Hidden Gems of Italy

On arrival in Valletta, transfer to your ship. This evening, get to know your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. Stay Seven Nights: MS Caledonian Sky (D)

This morning, arrive in Syracuse, founded by Greek political exiles around the fifth century BC. You have a free day to explore this ancient city at your leisure. Perhaps head out on an optional tour to visit the ancient Neapolis Archaeological Park, the island of Ortigia, the Arethusa Spring and the Temple of Apollo. Later, join your fellow travellers for a Gala Welcome Dinner. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Syracuse Walking Tour Syracuse was founded by Greeks from Corinth in 734 BC, soon becoming one of the wealthiest cities in Greece. Explore its ancient sites at the Archaeological Park, featuring the Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre, and the intriguing Ear of Dionysius, a cave renowned for its perfect acoustics. In the heart of Syracuse, the island of Ortigia offers charming baroque squares, elegant palazzi and picturesque streets filled with artists and craftsmen.

Discover Crotone in Calabria, boasting a spectacular coastline and a rich history dating back to 710BC. This morning, visit Santa Severina. Admire the town's stunning cathedral built in the 13th century, with a spectacular circular baptistery from the Byzantine period. Return to the ship for lunch on board. This afternoon, enjoy this historic city at your leisure. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Carafa Castle Explore Carafa Castle, a commanding Norman fortification in the hilltop village of Santa Severina.

Dock in the port town of Otranto, where you'll have the day at leisure to explore. Perhaps join an optional guided city tour, visiting the town's Romanesque cathedral and the Castello Aragonese, a fortified castle. Alternatively, take an optional tour to historic Lecce, a beautiful baroque town filled with sandstone palaces and churches. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to savour dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Otranto City Tour Delve into Otranto, a picturesque seaside town reminiscent of Greece. This stunning location offers a unique blend of east and west due to its rich history of Byzantine, Norman, Aragonese and Ottoman influences. Explore its medieval charm through the 15th-century castle, rebuilt after Ottoman raids, and the 12th-century Cathedral, famous for its floor mosaic that harmoniously represents symbols from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Stroll through the labyrinth of streets and uncover the captivating beauty and layered history of this vibrant, historical gem.

Enhance Your Journey - Tour of Lecce Head out on an optional tour of Lecce, often referred to as the ‘Florence of the South' for its elegance and harmonious architectural style. Learn about how the town expanded in the 17th century with grand churches and spectacular palazzi, all showcasing the best of baroque architecture. Admire the beautiful limestone buildings adorned with intricate features and visit the two main churches of the city, the Duomo and Santa Croce Basilica.

Today, you'll visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its trulli houses, which date back to the 15th-17th centuries during the Kingdom of Naples. These unique structures were built without mortar by resourceful Puglian farmers. Facing heavy taxes, the farmers pulled out keystones to collapse roofs and dismantle walls so that the village appeared uninhabited to tax collectors. As you stroll among the trulli, observe their subtle differences as your guide shares engaging commentary on their architecture and historical context. (B/L/D)

Spend a relaxing morning on board as you sail to Ancona. On arrival, enjoy time at leisure to explore. Perhaps embark on one of the optional tours on offer, including a guided walking tour of Ancona or a visit to nearby Urbino. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Urbino Be awed by Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site renowned for its dazzling architecture.

Enhance Your Journey - Tour of Ancona Immerse yourself in Ancona's beauty, a vibrant port city on Italy's Adriatic coast in the Marche region. Rich in history and cultural attractions, visit highlights including the second-century Arch of Trajan, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of San Ciriaco with its panoramic views, and the Lazzaretto of Ancona, now a cultural exhibition space. The city's lively centre showcases a blend of medieval and modern architecture, bustling markets and the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche. Head south of the city to the Conero Peninsula. Delight in natural landscapes of lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches like Sirolo and Portonovo, along with charming hilltop villages offering stunning Adriatic views.

Visit Ravenna, known as the City of Mosaics and an elected capital on three separate occasions. Admire glorious Roman and Byzantine architecture, and eight UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments. Set out on a guided tour and explore some of the impressive structures including the Basilica of San Vitale, an octagonal building renowned for its mosaics that date to the sixth century. See the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, one of the best-preserved monuments in the city located in a nearby chapel. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional full-day tour to Bologna.

In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a Captain's Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Bologna Full Day City Tour Experience one of Italy's most beautiful cities, Bologna, renowned for its rich gastronomy and vibrant history. After disembarking at Ravenna pier, meet your English-speaking assistant and board a private coach to Bologna. Upon arrival, join a guided walking tour and see key landmarks including Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city with its stunning Basilica of San Petronio and the iconic Fountain of Neptune, built in 1565. Savour a delightful three-course lunch at a local restaurant featuring Bolognese-style regional dishes. After lunch, visit the Jewish ghetto, the Basilica of Santo Stefano and the famous UNESCO-listed “Portici”, porticoes of Bologna.

After breakfast, your tour concludes in Venice with a transfer to the airport. (B)