Your Itinerary
Marseille is France's second largest and most ancient city. It was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC and was later conquered by the Romans after becoming a thriving port and centre for trade. Today it is littered with ancient sites and artefacts, mostly Roman additions to the original Greek settlement.
Marseille is down to earth and lacks the pretentiousness of most other French cities. There are plenty of attractions to explore, including the colourful harbour and pedestrianised squares. The city is also divided into arrondissements in the style of Paris, which makes it relatively easy to get around on the metro.
The Old Port area is filled with restaurants, bars, hotels, office blocks and a daily fish market at the Belgian Quay, giving it a lively and sophisticated air. There are also a number of decent museums, galleries, theatres and shops dotted about the city that are worth visiting. Marseille is also famed for its Opéra: an Art Deco opera house, situated in the heart of the city, which still hosts performances even though it was all but destroyed by fire in 1919. La Plaine is a trendy area filled with cafes, bookstores and fountains, with a bustling market on Thursdays and Saturdays, while Noailles' bazaar is a multi-ethnic area filled with Indo-Chinese and Arabic shops.
The outgoing, friendly inhabitants of Marseille are a cosmopolitan bunch, with diverse backgrounds including a number of Italian, Spanish and North African communities. There is far less of the style and image consciousness evident in the rest of the Cote d'Azur, creating a more North African flavour and a vibrant atmosphere. Marseilles also acts as a good base for exploring the nearby natural beauty of the calanques (or Mediterranean fjords) and some excellent beaches.
The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries.
The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic, both offer breathtaking views over this attractive city. Its skyline is perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of the city's most appealing attributes, with museums containing extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso. Barcelona is also a shopper's paradise, with the city's flair for style reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the evenings. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants open, the night truly comes alive. Dinner is served at any time between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the morning.
Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old charm, which can be easily reached from the city.
Valencia was founded by the ancient Romans in 137 BC and has been pillaged, burned, and besieged numerous times by various conquerors since. But vivacious Valencia has nevertheless sailed into the second millennium as a sophisticated, modern holiday city.
A favoured location for the America's Cup yacht race, Valencia is situated on the Mediterranean coast about four hours south of Barcelona. The city is spread out around its busy port and backed by hills that give way to the plains of Aragon.
Valencia oozes traditional character, particularly in its old town (El Carmen), and has retained its cultural heritage not only in the form of medieval architecture but also in its quirky, exuberant festivals such as the Battle of the Flowers, the fireworks of Fallas, and even one dedicated to tomato-hurling.
The Valencians even have their own language. Interspersed with the old and historic, however, there is much that is new in Valencia, including its major attraction, the seemingly futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, which draws around four million appreciative visitors each year.
Outdoors, it is hard to beat the golden beaches that fan out from the port along the coast, and the sprawling city offers plenty of green parks for strolling, cycling, or simply lolling on a bench to get a breath back after indulging in the vibrant life of the city.
Football is a local passion, and fans should not miss the atmosphere at one of the carnival-like Valencia FC home matches. When night falls, travellers can dine on paella, which originated here, and then hit the town, because Valencia is renowned for its lively collection of bars and clubs.
Rome is like a living museum, liberally dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics and archaeological sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars and nippy Fiats speed past trendy sidewalk cafes, bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio Olimpico reminds visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the architecture of the Caesars.
For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance splendour is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying heights of the empire.
It may sound like a city of contrasts, but Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.
Those of us who remember our history books recognise Genoa as the birthplace of famous explorer Christopher Columbus. While always an important port city in Italy, for decades Genoa languished behind Rome, Venice and Milan as the tourists passed it by.
This changed dramatically after the European Union nominated Genoa as the European Capital of Culture in 2004. Cruise ships docking in the Porto Antico now bring visitors by the thousands, and travellers in Italy are making time in their itineraries to spend several days on holiday in Genoa.
