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Eastern Mediterranean Cruise
8 DAYS FROM £789
The resort was great and the weather in August superb. We took a day trip to Venice and it is the most beautiful city and not to be missed.
Will definitely recommend Archers Direct to all our friends. We are already planning our next trip!
If we had worried that sheer volume of passengers on our enormous liner, the MS Musica - meant being treated like so many battery hens, such a notion was swiftly dispelled. The booking-in procedure was efficiently faultless, and with the minimum of delay we were shown to our large modern cabin with its neat bathroom, comfortable beds, patio doors leading to the balcony, and like everything else on board, totally spotless.
The reason why people 'do' cruising is immediately apparent. No tired end-of-season personnel here. No waiting, fighting to get served, in some heaving sea-front tourist trap. All the crew were happy, smiling, courteous, and helpful, nothing was too much trouble.
So what else could the MS Musica show us? Well, we loved the free lazy-morning
wake-me-up-slow coffee and croissants taken on the balcony each day as a fiery Mediterranean sun scaled the distant horizon; the 'eat as much as you like' lunch and breakfast buffets; the dinner, a leisurely affair of several courses, served by our own smiling waiter for the week, 'Subriani', whose attentive service, and sing-song "Have a nice din-nerr!", made the meal. During the day, the girls would go to their calorie burning fitness and yoga sessions, we boys worked our way through latte's, cool beers, maybe an ice cream or two, or three……..but our evenings always finished together with a visit to the superb theatre for the late entertainment.
This wasn't our first cruise, and it won't be our last. A more enjoyable way of seeing the beautiful landscapes, historic towns and buildings, not to forget the gorgeous Venice, I can't imagine. If I had to sum it all up in one word? How about 'Win-Win' for Archers and the Musica? So that's two words, who's counting!
I should also say we have also booked a further 2 week cruise with yourselves in August next year, so, please, keep up the good work.
Cruise the sparkling Mediterranean and relax amidst the medieval marvels of Bari and Dubrovnik, the classical wonders of Athens and Olympia, and the captivating beauty of the Greek Islands.
Cruise Highlights
Bari
Corfu
Santorini
Mykonos
Piraeus for Athens
Katakolon for Olympia
Dubrovnik
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Venice - UK
Accommodation as per cruise ship and hotel details
Meals: Full board on cruise ship, meals in hotels as per hotel details
Local representative in resorts
Transfers between the overseas airport, hotels and cruise ship
All local, port and airport taxes/service charges
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Venice.
Fly to Venice where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the port of Venice to embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica. Your cruise is full board from dinner this evening until breakfast on day 8. (D)
DAY 2: Bari.
Facing the Adriatic, on the edge of the plateau of the Terra di Bari, Bari is divided into two main parts marked out by the Corso Vittorio Emanuele: the old city, a network of medieval streets and monuments, where visitors will lose themselves in the beauty of the impressive Romanesque-Pugliese structures, and the quarters which were developed after 1820 and characterised by perfectly straight streets and squares. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: Corfu.
This picturesque island is a popular holiday destination, and is known for its splendid beaches. The Old Town of Corfu has many colourful shops and lovely arcades and the surrounding countryside is filled with rich orange and olive groves. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Santorini - Mykonos.
Santorini is a beautiful crescent shaped island with sheer cliffs that rise out of the sea. Visit Thira town, thought by many to be the lost city of Atlantis. Take a walk through the streets, with their characteristic white houses, with blue domed roofs and wonderful views over the sea. In the evening the ship docks at the fascinating Greek island of Mykonos famed for its cosmopolitan nightlife and Greek hospitality. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Piraeus (for Athens).
After breakfast why not join an optional sightseeing tour of the Acropolis and Athens? The tour includes a visit to the Parthenon and the Acropolis museum, followed by a tour of the city by coach. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Katakolon (for Olympia).
Katakolon on Greece's Peloponnese is the gateway to ancient Olympia, which was not only the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it was also a sanctuary dedicated to the god Zeus. Highlights of an optional excursion to Olympia include the ruins of the spectacular Temple of Zeus and the vast stadium, built to hold 45,000 spectators. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Dubrovnik.
Noted for its imposing buildings, squares and fortified walls, Dubrovnik is Croatia's best preserved medieval city. It lies on the rugged southerly coast beside olive and pine bordered shingle beaches. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Venice - UK.
Early morning arrival in Venice is a wonderful lasting memory. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
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View Deck PlansMSC Musica




