Legendary shores of Italy and Croatia

You board your ship in Civitavecchia, a town situated on an Etruscan site between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Monti della Tolfa. While here, you visit historical landmarks such as Fort Michelangelo and the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Located 80 kilometers from Rome, this port serves as the starting point of your itinerary.

Plan your moments of escape: excursions are now available for pre-booking. The excursion program is subject to change due to local or operational constraints (site closures, weather conditions, availability, etc.). It is recommended to regularly check the website or contact your travel agent for the latest updates. Excursions can be pre-booked up to 7 days before boarding, subject to availability.

You arrive in the province of Salerno. For your included excursion in this port, you choose one of two options. If you select the Paestum tour, you take a one-hour coach drive to an ancient city founded by the Greeks around 600 BC. You spend an hour and a half walking over uneven ground to view three preserved Greek temples and Roman ruins, including baths and an amphitheater. Alternatively, you choose the Pompeii excursion. Following a 45-minute drive, a guide leads you on a two-hour walking tour over uneven ground through a Roman town buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You view preserved structures such as mansions, temples, baths, and markets before boarding your coach for the return drive to the ship.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval center, suspended 300 meters above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theater. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Mount Etna Drive
Duration : 4h00
Discover Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, on a scenic tour that will take you through breathtaking landscapes.

You will travel to Mount Etna in a luxury coach with an expert local guide. On the way, you will pass through the small historic town of Naxos, founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, before taking the winding road that runs along the slopes of the volcano. You will pass through the charming villages of Giarre, Santa Venerina and Zafferana before reaching the Silvestri Crater, which dominates the valley at an altitude of around 1,950 meters. There, you will marvel at the impressive remains of lava flows and the spectacular views of the volcano's slopes, dotted with cones and craters. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy exceptional views of the Bay of Catania and the surrounding forests, flower-filled meadows, and vineyards.

At the end of the tour, you will have some free time to purchase local handicrafts as souvenirs before returning to the coach for the journey back to your ship.

On this excursion, you will walk 500 meters (0.3 miles) on ground that may be slippery. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and sun protection. This excursion is not recommended for wheelchair users. As the wind can be strong on Mount Etna, it is a good idea to bring a warm jumper and a windbreaker with you.

Taormina and its Ancient Greek Threater
Duration : 4h00
On a guided tour, discover Palazzo Corvaja and the Greco-Roman Theater, two of Taormina's most emblematic monuments, before enjoying some free time on Corso Umberto.

A maze of narrow streets, stairways and small squares, Taormina is set between the blue of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. During a visit, discover its rich history, marked by the passage of many civilisations.

First stop: the exterior of Palazzo Corvaja, a magnificent 15th-century building adorned with mullioned windows, a witness to Sicily's rich past. Then, you will move on to the impressive Greco-Roman Theater, dating from the 3rd century B.C. To this day, its vast structure and exceptional acoustics make it a popular venue for summer performances.

After, enjoy some free time to stroll along Corso Umberto, a charming pedestrian street lined with shops and small alleyways featuring local handicrafts.

The tour ends with a coach ride back to Naxos pier, your head full of memories of this Sicilian gem.

This excursion involves walking a distance of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) on uneven ground with some steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing must be worn when entering religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colors and flavors.

Included Excursions
Archeological site & Ortygia
Duration : 4h00
Depart the pier by coach and drive to the archaeological area, which you will reach after a short drive.

Visit the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus, used for fights between gladiators and wild beasts, the Altar of Hieron, constructed in the 2nd century BC to celebrate the "Eleutherian Feast", the Latomie of Paradise, huge caverns once used as prisons, the Ear of Dionysius, an enormous grotto with extraordinary echo and the Greek Theater, one of the largest in the Hellenic World, constructed in the 5th century BC and successively enlarged.

Upon completion of the visit, re-board your coach for the short drive to Ortygia, which you will visit on foot. On Ortygia Island discover the Piazza Pancali (the ruins of the Temple of Apollo of the 6th century BC), Corso Matteotti, Archimede's Place, Piazza Duomo. Visit the Cathedral in Baroque style, erected over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva: in the interiors, see the undamaged twelve Doric columns. Then visit the fountain of Arethusa, the nymph praised by Pindar and Virgilio in one of the most touching and fine myths. Several nobility palaces - majority of them originating in the 15th and 16th centuries - will be seen from outside during the walking tour.

