MSC Cruises Greek islands: 7 nights from Bari with MSC Sinfonia
Jul 5, 2025

Santorini

Athens

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.

Syros

Katakolon

Korfu

Corfù is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, located off the northwestern coast of Greece and south of Albania. The Greek island is a natural paradise. It is the second largest island of Greece, with 220 km of coastline. Its geography is dominated by mountain ranges and reaching 1000 meters above sea level, you will find Mont Pantokrator.

This mountain divides the island into three different areas. The northern area, abundant in olive groves, features green valleys and coastlines that form both small and large bays. The central part, the most populous and important, is covered by dense vegetation and lush hills.

The southern area consists of a large plain with less vegetation than the other regions but is decidedly more fertile. The most lively part of the city is found at Liston, similar to Paris’ Rue de Rivoli- a grand avenue lined with beautiful cafes and excellent restaurants. On the other hand, the island also has beautiful beaches washed by the Ionian Sea.

One of the most beautiful walks in the capital is along the harbor promenade, next to the city walls, where you can contemplate the view of the city. Corfù was the first Greek Island to open its doors to tourism, becoming an important international tourist centre that attracts many visitors every year. Even if tourism is evident in the coastal areas, the island has managed to preserve its authenticity.

Bari

Bari is one of the most flourishing cities in southern Italy renowned for its important historic centre, once enterly sorrounded by walls. Some of them are still visible and inside them you can visit churches, several theatres and numerous medieval palaces connected by narrow and picturesque streets. Located between two provinces, Brindisi and Foggia, is the third most populous city for number of inhabitants in southern Italy after Naples and Palermo. The relics of St Nicholas, the city's patron saint, are kept in Bari, making its church an important Orthodox centre.

The conformation of the city resembles that of an eagle, whose head is represented by Bari Vecchia, the oldest part of the city. We suggest to you to visit Bari especially in spring and autumn, when the climate is milder and rainfall is scarce. In Bari there are many monuments to visit to those who decide to embark from its port and perhaps take a tour of the city. Don't miss the Cathedral of San Sabino, palazzo de Gemmis and in the center of the Murat district palazzo Mincuzzi, rich in Art Nouveau decorations.

If your ship allows you a long stopover and you are a nature lover, don't miss the Alta Murgia nature park or the Gargano park about 2 hours away from the city. In Bari, the main city park is the 2 Giugno park, with a rich and cool pine forest where you can relax and perhaps have a snack of the classic zeppole. For lunch, we recommend a dish of the famous Apulian orecchiette, Bari's cuisine is rich in traditional agricultural products such as extra virgin olive oil, wheat and tomatoes. Friselle, panzerotti, taralli and fried polenta are very famous. Also of great importance at the table is fresh fish, from gilthead bream alla San Nicola to meatball casserole.