This tourism renaissance is well-deserved, as there are many beautiful and fascinating tourist attractions in Genoa. The medieval district is filled with stunning marble churches and stately palaces, grouped around scenic plazas like the Piazza San Matteo and the Piazza Dante. Visitors should be sure to look for the famous frescoes of the Church of Sant'Agostino and the fanciful Gothic carvings of the Cattedrale San Lorenzo, while the Via Garibaldi has a number of impressive Baroque buildings. There are many interesting museums in the city too, dedicated to everything from cultural and natural history to the navy, cathedrals and royalty of the city's past. There are no fewer than five art museums in Genoa.
Though it's Italy's largest medieval town, Genoa's present is just as vibrant as its past. The streets are always buzzing with life and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants, shops and entertainment. The Porto Antico on the harbour front has been rebuilt from a utilitarian dock to an entertainment area with museums, cinemas and restaurants, as well as one of the biggest aquariums in Europe along the pretty promenade.
Genoa makes a good base to explore the other towns along the Italian Riviera, including Portofino, Cinque Terre, Rapallo and La Spezia.
Marseille is France's second largest and most ancient city. It was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC and was later conquered by the Romans after becoming a thriving port and centre for trade. Today it is littered with ancient sites and artefacts, mostly Roman additions to the original Greek settlement.
Marseille is down to earth and lacks the pretentiousness of most other French cities. There are plenty of attractions to explore, including the colourful harbour and pedestrianised squares. The city is also divided into arrondissements in the style of Paris, which makes it relatively easy to get around on the metro.
The Old Port area is filled with restaurants, bars, hotels, office blocks and a daily fish market at the Belgian Quay, giving it a lively and sophisticated air. There are also a number of decent museums, galleries, theatres and shops dotted about the city that are worth visiting. Marseille is also famed for its Opéra: an Art Deco opera house, situated in the heart of the city, which still hosts performances even though it was all but destroyed by fire in 1919. La Plaine is a trendy area filled with cafes, bookstores and fountains, with a bustling market on Thursdays and Saturdays, while Noailles' bazaar is a multi-ethnic area filled with Indo-Chinese and Arabic shops.
The outgoing, friendly inhabitants of Marseille are a cosmopolitan bunch, with diverse backgrounds including a number of Italian, Spanish and North African communities. There is far less of the style and image consciousness evident in the rest of the Cote d'Azur, creating a more North African flavour and a vibrant atmosphere. Marseilles also acts as a good base for exploring the nearby natural beauty of the calanques (or Mediterranean fjords) and some excellent beaches.
Ports On The Map
Masterfully combining the relaxed refinement of the Musica Class with the variety and opulence of our Fantasia Class flagships, MSC Magnifica brings cruise travellers the best of both worlds.
Masterfully combining the relaxed refinement of the Musica Class with the variety and opulence of our Fantasia Class flagships, MSC Magnifica brings cruise travellers the best of both worlds. With her variety, you can be sure to live every moment to the full. In every way, MSC Magnifica lives up to her name – she offers a cruise that’s memorably magnificent.
Unique Feature
Your cruise experience is at the centre of everything we do. To help make your holiday with us truly memorable, we give you the chance to tailor your experience to your needs and desires. For example, you can either leave the choice of cabin to us and benefit from the best rates available, or choose your own ideal cabin and location, while enjoying extra flexibility and additional benefits to make your cruise even more special.
- Bella Experience
- Fantastica Experience
- Aurea Experience
- MSC Yacht Club Experience
Combining traditional craftsmanship with ground-breaking design, the dining venues on MSC Magnifica include 5 gourmet restaurants serving food from around the world.
Quattro Venti Restaurant
Quattro Venti, located on Deck 6, boasts a top gastronomic selection thanks to the variety of dishes and the high quality of the foods, from choice Italian meats, scrupulously controlled, to fresh fruit. Every product is fresh and carefully handled, such as bread baked on board with the passion and knowledge of the most distinctive boulangerie. Dishes range from traditional and tasty Mediterranean fare, to the most refined international recipes.