Your cruise ship, the Italian owned MSC Musica, was built specifically for MSC Cruises and launched in June 2006. This elegant ship has been designed with unmistakeable Italian style décor, fully equipped with the highest quality materials and luxurious amenities to guarantee you cruise in comfort. On board, you will find a long-standing dedication to hospitality and service, in a warm and friendly environment.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Sun deck; 2 swimming pools; 9 bars; 2 poolside bars; theatre; shopping gallery; fitness centre; spa area; hairdresser; beauty centre; foreign exchange; laundry service; library and internet café.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. There are 4 restaurants on board, serving the finest international cuisine with a number of Italian speciality choices as well. Main dining is in 2 restaurants, however, in addition there is 1 cafeteria and 1 à la carte restaurant.
Cabins
All cabins have twin or double beds; some cabins may have upper bunks for additional travelling companions; air-conditioning/heating; TV; telephone; radio; minibar; safe; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category 2 inside cabin or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions
2 Twin/double inside lower deck cabin
3 Twin/double inside upper deck cabin
4 Twin/double outside lower deck cabin
6 Twin/double outside lower deck cabin with balcony
11 Twin/double outside upper deck cabin with balcony
Tipping
It is customary to tip staff on board that give a personal service. In order to help, a sum of approximately 6 euros per person per day will be added as a fixed amount to your on board account. This gratuity will be shared amongst the staff. This is of course discretionary and should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk at any point during your cruise.
Holiday Extensions
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Add the Alpine Italy, Austria & Slovenia tour -
In addition to a wonderful week relaxing on your cruise, why not spend the first week of your holiday on the the Alpine Italy, Austria & Slovenia tour? On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the port of Venice to embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica.
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Add Discover Medieval Italy Tour -
In addition to a wonderful week relaxing on your cruise, why not spend the first week of your holiday on the Discover Medieval Italy tour ? On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the port of Venice to embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica.
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Add Discover Romantic Italy Tour -
In addition to a wonderful week relaxing on your cruise, why not spend the first week of your holiday on the Discover Romantic Italy tour? On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the port of Venice to embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica.
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Add Discover Tuscany Tour -
In addition to a wonderful week relaxing on your cruise, why not spend the first week of your holiday on the Discover Tuscany tour? On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the port of Venice to embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica.
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Add a week in Lake Garda - 7 Extra nights from £230
After your cruise why not stay on for a relaxing week by beautiful Lake Garda.
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Add a week in Lido di Jesolo - 7 Extra nights from £226
After your cruise, why not stay on for a relaxing week in the popular beach resort of Lido di Jesolo?
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Add The Magic of the Italian Lakes Tour -
In addition to a wonderful week relaxing on your cruise, why not spend the first week of your holiday on the The Magic of the Italian Lakes tour? On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the port of Venice to embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica.
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Add Treasures of Italy Tour -
In addition to a wonderful week relaxing on your cruise, why not spend the first week of your holiday on the Treasures of Italy tour? On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the port of Venice to embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica.
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Add Venice, Florence & Rome Tour -
In addition to a wonderful week relaxing on your cruise, why not spend the first week of your holiday on the Venice, Florence & Rome tour? On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the port of Venice to embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica.
Accommodation on Extensions
Add the Alpine Italy, Austria & Slovenia tour -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Poppi at Mira (4*); Bled area: Krek at Lesce (3*); Salzburg area: Schweighofen at Eugendorf (3*); Dolomites area: Union or Post at Dobbiaco (3*); Venice area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Poppi at Mira (4*).
Add Discover Medieval Italy Tour -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*).
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Michelangelo




