Twice as nice

My Cruises

Combining flights, cruises and sightseeing is one of the most stress-free ways to see Europe. Tallis Boerne Marcus discovers the joy of combining all these things into the ultimate European holiday.

Some travellers feel a cruise is the ultimate way to see Europe – lounging in comfort as you wake up to the sights of new countries and cities every single day. Other holidaymakers think the best way to do Europe is to be on the ground –rising early and walking the cobbled streets. But the best way might just be a combination of the two.

A fly, stay and cruise option, the 16-night Incredible Italy and the Greek Islands package with My Cruises combines European land travel with a 10-night Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic

To start the holiday, you’ll be flown to the fashion capital of Italy, Milan, where you’ll spend three nights exploring the city’s rich cultural offerings. Don’t miss the Gothic Duomo di Milano, the Teatro alla Scala Opera House and Sforzesco Castle. You’ll also dine out on the famous Milanese cuisine which draws its influence from Italy’s northern neighbours. As a side trip, you’ll spend a day sightseeing at Lake Como. Home to exquisite waterfront homes and upscale resorts, this region has dramatic scenery with the lake contrasting splendidly with its Alpine backdrop.

The next stop on the itinerary is Rome, home to ancient ruins of the Roman Empire with iconic sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican Museum, as well as St Peter’s Basilica. The shopping here is stupendous with high-end fashion designers’ boutiques set along the Spanish Steps.

The My Cruises itinerary includes a three-night stay with a two-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour so you’ll be able to see the major sites in the Italian capital.

At Rome’s Port of Civitavecchia, you’ll board the cruise ship Norwegian Epic for a 10-night discovery of the picture-perfect Greek Islands and Malta, before returning to Italy. The first day spent at sea is where you can acquaint yourself with the offerings on the fabulous ship. With 16 dining options and 20 bars and lounges, as well as a plethora of entertainment, there is so much to look forward to in the evenings – after busy days spent ashore.

The cruise’s first port of call is the postcard-perfect island of Santorini. The blue-roofed houses are a striking sight as you sail into port. Hike from Fira to Oia and explore red- and black-sandy beaches, or head out to see the caldera of Santorini volcano.

Norwegian Epic sails onwards to Corfu, one of the most popular of Greece’s Ionian Islands. Known for its green scenery and Venetian-inspired architecture, Corfu is best experienced on a visit to the ancient Old Town, where you can sit and reflect on your journey over a cocktail on the plaza.

The small UNESCO World Heritage site of fortress city Valletta in Malta is the next stop on the voyage. Here, you can shop for arts and crafts on Republic Street, uncover the region’s history at Parliament House or visit the ruins of the Royal Opera House.

Back in Italy, Norwegian Epic will head to Naples, the city of the sun. The city is the gateway to the archaeological site of Pompeii where you can explore the ruins of the city that was enveloped by Mount Vesuvius. For sun and beach lovers, Capri is just a one-hour ferry ride away. It’s known for its beautiful handmade sandals and one of the most well-known Italian natural sites, the Blue Grotto.

The last stop before disembarking in Rome, is Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. This romantic city is home to an astounding collection of artworks, not only in galleries and museums, such as the Uffizi, but also on the streets.

Day 17 of your land-and-sea holiday will see you disembarking Norwegian Epic. You can opt to fly home directly or extend your stay. Without a doubt, My Cruises has made your next European getaway an epic adventure where you don’t have to lift a finger. CT Visit mycruises.com.au, phone 1300 924 585 or scan the QR code for more information on this package.

Incredible Italy and the Greek Islands with My Cruises

• Economy flights to Milan returning from Rome

• A three-night hotel stay in Milan

• Lake Como Tour

• Scenic rail journey

• Three nights in Rome with bus sightseeing tour

• A 10-night ocean cruise on Norwegian Epic

• All onboard dining and entertainment and gratuities

• Bonus NCL Free at Sea, which includes onboard beverages, dining, WiFi, excursion credit and more

• Priced from $5990 per person

The unexpected Clockwise, from left: Monastere Saint Lucas, Greece; Ponant sailing the French Riviera; Portree on the Isle of Skye, Scotland; polar bears on Lancaster Sound, Canada; the pool on board Le Lyrial