Italy, Albania & Croatia

Serving as the primary maritime gateway to Rome, Civitavecchia stands as a vital seaport for the Italian capital. This key entry point for Mediterranean cruises and ferries crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea connects travelers to destinations throughout Italy and beyond. The city is situated 70 km from Rome and 62 km from Fiumicino Airport.

Rising in neat terraced rows from the bustling harbor, the pastel houses of Ponza Town overlook a mix of sleek yachts and traditional fishing boats moored side by side. With few tourists present, the unspoiled town offers a delightful setting for exploration.

The Aeolian archipelago is made up of 7 islands of volcanic origin, of which only Stromboli and Vulcano are still active volcanoes. The main island is Lipari, which offers travelers arriving by boat a beautiful panorama of its Acropolis, presided over by the Cathedral. Its marina is bustling with shops, boutiques and stalls... it's an island where life is good.

Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, rising dramatically from the sea in a perfect cone of black lava. As the ship sails in the surrounding waters, passengers gather on deck to watch the island’s smoking summit and the famous Sciara del Fuoco, where glowing ash and stones occasionally tumble down the slope. The volcano last erupted significantly in 2019, and its gentle, frequent activity creates a mesmerizing natural spectacle. Whether at sunrise or sunset, sailing near Stromboli is an unforgettable moment of raw beauty and quiet awe.

Barreling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, you arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that'It is the greatest work of art and nature.'

Crotone is a historic coastal city in southern Italy, known for its rich Greek heritage and beautiful beaches along the Ionian Sea. The city boasts ancient ruins, including the remains of the Temple of Hera Lacinia at Capo Colonna, and a charming old town with narrow streets and vibrant piazzas. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Calabrian cuisine at local trattorias. Crotone’s scenic waterfront and historical sites make it a captivating destination for those exploring the Calabria region.

Set on a sun-drenched bay overlooking the Ionian Sea, Saranda is Albania’s most elegant coastal resort - and a gateway to two of the country’s greatest treasures. Passengers can enjoy the relaxed waterfront atmosphere or join optional excursions (available at an additional cost) to explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Butrint, rich in Greek and Roman ruins, or the beautifully preserved Ottoman town of Gjirokastër, famed for its stone houses and hilltop fortress. Whether discovering history or simply soaking up the Adriatic sun, Saranda offers a fascinating blend of culture, scenery, and Mediterranean charm.

Set along the Adriatic coast, this historic Italian town captivates with its whitewashed buildings, narrow alleys, and charming seaside views. The ancient harbor is filled with colorful fishing boats, giving the town an authentic and lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore medieval churches, relax on pristine beaches, and savor delicious Apulian cuisine in this picturesque coastal destination.

Set against a backdrop of steep hills and sapphire-blue waters, Komiža is one of Croatia’s most enchanting island harbors. Passengers can stroll along the palm-lined waterfront, where fishing boats and elegant yachts share the quay, or wander through narrow lanes of stone houses adorned with colorful shutters. The town’s maritime heritage runs deep - Komiža has been a center of fishing for centuries. Those seeking adventure may join an optional excursion to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island (available at an additional cost), a natural wonder illuminated by ethereal light. Peaceful and picturesque, Komiža is pure Adriatic charm.

Šibenik, Croatia, is a charming coastal town on the Adriatic Sea known for its rich history and stunning architecture. The town is home to the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, a masterpiece of Renaissance art. With its narrow, winding streets and views of the sea, Šibenik offers a blend of medieval charm and beautiful coastal scenery, making it a popular destination in Croatia.

Rovinj is a typical example of a Mediterranean town. The town is dominated by the Baroque three-nave church of St. Euphemia (Fuma). Close to the harbor are the clock tower, the Baroque Balbi's Arch and the former 17th century Town Hall. To the east lies the complex of the Franciscan monastery and to the south, Rovinj's oldest monument, the Romanesque heptagonal chapel of the Holy Trinity.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.

Venice is the heart and soul of romance. Cast your eye on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge's Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. And know that love is always in the air in Venice.