MSC Lirica
September 17, 2027

Ancona, Italy, docks at Molo Wojtyla, 1 kilometer from the old town, with shuttles or a 15-minute walk. The city, population 100,000, features the 12th-century Cathedral of San Ciriaco on a hilltop with Adriatic views. Travelers explore the Arch of Trajan, a 14-meter Roman relic from 115 AD. Excursions to Urbino, 90 minutes west, visit Renaissance palaces. Local markets sell olive ascolane (stuffed olives). Peak season May to September; buses 1.50 EUR. Dining includes brodetto (fish stew). Souvenirs feature lacework.

Venice, Italy, offers docking at Venice Port. Travelers explore St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace. Excursions visit Murano’s glass factories. Local markets sell tiramisu. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for canal tours. Photography captures grand canals and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes risotto, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like Murano glass, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Venetian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance canal walks. Venice’s iconic charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic waterways, making Venice an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s lagoon city.

Kotor, Montenegro, offers docking at Kotor Port. Travelers explore Old Town walls and St. Tryphon Cathedral. Excursions include hiking Lovćen National Park. Local markets sell njeguški pršut. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval alleys and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes cicvara, a Montenegrin favorite. Souvenirs, like olive wood crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Illyrian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fortress hikes. Kotor’s historic charm offers a vibrant Montenegrin stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic bays, making Kotor an engaging destination.

Mykonos, Greece, offers docking at Mykonos Port. Travelers explore Little Venice and Mykonos Windmills. Excursions include Delos Island ruins. Local markets sell loukoumades. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures whitewashed streets and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes souvlaki, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cycladic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance island walks. Mykonos’ picturesque charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic ruins and scenic beaches, making Mykonos an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s Cyclades.

Syros, Greece, offers docking at Ermoupoli Port. Travelers explore Ano Syros and Miaouli Square. Excursions visit Galissas Beach. Local markets sell loukoumi. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures neoclassical mansions and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cycladic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance town walks. Syros’ cultural charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic architecture and scenic beaches, making Syros an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s Cyclades islands.

Returning to Mykonos — see Day 5 above for port info.

Returning to Ancona — see Day 1 above for port info.