Italy Escape with Adriatic Cruise

Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, and transfer to your hotel. Venture to Vatican City today and be immersed in a seemingly endless collection of treasures. Marvel at the imposing grandeur of St Peter's Basilica and the enormous square, also named after St Peter, in front of it before visiting the spectacular Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where you'll look to the ceiling in wonderment at Michelangelo's masterpiece fresco. Stay Two Nights: Rome, NH Collection Roma Centro (or similar) (D)

Enjoy the morning at leisure before exploring more of Rome ona guided tour this afternoon, featuring many of the city'st most famous sights including the Forum, Colosseum and the Pantheon.

Later, enjoy time at leisure. You may wish to visit the Spanish Steps or ensure your future return to Rome by tossing a coin in the beautiful Trevi Fountain. (B)

Depart Rome for Florence today, stopping along the way in the incredible Tuscan town of San Gimignano. Appreciate the medieval skyline before travelling north to Florence, a city famous for its art and culture. Enjoy an evening exploring the lively streets and amazing architecture at leisure. Stay Two Nights: Florence, Hotel NH Firenze (B/L)

Insider Experience: Savour a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at Castello Vicchiomaggio.

Begin your day with a guided tour through Florence's breathtaking streets and visit the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo's David.

Afterwards, indulge as you sample the city's finest gelato at a famous local gelateria. You may like to join an optional tour to Pisa later to see its Leaning Tower and savour a Tuscan dinner. (B)

Explore the beautiful city of Verona today, perhaps stopping under Juliet's balcony to put yourself in Romeo's shoes.

Later, continue on to the incomparable city of Venice. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight. Stay Two Nights: Venice Island, Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (B/D)

Spend the morning discovering Venice, where romantic canals replace bustling streets on a guided tour. During your tour, stop and enjoy a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration.

Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure. (B)

After breakfast, travel via Slovenia's eccentric capital, Ljubljana, to Opatija to board your ship and settle in for an amazing 7-night Adriatic cruise. Stay Seven Nights: aboard the MV Princess Eleganza (B/D)

Enjoy free time in Opatija before setting sail. Stop at the beautiful island of Krk, where you can take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic.

Later on, your ship will arrive at the island of Rab, a perfectly preserved late medieval settlement. Feel free to wander the island this evening. (B/L)

This morning, your ship will drop anchor near the island of Pag, where you may like to go for a swim (weather permitting). Arrive in Zadar this afternoon and enjoy a walking tour through the Old Town. Admire its Roman columns and portals, Romanesque churches and wonderful palaces. Return to your ship for dinner tonight. (B/L/D)

Sibenik is known as the gateway to the magical Krka National Park, and today you will spend the afternoon at the dramatic waterfalls this area is famous for. Wander along wooden boardwalks and bridges at Skradinski Buk, an azure natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and serene cascades at the other.

Afterwards, return to the Princess Eleganza. Your ship remains in port overnight here in Sibenik.

Following dinner on board your ship this evening, you may like to head into town to enjoy exploring Sibenik's beautiful squares, as well as its narrow, winding streets. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, take a guided walk through the well-preserved, white-walled Old Town of Sibenik, visiting the Cathedral of St James and the impressive St Michael's Fortress. Enjoy the expansive views of Sibenik Bay and neighbouring islands from the fortress's open-air theatre. Arrive in Split later this afternoon and set out on a guided walk through the town. Your ship will moor close to town this evening, giving you the chance to enjoy dinner along the picturesque Riva Promenade. (B/L)

On arrival at the island of Vis, disembark to explore this remote and largely untouched natural beauty. After, sail to Korcula. Join a local guide to explore the city's maze of cobblestone medieval streets and elegant squares flanked by palaces of the old nobility. This Old Town may not be as well-known as Dubrovnik, but it is every bit as rewarding for those lucky enough to visit. Your ship moors near to the town overnight, meaning you can enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants. (B/L)

Stop off the island of Badija for a swim in the warm azure waters of the Adriatic Sea before continuing to Dubrovnik for lunch. Spend the afternoon enjoying a guided walk through the unrivalled ‘Pearl of the Adriatic', the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik. Visit the World Heritage-listed fortress and wander through narrow limestone alleys and marble boulevards to see the grand Gothic-Renaissance Rector's Palace, the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, and the inspiring Sponza Palace. Return to your ship this evening for a Farewell Dinner on board. (B/L/D)

Your journey draws to its conclusion after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport. (B)