L'Edera Restaurant
Located on deck 5, serving a wide variety of dishes, prepared by hand with the freshest ingredients, there's a great variety of choice to be had in the restaurants . One of two main dining rooms onboard, guests will find everything from freshly baked bread, to Italian and Mediterranean styled food here.
Oriental Plaza
Our Asian restaurant offers authentic Japanese, Chinese and Thai dishes in an informal atmosphere. A tempting range of oriental cuisine including nigiri, sashimi, maki, temaki, dim sum, dumplings, rolls, wonton, noodles, shrimps and chicken satay, pad thai and much more.
Sahara Buffet
Sahara can accommodate 472 guests and is located on deck 13. It is the ship's self service buffet restaurant serving breakfast and lunch in a casual environment. It features an omelette station, a sandwich bar, pasta station and a grill that serves hamburgers, hot dogs, and other favourites along with a desserts section.
Open from 6.30am for an Early Birds Coffee, the breakfast buffet is served between 7.00am and 10.00am. Lunch is served between 11.30am and 3.30pm and afternoon tea from 4.15 to 5.00pm.
During the cruise a number of midnight buffets are served from 11.30pm to 12.30am in a variety of locations, including the Sahara Cafeteria, such as a Mediterranean Buffet.
Pizzeria
Part of the Sahara Cafeteria on deck 13 becomes a pizzeria at night, from 7.00pm to 10.30pm and serves a selection of pizzas and calzone for a small charge.
La Barchetta Ice Cream Bar
Situated on deck 13, The gelato comes in a wide variety of around 16 different flavours from vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, pineapple and coffee to pistachio, kiwi and lemon.
L'Oasi Buffet Restaurant
With panoramic sea views L’Oasi on Deck 13 within the Sahara Cafeteria, seating 250 guests, offers a gourmet three-course à la carte meal using typical Mediterranean ingredients with a twist with a menu introduced by acclaimed Italian seafood chef Mauro Uliassi.
Examples of dishes on offer include Duck Foie Gras, Scallops, swordfish and smoked duck breast, Chilled Cucumber and Mint Velouté, Seared Monkfish Medallions, and New York Strip Steak.
L’Oasi opens for dinner only from 6.00pm until midnight.
L’Olimpiade Sports Bar
The ship's Sports Bar, L’Olimpiade, is located on deck 7 and seats 120. It serves an à la carte menu between 10.00am to 1.00am, featuring Steamed shrimp cocktail, Fish & Chips, Buffalo Chicken Wings, and Salad.
Other items range from Italian flat bread with Parma ham and mozzarella, Italian Gragnano bread filled with sausage, mushrooms and cheese and prawn curry to French baguette with ham, cheese, egg and salad, mini hamburgers, Spanish, German, Turkish and Chinese dishes.
Gratuities
SERVICE CHARGES / GRATUITIES
Service Charge / Gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
TIPS
MSC Cruises does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.
Royal Theatre
You’d normally have to travel to New York to see top-end shows, but thanks to our Broadway-style theatres you can enjoy superlative entertainment with an international line-up of artists without having to leave the ship. Take your pick from a fabulous programme, there’s sure to be a show you love.
T32 Disco
With a live DJ and open from 11.00pm until late, the ship's disco located on deck 14 and served by its own bar. It has seating for 172 guests.
Atlantic City Casino
Our casinos are elegantly designed, featuring games for all types of players. You’ll be able to try your hand at Roulette or Blackjack, challenge yourself at one of our Poker tables, or choose among a variety of slot machines.
Topazio Bar
The 220 seat Piano Bar on deck 6 is the ship's reception bar, featuring live piano music and accompanying orchestra.
Le Gocce Bar
Magnifica’s Coffee Bar is located on deck 5, midship with seating for 142 guests and music ranging from Latin to classical, drinks on offer range from chilled liquor based coffees such as Espresso Martini, American Style Coffee, Cappuccino and Hot Chocolate.
The Purple Bar & Ruby Bar
The Ships cocktail bars are the ideal location for guests to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail with live musical entertainment.
They are located on deck 6 with seating for up to 45 guests in each bar.
