Experience premium luxury cruising to exotic Morocco, the dramatic Canary Islands and The Med’s most romantic locations, featuring Casablanca, Barcelona, Marseille (Provence), the Italian Riviera (Portofino, Genoa), Malaga (Spain), Canary Islands (African coast) and spectacular Madeira Island (off Africa). These 6 incredible ports-of-call and an enchanting stay in Barcelona will tug on the heartstrings forever. Discover the exotic north African magic of Morocco. Be mesmerized by Spain’s dazzling Canary Islands and the sheer beauty of Portugal’s Madeira. Live the cultured Spanish good-life in extraordinary Barcelona. Immerse yourself in the visual and culinary delights of France’s famous Provence region. Experience the Italian Riviera’s dreamy seaside gem of Portofino. Experience authentic Mediterranean hospitality onboard this luxurious boutique-sized ship. Everything is included in this amazing value package, premium luxury cruise, flights, Barcelona hotel, Barcelona tour and personalised transfers. Themes include: Europe, Europe Cruise, Mediterranean, Africa Cruise, Africa, Catalonia, Departs from Barcelona, Ocean Cruise, Returns from Portofino. + Show more

Package Includes

Return international flights to Barcelona (premium airline)
Premium modern ship (stylish Italian design)
12 Day North Africa & West Med Cruise (6 ports of call)
4 Nights Barcelona hotel (superior 4 Star)
Barcelona flexi-tours
Meet and greet personalised return transfers (port, hotel and airport)
Relaxed luxury boutique-sized ship (MSC Poesia, 1275 cabins)
Sophisticated cosmopolitan cruising (elegant Mediterranean vibe)
All meals onboard the MSC Poesia
Includes daytime activities, evening entertainment, Broadway style big shows, unlimited snacks

Highlights

Barcelona (Spain) Casablanca (Morocco) Canary Islands (Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain) Madeira Island (Funchal, Portugal) Marseille (Provence, France) Portofino (Genoa, Italy) Malaga (Spain)

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Descriptions

Amazing Experiences

• Stay in extraordinary Barcelona (cultured Spanish good-life)

• Barcelona flexi-tours

• Exotic Morocco (Casablanca & more)

• Dramatic Canary Islands (African coast, part of Spain)

• Sheer beauty of Madeira Island (African coast, part of Portugal)

• Incredible Marseille (France’s famous Provençe region)

• Dreamy Italian Riviera (Portofino and Genoa)

• Vibrant, historic Malaga (Andalucía, Spain)

DAY 1 Depart Australia for Spain

Today we depart for Barcelona, Spain. Fly on a premium award-winning airline like Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qantas or British Airways (subject to availability). Enjoy the attentive cabin service, regular meals and onboard entertainment system.

DAY 2 Arrive in Barcelona (Spain)

You will be personally met at Barcelona’s International Airport by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to your central Barcelona hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around this iconic city.

Immerse yourself in Spanish sophistication, passion and devotion to living the good life, where food and wine are a national obsession.

Meet and greet personalised arrival transfer, overnight Barcelona hotel

DAY 3 Barcelona Tour

Your first two full days in Barcelona are flexi-tours, so you can tour at your own pace, visiting places of most interest to you. Relax into Barcelona time with a choice of included touring options to suit your mood, before we set sail on our north Africa & Mediterranean cruise.

It’s easy to see why visitors fall in love with this enchanting beach city filled with remarkable architecture and a boundless cultural scene. Recognised as one of the most attractive cities in Europe, the Catalan capital has a cosmopolitan international vibe.

You have 2 circular driving tours, stay on for the whole tour enjoying our guide’s entertaining commentary or get-off at any one of 44 incredible stops and re-join our next circular tour bus at your leisure. Explore the best of Barcelona like the Gothic Quarter, Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, the beaches, the Aquarium, Agbar Tower, Rambla, Montjuic Mountain, the Plaza de España or the Camp Nou Stadium.

There is so much to do and see - museums, the 'Old Town', art galleries, sun-drenched beaches, incredible cafes and some of the best shopping in Europe. Visit the Park Guell featuring spectacular quirky design typical of Anton Gaudi all with panoramic city views.

