Perillo Tours

MSC Divina is the newest ship in the MSC fleet. At 1,095 feet in length, the Divina will offer travelers a true Italian-style cruise experience. She has all the latest exciting features – gourmet- themed restaurants, sports complex, indoor- outdoor pools, a magnificent theater with top entertainment, and wonderful ports-of-call in the Western Mediterranean.

But that’s not good enough for our Perillo guests!

You see, the Divina carries 4,000 passengers in the main section of the ship. But on the upper deck is a private, wood-paneled “club” that looks and feels exactly like a high-end yacht, including our 24 hour private butler service!

CruiseCritic.com calls the MSC Yacht Club cabins, “the best suites at sea.” These are the suites Perillo Tours has reserved for you at the same price, or less, than cabins in the “back of the ship!”

And naturally, you have full access to the facilities throughout the main ship as well, including the restaurants, bars, clubs, casino, swimming pools and theater.

What’s Included:

• 7-night cruise Italy, Greece, Turkey & Croatia
• Yacht Club Suite with balcony
• 1 night stay in Venice at the First-Class hotel Palace Bonvecchiati.
• 3 airport transfers to the ship, to the hotel and back to the airport.
• 24 Hour Personal Butler Service
• Private Gourmet Dining in the Yacht Club’s specialty gourmet restaurants
• Room Service around the clock at no extra charge
• Private shipboard areas such as the “Top Sail Lounge” and “The One Pool”
• Private SPA with private access
• Private Pool & Bar
• Special private restaurants and menu selections
• Complimentary beverages including wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks
• Exclusive Retail Services offering jewelry to view in the privacy of your own suite

At a Glance:

DAY 1 - Friday Flight to Venice

The excitement begins with our overnight flight to Venice. Ask about Perillo’s low airfares to Italy. You are also free to book your own flights.

DAY 2 - Saturday Venice

Benvenuti in Italia! Whether you purchased your ticket through Perillo, or on your own, we’re happy to pick you up at the Venice Marco Polo Airport at scheduled times
for your transfer to your magnificent ship.

A blast of the Divina’s horn signals the start of our adventure! By now, you’ve had a personal orientation of the Yacht Club and learned the features of your suite. Some of us don’t have butlers at home, so go ahead – have him unpack your bags, shine your shoes and bring you an extra-dry martini. A person could get used to this!

DAY 3 - Sunday Bari

Our first port-of-call is Bari, the second most important city in southern Italy. (For extra credit: What is the first city of the South?) The Church of St. Nicholas and the Norman Castle are highlights of this city from which many American immigrants derive. You can also spend a few hours at the beach, or visit Matera where The Passion of The Christ was filmed.

DAY 4 - Monday Katakolon & Olympia, Greece

This morning we sail into the tiny port town of Katakolon, population 601. But the real reason for this stop is your optional visit to Olympia, site of the first Olympic games. We will admire the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Gymnasium, the Hippodrome and the imposing original Olympic stadium where the early Games were held and designed to hold up to 40,000 spectators.

DAY 5 - Tuesday Izmir & Ephesus, Turkey

This morning we dock in Izmir, close to Ephesus, important to the history of Turkey, as well as Christianity. You can enjoy an optional tour of Izmir, including the Art & History Museum and a visit to Karsiyaka with its lively Bazaar.

Or, visit the stunning archaeological site of Ephesus and visit the Odeon Theatre built to hold 25,000 spectators and still boasts excellent acoustics. In Roman times Ephesus was the second largest city after Rome. No wonder St. Paul stopped there twice to spread the ‘Good News’. The tour continues with the visit of Mary’s House where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life.

Again, these shore excursions are optional and can be purchased right on-board the Divina or in advance at www.msccruisesusa.com. But remember, this is your vacation! So feel free to disembark at your leisure while in port and do-your-own-thing, or do nothing at all.

DAY 6 - Wednesday Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling two continents, Europe & Asia, Istanbul is one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Visit the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and St. Sophia Church to admire the wonderful Byzantine mosaics. Experience the magnificent Topkapi Palace, center of the Ottoman Empire which also housed the Sultans and their Court.

Make time to indulge in a favorite Turkish pastime - shopping. Don’t really need a new carpet? Try your skills at haggling for one anyway. If you can outwit a Turkish carpet salesman, imagine the bargains you can strike back home!

DAY 7 - Thursday At Sea

No appointments, no obligations, the day is yours to relax at the spa, linger at lunch, watch a movie in your cabin, or do all three!

DAY 8 - Friday Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is the most underrated European city. Full of beauty and historical splendor, visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, a masterwork of stone and adorned with Venetian paintings.

Visit the famous city walls, a series of towers, bastions and fortifications surrounding the entire historical center and port. Built in the 12th century to defend the city against invaders, Dubrovnik’s 6300 feet of walls are considered some of the most beautiful and best preserved in Europe.

Finally, visit the Monastery of St. Francis whose cloister is one of the most magnificent sites in town; the Monastery also houses the oldest pharmacy in Europe, opened in 1317.

DAY 9- Saturday Venice

This morning it’s farewell to our new cruising friends, our Yacht Club staff, and yes, sadly our Butler. To soften the blow, we’ll whisk you from the pier to your hotel in Venice for a relaxing evening.

After check-in, walk over to St. Mark’s Square. Yes, the drinks are overpriced, but with its theater and live music, it’s a priceless experience.

This evening dinner is on your own.

DAY 10- Sunday Depart Venice for USA

This morning, your included boat transfer to the Venice airport will be at the ready to begin your trip home, arriving in the USA the same day. A warm “grazie” for traveling with the Perillo Tours family and please return soon! BB

Here are 5 great reasons to have Perillo book your air transportation:

1. Enjoy savings on Coach and Business Class through our specially contracted bulk rates.

2. Reserve your flights now, and pay later, when final payment is due.

3. Enjoy Perillo’s lenient air ticket change and refund policy.

4. Earn Frequent Flyer mileage on most airlines.

5. Our professional air department will choose the flights that work best with this specific itinerary.

• Open dining, with no assigned seats; tables seat 4 and 6

• Wine with dinner included; vegetarian meals are available

• Alternative bistro dining available in Lido Bar

• Room service breakfast available in Category 6 suites

• Complimentary snack baskets served from 2:00 PM to midnight

• E-mail available in Internet Corner of the Lido Bar; complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship; Wii games available on each riverboat

• Themed Happy Hour in the bar/lounge; piano music nightly

• Fitness center; whirlpool on sun deck, available 24 hours

• On-board entertainment programs include movie nights, cooking demonstrations, themed game nights and more

• Video-on-demand

• Accept cash (Euros), Visa, MasterCard, and American Express; no money exchange on board

• Tour Director audio commentary available in cabins

• Laundry service (limited); ironing available