Cuba Cigar Lounge
The ship's smoking room and whiskey bar is situated on deck 7 and seats 32 guests.
The Cigar Lounge offers elegant surroundings with leather settees and armchairs for guests to relax on and enjoy a cigar accompanied by a drink selected from the range of fine spirits on offer.
Library
The ship's small library and reading room are located on deck 7, with seats for 15 guests. It has a small selection of books in a variety of languages for guests to borrow. It also contains a number of board games for guests' use.
Art Gallery
The Art Gallery can be found on deck 7 of the ship. Guests can view a range of artwork from fine prints, lithographs, water colours and oils which can be purchased during the ship's champagne art auctions.
Tiger Bar
The Tiger Bar is the ship's second show lounge served by its own bar and dance floor.
It is situated on deck 6 with seating for 477 guests.
Entertainment and activities range from bingo, seminars, Italian lessons and salsa dance classes to audience participation game shows, karaoke and international dance music.
L'Ametista Lounge
L'Ametista Lounge is located on deck 7 of the Magnifica and has its own bar and dance floor along with seating for 330 guests.
It is a large cabaret style lounge with live shows and bands for guests' entertainment.
4D Cinema
Visit our on-board 4D Cinema* for a chance to enter a world of adventure without having to leave the comfort of your seat. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience, full of surprising features and visual effects.
Bowling Lanes
Ten pin bowling is available in T32 aft of deck 14.
The bowling alley is designed for maximum entertainment and impact, including a traditional-looking bowling surface made of a tough phenol compound which allows guests to enjoy a game without changing shoes. The alleys are scaled down to work within the area and the bowls themselves are smaller than usual, making them more manageable for youngsters.
The alley also incorporates two large LCD electronic screens featuring interactive videogame animations with a choice of Ten Pin Tour and Turkey Shoot.
Arcade
While away a few enjoyable hours of game play at the Arcade on board the ship. Pit your wits and skill against those of your friends in any number of typical arcade options, including video games, pinball and more. Great fun guaranteed.
Beer Festival
Sailaway Party
Master Chef
MSC Factor
Theme Parties
We organise various daytime and evening Theme Parties on board. You may wish to bring bright fun clothes for the Sunshine Party and something white for the White Party.
Photos
PHOTO SHOP
Smile! Our professional team of photographers constantly roam the ship, capturing wonderful memories every day. Be sure to stroll through the Photo Gallery daily, so you don’t miss one of their great shots of you and your loved ones enjoying your cruise.
PHOTO GALLERY
Don’t forget to explore the All-Inclusive Digital Photo Package, which includes digital files of all the photos taken by our professional photographers on board. Digital photos are available for download only during your cruise. Keep in mind, once you disembark, downloading your photos won't be possible.
TIMELESS STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY
A dedicated Studio Photographer will provide you with a unique photo opportunity to capture the special moments of your cruise. During a private consultation you will be presented with the best locations around the ship so you can choose where your photoshoot will take place. Every photo will be taken with top of the line equipment by our highly-skilled, studio photographer using creative lighting techniques. Pictures are printed on premium photo paper. After your session choose from our different packages and take home lasting memories. Timeless Studio photos are only available to purchase onboard during your cruise. They can not be download online or purchase after your cruise ends.
PHOTO GALLERY
The ship's Photo Gallery on deck 7, displays photos and videos of guests taken by the ship's official photographers which guests can purchase if they wish to. Guests can also have portraits taken with a selection of backdrops or locations throughout the ship.
Shops
MSC LOGO SHOP
Infuse your cruise with gifts that spark magical memories of your voyage across the waves! Navigate the MSC Logo Shop for everything from gadgets to books and novelty gifts! You’ll also find MSC’s very own DOREMI Mascot right here in the MSC Shop.
JEWELLERY
A wonderland of all that sparkles; showcasing designs in gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones and watches.
You’ll love the wide choice of jewellery, perfect as a special gift or to treat yourself, and at prices that will put an extra sparkle in your eye.
