Welcome to Dubai, surrounded by the azure waters of the Arabian Sea, sun-soaked beaches and rolling desert dunes. You’ll be dazzled by Dubai’s neck-cricking skyscrapers, including Burj Khalifa, at 828-metres-high the world’s tallest building, along with the glitzy shopping and biggest mall on the planet. Alongside the glamour, you’ll discover Dubai is rooted in rich tradition and fascinating history. Explore the ancient souks, including the famous gold and spice markets and historic Bur Dubai, the city’s oldest quarter, where along evocative streets you’ll find many Arabian heritage houses.

From Dubai, you’ll embark the incredible MSC World Europa, a brand new cruise ship that offers you an unforgettable next generation cruise experience. This spectacular vessel’s ground breaking design covers a striking futuristic silhouette shaped like an arrow and signature Y-shaped aft that opens onto an impressive outdoor promenade for breathtaking panoramic ocean views. On board the MSC World Europa, entertainment and dining options are taken to the next level, with a fantastic choice of new themed locations and activities.

The UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, offers a rival in the glamour stakes to its more freewheeling neighbour Dubai. Here, ultra-modern skyscrapers overlook white sand beaches, but you’ll also discover traditional culture in the souks, shisha cafés and bustling Dhow harbour – one of the oldest parts of Abu Dhabi. Pay a visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the world’s biggest mosques and spellbinding symbol of Islamic pride. The mosque’s gleaming white mass of domes and minarets are visible for miles. You can also head into the desert for the tranquil dunes of the otherworldly Empty Quarter.

Located off the shores of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas is the UAE’s largest natural island and home to a vast wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary, as well as ancient archaeological sites.  You can enjoy the beach experience of your dreams, or a safari like no other between the mangroves, the desert and protected bay areas – spotting some of the giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles that roam free. You could also visit the world’s biggest indoor theme park and get a thrill on the Ferrari-themed rides.  

If you’re seeking to unwind on this day at sea, MSC World Europa offers the ultimate poolside relaxation with six stunning pools that each offer a different atmosphere and experience suited to all ages. The 14 whirlpool baths soothe with water jets as you take in the marvellous ocean views, while the luxurious MSC Aurea Spa will pamper and revitalise with its thermal zone and wealth of wellness and beauty treatments.

Visiting Muscat, the capital of Oman, you’ll experience one of the oldest Middle Eastern cities and a taste of the enchanting ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ legend. You can discover remnants of Muscat’s glorious past at historic Muttrah, an intriguing and beautifully preserved old quarter, with a traditional souk. Other highlights extend to the Sultan’s Palace, a striking example of contemporary Arab architecture and the Grand Mosque of Sultan Qabus, where magnificent halls reveal motifs celebrating Arab culture.

During your next four days of cruising, you’ll have plenty of time to sample the fantastic choice of indoor and outdoor dining, centred on seasonality and creative expression.  The amazing six speciality restaurants and exciting gourmet experiences include the Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina. There are also three ample restaurant-buffets with their own distinct ambiance, plus new interactive experiences that extend to the trend-setting Chef’s Garden Kitchen focused on flavourful microgreens.

A city that marries history and modernity, Jeddah is the perfect place to explore the rich and vibrant culture and old traditions of Saudi Arabia. Dating back to the 7th century, Jeddah’s Old Town, Al Balad, is a World Heritage Site, where you can admire the historic palaces and traditional souk and may be welcomed with local hospitality and a treat of fresh dates and Arabic coffee. You can also visit the famed floating Al Rahma Mosque, built directly over the water and New Jeddah Corniche, offering stunning sea views from its waterfront boardwalk.  

Whether it’s day or night, there’s always something to see, do, or try out on the cutting-edge MSC World Europa. Don’t miss a stroll through the indoor promenade, featuring an iconic LED Dome and the 90-metre-long, partially open promenade, where you’ll discover a marvellous variety of entertainment, bars, and luxury boutiques. Don’t miss the promenade’s centrepiece, The Spiral, a stunning architectural dry slide – the longest of its type at sea – a fun way to zip down the ship from decks 20 to eight.  

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.

Captivating sights daytime leads to a variety of magical entertainment on board come the nighttime. You can enjoy the glamour and buzz in the elegantly designed casino or experience the thrills of the MSC Formula Racer and 4D Cinema, while at Luna Park Studio, you can catch an amazing show or performance. To nicely round-off the evening, the diverse range of bars and lounges match any mood, focused on artisan and craft products. Enjoy the Mixologist Bar with elaborate signature cocktails, the South Asian-style tea room or the duplex Masters of the Sea Pub, which brews its own craft beer.

Under the 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.  The oldest part of Naples, its intoxicating city centre, is a World Heritage Site, while a vast array of historically significant sites nearby includes the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, buried in ash with the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Naples is also the gateway to the alluring Isle of Capri, Amalfi Coast and cliff-top town of Sorrento.  

You’ll stop at Civitavecchia, the ancient seaport of Rome and from here, transfer to the Eternal City itself. The ancient capital of the Roman Empire and centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, incredible Rome is acknowledged as the world’s biggest open-air museum. With its unparalleled history and astounding monuments and archaeological sites, such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica, Rome provides an inexhaustible sightseeing feast, as well as a taste of La Dolce Vita (the sweet life) in the charming piazzas and cafés.

Disembark MSC World Europa in Genoa, another of Italy’s historic port cities and the birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus. From Genoa, you’ll be transferred to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake and one of its most scenic regions. In all directions, stunning Lake Garda offers much to see and do. Visit Sirmione and delve into its thermal springs, extraordinary castle and Roman ruins, or Riva del Garda with its medieval fortifications and cobblestone streets. Enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hill hiking and be sure to take the cable car up Monte Baldo for panoramic lake views.  

Thanks to the mild climate, Italian sunshine and fertile slopes, vines thrive around Lake Garda. Thus, you’ll notice numerous wineries stretching across the verdant countryside, some producing internationally acclaimed wines. Today you’ll enjoy an exciting half-day wine tasting tour at a nearby local winery. Here, you’ll gain fascinating insight into Lake Garda’s soil and grapes, how the vines are cultivated and the many wine varieties. This will be followed by an exclusive tasting of three typical wines, accompanied by some locally produced cheeses, olives, and crusty bread sticks.

Today your truly memorable 23-night cruise and tour adventure concludes and it’s time to depart Lake Garda for your transfer to the airport and onward flight home.