Fusina to Civitavecchia

Losing none of its allure over the years, this floating city of canals, bridges and masks is a place of eternal beauty and enduring elegance. The lagoon of more than 100 islands is a heavenly sight, transporting visitors on a journey through time - from its Roman inception, through centuries of trade to the modern face we see today. Navigate Venice’s sparkling waterways by romantic gondola, or on cruises along wide canal boulevards. Span the Grand Canal over its iconic original crossing, the Rialto Bridge, which - with its parade of tiny shops - gives some of the city’s most endearing views. If the crowds unsettle you at any point, take two turns away from the main thoroughfares to find peace alone, amid the city's labyrinth of tiny streets. Hurry to Piazza San Marco to be immersed in Venice’s elegant glory. Basilica San Marco transports you back to the wealthy days of the Doges, who ruled for over 1,000 years. Initially their private chapel, it’s now decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Nearby the Campanile di San Marco bell tower offers views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops of times gone by. Just a hop skip and a jump around the corner is the Doge’s Palace, where the levels of opulence ramp up even further. Justice was meted out in this stunning Palace, with the guilty walking to the cells across the covered Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto trips to local islands offer even more adventures to float your boat, whether it’s Murano with its world-famous glass, Torcello with its amazing Cathedrals, or Burano with its handmade lace and delightfully colourful painted houses.

Trieste: the past grandeur of the Empire Nestling between the Adriatic and the foothills of the Dinaric Alps, Trieste is the last Italian city before Slovenia. It was here that Jason and his Argonauts are said to have searched for the Golden Fleece... The city cannot hide its deeply maritime DNA and the wealth it has drawn from it over the centuries. The tall buildings lining the seafront are statuesque, while the plush apartment blocks and wide, straight avenues offer passers-by a successful mix of Art Nouveau, neoclassical, Empire-style and more baroque architecture. In the alleyways, the styles blend together and also offer a typical ancestral style. For a long time, Trieste was one of the maritime capitals of southern Europe, first as the main Mediterranean port of the Holy Roman Empire, then as the only port in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire. Shipowners' money flowed here before the city became Italian and "the last city in the north-east". Despite its lost grandeur, Trieste remains a city whose main activities are still maritime with a slightly old-fashioned charm that is nonetheless undeniable. The relative austerity of its streets makes the architectural and decorative nuggets that can be found on the pediment of a building, at a bend in the road or behind a carriage door all the more dazzling. A curious eye is a must here. Settlement of the region dates back at least two millennia BC, with evidence at various times of the presence of Venetians, Ilyrians and Celts. What began as a small fishing village became a major Roman colony under Julius Caesar, and the city acquired a number of typically Roman features, including a forum and theatre - still visible today on the hill of San Giusto - an aqueduct, some sections of which are still visible today, and Riccardo's Arch, built in the 1st century AD and visible in via del Trionfo, a 15-minute walk from the ship. Over the centuries, the city was plundered by the barbarians, came under Byzantine rule, fell into the hands of the Franks and then joined the Republic of Venice. In 1382, it gave itself to the House of Austria. This would be the foundation of Trieste's wealth, and for centuries it would remain the only port in the whole of Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its grandeur reached its peak at the end of the 19th century. After the First World War, Trieste became Italian and gradually fell into decline. This economically depressed area became the birthplace of the National Fascist Party. When Italy left the Axis in 1943, Trieste became the capital of the Adriatische Küstenland, a province of the Third Reich, which set up the infamous Risiera di San Sabba concentration camp there. In 1945, Tito's Communist partisans took control of the town and - despite the rather passive presence of the Allied forces - carried out a bloody and expeditious purge of the town's fascists and their families. The city and its region were eventually separated into two parts, administered on one side by the British and Americans and on the other by Tito's Yugoslavia. This division led to a mass exodus of people refusing to be under Communist rule, just a few months after the massacres at the end of the war. Despite its troubled history, Trieste is a great place to live. Strolling through its historic centre is a delight that can be savoured by taking the time to observe, stopping off at a terrace for a Spritz and a pizza or visiting its monuments. Santuario di Monte Grisa This truncated pyramid on the hill just outside the town is a church. The "Santuario Nazionale a Maria Madre e Regina" was built in the 1960s at the instigation of the Bishop of Trieste. He had vowed to build a church if Trieste escaped the destruction of the liberation. Its shape is said to evoke the letter M, from the Virgin Mary. Faro della Vittoria Another benchmark for sailors, The Vittoria Light was built in 1920 as a tribute to the victims of the First World War. At its summit, almost 70 metres high, a 7.20 metre high copper statue depicts the winged Victory by the sculptor Giovani Mayer. Its crystal lantern has a range of 35 nautical miles on a clear day. The Miramare Castle Perched atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the Miramare Castle is a majestic architectural marvel that once served as the residence of Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria. Piazza Unità d'Italia Trieste's central square, Piazza Unità d'Italia, is one of the largest and most scenic in Europe. Flanked by impressive Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau buildings, it offers breathtaking views of the sea. Molo Audace This is one of the city's favourite walks. The jetty that divides the port in two offers a unique view of the city and the ships that dock there. Rowers from the city Rowing Club train along the mole in the morning. Caffè San Marco: The historic Caffè San Marco is a literary haven, where renowned writers and intellectuals, including Italo Svevo and Umberto Saba, once congregated to exchange ideas and engage in profound discussions. [Pictures on request to Olivier]