DUTY FREE
Discover everything the Duty Free shop has to offer, all at tax and duty-free prices*.
You can choose between top-flight international tobacco products, technology products, fine wines, chocolate, make up and travel essentials.
Our expert staff can provide you with all the help you need to make the perfect choice.
* We always give you the lowest tax and duty-free prices applicable in accordance with local legislation
FASHION BOUTIQUE
Browse the latest collections for men, women and children, plus an array of accessories for all tastes. Enjoy the expert guidance of our staff, here to help you find something for the special people in your life, whatever their age and taste!
ACCESSORIES
Top Italian brands such as Armani, Coccinelle, Furla and Fusaro feature alongside international names like Radley London, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.
Here you are sure to find serious sartorial inspiration for bags and accessories!
Billiard Room & Library
For a bit of quiet time on board your ship, check out the Billiard Room & Library to play a civilised game or read in peace amid a haven of tranquility and calm. With the clicking of the balls and low-key conversations as the only sounds you’ll hear, it’s the ideal place to unwind.
MSC Aurea Spa
MSC Aurea Spa boasts an exotic interior of natural stone, precious woods and rich mosaics, and is equipped with specific and massage treatment suites. Being pampered by a traditional Balinese Massage is a truly unique experience. Thanks to a blend of scented essences and aromatic oils, your body is enveloped in an endlessly peaceful and relaxing aura.
Swimming Pools
If a bit of poolside therapy sounds like your idea of heaven, look no further than one of our numerous swimming pools to get your fill of sun and relaxation, while our pool attendants can cater to your every need.
Beauty Salon
Thermal Area
Start your wellness journey in our on board thermal area and achieve a lasting feeling of absolute well-being that will stay with you well beyond your cruise. Our thermal experiences are designed to slowly raise your body temperature while you relax, taking full advantage of the holistic and therapeutic benefits of water and heat.
Hair Salon
Gym by TechnoGym®
Power Walking Track
Basketball
Come to the outdoor Basketball court at the Sport Center for a chance to hang out with friends, have fun shooting hoops and enjoy a full-body workout at the same time. You may not make the latest line-up of the Harlem Globetrotters, but you’re sure to have a great time.
Tennis Court
Volleyball
Five-a-side Football
Lego® Experience
Baby Club
Mini Club
Junior Club
Young Club
Teen Club
Teenagers aged from 15 to 17 years old can look forward to having the time of their lives on board. Teen Club activities range from sports and competitions, dance contests and social network games to Wii, Xbox and PS4 tournaments.
For the kind of adrenaline rush kids and teenagers love, we give them the chance to pilot a fast-flying drone with our Drone
Babies and Toddlers Services
Baby Clubs - along with activities that the whole family can enjoy together, we offer a Baby Club onboard all our ships with dedicated activities and facilities.
MSC Baby Care Service - we have thought about mums and dads too! Everyday, you can drop your baby off at the Baby Club, where they will be looked after by qualified and dedicated staff who will let them play (during specific times)
MSC and Chicco - on our cruise ships you’ll find the most modern, fun and educational toys, chosen for you by the Osservatorio Chicco, Baby Research Center.
Medical Centre - every ship in the MSC Cruises fleet has a well-equipped modern Medical Centre on board. The Medical Centre is staffed by fully-qualified personnel, and benefits from 24/7 specialist paediatric telemedicine support. Over-the-counter medicines can be purchased on board.
24 hours Room Service - all our restaurants and 24-hour Cabin Service are ready and happy to help, ensuring you can feed your baby swiftly on demand, for their and your own comfort.
Baby Laundry Service - our unique new Baby Laundry service washes baby and toddler clothes separately from everything else, using a specialised machine, program and detergents to clean and sanitise even at temperatures as low as 30°C. We’ll collect your children’s items from your cabin and deliver them to you the following day clean, safe and sterilised: ideal for protecting their skin. You’ll find full details in your cabin, along with a biodegradable paper laundry bag and a service coupon to fill in.
