Italy in Depth - Cruise & Land Journey

Welcome to Venice – a truly magical destination. With its grand palazzos, marble palaces and elaborate churches perched on a series of islands threaded with canals, it's a place of incomparable beauty and fascinating history. A world of wonder awaits with a two-night Special Stay at the Monaco & Grand Canal hotel. Your haven of luxury in this busy city offers the perfect place to relax before your adventure. (D)

Today, explore this timeless city from the water. Enjoy a gondola ride along magnificent canals and underneath ancient bridges. Marvel at the colourful Grand Canal, the main waterway that divides the city in two. Glide under the famous Ponte dei Sospiri, built almost 500 years ago, and explore the winding waterways that pass crumbling mansions and ornate public buildings. (B)

Freechoice:

• Dorsoduro & the Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Explore the picturesque Dorsoduro district, the city's cultural heart. Finish with a private guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a world-renowned modern art collection.
• Walking Tour: Discover Venice on foot, visiting the spectacular Doge's Palace and the majestic Basilica of San Marco. Stroll through the Rialto Market, stopping at an osteria for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti (snacks).

Your first stop today is Modena, one of Italy's great gastronomic destinations. More relaxed than Venice or Rome, Modena is home to some of the world's best restaurants and is said to be the birthplace of tortellini, lasagna, parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar. The centre of the city is a World Heritage-listed site, recognised for its grand cathedral, beautiful piazza and well-preserved Romanesque architecture. Visit a producer of traditional balsamic vinegar for a tasting and light lunch.

This afternoon, travel on to Rapallo for a two-night Special Stay at the Excelsior Palace Rapallo. (B/L/D)

This scenic seaside town on the Italian Riviera has been a favourite of royals, writers and poets for more than a century. It's also an ideal base to explore the rugged coastline of the World Heritage-listed Cinque Terre. The five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are dotted along the cliffs and accessible only via walking paths, train or boat, which lends itself to the already considerable charm of these unique 11th-century settlements. Bask in a full day exploring this picturesque coastline. (B)

Travel to Portofino, a gorgeous fishing village also on the Italian Riviera. Postcard-perfect and oozing Mediterranean charm, Portofino is a place to soak up la dolce vita. Brightly coloured buildings sit against crystal-clear water with lush pine-covered hills in the distance. Enjoy a scenic cruise around the spectacular bay. Then continue to Pisa to enjoy a guided tour and see its famous 58-metre-high leaning tower.

The tower – which took almost 200 years to build – began to lean soon after construction started in 1173. It continued to worsen until the 1990s, when a stablisation project was implemented, halting the tilt at four degrees. Later, arrive in Florence for a two-night Special Stay. (B)

Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence (or Firenze) is renowned for its artistic masterpieces and culinary Tuscan delights. Enjoy a walking tour of this art lover's paradise, including a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo's David.

In the afternoon, depart for Siena and enjoy a guided tour through this medieval city where time seems to have stood still. The 15th century city sits on three hills and comprises a maze of tight alleyways full of shops and restaurants. Its main square Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. (B)

Enrich: Visit a Tuscan farmhouse and discover local wine and oil production techniques. Later, enjoy a tasty rustic dinner featuring the region's wine and produce.

Welcome to Rome, where you'll enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Known as the Eternal City, this ancient city was founded in 753BC. Like an enchanting open-air museum, there is history at every turn, with ancient monuments and elaborate churches sitting alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques.

Today you'll enjoy a walking tour of its historic centre, where your expert local guide will show you iconic landmarks such as the 18th century Spanish Steps, the Navona Square and Trevi Fountain, which was erected on the site of an ancient Roman water source. (B/L)

This morning, you will visit the world's smallest state, the Vatican City. Marvel at the Vatican Museum, the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church, which leads to the magnificent St. Peter's Square. From there, you will continue to the Roman Forum, the ruins of an ancient district of temples, basilicas and public spaces, and the historic Colosseum.

An icon of the city, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 72 AD as an arena for gladiatorial games. After the fall of the Roman Empire, nearly two-thirds of the structure was destroyed by neglect and destructive weather, but in the 1990s it underwent an extensive restoration project. (B/D)

Enrich: This evening, enjoy a private farewell dinner.

After breakfast, you'll travel from Rome to Civitavecchia, an ancient port dating back to the 2nd century. Here, by the Roman Dock and the 16th century Michelangelo Fort, you'll board your 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse for the next leg of your journey.

Upon boarding, be warmly greeted by Scenic Eclipse's world-class crew and raise a glass of champagne with fellow guests on the Observation Deck as you delve into the magical Mediterranean en route to Gaeta. (B/D)

Tucked between Rome and Naples, Gaeta is situated on a peninsula that juts into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Considered one of the prettiest towns in this region, this hidden jewel has a scenic historical centre that tumbles down to the sea, flanked by fantastic golden sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Gaeta is popular with Romans looking for a seaside holiday but remains well off the tourist trail and only small ships – like Scenic Eclipse – can stop here.

