Fly into Johannesburg, South Africa for the start of your epic adventure. One of the youngest of the world’s major cities, Johannesburg was founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold and is today, South Africa’s largest city. This ‘City of Gold’ emanates an electric energy, buzzing with new marketplaces, breweries and restaurants, jazz clubs and artistic enclaves. Sample the huge diversity of cuisines cultivated by the city’s mix of cultures at the Yeoville Food Market and learn about Johannesburg’s history at one of many fascinating museums.

You’ll transfer from Johannesburg for a secluded lodge nestled within the Pilanesberg National Park, a place of breath-taking beauty and serenity and home to abundant wildlife and bird species. During your three-night stay, you’ll join daily bush walks and game drives in Pilanesberg National Park, conducted by experienced rangers and game trackers. They are e always eager to share their knowledge of the environment and will also happily assist you with any wildlife photography. This is a thrilling way to experience the incredible African wilderness and game: here, you’ll track down Africa’s ‘Big Five’– the elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhino. Joining the Big Five are an abundance of game including rare species such as wild dog or cheetah, plus more than 300 bird species.

You’ll fly on to Zambia and historic Livingstone, located near Victoria Falls, one of the world's biggest waterfalls. During your three-night stay, you’ll take a guided walking tour around the majestic falls, encountering spectacular views of the tumbling cascades crashing over the cliffs, plunging into whirlpools below. Later, you’ll embark the Lady Livingstone River Safari for a boat cruise along the Zambezi River, admiring the wildlife and stunning sunset. You can also enjoy an exciting ride through the Zambezi River Valley while dining on board the Royal Livingstone Express, a restored locomotive train.

Today, you’ll fly to Cape Town, a vibrant port city on South Africa’s southwestern coast boasting a dramatic setting: resting on a peninsula in the picturesque Cape of Good Hope and cradled by the imposing Table Mountain. Known as ‘The Mother City of South Africa,’ Cape Town not only presents scenic sights, but a fascinating melting pot of cultures and cosmopolitan delights. You’ll find plenty of things to do, but no stay is complete without a cable car ride up to Table Mountain’s flat top, from where you can admire panoramic city views spread out below.

Today you’ll depart Cape Town and embark the MSC Orchestra, commencing an unforgettable 27-night cruise. MSC Orchestra may be considered a small cruise ship by today’s leviathan standards, but you’ll soon discover she still manages to encompass plenty of comfort, quality and choice on board. Whether you like to be active or prefer to let the world pass by as you unwind, you’ll find this attractive ship accommodates all preferences.

As you sail to your first port of call, settle in on board and get acquainted with all that your sophisticated cruise ship offers. Get ready to dive into one of the inviting pools, let your hair down at the themed parties, indulge your taste buds in one in one of the amazing restaurants, or play a round of mini-golf. For the days and nights ahead on this multi-country journey, you’ll find there’s plenty to keep you amused, entertained and relaxed.

Durban is now a must-see stop in South Africa with good reason. You can enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and a stroll along the esplanade at Durban’s Golden Mile stretch of beach. Soak up the city buzz along lively Florida Road, where you can browse the galleries and boutique shops and enjoy the café culture. Durban makes a good place to learn about the fascinating Afro-Indian culture – more Indians reside in Durban than any other country outside India itself – and South African native Zulu culture.

Let MSC Orchestra take you on an exciting culinary voyage of discovery that will surely delight your tastebuds. In the ship’s main restaurants, Mediterranean food takes centre stage, tempting with French, Italian and Spanish flavours, while the Dessert Corner and extensive buffet are other notables. You can also explore gourmet highlights of the world’s finest cuisines in the relaxed and authentic atmosphere of the ship’s speciality bars and restaurants. Perhaps treat yourself to a special night out in Shanghai Chinese Restaurant, which specialises in Cantonese and Sichuan dishes including authentic Dim Sum, or La Piazzetta, where you’ll discover the finest pizza outside Naples.

Located in the sparkling Indian Ocean, remote Réunion Island nestles between Madagascar and Mauritius and is truly a beautiful island to explore. This hidden treasure is known for its incredible landscapes, from rain forested interiors punctuated with cascading waterfalls and vanilla plantations, to pristine white sand beaches and vivid coral reefs. You can hike to the Piton des Neiges, dine on a fusion of Creole, Indian and Chinese cuisine and swim in the clear turquoise lagoons.

Today you’ll sail into Port Louis, the capital city and gateway to idyllic Mauritius. Sugar white sands, enchanting lagoons and verdant mountains make every photograph snapped in Mauritius look postcard perfect. This idyllic tropical island, ringed by pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear water, is justifiably popular for its stunning natural attractions, boat excursions to spot whales and dolphins and freshly caught seafood. Here you can hike, stroll the botanical gardens, snorkel amongst multi-coloured fish, or simply laze beside the Indian Ocean.