Web Series
Experience the cruise adventure before you even step on board! Dive into the captivating web series Cabin 12006, available on MSC Cruises' official YouTube channel. Join Markus, a teenager embarking on his first cruise, as his holiday takes an unexpected turn. MSC Bellissima's "Cabin 12006" is filled with unanswered questions and thrilling surprises, and it's up to Markus and his friend Lucas to unravel the mystery.
Kelly & Kloe Onboard is an exciting web series that chronicles the adventures of two young girls, Kelly and Kloe, as they spend time on an MSC Cruises ship alongside their father, the Master. Kids will have the opportunity to learn the theme song and dance routine from the web series, participate in a selfie contest while dressed up as characters from the story, and even unleash their creativity by writing their very own episode of the thrilling adventure.
Kids Clubs and Family Activities
Discover our Entertainment options on board: there's always so much to do that you kids will never get bored! An MSC cruise is an experience for the whole family to enjoy together in the safe, fun environment of our cruise ships.
- On an MSC cruise you'll find a wide range of activities both in our dedicated Kids Clubs and on our ships, from sports tournaments and quizzes to the special Doremi family disco.
- From the joys of relaxing in a pool or splashing around in an aqua park, to the thrill of riding a swirling waterslide, family fun in the sun is never far away.
- Some ships offer the extra adrenaline rush of sliding down a zip-line**, driving a full-size MSC Formula Racer or enjoying a fully immersive VR experience, not to mention the multi-sensory experience of interactive XD cinema and the amazing Video games room.
- You can take the kids to a Broadway-style theatre show
- Once during every cruise we hold a special entertainment event called the LEGO® Experience On Board*: an entire day dedicated to fun LEGO activities for the whole family to enjoy*
Barcelona
The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries.
The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic, both offer breathtaking views over this attractive city. Its skyline is perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of the city's most appealing attributes, with museums containing extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso. Barcelona is also a shopper's paradise, with the city's flair for style reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the evenings. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants open, the night truly comes alive. Dinner is served at any time between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the morning.
Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old charm, which can be easily reached from the city.
Genoa
Those of us who remember our history books recognise Genoa as the birthplace of famous explorer Christopher Columbus. While always an important port city in Italy, for decades Genoa languished behind Rome, Venice and Milan as the tourists passed it by.
This changed dramatically after the European Union nominated Genoa as the European Capital of Culture in 2004. Cruise ships docking in the Porto Antico now bring visitors by the thousands, and travellers in Italy are making time in their itineraries to spend several days on holiday in Genoa.
This tourism renaissance is well-deserved, as there are many beautiful and fascinating tourist attractions in Genoa. The medieval district is filled with stunning marble churches and stately palaces, grouped around scenic plazas like the Piazza San Matteo and the Piazza Dante. Visitors should be sure to look for the famous frescoes of the Church of Sant'Agostino and the fanciful Gothic carvings of the Cattedrale San Lorenzo, while the Via Garibaldi has a number of impressive Baroque buildings. There are many interesting museums in the city too, dedicated to everything from cultural and natural history to the navy, cathedrals and royalty of the city's past. There are no fewer than five art museums in Genoa.
Though it's Italy's largest medieval town, Genoa's present is just as vibrant as its past. The streets are always buzzing with life and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants, shops and entertainment. The Porto Antico on the harbour front has been rebuilt from a utilitarian dock to an entertainment area with museums, cinemas and restaurants, as well as one of the biggest aquariums in Europe along the pretty promenade.
Genoa makes a good base to explore the other towns along the Italian Riviera, including Portofino, Cinque Terre, Rapallo and La Spezia.
Marseille
Marseille is France's second largest and most ancient city. It was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC and was later conquered by the Romans after becoming a thriving port and centre for trade. Today it is littered with ancient sites and artefacts, mostly Roman additions to the original Greek settlement.
Marseille is down to earth and lacks the pretentiousness of most other French cities. There are plenty of attractions to explore, including the colourful harbour and pedestrianised squares. The city is also divided into arrondissements in the style of Paris, which makes it relatively easy to get around on the metro.