Barcelona's architectural treasures span 2000-plus years, but many of its more modern additions are its most famous. The Modernisme movement and Antoni Gaudí’s has greatly influenced the face of Barcelona architecture. Barcelona’s bright light and mood has also long inspired artists, including Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró (with major museums here devoted to their works).

You’ll savour mealtimes. The Catalan region has a long and celebrated tradition of cooking with simple, flavourful ingredients like seafood and jamón (cured ham) which are transformed into remarkable delicacies often served in spectacular settings. Perhaps enjoy sunset drinks on a panoramic terrace or experience a rustic beachside chiringuito (temporary snack bar) on the sand. Live music transforms Barcelona as night falls with intoxicating rhythms of flamenco or brassy jazz. Maybe see Barcelona FC stadium.

Both interconnected circular hop-on hop-off tour routes are included – so tour as much as you like or simply take it easy.

Tour, overnight Barcelona hotel

DAY 4 Discover Barcelona

Make the most of your second flexi-tour today. Perhaps relax at the famous city beaches, shop at La Boqueria market (still bustling since medieval times), ride the cable car to the castle, experience FC Barcelona soccer at Camp Nou or maybe eat Tapas and dance Flamenco!

You could have an immersive visit to the Picasso Museum, Las Ramblas, Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Palo Market Fest, Casa Milà, Park Güell, Barcelona City History Museum, Montjuïc, Fundació Joan Miró, Palau de la Música Catalana, Tibidabo or Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site. Maybe explore splendid gardens like at Parc del Laberint d'Horta. Perhaps learn how to prepare the perfect paella and mix the tastiest sangria in a cooking class.

Barcelona comes alive at night, with flamenco shows, rooftop concerts, incredible dining experiences and energetic sophisticated bars amongst your options for evening entertainment.

Both interconnected circular hop-on hop-off tour routes are included – so tour as much as you like or simply take it easy.

Tour, overnight Barcelona hotel

DAY 5 Board the MSC Poesia

Today you will be transferred to the historic port of Barcelona to board MSC Magnifica. Experience premium cruising on this laid-back luxurious mid-sized ship perfectly designed for cruising the Mediterranean and north African coast.

Relax into the sophisticated European vibe surrounded by stylish Italian design, savouring the indulgent attentive hospitality. Enjoy fine food designed by highly acclaimed Michelin star chefs. Experience world- class entertainment and Broadway style shows. This magnificent vessel has incredible features that marry traditional craftsmanship with modern design. MSC Magnifica’s interior de´cor of wood and marble reflects high Italian quality, while the elegant ship is spacious, with a range of lounges and bars. MSC Magnifica boasts a cosmopolitan, warm and friendly laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements her incredible ports of call on this memorable voyage.

Later today set sail through the sparkling Mediterranean Sea towards the remarkable narrow Straights of Gibraltar (with views of Africa to the left and Europe to the right) then into the Atlantic Ocean and onto Morocco.

Meet and greet personalised port transfer, dinner, overnight MSC Poesia

DAY 7 Casablanca (Morocco)

Experience the spectacular diversity of this iconic north African gem. Morocco is imbued with an exotic blend of Berber, Arabian and European influences and boasts colourful ancient cities, sweeping Saharan dunes, glistening Mediterranean beaches and the epic peaks of the High Atlas mountains. In Casablanca and Rabat, life marches to an exciting modern beat while in Fez and Marrakesh, winding, maze-like ancient walled medinas are home to exciting colour filled and spice scented souks (market bazaars), donkeys carting fresh produce through the streets and locals sipping on sweet mint tea as prayer calls echo across the rooftops. Casablanca is the springboard to explore more of Morocco, like Marrakech and Rabat. Enjoy the warm hospitality of this remarkable country that embraces ancient traditions and modernity in equal measure.

Modern Morocco comes to life amidst the bustling whitewashed cityscapes of Casablanca. A thriving commercial capital with its own stock exchange and a port busier than Marseilles, this old pirate lair is where fortunes are won and lost. Downtown, a beautiful blend of Moorish and European art deco architecture abounds amidst the French colonial flair, as the warm Atlantic Ocean laps at the foot of the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque. Perhaps experience an authentic Habous market bazaar, discover the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Lourdes or the massive Hassan II Mosque. As Humphrey Bogart famously said: of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine… here's looking at you, kid.