A very pleasant hotel set in beautiful countryside and surrounded by 4 hectares of park and pine woods - the perfect recipe for a relaxing holiday.
Location: Close to the centre of Chianciano, only 600 metres away, and reached by a pleasant walk or the free shuttle service.
Facilities: Swimming pool; sunbeds and parasols; floodlit tennis courts; large panoramic terrace with solarium; sauna; TV room with English language channels; snack bar; lounge bar; restaurant; lift; telephone, safety deposit box and minibar in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath and wc; balcony; air-conditioning; satellite TV; cable radio.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star. -
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President



The President is a well-established hotel. Inside is modern and relaxing with all the comforts you would expect from a 3 star establishment.
Location: In a stunning location surrounded by public gardens and trees and commanding glorious countryside views over Valdichiana.
Facilities: Rooftop swimming pool with solarium; sunbeds; restaurant; local and international cuisine; 2 American bars; TV room with English language channels; occasional evening dance; garden; lift; telephone, safety deposit box and minibar in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath, shower and wc; air-conditioning (May-Sep); satellite TV and balcony.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 3 star.
Add Discover Romantic Italy Tour -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice Area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Lugano at Marghera (4*).
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Grand Hotel Porro




The hotel, built in Liberty style and completely refurbished recently, offers a refined and elegant atmosphere and is equipped with all the modern comforts available.
Location: Situated within a century-old park, next to the town centre just 200 metres from shops, bars and restaurants.
Facilities: Free use of public thermal indoor swimming pool (close by); games room; jacuzzi; restaurant; in-house spa and wellness centre including steam room; lounge bar; TV room; minibar and safe in bedrooms; lifts.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath or shower and wc; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); TV.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star. -
Valentini


plusThis characteristic Liberty style hotel owned by the Salsomaggiore Spa, offers peace and comfort as well as superb regional and international cuisine.
Location: Only 200 metres from the shops, bars and restaurants, the hotel is located in the heart of a century-old park.
Facilities: Free use of public thermal indoor swimming pool (close by); games room; in-house spa and wellness centre including jacuzzi; restaurant; lounge bar; TV room; minibar and safe in bedrooms; lifts.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath or shower and wc; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); TV.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star.
Add Discover Tuscany Tour -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice Area: Poppi at Mira (4*) or Palladio at Malcontenta (3*).
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Grand Hotel Plaza




This elegant hotel with its beautiful and classic décor, boasts a reputation for quality and a warm, friendly ambience.
Location: In the centre of town, close to shops, bars and restaurants and some of the towns many spas.
Facilities: Swimming pool; sun terrace; gardens; 3 restaurants; large lounge area; American bar; minibar and safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; hairdryer; satellite TV and air-conditioning.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star. -
Imperial Garden


plusBuilt in 1910, the Hotel Imperial Garden has recently undergone a complete refurbishment. It provides comfort and relaxation in a charming old-world environment.
Location: The hotel enjoys an excellent location in the heart of Montecatini. It is situated just a short distance from the spa centre, which is easily reached through luscious green gardens.
Facilities: Swimming pool and sun terrace roof garden; restaurant; bar; air-conditioning; lounge area; lifts; minibar and safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath or shower; wc; hairdryer; air-conditioning; satellite TV and telephone.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star.
Add a week in Lake Garda - 7 Extra nights from £230
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Savoy Palace




A popular modern hotel with a sense of spaciousness set in a tranquil location surrounded by bright and colourful gardens. Only a stone's throw away from the lake and promenade into the centre of Riva.
Location: 150 metres from a shingle beach and 1 kilometre from the centre of Riva.
Facilities: New swimming pool with free sunbeds, parasols and pool towels; hydromassage pool; heated indoor pool and sauna; pool bar (mid Jun to Sep); spacious restaurant with show cooking breakfast and 4 course evening meals with choice of menu and salad buffet; modern lounge area serving snacks and a wide selection of cocktails; bicycle hire (subject to availability); lifts; twice a week gala dinners; live music and dancing 6 times a week; happy hour 5-6pm.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; hairdryer; air-conditioning (15 Jun-15 Sep); safety deposit box (refundable deposit); satellite TV; balcony; minibar.
Options: Sole occupancy.
Official category: 4 star.
Special offers: Complimentary 1/4 litre wine and 1/2 litre mineral water with evening meal; tea/coffee and biscuits from 4-5pm; free use of bicycles when available. -
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Splendid Palace




