The Eternal City of Rome calls you to discover its legendary treasures -- the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum. From Messina, you can experience Sicily's greatest resort, Taormina, and its most amazing site, Mt. Etna. Following the stunning fjords of Montenegro's coast on your luxury small ship cruise, discover the beautiful city of Kotor. With its ancient cobbled streets and stunning mountain views, Kotor is one of several Unesco World Heritage Sites you'll see on this voyage. Another is Dubrovnik, its medieval walls standing in stark contrast to the brilliant aquamarine of the Agean. Split, a center of Croatian culture brings you to the Grand Canal of Venice with its fabled gondoliers and stunning artistry.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
For centuries, Venice stood at the crossroads of culture between the Byzantine and Roman worlds. The city the great traders and philosophers created is an extraordinary place. From the elegant carved gondolas and vaporetti that ply the Grand Canal to the magnificent Piazza San Marco bustling with life – Venice is unique in all the world. Great works of art are housed here, in the Accademia with its Renaissance masters and the collection of Peggy Guggenheim in her canal-side palazzo. The Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace are must-sees. After that, follow where your feet take you, over romantic bridges, to shops selling precious glass, to small cafés for a cappuccino or Campari. Board your ship this evening and settle into your luxurious cabin as your ship embarks on an exciting European cruise.
Day 2: Pula, Croatia
Pula is the largest city in Istria, Croatia, situated at the southern tip of the peninsula. Like the rest of the region, it is known for its mild climate, tame sea, and unspoiled nature. The city has a long tradition of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism. Pula has also been Istria's administrative center since ancient Roman times. The city is best known for its many surviving ancient Roman buildings, the most famous of which is its first century amphitheatre, sixth largest in the world and locally known as the Arena. This is one of the best preserved amphitheatres from antiquity and is still in use today during summer film festivals.The natural beauty of Pula's surrounding countryside and turquoise water of the Adriatic have made the city an internationally popular summer vacation destination. Roman villas and temples still lie buried among farm fields and along the shoreline of the dozens of surrounding fishing and farming villages. The coastal waters offer beaches, fishing, wreck dives to ancient Roman galleys and World War I warships, cliff diving, and sailing to unspoiled coves and islands large and small.
Day 3: Split, Croatia
As the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast and a major transport hub, Split emanates a vibe that is boisterous rather than relaxing. Its massive port sends ferries out to the Dalmatian islands and beyond, adding to the constant bustle. Despite Split’s broad-shouldered stance, a strong Mediterranean style prevails. Diocletian’s Palace is a World Heritage site that alone makes a visit to the city worthwhile. Within the palace’s ancient walls in the center of town rises the majestic cathedral, surrounded by marble streets lined with shops. The western end of Split consists of a mountain park with beaches below and pathways above. A refurbished promenade lined with cafés makes for a pleasant stroll along the harbor, and the coastal mountains set against the blue Adriatic make for a memorable view.
Day 4: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Nestled on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is a beautifully preserved fortifed town. Its ancient medieval walls contain a sparkling white Old City, filled with 15th-century churches, peaceful Franciscan cloisters, a cathedral with works by Raphael and Titian, and a fascinating Maritime Museum. One of Dubrovnik’s main attractions is the sea swim from the quiet, rocky beaches on either end of the city, or catch a boat to the wooded island of Lokrum nearby.
Day 5: Kotor, Montenegro
Possessing one of the Mediterranean's most distinctive and striking landscapes, the walled town of Kotor nestles at the head of southern Europe’s deepest fjord. The steep mountains plummeting straight into the Adriatic are, by themselves, an excellent reason to visit the area. Besides its natural beauty, the area has numerous historic churches that reflect Byzantine and Venetian design styles, mansions, flower gardens and fortifications that have created one of the most unforgettable destinations in the Balkan region. Exploration can commence at Stari Grad (Old Town). Located under the lee of a mountain, it is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes linking small squares that contain some of those ancient churches and former aristocratic mansions. Major landmarks around Kotor include St. Tryphon's Cathedral, and the Fortress of St. Ivan.
Day 6: At Sea
Relax aboard the Wind Surf as your ship cruises the Adriatic Sea toward Italy.
Day 7: Messina, Italy
This ancient city of cobblestone streets and friendly people is the gateway to the sunny island of Sicily, a mountainous and rugged place which remains in the shadow of its still-active volcano, Mt. Etna. In addition to its own enchanting landscape, Messina is the launching point for visits to the classical ruins at Taormina and the Church of the Black Madonna in Tindari.
Day 8: Ischia, Italy
Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. Some sights worth seeing are the Church of Soccorso (a tiny white-washed church located in the square on the Punta del Soccorso in Forio, that looks out onto the crystal clear sea), and Castello Aragonese (a castle located on a small island near Ischia Ponte). There are many wonderful beaches located here as well, namely Lido di Ischia and Cartaromana beach.
Day 9: Rome, Italy
2,500 years of history are woven into the fabric of modern Rome. You can feel it in the glory of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. Or as you wander sidestreets that open onto piazzas, fountains, Bernini sculpture, and elegant courtyards. Famous treasures are legion in Rome: the Colosseum…the Forum…St. Peter’s Cathedral…the Trevi Fountain…the Spanish Steps. Take time out between sights to do as the Romans do: enjoy a three-hour lunch, shop, people-watch, or savor the best gelati in the world. Disembark this morning for your continued journey home.
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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.