Then, return to the port and your ship.

This excursion involves approximately 3.1 miles (5 km) of walking over uneven terrain and cobble stones as well as steps. You wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). This tour is not recommended for passengers with reduced mobility.

Noto, Baroque Town
Duration : 4h00
Depart by coach from the port through the countryside, passing through villages and almond groves as you make your way to Noto, the second largest town in Syracuse province and the best example of Sicilian Baroque architecture on the island.

You will cross on foot the Public Gardens, where it is possible to admire the busts of the artists who contributed to Noto’s urban culture and style.

Besides the 18th century Cathedral, restored after damage suffered during 1990 earthquake, other impressive buildings are the Churches of St Domenico and of St Charles (del Colleggio), the “Ducezio” Palace and “Villadorata” Palace.

Noto has been declared a Heritage site by UNESCO, who also provides financial support for the reconstruction of monuments destroyed during 1990 earthquake.

A refreshment will be offered at a local bar and then you will enjoy some free time to browse around before commencing the return drive to Syracuse.

This excursion involves approximately 1.2 mile (2 km) of walking mostly over easy terrain, except for steps to enter churches. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). The palace visits are only outside visits. This tour is not recommended for guest with limited mobility.

Gallipoli, which comes from the Greek kalle polis, meaning beautiful town, is very aptly named. Located on the heel of the boot, the town known as “the pearl of Puglia” has many attractions. The whiteness of its façades recalls its Greek origins while its architecture echoes its multiple influences. Its old town, perched on a limestone island, concentrates the cultural heritage of this city with a thousand faces, alternately a Roman colony, then Byzantine, the property of the Popes, Norman, under the rule of Taranto… By itself, it tells the story of the different civilisations of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Included Excursions
Walking Tour of Gallipoli, pearl of the Ionian Sea
Duration : 3h00
Fall under the spell of one of Puglia’s jewels, Gallipoli, listen to its history in the old town’s maze of narrow lanes and admire its historic and architectural heritage.

A visit through its enigmatic lanes is like a journey back in time, a living exploration of the cultural strata that make Gallipoli such a rare pearl. Time here sometimes seems to stand still. Near the port, where your guided tour will begin, the fisherman are hard at work. Off in the distance, the gates of the old town open onto a maze of narrow lanes edged withbright- and warm-colored dwellings, where the shade of the buildings draws a mystical labyrinth. Each street corner tells its own story of this medieval city, with its multiple heritages and cultural influences. Take the time to listen to the stories told by your local guide, as you admire the surprising St. Agatha’s Cathedral, its columns and its stunning baroque frescoes.

The sun-drenched hills of Gallipoli, bathed by the blue waters of the Mediterranean, made it a regional stronghold in olive-oil production as of the 15th century. The exports of this “liquid gold” were so significant that its production was stored in the four corners of the city in underground cisterns dug out of the local limestone, called carparo. You will have the opportunity to discover the production techniques that were used in the past, as you visit one of the 35 recently renovated underground oil mills.

This excursion includes three hours of walking on uneven surfaces. This visit is not accessible for persons with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair. Wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting places of worship: trousers for men, and skirts covering the knees for women.

Lecce, a Baroque jewel
Duration : 4h00
Stroll around Lecce, the "Baroque Florence", and discover the countless churches, palaces and monuments carved out of this soft and almost golden limestone that gives the city a glowing look, like the chubby cherubins that decorate its façades.

A veritable open-air museum, Lecce is a microcosm of Baroque splendors, located only one hour's drive from Gallipoli. The cherubins, gargoyles, plant patterns, columns and capitals, each more extravagant than the last, are legion here - to the extent that the city lays claim to its own style, the "Barocco Leccese"- since the sculptors and architects of the 16th and 17th centuries had a field day with the regional stone, a marvel of malleability and delicacy.