Located in an idyllic setting amidst old lemon groves with spectacular views over Limone and across the lake to Malcesine.
Location: Situated 300 metres up the hill from Limone village centre.
Facilities: Two swimming pools with free sunbeds and parasols, one overlooking the lake and one close to the lake, indoor pool with whirlpool and sauna; pool bar; restaurant; sun terrace with bar service; lounge bar; TV area; lifts; live music three times a week; safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; balcony; lake view; air-conditioning (Jun-Aug); TV; telephone.
Options: Single room with balcony and lake view; junior suite with jacuzzi.
Official category: 4 star.
Special offers: A choice of local wine, beer or soft drinks, all on draught, included during dinner; complimentary afternoon tea or coffee and biscuits (from 4-5pm); candlelit Gala dinner and live music once a week; complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for all bookings made before 28 February 2009. -
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Le Palme




This 17th century Venetian style hotel is perfectly located for a relaxing stay, with pleasant surroundings and stunning views across Lake Garda.
Location: Situated right on the shore of Lake Garda and in the centre of Limone with its quaint cobbled streets and shops close by.
Facilities: Restaurant; TV lounge; bar; lift; swimming pool (100 metres from the hotel); sun terrace; safety deposit box in bedrooms (charge).
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; air-conditioning (Jun-Aug); lake view.
Options: Single on request.
Official category: 4 star.
Special offers: A choice of local wine, beer or soft drinks, all on draught, included during dinner; candlelit Gala dinner and live music once a week. Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for bookings made before 28th February 2009.
Add a week in Lido di Jesolo - 7 Extra nights from £226
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Cambridge




With an excellent location on the seafront, the Cambridge is a stylish hotel with a friendly atmosphere.
Location: Set on the golden sandy beach of Jesolo, 5 minutes walk from the Piazza Mazzini.
Facilities: Swimming pool with small whirlpool; sunbeds for hire and parasols; private section of beach with free chairs and parasols; restaurants; pool bar; snack bar by the terrace; lifts; Gala night and live music (Saturday); fridge and safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; balcony; side sea view; air-conditioning (Jun-Aug); hairdryer and satellite TV.
Options: Single room (on request); full board.
Official category: 4 star. -
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Principe Palace




A family run hotel with excellent standards of accommodation and service. The rooftop pool offers great views to the sea and across the resort.
Location: Facing the Piazza Mazzini with an abundance of cafés, shops and restaurants right outside; 150 metres from the beach.
Facilities: Rooftop swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols; pool bar; private section of beach; restaurant; lounge bar; table tennis; lifts; 18-hole golf course nearby (20% discount); occasional evening entertainment in high season; fridge and safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; balcony; satellite TV; air-conditioning (mid Jun-mid Sep); hairdryer.
Options: Single room (on request).
Official category: 4 star.
Special offer: FREE use of bicycles when available.
Add The Magic of the Italian Lakes Tour -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Poppi at Mira (4*); Lake Maggiore: Villa Azalea at Baveno (3*) or Miralago at Verbania (3*); Lake Como: Lario at Mezzegra (3*) or Como at Como (4*); Lake Garda: Royal at Riva (3*).
Add Treasures of Italy Tour -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Albatros at Mestre (4*); Assisi: Antonelli at Santa Maria Degli Angeli (3*); Sorrento Area: Rivage or Central Park (3*); Rome: Fleming (4*); Florence area: Europa at Signa (3*).
Add Venice, Florence & Rome Tour -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice Area: Albatros at Mestre (4*) or Poppi at Mira (4*); Rome: Princess or Parco Tirreno (4*); Florence Area: Meridiana at Florence or Ibis at Sesto Fiorentino or Europa at Signa (3*).
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