The Old Port area is filled with restaurants, bars, hotels, office blocks and a daily fish market at the Belgian Quay, giving it a lively and sophisticated air. There are also a number of decent museums, galleries, theatres and shops dotted about the city that are worth visiting. Marseille is also famed for its Opéra: an Art Deco opera house, situated in the heart of the city, which still hosts performances even though it was all but destroyed by fire in 1919. La Plaine is a trendy area filled with cafes, bookstores and fountains, with a bustling market on Thursdays and Saturdays, while Noailles' bazaar is a multi-ethnic area filled with Indo-Chinese and Arabic shops.
The outgoing, friendly inhabitants of Marseille are a cosmopolitan bunch, with diverse backgrounds including a number of Italian, Spanish and North African communities. There is far less of the style and image consciousness evident in the rest of the Cote d'Azur, creating a more North African flavour and a vibrant atmosphere. Marseilles also acts as a good base for exploring the nearby natural beauty of the calanques (or Mediterranean fjords) and some excellent beaches.
Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca
The island of Mallorca (Majorca), off the east coast of Spain, is the largest in the Balearic Island group, which collectively forms one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, if not the world.
Mallorca took off as a tourist paradise in the 1960s, when a development boom spawned the building of hundreds of high-rise hotels, apartment blocks, and shopping centres that now line most of the island's coast.
The capital, Palma, still retains some of its historical flavour, sporting grand mansions and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling old centre. The northwest coast, too, still offers some secluded coves below the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and several quaint old towns and villages still untouched by the commercial development common on the island.
If travellers visit Mallorca for sun and fun on the beautiful beaches, as most people do, it is worth heading off for a tour of the island by car, or even bicycle, to discover the romantic fishing villages, historic monasteries, monuments, museums, and spectacular landscapes secluded from the hubbub. The interior is largely the preserve of a thriving agricultural community, dotted with windmills, as well as olive and almond trees.
Palma de Mallorca has the island's international airport and is the main ferry terminus, receiving ferries from Valencia and Barcelona on the mainland. It is also the hub of the extensive transport system that covers Mallorca, with bus services linking all main settlements, and train lines to Inca and the scenic tourist train to Soller.
The best way to get around is by car and there are several rental agencies in Palma, but in high season reservations need to be made in advance. Everything on the island is within three hours drive from the capital.
Rome
Rome is like a living museum, liberally dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics and archaeological sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars and nippy Fiats speed past trendy sidewalk cafes, bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio Olimpico reminds visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the architecture of the Caesars.
For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance splendour is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying heights of the empire.
It may sound like a city of contrasts, but Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.
Valencia
Valencia was founded by the ancient Romans in 137 BC and has been pillaged, burned, and besieged numerous times by various conquerors since. But vivacious Valencia has nevertheless sailed into the second millennium as a sophisticated, modern holiday city.
A favoured location for the America's Cup yacht race, Valencia is situated on the Mediterranean coast about four hours south of Barcelona. The city is spread out around its busy port and backed by hills that give way to the plains of Aragon.
Valencia oozes traditional character, particularly in its old town (El Carmen), and has retained its cultural heritage not only in the form of medieval architecture but also in its quirky, exuberant festivals such as the Battle of the Flowers, the fireworks of Fallas, and even one dedicated to tomato-hurling.
The Valencians even have their own language. Interspersed with the old and historic, however, there is much that is new in Valencia, including its major attraction, the seemingly futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, which draws around four million appreciative visitors each year.
Outdoors, it is hard to beat the golden beaches that fan out from the port along the coast, and the sprawling city offers plenty of green parks for strolling, cycling, or simply lolling on a bench to get a breath back after indulging in the vibrant life of the city.
Football is a local passion, and fans should not miss the atmosphere at one of the carnival-like Valencia FC home matches. When night falls, travellers can dine on paella, which originated here, and then hit the town, because Valencia is renowned for its lively collection of bars and clubs.