Come the evening, be sure to check out the stylish and distinctive bars and lounges on board the MSC Orchestra; whatever your desire and tastes, refreshment is never far away. Let your enjoyment of every marvellous moment linger as you savour the extensive international selection of fine wines, thirst-quenching beers, classic and innovative cocktails. If you’re looking for something a bit sophisticated, head to the classy Martini Bar, with its extensive menu of martinis, where you can rediscover your favourite “Tini” in style!

An archipelago of more than a hundred islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles present a true tropical paradise. It’s also a haven for a unique array of flora and fauna, while almost half of its land mass is set aside for protected national parks and reserves. Home to pristine white sand beaches lapped by transparent waters teeming with multi-coloured coral and marine life, this stunning archipelago is one of the planet’s finest spots for diving and snorkelling.

During your days at sea, MSC Orchestra will make every moment of your cruise a special occasion, but it’s perhaps when the sun sets that things on board move up a gear! As darkness falls, head to one of the ship’s many bars for games, quizzes and live music. At Shakers Lounge, sip on a pre-dinner cocktail as the pianist plays some favourite tunes or dance the night away to hits performed by the house band. Or savour thrilling entertainment that includes cabaret-style productions, concerts and magic shows in the three-tiered venue, Covent Garden Theatre.

Your next exciting stop is Aqaba, a port city located on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba. Jordan's only coastal city boasts a myriad of beaches and is a popular destination for windsurfing and other water sports. It’s also renowned for its scuba diving boasting exquisite coral reef; notable dive sites include the Yamanieh reef in the Aqaba Marine Park, south of the city. Inhabited since 4000 B.C., Aqaba is also home to the stunning Islamic-era Aqaba Fort and serves as the gateway to the pink sandstone city of Petra, one of the new ‘Seven Wonders of the World,’ and the sweeping desert-scape of Wadi Rum.

For the next two days, you’ll cruise through the Suez Canal in Egypt, an artificial sea-level waterway running for 193-kilometres through Egypt. The Suez Canal connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea through the Isthmus of Suez and separates the African continent from Asia. Constructed back in the 1860s, the canal’s historic inauguration had a dramatic effect on world trade and politics and today ranks as one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. On board, you’ll notice the low-lying delta of the Nile River to the west and the higher, rugged and arid Sinai Peninsula to the east.

Relaxing, feeling healthy and looking your best is all part of the MSC Cruises experience. And on this day cruising the ocean waves, you’ll have a chance to relax and rejuvenate at the stunning spa. This blissful haven boasts an exotic interior of natural stone, precious woods and rich mosaics and within, coms equipped with specific and massage treatment suites. As well as magical massages, including traditional Balinese Massage, pamper yourself at the Thermal Area, where you can enjoy a soothing sauna, a relaxing steam and an invigorating whirlpool bath.

A lively port city and capital of the gorgeous Greek island of Crete, modern Heraklion reveals fascinating millennia of history. The Venetian port is flanked by a 16th-century Koules fortress and the city reveals Turkish fountains and Venetian architecture. Explore two of Crete’s most important monuments from the ancient Minoan civilisation: the Palace of Knossos, a vast archaeological site containing well-preserved frescoes, baths and throne room and the hill-top Palace of Phaistos. Alternatively, relax at one of the beautiful beaches surrounding the port.

You might want to look your very best for another great night out on board, or perhaps when you arrive at the glamorous Italian cities of Naples and Rome! At the chic beauty salon, make the most of highly specialised and professional staff who are expert in aesthetic treatments, delivering excellent beauty results. At the hair salon, refresh your look with a new hairstyle and indulge in different hair care packages – leaving the salon beautifully styled and groomed. There’s a dedicated Barber Shop for gentlemen who also want to keep looking their very best!

Under the imposing shadow of Mt. Vesuvius, the ancient port city of Naples is famed for its cache of medieval and Baroque architecture and centuries-old culture and customs. A legacy of 3,000 years of history has left Naples with a wealth of historical buildings and monuments, from medieval castles to grand piazzas, plus a vast array of culturally and historically significant sites nearby. Naples’s intoxicating central old town is the largest of its kind in Europe and a World Heritage Site and exploring on foot will take you back centuries. In this southern Italian city, you’ll also discover a heady mix of old-world charm and modern dynamism; as Naples is the original birthplace of pizza, be sure to sample the authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Your marvellous cruise journey concludes today as you disembark the MSC Orchestra in the ancient port of Civitavecchia. However, the excitement doesn’t stop here as you’ll be transferred to nearby Rome, the spectacular Italian capital, for a wonderful one-night hotel stay. The ancient capital of the Western World and centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome is known as the world’s biggest open-air museum. With its unparalleled history and astounding monuments and archaeological sites, such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica, this ‘Eternal City’ provides an inexhaustible feast of sightseeing. However, Italy’s dazzling capital city is also a bustling metropolis and brims with a mesmerising ambiance, where you’ll perhaps get to live the La Dolce Vita.

Today your epic 37-night cruise and tour adventure draws to a conclusion. You’ll bid ‘arrivederci’ to Rome and then transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, filled with incredible memories that you’ll surely cherish for a lifetime.