From the grandeur of ancient Rome to the Renaissance splendors of the Western Civilization’s greatest artists, few countries have influenced the modern world like Italy. This 11-day cruise tour visits both sides of the Italian peninsula with stops in romantic Venice, small ports along the scenic Dalmatian coast, and a delicious and captivating land tour of both Tuscany and Rome. Float along Venetian canals while listening to singing gondoliers. Soar to expansive Adriatic views as a tram sweeps you high above Dubrovnik’s ancient walls and rustic old town charms. Slurp rich Spaghetti alle Vongole, blended with fresh clams, rich shrimp or fried calamari at a table overlooking the Sorrento seashore. Walk around the towering white marble statue of Michelangelo’s David, a Renaissance masterpiece embraced by Florentines as a symbol in defense of civil liberties. Sniff and sip the red, black and sour cherry aromas and flavors characteristic of the best Chianti wines. Wander Roman piazzas, ancient gathering spaces for families and neighbors for over 2,000 years.

Upon arrival at the Fiumicino Airport an English-speaking representative will be there to meet you. Board a private transfer to the heart of the city to the 5-star Bernini Bristol Hotel where you will be greeted by the hotel staff and checked in to your room. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own
 
(Includes airport transfer and overnight at Bernini Bristol Hotel.)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and board your coach for the 2-hour trip to Tuscany. Arrive in Siena and spend the late morning on a walking tour of the city followed by free time for lunch. In the afternoon travel to Pienza and head to the Banfi Castle for winetasting and free time to visit this beautiful place overlooking the Chianti region. You then are on your way to the luxurious Castello del Nero which was the home of a historic noble family, a 5-star mansion of refined elegance, for check in and some free time to enjoy the property followed by a sunset apertif on the panoramic Ferrari Terrace.
 
(Includes overnight at Castello del Nero and apertif.)

Relax in the beautiful Tuscan atmosphere at the hotel with a late breakfast. Then it’s off to Florence. Take a guided tour of Florence including a visit to the Academy with its stunning David. There will be free time for exploring Florence on your own and set off for a true Chianti farmhouse, Fattoria Poggio Alloro. Meet this friendly Italian family of cooks and wine makers and enjoy a beautiful typical lunch of the Tuscan region. After lunch depart for San Gimignano for a self-guided tour and free time to explore. After enjoying this hilltop village drive back to the Castello del Nero.

(Includes overnight at Castello del Nero, breakfast, and late lunch.)

After breakfast check out of your hotel and travel to Civitavecchia.  Along the way stop at Banfi Castle for winetasting and free time to visit this beautiful place overlooking the Montalcino region. Continue your journey to Civitavecchia and your waiting yacht.
 
(Includes breakfast, winetasting and transfer to the yacht)

In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history.  A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound in Sorrento.   Optional tours will take you to the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Torre Annunziata, or the 4^th century B.C. city of Herculaneum. Perhaps your choice will be a boat ride to Positano, the legendary home of the Sirens. Perched on a terrace on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers exceptional views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. 

Today you’ll discover one of Sicily’s jewels, the charming village of Giardini Naxos, nestled in one of the world’s most beautiful bays. An optional excursion to the popular hillside town of Taormina will be a highlight of your voyage — from the stunning setting of the iconic Greek Theater to the sparkling beaches along the Ionian Sea. Take a more adventurous tack and explore the UNESCO site of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

While larger ships pass by, we anchor right beyond the famous walled city so you can admire its beauty with every glance. Tender ashore and step right into Old Town, a UNESCO site where no cars are allowed, just eons of history. Capture the exhilarating views on your camera — and in your memory. End your day at the Buza Café (if you can find it) watching bold divers leap off the cliffs into the crystalline sea. 

Split welcomes you with open arms, Mediterranean style, and a bustling harbor lined with busy cafés. Beyond, looms stately Diocletian’s Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the center of town. Within the palace walls, a majestic cathedral soars, surrounded by polished marble streets lined with every type of tempting shop. If you’re longing for a quiet respite, head for the western end of town for an easy stroll through a verdant mountain park. Or take an optional tour to Trogir, another UNESCO site.

The lovely fishing port of Rovinj on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula bordered on three sides by the Adriatic Sea. You can tour the maze of cobblestone streets that lead to the hilltop St. Euphemia Cathedral with its towering steeple dominating the skyline. Old Town Rovinj is a delightful tangle of medieval streets and twisting stairways. Seek out the Bronze Age ruins of Monkodonja, the hidden beaches or the breathtaking natural beauty of the 6-mile-long Lim Fjord.

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.