Austrian Christmas Markets & MSC Seaside Maiden Voyage

Day 1 & 2

Arrive in Vienna, Austria

Welcome to elegant Vienna, the capital of Austria. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a YMT representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. (D)

✦ Leonardo Hotel Vienna or similar

Day 3

Vienna, Austria

This morning see the highlights of this cultural metropolis. We tour the massive Schoenbrunn Palace complex and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon visit one of Vienna’s magical Christmas markets. Step into the joy of Christmas with the beautiful streets of Vienna as your backdrop. Punch and chestnut stands invite you to try seasonal treats and stallholders get you in the Christmas spirit with handcrafted goods. (B)

Day 4

Salzburg, Austria

Today the tour continues to Salzburg, birthplace of famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Upon arrival enjoy a walking tour through old town Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with picturesque Baroque architecture. Visit the St. Michael’s Church – which you’ll recognize as the wedding chapel from the movie ‘Sound of Music’. In the evening visit the traditional Christmas Market at beautiful Cathedral Square which is an experience for all of the senses. (B,D)

✦ Wyndham Grand Salzburg or similar

Day 5

Mestre (Venice), Italy

Today we leave Austria and cross into neighbouring Italy. We drive south through the Trentino- Alto Adige region, transitioning us from the Alpine Austrian culture to the Mediterranean Italian as we traverse through the majestic Dolomite Mountains. After visiting one of Italy's traditional Christmas Markets we continue to our hotel in the Mestre near Venice. (B, D)

✦ Crowne Plaza Venice East or similar

Day 6

Venice, Italy & Embarkation

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of this amazing city built on a lagoon. Visit St. Mark’s Square, see the lavish Doges Palace, and the fabled Bridge of Sighs. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the MSC Seaside. Be prepared to be pampered as we board the world's newest cruise ship. (B)

Day 7

At Sea

Sailing from the Adriatic Sea into the Mediterranean Sea the Seaside begins it's maiden voyage to Miami. She will be the first ship in the MSC Cruises' fleet to be christened in the United States.

Day 8

Messina, Italy (12:00pm-8:00pm)

Welcome to Messina in Sicily – a glittering town spread up the hillside beyond its sickle-shaped Mediterranean harbor. There is plenty to do - discover Messina’s most important monument, the Duomo, or the charming hill town of Taormina, spectacularly located on a rocky bluff between the Ionian Sea and the soaring peak of Mount Etna, whose summit with its bleak lava wilderness is one of the most memorable landscapes Italy has to offer.

Day 9

At Sea

Today, relax, unwind, and rejuvenate at sea on the "ship that follows the sun" as she sails through the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 10

Palma de Mallorca, Spain (9:00 AM–11:55 PM)

The island’s large number of beaches and warm weather contribute to Mallorca’s recognition as one of Europe’s most popular summer vacation resorts. The island is also known as a favorite summer residence and retirement place of choice for Europe’s rich and famous including Spain’s royal family who spend their annual summer holidays on Mallorca.

Day 11

Barcelona, Spain (10:00 AM–6:00 PM)

The capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city. It is a modern, sophisticated urban center with a cultural heart dating back to the Middle Ages. The city offers a plethora of sites to explore – art museums, the spectacular Cathedral built by James II in 1298, the Olympic Park and more. If you love Antoni Gaudi’s architectural design, you should stroll the Gothic Quarter, making sure to include a visit to the Sagrada Família church. If you’re not quite a fan of Gaudi, shield your eyes and walk along the Ramblas shopping avenue, or contemplate Picasso’s bizarre works at a museum dedicated only to him.

Day 12

At Sea

Enjoy the mild climate as the Seaside cruises through the Mediterranean Sea entering the Strait of Gibraltar.

Day 13

Cadiz, Spain (8:00 AM–6:00 PM)

The oldest continuously-inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula and thought to be one of the oldest cities in all of Europe, Cadiz’ founding is dated to 1104 BC. The city and its seaport have been of great historical importance to the various cultures which ruled and influenced this region over the millennia. According to Greek legend, the city was founded by Hercules, son of Zeus; Carthage made Cadiz a base of its operations for Hannibal’s conquest of southern Iberia and later Christopher Columbus sailed from Cadiz on his second and fourth voyages to the New World. Visually, Cadiz has retained its historic appearance, with quaint but well-preserved ancient streets and Moorish architecture, all infused with the easy-going personality of southern Spain.

Day 14

At Sea

Today the Seaside leaves Continental Europe behind and begins her journey through the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 15

Funchal/Madeira Island, Portugal (8:00 AM–5:00 PM)

The mountainous isle of Madeira, also coined “The Flower Isle,” has been a popular European destination for years. It is considered the first territorial discovery of the Portuguese, who settled in Madeira in 1420. We arrive in the island’s capital and port, Funchal which got its name from the native funcho (fennel) plant which grows on the hills surrounding the bay. This idyllic island is perfect for exploring with its beautiful beaches, stunning lava-formed landscapes, and lush, green forests. Sampling the famed Madeira wines is also an absolute must.

Day 16 - 20

Transatlantic Crossing

As we leave Europe the Seaside sails westbound across the Atlantic Ocean toward the Caribbean.

Day 21

Philipsburg, St. Maarten (8:00 AM–6:00 PM)

Located in the Caribbean Sea, today’s port of call is a real treat on your cruise itinerary. The island is divided between two nations, Sint Maarten, the Dutch speaking part with its capital and port city Philipsburg and Saint Martin, where French is the official language, on the northern half of the island. Crystal-clear and stunningly turquoise water, white sandy beaches and lush green hills dominate the breathtaking landscape. The easy-going, friendly spirit of the Caribbean and year-round warm climate make this place appear paradise-like to visitors. Whether you would like to snorkel through coral reefs where colorful fish and turtles are tumbling in the warm waters or just enjoy Caribbean delicacies infused by French cuisine and a fruity cocktail, you are bound to leave the island with a smile on your face!

Day 22

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas - Virgin Islands (8:00 AM–6:00 PM)

St. Thomas is home to the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the town of Charlotte Amalie. It has been the heart of St. Thomas’ activities from colonial times to present. The island was first sighted in 1493 by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the new world, and historic buildings found throughout downtown Charlotte Amalie take visitors back to the Danish era when the town was a bustling trading port. Take a stroll through the city and discover its gems and head to Lille Trane, "little tower" in Danish. At the top of the climb, thrones the Blackbeard’s Castle, home to pirates for many years in the 18th century.

Day 23-24

San Juan, Puerto Rico (8:00 AM–2:00 PM)

Explore San Juan, with its steep, narrow streets distinctively cobbled with smooth, iridescent bricks known as adoquines with bright pastel facades and wrought-iron balconies abloom with plants and flowers. Old San Juan is considered one of the best-kept troves of Spanish colonial architecture.

Day 25

At Sea

One last full day at sea to relax before it's time to say goodbye to your vacation. Spend some time enjoying the entertainment and activity options that the Seaside has to offer.

Day 26

Miami and Depart for Home

Today, bid farewell to the Seaside, taking home a suitcase full of memories and stories to share from your YMT Transatlantic Cruise vacation!

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.