and makes your holiday even more enjoyable.

After breakfast, take the train from Innsbruck through the Alps via the Brenner Pass route. This scenic journey takes you through Alpine meadows and past snowy peaks before skirting around Lake Garda and arriving into Verona. Travel over 3,000 feet up to Brenner, twisting and turning through the mountains before descending through Italy’s rolling hills and into Verona. From Verona, switch trains for the short ride on to Venice. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Venice)

After breakfast this morning, set out to explore Venice on your Absolute Venice – Walking tour visiting the Doge’s Palace and the Golden Basilica. After lunch take a Gondola ride, a mode of transport that has been in existence in the city for over 1,000 years! Soak up the vibrant atmosphere in St. Mark’s Square, As the sun sets, wander through narrow cobbled streets, walk across ornate bridges over canals and stop for a leisurely drink in a little campo. (Overnight in Venice)

After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels on your first Cruise with MSC Lirica, a transfer will bring you from your hotel to the port.
Venice, a romantic MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, is an artisan masterpiece. The city is built on 118 small islands, separated by canals, in a shallow lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site overflows with beauty – from the gondola-lined canals and ancient marble palaces to historical architectural feats like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. Visiting Venice is like being in a fabled land, a scintillating mix of culture, history, and water.

Kotor is one of the most atmospheric medieval towns on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains. It’s an attractive MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination for those with a love of history and architecture. Glimpse ancient churches, an array of rustic palaces, and a maze of streets and squares. Kotor is also a gateway for other extraordinary Montenegro destinations, such as the stunning town of Perast.

During the 18th-century, Mykonos’ maze of tangled lanes would confuse even the most well-travelled pirates. Nowadays pretending to get lost in these winding alleys makes for a day of entertainment! This MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination is known for its romantic Greek Island glamour. See brilliant beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque whitewashed villages.

During the 18th-century, Mykonos’ maze of tangled lanes would confuse even the most well-travelled pirates. Nowadays pretending to get lost in these winding alleys makes for a day of entertainment! This MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination is known for its romantic Greek Island glamour. See brilliant beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque whitewashed villages.

Approximately 200-km southeast of mainland Greece, lies Santorini, a Cyclades Island. This MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination was formed from the remains of a volcanic caldera which is evident in its rugged geology. Santorini is famous for its sheer cliffs, red beach, and whitewashed houses that contrast strikingly against the blue Aegean Sea. The island is also home to ancient archaeological sites, hot spring swimming, and stunning wineries.

Ancona, capital of Italy’s picturesque Marche region, is a bustling city overlooking the glittering Adriatic Sea.
This MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination is packed with historical landmarks such as the Roman ruins, Cathedral of Saint Ciriaco, and the Trajan Arch — a Turkish marble icon dating back to 114 A.D. Further inland, the walled city of Urbino stands as a jewel of the Italian Renaissance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval centres, offering breathtaking views over the valleys.

Your cruise on MSC Lirica ends in Venice today and a free transfer will take you to Genoa to join your second cruise on MSC Grandiosa.

Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the most famous cities in the world, celebrated for its remarkable history, architecture, art, and cultural significance. Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome has been continuously inhabited for over 2,500 years, and its influence on Western civilization, particularly in law, politics, and religion, is profound.

Palermo is the vibrant capital of the Sicilian region of Italy, located on the island’s northern coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, Palermo is a city that encapsulates the unique blend of Arab, Norman, Baroque, and Italian influences that have shaped it over the centuries. Known for its bustling markets, flavourful cuisine, and a unique atmosphere, Palermo is a place where the ancient and modern worlds collide in a fascinating way.

Ibiza is one of the most famous islands in the Balearic Islands archipelago, located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the eastern coast of Spain. Known globally for its vibrant nightlife, electronic music scene, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Ibiza attracts millions of visitors each year, ranging from party-goers to nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The island has a unique blend of modern party culture and timeless natural beauty, offering a wide variety of experiences.

Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is a vibrant coastal metropolis located on the eastern Mediterranean coast. Known for its stunning blend of modernist and futuristic architecture, a rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and culinary excellence (especially as the birthplace of paella), Valencia is a dynamic destination that caters to all types of travelers.

Marseille, located on the Mediterranean coast of southern France, is the second-largest city in the country and one of its most vibrant and diverse cultural hubs. Known for its historic port, rich history, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and unique blend of French and Mediterranean influences, Marseille offers visitors a fascinating mix of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty. As a major port city, it has long been a gateway to France, with a multicultural identity and a reputation for being a city of immigrants, artists, and free spirits.

Arrive in Genoa and disembark your cruise.
Genoa (Italian: Genova) is a historic port city in northern Italy, located on the Ligurian Sea. As the capital of the Liguria region, Genoa is a city with a rich maritime history, stunning architecture, and a unique blend of old-world charm and modernity. While it is often overshadowed by other Italian cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice, Genoa offers visitors an authentic, less touristy Italian experience with a fascinating mix of medieval streets, gothic palaces, and vibrant harbors.
Enjoy 2-nights in Genoa.

Enjoy your last night in Genoa

This is the last day of your holiday. Head to the airport to go back home, or ask one of our Cruiseabout consultants how you can extend your stay.