The Centro Storico historic center is proof of this, with its cobbled streets and shady squares teeming with incredible rococo treasures, including the Basilica of Santa Croce - with a constellation of sublime ornaments - and the Governor's Palace.

Not far from there, on the Piazza Santa Oronzo, the palazzos, church and Roman amphitheater dating from the 2nd century try to outdo each other with their beauty.

A few meters away, the Piazza del Duomo, in spectacular golden monochrome, proudly displays a cathedral, its bell tower and the archbishop's palace, making it one of Italy's most beautiful squares. Some free time will allow you to wander at leisure along the narrow and beautiful streets of Lecce's town center before rejoining the bus to go back to the pier.

This excursion involves a coach journey to Lecce as well as walking 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) on uneven surfaces, with some steps to negotiate. You wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting places of worship: trousers for men, and skirts covering the knees for women.

Perched on the Adriatic coast in Puglia, the charming small town of Monopoli blends history and authenticity. Protected by its fortified walls along the seafront and its castle, in the shade of the cathedral’s elegant bell tower, the town is bustling with fishermen who come to repair their nets or unload the day’s catch. But it is also the gateway to the village of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alberobello is famous worldwide for its traditional dry stone huts called trulli. These dwellings with whitewashed walls and conical, domed or pyramid-shaped roofs are built without any mortar, using a construction technique inherited from prehistoric times.

Included Excursions
Alberobello and Trulli Charm
Duration : 5h30

Discover the sublime town of Alberobello and its history during a guided tour. The capital of the trulli — Puglia’s emblematic cone-shaped houses —, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Almost 1,400 trulli, stretching along two hills, have forged Alberobello’s reputation. As you stroll among the historic Monti and Aia Piccola districts, discover these uniquely charming small dwellings with their whitewashed walls and pointed roofs.

During your walk, keep an eye out for the enigmatic symbols and small pinnacles that adorn the roofs of the trulli; like a wink to another time, these will perhaps deliver the secrets of these buildings. As you reach the summit of Rione Monti hill, you will also be able to discover St. Anthony’s Church, built in the form of a trullo in 1926, and dive into the history of these small houses punctuating the landscape.

Alberobello is also renowned for its countryside scattered with trulli-shaped farms and very old olive trees. In a typical masseria (fortified farmhouse), you will be able to taste specialities such as Apulian focaccia served with locally produced wine. Then, back on the road in an air-conditioned coach, you will enjoy stunning views over the crystal-clear sea on one side and trulli on the other, an unforgettable experience on the way back to Bari.

This excursion involves walking on cobbled, sometimes steep ground. You wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the season and also for entering religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

Martina Franca a Baroque Jewel
Duration: 4h00
At the crossroads of influences from Ionia and the Adriatic, Martina Franca is a town with incredible architectural heritage. This pearl of the Itria Valley overlooks countryside dotted with trulli (stone houses), lamie (farms) and masseria (fortified farmhouses), silent witnesses to a rich agricultural tradition.

While the first traces of civilisation go back to prehistory, it was only during the 10th century — when the inhabitants of Taranto, fleeing pirate attacks, founded a small village on the Monte di San Martino — that Martina Franca really came to life. The town takes its name from devotion to Saint Martin of Tours, with the “Franca” suffix being added in the 14th century, when Philip I of Taranto declared the town a commune, granting its inhabitants privileges and perpetual State property.

The 18th century was a golden age for Martina Franca, which saw the emergence of a unique Baroque style, the “Baroque Martinese”. As you stroll among the small cobbled streets, shaded squares, imposing churches, and ravishing façades, discover a unique heritage and atmosphere, with ubiquitous art, including various masterpieces by master sculptors and painters of the Neapolitan School, which embellish the town’s churches and palaces.

This excursion involves walking around two kilometers (1.2 miles) on cobbled ground. Wear comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing.
 

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks.  From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. 

Included Excursion
Hvar & Monastery Concert
Duration: 2h30
Hvar: History and Exceptional Panoramas

After disembarking, embark on a guided walking tour through the heart of Hvar, the largest of the Dalmatian islands and a former strategic Venetian port. Explore the Hvar Fortress, which overlooks the harbor and offers spectacular panoramic views of the bay and surroundings.