The ancient imperial city of Marrakech enchants the senses; the maze-like alleyways of its ancient walled medina laced with frenetic souks that smell of fragrant spices and dazzle with colourful artisan crafts as the sound of prayer calls echo through the ochre-dusted laneways. The 12th Century Koutoubia Mosque looks out over the old city walls to the café lined French colonial streetscapes of Ville Nouvelle, while in the main square, open air eateries are immersed amid the magic of street acrobats, snake charmers, pipe musicians, storytellers and traditional dancers. Truly a sight to behold.

The charming oceanside capital, Rabat is awash with architectural landmarks that speak to both its Islamic and French colonial heritage, and undoubtedly, the Kasbah of the Udayas - a Berber-era royal fort overlooking the ocean, its most spectacular treasure of Rabat’s complex history. The city’s ancient waterfront walled medina are more laid back than that of Fez or Marrakech, while the palm lined boulevards of the Ville Nouvelle are as inviting as the turquoise Atlantic waters that lap at the shores of the city’s central beach.

Arrive into Casablanca at 9am for a full day before setting sail again at 10pm. You can spend an enchanting day exploring Casablanca your own way – or perhaps take one of the optional tours to some of the local attractions like City Tour & Hassan II's Mosque ($107), Panoramic Tour of Casablanca ($78), Marrakech ($257), Rabat ($112) or Casablanca & Rabat ($249).

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, overnight MSC Poesia

DAY 9 Canary Islands (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain)

Located just off the Africa coast, the Canary Islands have an intoxicating European culture mixed with a liberal splash of Latin American flair. This dramatic Spanish volcanic archipelago is like nothing you’ve ever encountered - from the pine covered peaks and secret sandy coves of La Palma to the surreal luna-like landscapes of Tenerife and the glittering otherworldly lava fields of Lanzarote. Bathed in year-round sunshine, the vino flows while the salsa and reggaeton beats set the island mood.

Tenerife is the striking grande dame of the Canary Islands. This cosmopolitan holiday paradise offers an endless array of sophisticated dining and entertainment options. Discover the island’s extraordinary natural beauty and diversity, with remote mountain-ridge villages, cultured port settlements and charming ancient towns. This potpourri of experiences continues with tropical rainforest walks and designer-shop struts, dark forays into volcanic lava, a stash of museums and temples to modern art. But above all else, this is an island of drama, and nothing comes more dramatic than the snow-draped Pico del Teide, Spain’s tallest mountain and home to the Mount Teide Cable Car.

Santa Cruz is a wholly Spanish city where evocative modernist architecture sits side by side neoclassical and baroque masterpieces; its wide tree lined avenues fill to the brim each February for the nation’s most spectacular Carnival. From evocative street art, traditional restaurants and sophisticated shops to its show stopping auditorium and maritime park, Santa Cruz will most definitely impress.

Arrive into Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 8am for a full day before setting sail again at 6pm. You can spend a fascinating afternoon exploring the history and modern day contrasts your own way or choose an optional tour to some of the local attractions like Puerto de la Cruz and Orotava ($112), Jeep Adventure ($147), Dolphin Quest by Catamaran ($139) or Anaga Mountains & Forest ($102).

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, overnight MSC Poesia

DAY 10 Madeira Island (Funchal, Portugal)

Portugal’s island of Madeira is an enchanting paradise where the scent of flowers fills the salty air and pastel coloured settlements cascade down mountainsides to meet the warm Atlantic waters; Madeira is bursting with subtropical holiday promise. Geographically dramatic, this exotic Portuguese archipelago located off the African coast will delight with striking black sand beaches, theatrical volcanic peaks, thundering waterfalls and lush woodlands; hillside vineyards produce its famed Madeira fortified wine (similar to port), reflecting the delicate beauty of its surrounds.

Rising up from the stunning sapphire waters of its postcard perfect harbour, Funchal is the only city on the island of Madeira; its charming laneways and wide boulevards interspersed with centuries old cathedrals, hip bars, fascinating museums and Madeira wine cellars. Striking Gothic and Romanesque architecture abounds where trendy travellers traverse the ever so cool Zona Velha and the 17th century São Tiago Fortress overlooks the water.

