Croatia & Italy Holiday

Venice, a city built on a network of canals, offers a mesmerizing blend of art, architecture, and history. Glide through the Grand Canal to see iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica. Wander through narrow alleys to discover hidden gems such as the enchanting Piazza San Marco, bustling with cafes and shops. The Doge’s Palace, with its opulent rooms and secret passages, provides a glimpse into Venice’s storied past. Don't miss the colorful markets, where you can sample local delicacies like cicchetti and fresh seafood.

Piran, a charming coastal town in Slovenia, is renowned for its Venetian architecture and scenic beauty. Start a visit at Tartini Square, named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, whose statue graces the plaza. Explore the narrow, winding streets leading to St. George’s Parish Church, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea from its bell tower.

Stroll along the picturesque promenade and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants while watching the sunset over the water. The town's medieval walls are perfect for a leisurely walk, providing panoramic views of Piran and its surroundings. For a taste of local culture, visit the Maritime Museum and learn about Piran’s rich maritime heritage.

Backed by hills of olive groves and vineyards, the historic port of Koper boasts a colourful history dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome that springs to life in its Old Town. Koper is also your gateway to Ljubljana, the nation's capital, a graceful city of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and bridges. Ships will dock at the Potniški terminal.

Top Things to Do in Koper:

• admire the architecture in Tito Square
• explore Lake Bled
• tour the Postojna Caves
• shop the open air market in Ljubljana
  

Located on Kvarner Bay, Rijeka is a beautiful city with its Roman walls, medieval churches, and hilltop Trsat Castle. The city is known for its medieval architecture, however it is also a thoroughly modern city with landscaped gardens, museums, and a growing restaurant scene. Ships will dock at the Port of Rijeka.

Top Things to Do in Rijeka:

• stroll the main street named Korzo
• climb the stairs to the top of Trsat Castle
• journey to the island of Krk
• go windsurfing
• spend the day in ancient Pula

Lying on the Adriatic Sea's eastern shore, Split is known for its terracotta roofs, whitewashed buildings, palm-tree-lined promenade and azure waters. A city of romantic beauty, it was built around the historic Diocletian’s Palace. Ships will dock or anchor at this port.

Top Things to Do in Split:

• explore Krka National Park
• visit the city-island of Trogir
• admire the Diocletian's Palace
• swim in the warm water at Bačvice Beach
• go white water rafting on Cetina River
• explore Vranjaca Cave

Perched on the Adriatic Sea, the city of Bari has long served as an important port city for both ancient and modern Italy. The city's Old Town beckons visitors to explore with its medieval churches, pedestrian-friendly plazas, and its labyrinth of crooked streets and passageways. Ships will dock at the Port of Bari.

Top Things to Do in Bari:

• visit the Castel del Monte
• explore the nearby town of Trani
• descend into the Grotte di Castellana caves
• admire the cone buildings of Alberobello
• see the Matera Sassi cave dwellings

The lush and verdant island of Corfu lies in the Ionian Sea, midway between Greece and Italy. It is an island of sparkling beaches, mountains splashed with wildflowers, and historical, perched fortresses. Ships will dock at the town of Corfu.

Top Things to Do on Corfu:

• visit the village of Palaiokastritsa
• marvel at the Achilleion Palace
• stroll through the UNESCO listed Old Town
• taste the local liqueur made from kumquats
• explore the Old Fortress
• sail the waters of Corfu

Calabria, located at the southern tip of Italy, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. This region is known for its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and the dramatic mountainous landscapes of the Aspromonte and Sila national parks.

Calabria's heritage is showcased in its ancient castles, Byzantine churches, and the archaeological sites of Sybaris and Crotone, where ancient Greek and Roman influences are still palpable. A must-visit is the Riace Bronzes at the National Archaeological Museum, two of the most famous statues from classical antiquity. Ships arriving in Calabria dock at ports such as Crotone and Reggio di Calabria, providing easy access to explore the region.

Crotone, nestled on the coast of Calabria in southern Italy, is an ancient city with a rich history. The port is centrally located, with the city’s major sights like the Castle of Charles V and the Cathedral within easy walking distance.

For those looking to explore further, consider visiting the archaeological site of Capo Colonna, just 15 kilometres (about 9 miles) from the port. The site features the solitary column of a Greek temple dedicated to Hera and offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Additionally, the National Archaeological Museum holds fascinating artefacts from the region, including those from the famous Battle of Scyllacium dating back 2,500 years.

The entire city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cited as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, it’s a cultural hub for Baroque art, museums, and historic sites. Ships will dock at the cruise port.

Top Things to Do in Valletta:

• tour the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• explore the island of Gozo
• take in the view at Dingli Cliffs
• visit the Grand Master's Palace
• explore Malta’s ancient capital, Mdina
• stroll along the Valletta waterfront

Messina is located on the northeastern corner of Sicily and is the panoramic gateway to the island. Sitting on a sickle-shaped harbour and under the gaze of Mt. Etna, the city is a patchwork of churches and antique palaces. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Messina:

• take the scenic drive up Mt. Etna
• explore Taormina’s medieval streets
• enjoy a tasting at a local winery
• admire the Messina Cathedral's bell tower
• sail along the Strait of Messina
• eat a Sicilian Cannoli
  
  

Naples, a bustling city in southern Italy, is famous for its vibrant street life, historic sites, and culinary delights, including the world-renowned Neapolitan pizza. The city offers a rich cultural experience with attractions like the Royal Palace, the Naples National Archaeological Museum, and the historic Spaccanapoli street.

Just a short drive from Naples is Pompeii, the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Visitors can explore well-preserved ruins, including houses, temples, and theaters, providing a fascinating insight into ancient Roman life.

The ancient capital of the Western World and the centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast of historical and cultural landmarks to explore. Visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, view the splendours of the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.

Don't forget to treat your taste buds to the delights of authentic Roman cuisine, which is as captivating as the city's ancient wonders. Indulge in creamy gelato, savour the perfection of al dente pasta, and relish the thin, crispy crust of Roman-style pizza. Buon Appetito!

Serving as Rome’s seaport since the 13th century, Civitavecchia is located about an hour (80km/50mi) from the centre of Rome. For guests arriving and departing from the airport in Rome, a transfer to Civitavecchia port should be organised ahead of time with your cruise line. Details will be provided in your travel documentation after booking. The port area itself offers diverse dining options, and inside, facilities include accessible bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a spacious waiting area. The port also offers complimentary shuttle buses to transfer guests between the ship and the port terminal.