You'll depart Gaeta late this evening, giving you time to explore the city after dark. Gaeta is famous for its food and the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town are packed with restaurants. Try the local specialty, tiella de Gaeta, a sort of cross between a pizza and a pie with two crusts. You'll also find plenty of fresh seafood and Gaeta olives, a local delicacy. Or just stroll the waterfront with a gelato and feel the sea breeze. (B/L/D)

Wake up early this morning so you can be on your verandah or enjoying breakfast on the Yacht Club Terrace as you arrive at Capri. This island is famous for its jaw dropping beauty; steep green cliffs rise from an impossibly blue sea, elegant villas draped in bougainvillea hide among the hills, and brightly coloured towns line the water's edge. Capri is known as the Island of Dreams and its mythical charm has captured hearts for centuries.

Only small cruise ships and luxurious superyachts can call at Capri, making for an exclusive experience for Scenic Eclipse guests.

As this is an overnight stop, you'll have time to explore Capri Town by night. Wander the Piazzetta and listen to the melodious chiming of the clock tower; sit at an outdoor restaurant to sample a fresh, aromatic caprese salad or the famous flourless chocolate cake; and listen for the sound of live music, which plays into the small hours. (B/L/D)

A resort town with a huge reputation, Sorrento is known as the land of lemons and orange groves, and is the birthplace of limoncello liqueur. It's the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, perhaps the most stunning stretch of coastline to be found anywhere in Europe, if not the world.

Perched on cliffs that plunge into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, Sorrento is a place of peaceful alleyways, shady piazzas, pastel-coloured buildings, grand villas and luxury hotels. Its gentle way of life has been charming visitors and authors since the 19th century, a favourite of everyone from Byron and Tolstoy to Dickens and Goethe.

If you want to dip your toes in the gin-clear ocean, take the Sorrento Lift down from Villa Comunale Park. The small, rocky strip of beach is dotted with wooden piers perfect for jumping into the water. Or order a limoncello spritz and relax on a sunbed at one of the many chic beach clubs. (B/L/D)

Spend this morning relaxing in your suite, perhaps enjoying breakfast on the verandah, or explore some of the indulgent spaces on board. That might mean a class in the Yoga & Pilates Studio, an invigorating massage in the Senses Spa, a swim with a view in the Vitality Pools on Deck 10 or watching the coastline approach through the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge.

You'll arrive in Porto Cervo, at the heart of the spectacular Costa Smerelda, at midday. Scenic Eclipse will utilise its GPS Dynamic Positioning to stop close to shore without dropping anchor, ensuring the fragile environment it protected. Built as a millionaire's playground by Prince Aga Khan in the 1960s, Porto Cervo oozes luxury with high-end boutiques, stylish restaurants, glamorous nightclubs, world-class golf courses and tennis clubs, and many sumptuous hotels. Very few passenger ships visit this town, but look out for celebrities on the waiting superyachts or wandering the streets. (B/L/D)

Calvi, on the French island of Corsica, has a long and illustrious history. It was founded in the 13th century and its fiery medieval citadel still stands, overlooking the red tiled roofs. It has been a tourist hotspot since the 1920s, thanks to its a moon shaped bay lined with a golden, sandy beach and forested mountains on the horizon.

Today, it has the feel of a chic resort on the French Riviera, with waterfront restaurants, luxury hotels and multi-million dollar yachts at anchor. Explore the alleys of this historic old town, walk around the ramparts of the citadel, and try to find the house that is said to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

Enjoy another late departure tonight, giving you the chance to spend a delightful evening in Calvi's candle-lit restaurants and al fresco bars. (B/L/D)

As the second smallest country in the world, Monaco makes up for its diminutive size with its elegance, glamour and opulence. Monte Carlo, its most famous district, attracts high-rollers and prodigious wealth with luxurious high-rise hotels, designer boutiques and beautiful people at every turn. Sleek and stylish Scenic Eclipse fits in perfectly among the private superyachts anchored at the marina.

From Monaco Old Town to the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, designed by famous architect Charles Garnier, there is much on offer. Discover the history of the Grimaldi royal family, forever transformed by Hollywood star Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier III. The Prince's Palace is still the family's official residence and you can get a glimpse of royal spectacle at the Changing of the Guards held every morning. Window shop in the designer boutiques that line the sunny Avenue de Monte-Carlo or stop for a drink at the legendary Le Bar Americain inside the Hotel de Paris. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Eclipse cruise ends in Nice, one of the most famous port cities of the Côte d'Azur. After a final delicious breakfast, you will disembark and be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home, taking wonderful memories with you.

#Scenic Eclipse spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board Scenic Eclipse, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)