Arrive into Funchal at 4pm before setting sail again at 10pm. You can spend an exciting afternoon and evening exploring this beautiful island your own way or take an optional tour like Sights of Funchal & Free Time ($68), Pico Dos Barcelos & Toboggan Ride ($107), Panoramic Cabo Girão & Ribiera Brava ($91), Protectours: Funchal Walking Tour ($50), or Exploring Funchai by 4x4 ($137).

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, overnight MSC Poesia

DAY 12 Malaga (Spain)

Málaga is loaded with history and brimming with a youthful vigour that proudly embraces its multi-layered past. Birthplace of Picasso and famed for its delicious tapas, hilltop citadels and renowned Andalusian hospitality, Malaga has a proud history that has gifted it some of the most stunning architectural variety in all of Spain. Monuments to seven centuries of north African Moorish rule, the ancient Alcazaba and Gibralfaro forts tower above the portside cityscapes where the bar scene radiates youthful energy, yellow sands beckon and Renaissance cathedrals dazzle. Vibrant Málaga is an ‘open-air museum’ with spectacular architecture from the Roman, Arab and Christian periods to drink in, yet is a thoroughly trendy modern city - checkout the new art galleries, unique food culture, re-imagined port area and nascent art districts. From here enjoy easy access to the renowned Costa del Sol holiday coast or Andalucía’s spectacular towns of Granada and Seville along with the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The region of Andalucía is the essence of Spain. The scent of orange blossom, the swish of a flamenco dress, the glimpse of a white mountain-side village. Andalucía often acts as a synonym for Spain as a whole: a sun-drenched, fiesta-loving land of guitar-wielding troubadours, reckless bullfighters, feisty operatic heroines and traditional Roma singers. Andalucía is immortalised in operas and vividly depicted in 19th-century art and literature. It remains a spirited and passionate place where the atmosphere sneaks up and envelops you when you least expect it – perhaps as you're welcomed into a vibrant tapas bar or lost in the depths of a flamenco performance.

Arrive into Malaga at 11am for a full afternoon before setting sail again at 7pm. You can spend time exploring this stunning destination your own way – or perhaps take one of the optional excursions like Romantic Málaga ($97), City Tour ($102), Mijas, The White Town ($97), Marbella & Puerto Banús ($114), Málaga & the Picasso Connection ($130) or Gibraltar ($201).

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, overnight MSC Poesia

DAY 14 Marseille (France)

Welcome to the quintessential French region of Provençe, and the country’s beautiful second city, Marseille. Provence and the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera coast) are alluring, sun-drenched and seductive. Founded by the Greeks over two and a half millennia ago, Marseille is a unique port city set amidst the lyrical landscapes of France’s Provençal region. Exuberantly multicultural, this is a city of vibrant and colourful culture, history, seaside castles and neo-Byzantine churches, where fishmongers sell their catch along the boat-lined quay of the Vieux-Port; the spectacular hilltop basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde towering overhead.

Provence seems to sum up everything enviable about the French lifestyle: fantastic food, hilltop villages, legendary wines, bustling markets and a balmy climate. Provence is renowned for its stunning variety of landscapes from fields of lavender, ancient olive groves, clifftop roads, maquis-cloaked hills to snow-topped mountains. The flavours of Provence are irresistible, where cuisine has truly become an all-consuming passion.

Avignon - 'The City of Popes' on the beautiful Rhône River - has a long history, stunning architecture and great religious significance as the home of the Pope and centre of the Roman Catholic world, for 70 years during the early 1300s. Avignon has an impressive legacy of ecclesiastical architecture, most notably the Palais des Papes.

Arrive into Marseille at 9am for a full day of exploring, setting sail again at 5pm. You can spend an exciting day seeing the sites of Marseille your own way or perhaps take one of the optional tours like Uncover the Charms of Aix-en-Provence ($97), The Greatest Hits of France's Historic Port City ($111), A Tale of Two Provençal Cities: Avignon and Aix-en-Provence ($175), Stroll Through France’s Oldest City ($73) or Le Panier, the Heart of Marseille and Visit an Eco-Friendly Shop ($97).

