From Segways to sea kayaks to dog sleds!

While every journey with MSC Cruises is an exciting exploration of land by sea, many travellers are surprised to learn that sailing on a state-of-the-art cruise ship is not the only fun-filled mode of transport to enjoy during their voyage.

Whether hiking, biking or dog-sledding through majestic northern landscapes where the sun never sets or driving Segways and off-road vehicles through the Med, MSC Cruises’ shore excursion programme offers some rather unique ways of exploring each port of call. 

Dramatic train and dog-sled rides through awe-inspiring northern landscapes

Calls in the remote northern European wilderness offer up an array of fun ways to enjoy a truly unforgettable encounter with nature.

From Longyearbyen, the world’s most northerly town,  travellers can enjoy an amazing dog-sled tour, where packs of eager canines pull delighted explorers through incredible landscapes.

The magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Geirangerfjord can be discovered on a unique tour by RIB boat (a safe, rigid, inflatable boat), introducing travellers to the picture-postcard Nordic landscape and a fascinating historical fjord farm.

While hiking and kayaking opportunities abound,  Norwegian ports of call also boast some of the world’s most spectacular stretches of railway. Sharp bends and mountain tunnels open up a world of deep valleys and breath-taking waterfalls, and journeys include an exhilarating train ride through the famous Flåm valley and a wonderful adventure from Romsdalsfjord. 

Adventurous spirits will love the Icelandic jeep adventure from Reykjavik, where a “super truck” built to weather exceptionally tough conditions passes by beautiful lakes and lush farmlands, and through birch forests and rocky landscapes carved by the forces of nature and time.

During an overnight call in Saint Petersburg, travellers can set sail on a unique white night Neva cruise on the beautiful River Neva, passing many beautiful famous sights and enjoying a colourful display of traditional Russian dances and songs on a charming local boat.

On certain northern European itineraries, travellers can now pedal their way through enchanting landscapes and cosmopolitan cities with the MSC Bike Experience; organized bike tours available in many ports of call. 

Explore sun-kissed Mediterranean cities in style

In Dubrovnik, an all-new Segway tour offers up a fun way to admire the walled Croatian city and its beautiful old town.  With their Segway,  travellers will climb even the steepest of hills with ease, and be rewarded with wonderful views of landscapes, parks and beaches.

On the beautiful island of Corfu, wonderful scenery and pretty villages are even more fun to discover in a self-drive jeep, while Sicilian cities, beautiful landscapes, folk traditions and historical roads can be explored from Messina in the comfort of a modern off-road vehicle.

Standing at the gateway to the Mediterranean, breath-taking views from the top of the Rock of Gibraltar, reputed to be one of the two legendary Pillars of Hercules, can be enjoyed on a cable-car tour to the very top.

In Istanbul, a fascinating boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Istanbul into two,  is the perfect way to explore the magical and mystical meeting point of Europe and Asia.

The highlights of Montenegro can be seen from a completely new perspective with a relaxing kayak tour along Kotor Bay, while a catamaran tour offers a closer look at Palma’s beautiful coastline, passing Palma’s main sights with plenty of gorgeous vistas along the way.

What better way to explore the wonderful coastal town of Saint Tropez than on a hugely enjoyable land and sea tour? Travellers will board a pleasure boat for a ride in the Bay of Saint-Tropez and enjoy a walk through the vibrant port and famous town centre. 

And of course, no visit to the romantic city of Venice could ever be complete without a trip on a typical Venetian gondola, and travellers can make their way from canal to canal, admiring beautiful bridges, magnificent royal palaces and typical narrow Venetian streets on a magnificent gondola and guided walking tour.