OverviewFollow the tides of history, with overnight stays in Barcelona and Venice. Marvel at the historic treasures of Montpellier. Stroll among the romance of Marseille and the glamour of Monte Carlo. Stay overnight in Renaissance Tuscany, and see ancient Rome and elegant Naples before sailing around the boot via Sicilian Messina, the pristine ports of Crotone and Bari, and the remarkable Old Town of ibenik. Day 1 Barcelona, SpainStep on board your ship to begin your journey. Columbus Monument. Port Vell. Arc de Triomf. These are just a few of the monumental sights you will see in Barcelona. Other scenic highlights include the Olympic Port, built for the 1992 Olympic Games, and the Passeig de Grcia, a boulevard renowned for its architecture including works by Antoni Gaud. Your overnight stay allows time to discover Barcelona on your own, or opt for a tour such as an evening performance of flamenco. Watch this vibrant dance while savoring a menu of traditional tapas. Day 2 Barcelona, SpainAwake in Barcelona and further explore the Catalonian capital. Start on Las Ramblas, the mile-long leafy pedestrian boulevard. Or take a turn through the myriad side streets of the Gothic Quarter, where the ancient and the modern sit side by side, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Or head to the Passeig de Grcia, a boulevard renowned for its architecture including works by Antoni Gaud. You may also choose from one of the many optional tours. Day 3 Montpellier (Ste), FranceExplore Montpellier today, a center of learning for centuries. Its namesake university, founded in 1160, is one of the worlds oldest, predating the Renaissance. The social and cultural center of Montpellier is the Place de la Comdie, anchored by the elegant Three Graces fountain and the stunning, neoclassical Opra Comdie. Other sites pay tribute to a rich heritage, from the art-filled Muse Fabre and impressive St. Clement Aqueduct to the St. Pierre Cathedral with its floating porch supported by a pair of towers. Day 4 Marseille, FranceVisit Marseille, Frances oldest city, rich in timeless treasures. Discover its atmospheric Old Port, overseen by two 17th-century fortresses. The picturesque quay was built on the order of Louis XII and Louis XIII and is one of the worlds most romantic walks. As you explore, take in the beauty of its natural harbor, dotted with elegant yachts. Marvel at the church of Notre Dame de la Garde and Palais Longchamp, or venture to Aix-en-Provence with its tree-shaded squares and wide boulevards. Day 5 Monte Carlo, MonacoEnjoy a full day in Monaco, the playground for the rich and famous, as well as the gateway to the beautiful South of France. Visit medieval Monaco, stopping at the Princes Palace and St. Nicholas Cathedral, the burial site of the royal family, including American actress Grace Kelly. You will have time to step inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the most prestigious and celebrated gambling mecca on Earth. As an option, venture out of town to the legendary perfumeries in Grasse, or stroll along the English promenade in glamorous Nice. Day 6 Florence/Pisa, ItalyImmerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany with an included, well-curated tour of Pisa. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day tour that combines Pisa and Florence. Begin with a scenic drive through the countryside to Florence, where you will stroll by the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Then on to the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the attractive Basilica di Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo. In Pisa, you will have time to explore the Square of Miracles, including the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery. Day 7 Florence/Pisa, ItalyImmerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany with an included, well-curated tour of Pisa. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day tour that combines Pisa and Florence. Begin with a scenic drive through the countryside to Florence, where you will stroll by the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Then on to the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and the attractive Basilica di Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo. In Pisa, you will have time to explore the Square of Miracles, including the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery. Day 8 Rome, ItalyExplore the Eternal City today with a local guide. Youll marvel at the magnificent Colosseum where gladiators once battled, the historic Roman Forum, gathering place and political center of the ancients, and Vatican City. Day 9 Naples, ItalyIn Naples, your choice of excursions abounds. Take in magnificent examples of Greek and Roman architecture and the Piazza del Plebiscito, the grandest public square in the city, facing the former Royal Palace of the King of Naples. Optionally, also explore Herculaneum, Italys other Pompeii, drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast, or take a trip to the summit of Vesuvius. In your spare time, sample a hot espresso, a slice of pizza (the worlds first pizzeria opened here in 1830) or a locally madelimoncello. Day 10 Sicily, ItalyToday you will call on the Sicilian city of Messina, celebrated as one of Europes ten greatest cities when it fell under Spains purview in the 17th century. Admire the surrounding mountains, picturesque orange and olive groves, and rolling vineyards. You will see the best of the city during a tour, including the expansive Piazza Municipio and the hillside Votive Temple of Christ the King. Or, choose to climb Mt. Etnas towering volcano, and marvel at the ancient temples and arenas of Taormina. Day 11 Crotone, ItalyUncover the deep past of Crotone, founded as a Greek colony in 710 BC. Boasting a vast array of archaeological relics, the city was once heralded as the home of some of the Hellenic Empires most celebrated figures, including many victors of the Olympic Games and Pythagoras, whose mathematical theories altered Western thought. During your visit, marvel at the impressive cathedral, a neoclassical wonder, browse the Pythagoras Museum and Gardens, and explore the waterfront and Crotone castle. Day 12 Bari, ItalyExplore sunny, palm-lined Bari, where streets are lined with romantic, honey-toned balconied houses, welcoming courtyards and Romanesque and baroque churches. Visit the Norman-Swabian castle, the splendid Romanesque Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Petruzzelli Theater, one of Italys most important opera houses, and stroll the picturesque waterfront. Or perhaps visit Alberobello and its fascinatingtrullihouses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of whitewashed buildings with conical roofs. Day 13 ibenik, CroatiaCruise the scenic St. Anthony Channel into the oldest Croatian city on the Dalmatian Coast, ibenik. Resting at the mouth of the Krka River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a remarkably preserved Old Town. Roam its narrow streets past medieval houses and churches, all surrounded by four historic fortresses. The citys St. James Cathedral is the most important Renaissance structure in Croatia. Perhaps you will join an excursion to view the impressive waterfalls of the Krka River. Day 14 Venice, ItalyWelcome to Venice, where the magical city renowned for its art, architecture and culture is the ultimate destination on your epic voyage. Watch the sunlight dapple on the water as we ease our way into the lagoon. You can enjoy a panoramic boat ride toward the magnificent St. Marks Square on your included tour, and with your guide, you will admire the glorious facade of the Doges Palace and tour the ornate interior of St. Marks Basilica. Or take a boat to Murano to see glassmakers at work in their centuries-old tradition with a stop to visit the historic island of San Giorgio Maggiore. As we will remain in port overnight, enjoy a fine restaurant, the vibrant nightlife and perhaps even a romantic evening gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Day 15 Venice, ItalyAwake in Venice, where you will be departing your ship. From here, you can easily spend a few extra days to further explore this magical city or other parts of Italy. |