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, overnight MSC Poesia

DAY 15 Genoa (Portofino, Italian Riviera)

Today explore the western end of the famed Italian Riviera coast, where the Alps and the Apennines cascade into the sea. Italy’s gateway to the glorious Italian Riviera, Genoa is home to the largest medieval city in Europe - a fascinating maze of winding alleyways, Renaissance palaces and historic architecture.

Southeast of the city, the picture-perfect exclusive fishing village of Portofino is etched into the mountainside; a stunning collection of pastel-coloured buildings hiding the affluent by day and overlooking the crystal clear aqua-marine harbour below. This charming Italian Riviera village is the perfect place to enjoy a beverage overlooking a super-yacht lined harbour, to stroll the high-end boutiques, feast at a seafood restaurant or wander the beautiful cobbled square.

Arrive into bustling Genoa at 7am for a full day of exploration before setting sail again at 4pm. You can spend an exciting day discovering the Italian Riviera your own way at your own pace or perhaps take one of the optional tours to see some of the local attractions like Protectours: A Segway Adventure Around Town ($132), A Scenic Bus Tour of the City’s Finest Sights ($59), Behind The Scenes at Italy’s Largest Aquarium ($89), Exploring Elegant Milan ($142), A Trip To Italy’s World-Class Aqarium ($81) or Navigate the City’s Storied Centre On Foot ($96).

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, overnight MSC Poesia

DAY 16 Arrive in Barcelona

Time to say goodbye to your fellow voyagers and friendly cruise hosts as your incredible voyage visiting these incredible North African and Mediterranean ports comes to an end.

You will be personally met by your HolidayMax representative at the port and transferred to your central Barcelona hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to make the most of your hotel’s facilities, perhaps take a stroll around the city on our final evening in beautiful Barcelona.

Breakfast, meet and greet personalised hotel transfer, overnight Barcelona hotel

DAY 17 Say goodbye to Barcelona

You will be personally met at your hotel by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to Barcelona Airport for your flight home.

Meet and greet personalised departure airport transfer

DAY 18 Arrive home

Enjoy the attentive service on your premium airline flight home.

Days at Sea

Enjoy thoroughly memorable days at sea aboard this premium cruise-liner where options are endless. Take advantage of MSC Poesia’s delicious and varied dining venues, comprehensive activities, relaxing resort facilities and exciting entertainment as we cruise through the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Days not listed above are spent at sea on your floating luxury home.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, overnight MSC Poesia

MSC Cruises in detail

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Overview Onboard Experience Cabins MSC Seaview

MSC Magnifica MSC Fantasia MSC Sinfonia

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Overview

Experience premium luxury cruising aboard one of the youngest fleets afloat. Relax into the sophisticated Mediterranean vibe surrounded by stylish Italian design, savouring the indulgent European hospitality.

- Premium Modern Ships (stylish Italian design)

- Sophisticated Cosmopolitan Cruising

- Elegant Mediterranean Vibe

- Contemporary Stylish Cabins

- Incredible Facilities

- Comprehensive Daytime Activities

- All Meals Included (restaurants plus 20 Hour Buffet)

- Optional Speciality Restaurants

- Mediterranean Hospitality (Michelin Star chefs)

- Cutting-edge Leisure Facilities & Gym

- Indulgent Spa & Wellness Options

- World Class Entertainment (including Big Shows)

Fine food prepared by highly acclaimed Michelin star chefs is at the heart of every MSC voyage, with an incredible choice of cuisines across various restaurants. Meet fellow voyagers in the many lounges and bars featuring breathtaking views.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with incredible night-time entertainment from world-class Broadway style big shows and themed parties to team games and contests. Engage in a comprehensive range of indoor and outdoor daytime activities, from sports tournaments and waterslides to arts workshops and ballroom dancing classes. MSC boasts several generations of ship, from brand new upscale ships to classical boutique sized, check the ship tabs here.

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Morocco, Canary Islands & Mediterranean Cruise with Barcelona Stay

18 Day Cruise Package

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* Starting holiday costs, per person, for 2 people sharing, on selected travel dates (off-peak). Travel on other dates attracts a surcharge. As prices vary based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the best deals! Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp477