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NAPLES
The childhood hometown of iconic actress Sophia Loren, Naples is a large, sprawling Mediterranean port with a centre that has many different gems just waiting to be discovered. No trip to this ancient city is complete without visiting the area between Piazza Garibaldi and Via Toledo, roughly corresponding to the ancient Roman Neapolis( much of which is still unexcavated, as in many other Italian cities).
The old part of Naples – the Centro Storico – is formed by the main streets of Via dei Tribunali and Via San Biagio dei Librai( the latter also known as Spaccanapoli), which still follow the path of the ancient Roman causeways. This is by far the liveliest and most bustling part of the city – an open-air, veritable kasbah of hawking, yelling humanity that makes up in energy what it lacks in grace. But it’ s the city’ s most intriguing Quarter, and a must-see on any cruise to Naples.
MARSEILLE
As soon as you disembark, try some of the best pastries this city has to offer from one of the many cafes around the Vieux Port. To the north of the Vieux Port is the oldest part of Marseille, Le Panier, where, up until the last war, narrow streets, steep steps and houses of every era made up a Vieille Ville( Old Town) typical of the Côte. Book yourself and your travelling partners an excursion with MSC Cruises and visit the Cathédrale de la Major – a major artistic centre in the region not to be missed.
BARCELONA
Experience the city that combines the intricate street patterns of a medieval settlement and the ordered avenues of a modern town, and get a taste of some of its popular attractions: Sagrada Familia, the Camp Nou Stadium, or the Casa Milà, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spain’ s main cruise port, Barcelona has a rich history of 2 000 years and is the gateway to your perfect holiday.
MESSINA( SICILY)
On a shore excursion in Messina, discover the region’ s most important monument, the Duomo, which epitomises the city’ s phoenix-like ability to re-create itself from the ashes of its last disaster. It’ s the reconstruction of a 12th-century Norman cathedral erected by Roger II, and one of a series of great Norman churches of Sicily that include the sumptuous cathedrals of Palermo and Cefalù. The Duomo’ s detached campanile, or belltower, claims to be the largest astronomical clock in the world, and puts on its best show at noon every day when a bronze lion( Messina’ s ancient emblem) unleashes a mighty roar over the city that can be alarming if you’ re not expecting it.
GENOA
A gateway to the Italian Riviera, the port of Genoa is one of the most important( as well as one of the largest) in Italy and has been a strategic harbour since ancient times. Cruises to Genoa offer the chance to explore its many sights, including the Genoa Aquarium and the city’ s picturesque Boccadasse district, a lakeside fishing village. Genoa excursions also offer the opportunity to taste signature dishes made from fresh ingredients, such as Pesto Genovese and focaccia.
With all these and so much more on offer, make your next holiday a stunning getaway to the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises.
For more information on MSC Cruises’ Mediterranean cruises, please visit: https:// www. msccruises. co. za / cruise-deals / msc-world-asia #/
DECEMBER 2025 / INBOUND SA 87