Stroll through the pedestrian streets to the 16th-century Renaissance Cathedral, then continue to the lively harbor, where sailboats and fishing boats sway in the breeze. Admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its treasury and elegant 17th-century bell tower, and visit the Grand Arsenal, home to Europe’s first community theater, founded in 1612.

The tour concludes at the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, where you will discover the Renaissance cloister, the old refectory with its collection of lace and manuscripts, and the church with its remarkable paintings. In the monastery garden, a group of local singers will perform a serenade a cappella, accompanied by a refreshing drink served just before the concert.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection. The tour involves approximately 1 km of walking on cobblestone, with up to 15 steps.

 

Situated on the promontory of Monte Conero, Ancona, the capital of the Marche region, offers visitors all the charm of a typical Italian historical city. Founded by the Greeks in 390 BC and conquered by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Ancona has a long history that was very much shaped by its harbor, a hub attracting different populations and cultures. When your ship calls here, take the time to discover the city’s many buildings, such as the cathedral dedicated to Judas Cyriacus and its façade made of white and pink marble, the Arch of Trajan, which is considered to be the port’s main embellishment, or the 15th century mansion where the painter Raphael was raised.

Included Excursions
Loreto & its sacred sites
Duration : 5h00

The city of Loreto, tucked inside the countryside of the Marches Region, owes its fame to the sanctuary (or Basilica) where the Santa Casa della Vergine Maria is preserved and venerated. It is a holy place defined by Pope John Paul II as “the true Marian heart of Christianity.”

After disembarking, you will board your coach for a scenic drive along the Conero Coast with a photo stop in Portonovo before reaching Loreto, following a one hour drive. 

The sanctuary has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Catholic faith for centuries. It has been visited by approximately two hundred saints and beatified persons, as well as by numerous Popes. According to ancient tradition, and today partially substantiated by historical and archaeological research, the Santa Casa is the house believed to be where the Virgin Mary was born, educated, and where she received the Annunciation. According to the legend, the three stone walls were brought to Italy by crusaders expelled from Palestine in 1291.

The sanctuary’s fame diffused rapidly throughout the world, and it became a privileged destination for millions of pilgrims. Some of the most prised works here are the marble panelling of the Santa Casa’s walls, realised on Bramante’s design from 1507. It is considered one of the greatest sculptural masterpieces from the Renaissance.

After your guided visit of the sanctuary, you will enjoy some free time to discover the city on your own. Loreto represents an authentic sacred art anthology that includes architectonic, sculptural, and painting master works by some of the most celebrated names in art history.

Finally, you will re-board your coach for the one hour drive back to your ship.

This excursion involves 1,3 mile (2 km) of walking on flat grounds with steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

The Renaissance city of Urbino
Duration: 5h00

Set off to discover the historic city of Urbino, famous for its Renaissance heritage. There, you will delve into the history of the Montefeltro dynasty and Federico III, a passionate patron of art and literature responsible for a large number of the cultural treasures in this prestigious city.

You will journey through the rolling hills of Montefeltro on a 90-minute coach trip to Urbino, a city renowned for its Renaissance heritage, which particularly flourished during the reign of Federico III da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino from 1444 to 1482. An able statesman with great skill in diplomacy and a passion for culture, he established strong relations with neighboring kingdoms and the papacy and, in 1474, received the title of “Pope’s Duke”.

It was he who had the stunning Ducal Palace, Palazzo Ducale, built in the heart of the old city. You will take the time to visit this majestic building, which hosted the greatest artistic and literary talents of its time, including Piero della Francesca, Leon Battista Alberti and Giovanni Santi, the father of Raphael. In fact, it is in the Ducal Palace that the young Raphael, the most famous Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, first began painting.

During a guided walking tour of the historic center, you will have the chance to admire the house where this iconic artist was born and the façade of the Urbino Cathedral, built in 1062 by Bishop Beato Mainardo.

After your visit, you will board the coach once again for the return trip to Ancona.

This excursion involves walking a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) on mainly flat ground that is only partially accessible to wheelchair users.
 

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.