SAMPLE ITINERARY

There is a wide choice of Mediterranean cruises – this is one sample itinerary, so ask us for advice on the right cruise itinerary for you. All pre- and post-cruise arrangements can be tailor-made to your needs.

Day 1: Fly to Venice

Today fly from London to Venice, one of Italy’s most picturesque cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on 117 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, the city is linked by a series of over 150 canals – including the Grand Canal, which is lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces.

You reach Venice by driving across a causeway to the Piazzale Roma, from where you take a water taxi along the canals to your hotel. Cheaper hotels are available on the mainland.

Days 2 & 3: Explore Venice

The next two days are free to explore Venice, which is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, as well as the iconic Campanile bell tower which offers views of the city’s red roofs.

For a more authentic experience of Venetian life, visit the Erberia and Pescheria local markets, situated across the Rialto Bridge, before visiting the major tourist locations, such as San Giorgio Maggiore Island and the Murano Glass Museum. The Chiesa dei Frari houses art by Titian and Bellini, among others, as well as the tomb of Italian Neoclassical sculptor, Canova.

The work of Il Furioso himself, Tintoretto, is housed in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Similarly, it is possible to see the tombs of 25 doges in the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paulo. The magnificently maintained Ca’ Rezzonico allows visitors to witness what an 18th century palazzo interior would have looked like, with all the splendour and elaborate eccentricity of the height of Venetian culture and design.

The Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, originally built in 1748, has been converted into one of the best art galleries in Italy, the Guggenheim Museum, and displays a vast array of 20th century masterpieces.

Head out to the distant island of Torcello, a far cry from the busy Venetian town centre, to see the Byzantine Duomo and the 16th century ghetto. For a taste of traditional Venetian cuisine, look out for dishes based on the combination of polenta with beef stew or dried fish, as well as dishes of liver and onions.

Day 6: Embark on Cruise

This afternoon embark from Venice (Ravenna) on your Mediterranean cruise, sailing to Croatia and the Greek islands.

After settling into your cabin, explore your ship and discover its many facilities including the swimming pools, spa, fitness centre, leisure and entertainment facilities.

Day 7: Dubrovnik, Croatia

We dock early today in the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, built between the 11th and 17th centuries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This historic city has huge ramparts as well as many magnificent palaces, churches, chapels, monasteries, cloisters, squares, museums, mansions. Today it is best known as the location for the hugely popular TV series, the ‘Game of Thrones’. We suggest you take the cable car up Mount Srd for breathtaking views.

Day 8: At Sea

Today is at leisure to relax at sea and enjoy the many facilities of your ship. Also savour the variety of delicious food on offer, with numerous dining options.

Day 9: Mykonos, Greece

We disembark today at island of Mykonos, in the Cyclades archipelago. This sophisticated island, with its picture-postcard whitewashed buildings and fabulous sandy beaches, has long been a haunt of the rich and famous.

Although only 75 square kms in size, it packs enough golden sand, upmarket hotels, restaurants, cafés, beach bars and clubs to satisfy the most hedonistic visitor – with prices to match. It certainly has plenty of charm, with pristine labyrinthine lanes in the pretty town, ubiquitous windmills and countless tiny chapels. This idyllic island was chosen as the location for the romantic movie ‘Shirley Valentine’.

Day 10: Santorini, Greece

We dock today in Santorini, an island renowned for its stunning scenery and spectacular sunsets. It is always busy, but this does not detract from the sheer spectacle of the place, with its volcanic cliffs laced with white villages, overlooking a caldera and other islands below.

A tremendous eruption occurred here over 3,000 years ago that destroyed the Minoan civilisation in Crete, as well as Santorini’s own advanced culture (as evidenced by the excavations at Akrotiri). Today all that remains is a vast sea-filled caldera, the visible lips being the three main islands of Thera, Therasia and Aspronisi.

Day 11: At Sea

Relax and enjoy another day at sea.

Day 12: Split, Croatia

We arrive back in Croatian waters this morning, docking in the historic city of Split. This lovely Mediterranean city has a vibrant Old Town with churches, squares, columns and spires in a variety of architectural styles.

Surrounded by the original walls of the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, Split is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a ‘peristyle’ (central square) filled with cafes and bars. There is also a pedestrianised ‘riva’ (seafront promenade) and the long Bacvice Beach is partly sandy. Green Marjan Hill, which is covered in dense pine forest, overlooks the city.

Day 13: Disembark in Venice & fly home

Disembark early this morning in Venice (Ravenna) and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing an en-suite cabin on a full board basis (bed & breakfast in Venice). Economy flights from London are included, with regional departures on request.

Please note that onboard payments on many cruises will be taken in US dollars or Euros, and all cruises and cabin classes are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.

We offer a wide choice of cruises at different prices - with different ships, durations and itineraries - so do call us to discuss your requirements.