Depart the UK to Rome, overnight at hotel

You will be spoilt for choice in this infinitely intriguing city where an unsurpassed vibrancy of life mixes with epic history, tasty cuisine, top class shopping and a joyous nightlife. Peel back layer upon layer history with world class sights such as the Coliseum, The Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain and more. The Pantheon is absolutely awe-inspiring dating back to 27 BC and is the only complete structure from the Roman Empire still standing. The circus maximus once seated 250,000 spectators for chariot races around 11 BC. While the oval shape of Piazza Navona, which houses the magnificent Four River Fountain, is a clue to its Stadium of Domitian heritage from 86 AD were gladiators fought and athletes competed. The Spanish steps , he home of John Keats, were built in 1723-1725 and are another of those must see places – a place to sit and people watch artists, poets and painters.The best place to stay is in the centre of Rome close the train terminus which puts you within walking distance of many of the major attractions. Walking is the best option to enable you to unearth some unexpected sights, memorable moments and great photo opportunities. Perhaps the warm aroma of a bakery and the handmade leather of a local craftsman. Seek out that tucked away piazza stuck in the 16th century criss-crossed with washing lines and adorned with colourful window boxes <i>Rome The Eternal City</i> – so called because the Roman Empire thought that no matter what happened to the world, no matter how many other empires may rise and fall, Rome would go on forever. Rome is the accumulation of knowledge, art and war for innumerable generations. <i>Rome Was Not Built In A Day</i> – dates back to the 12th Century referring to the fact that the development of Rome was slow and steady. That many centuries were required to make it the chief city of the world and that great things are not achieved without great patience and effort.

Transfer to cruise port to embark ship

<b>La Spezia</b> (for Pisa & Florence). Approx 50 minutes from the port lies the ancient city of Pisa with its famous leaning tower. Then it’s on to Florence – a renaissance treasure founded in the 16th century. Visit the main cathedral Il Duomo Di Firenze started in 1296 and completed in 1436, the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio lines with gold and silver merchants.

Portofino is a fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline, southeast of Genoa city. Pastel-colored houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants fringe its Piazzetta, a small cobbled square overlooking the harbor, which is lined with super-yachts. A path leads from the Piazzetta to Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress and museum with art exhibitions and panoramic views of the town and the Ligurian Sea.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Most people head for the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius or scoot across the bay to the island of Capri.

<b>Messina (Sicily)-</b> Is situated just 3 miles from the mainland under the shadow of Mount Etna. Perhaps visit picturesque Taormina with its hilltop Saracen Castle and the Ancient Greek Ampitheatre.

Brindisi is a port city on the Adriatic Sea, in southern Italy’s Apulia region. The red-stone Aragonese Castle stands on a small island at the harbor’s entrance. The tall Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia, a rudder-shaped limestone memorial to sailors, has sea and city views. Across the harbor, the Swabian Castle of Brindisi dates from the 13th century. At the top of Virgil’s Staircase are the Roman Columns.

Well known for its stunning architecture and amazing natural setting, the small town is surrounded by well preserved walls that feature many landmarks making Kotor itself a UNESCO World heritage site.

Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s many highlights. This unique Day 1112th century walled city has cobbled streets , towering ramparts and red roofed building overlooking a pretty fishing harbour. Visit Onofrio’s Fountain, Sponza Palace and the Church St Blaise.

A medieval port which nestles on the sparkling Dalmatian Coastline of Croatia has a picturesque pedestrianised centre and a 60 meter high cathedral bell tower. Diocletian‘s Palace is one of the best preserved Roman Palaces in Europe and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Disembark ship at Ravenna, transfer to Bologna for your flight back to UK