Set on the dazzling Adriatic where the Krka River opens out into the blue island-peppered waters Šibenik is a stone-clad city that oozes Dalmatian medieval charm. Gorgeous Krka National Park gushes with famously picturesque waterfalls close by while the World Heritage Sites of Croatia’s oldest native town have endless stories to tell. Rising from the shadow of popular neighbours Split and Zadar Šibenik is successfully establishing itself as an unmissable Dalmatian city thanks to its timeless grace and 30 hidden churches and monasteries - which ring their bells above a wash of terracotta roofs. Dominating the tight streets of the charming old town - where ice cream vendors spoon out fruity flavours and footsteps rattle along stone streets - is the magnificent Cathedral St. James UNESCO World Heritage site. Taking more than a century to construct it is built from stone in a Gothic-Renaissance style and adorned with 71 sculptured heads - each displaying its own personality. St. Michael’s Fortress stands on a hill above the city providing the perfect viewpoint to see Šibenik rolling towards the stunning archipelago which punctuates the turquoise Adriatic. Part of the fortress is now used as an open-air stage forming an ethereal venue for performances. St. Nicholas Fortress is another UNESCO protected site and was built where the monastery of St. Nicholas once stood. Further afield the beautiful old town of Trogir is close by along with the Roman ruins of Salona.

Croatia’s crowning glory rears up vertically from the tranquil waters of the Adriatic, and Dubrovnik’s daunting fortresses town is a truly imposing sight to behold. Encircled by chunky stone walls so thick and dramatic they could have been purpose-built as a film set, this city’s unmatched old town is the setting for countless films and shows - from Star Wars to Robin Hood, Game of Thrones and every production in-between seeking a truly authentic medieval flavour. This fantasy fortress’s walls - which are no less than 12-metres thick at places - are certainly not just for show, however. They kept Dubrovnik safe when it was a maritime republic and they were besieged as recently as 1991, when Serbian and Montenegrin forces attacked, as Yugoslavia broke apart. Fully restored now, the stone streets of the city take you through a beautiful mosaic of architectural splendour, baroque churches and splashing fountains. Tapering alleys rocket up from the central boulevard of Stradun, offering spectacular views down, but you’ll need to walk the city walls to appreciate the fortress city’s full scale. Banking up sharply to the rear, you can gaze across an ocean of terracotta roofs and church spires, clamouring together before the sparkling Adriatic. Visit the neighbouring fort of Lovrijenac, for another perspective, or swing up to Srd fortress’s glorious panorama on a cable car. Dubrovnik’s streets are crammed with eateries and candlelit tables, where couples splash wine into glasses and enjoy gnocchi mixed with creamy truffle sauces. Nearby beaches like Banje are also close by, and hidden bays reward the intrepid who venture out beyond the old town. Take sunset drinks to sit back and watch as flotillas of sea kayaks roll by, or sail on the pristine waters to explore island gems like Lokrum - where peacocks are the only permanent residents.

Embedded into the slopes of the steep Lovćen mountain and overlooking the deep blue Adriatic the fortified town of Kotor boasts a spectacular imposing staging that few can match. Sq Squeezing in through the tight Bay of Kotor is a daunting and impressive approach in itself as you arrive via one of Europe’s most stunning waterways. A pearl of Montenegro and the Adriatic Kotor's warren-like streets drip with history and authenticity. Under Venetian influence for four centuries the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site old town invites you to wander amid atmospheric stone-clad streets overlooked by a sea of terracotta roofs and the double towers of the cathedral. Many favour Kotor for its compact layout smaller crowds and authenticity however - having been spared from shelling during Yugoslavia's breakup. The tightknit streets here are patrolled by a slinking population of feline residents who were adopted as the town’s mascots after being left behind by transient trader ships. Learn of the city's extensive heritage on the waves in the dedicated maritime museum that is contained within Grgurina Palace. Pick your way through tight alleys of workshops and studios walking below fresh laundry strung from windows before settling into shiny paved piazzas for an afternoon coffee or seafood meal. If you’re up for an aerobic challenge tackle the 1 350 steps up the steep walls to St John's fortress. The views over the gorgeous bay make the arduous slog worth it.

Set right in the heel of Italy’s boot, Brindisi is a pretty little maritime port, fringed with palm trees and most definitely carries its moniker of “Gateway to the East” with pride. An Italian province packed with fascination and the relics of vanished civilization, Brindisi’s cultural inheritance ranges from the relics of ancient Roman highways to Gothic and Baroque churches, cathedrals, frowning battlements of Swabian castles and fortresses which date back to the 13th century, reign of the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II. Life continues in Brindisi as if the 21st century hadn’t arrived. Visually, the landscape is as stunning as one would expect in southern Europe. Villages set on sunlit hilltops rise like islands above a rolling landscape of olive groves and vineyards. The coastline is a striking mixture of ruggedly beautiful cliffs and grottoes interspersed with a scattering of long, sandy beaches. Together with the wealth of historical artefacts and spectacular landscapes, Brindisi is one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Naturally, the cuisine is rich with its pickings from both land and sea and visitors can expect the best pasta, Caprese salad, local lemon loaf and spaghetti al vogole they have ever had!

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Hugging a long, sweeping bay, Giardini Naxos welcomes you ashore to some of Sicily’s most scenic and historic sites. Naxos was the first Greek settlement on Sicily, and it is surrounded by remarkable remains and swirling mythology. With a long arc of sun-soaked golden sand, you can kick back by the waves - and cool off with a dip into the sea's refreshing embrace. Up above the seaside revelry, the spectacular Taormina hillside town perches - containing rich Roman and Greek history. Visit to encounter one of Sicily’s best views, as you look down over the rejuvenating blue of the sea, and the looming backdrop of Mount Etna rising in the distance. The majestic, honey-coloured Greek theatre is a highlight, standing before the distant loom of the volcano. Head towards the puffs of cloud, and wisps of smoke, that gather around the peak of Sicily’s mighty volcano, which is among the most active in Europe. Arrive through vineyards, thriving in this fertile soil, before taking the 1,737-metre incline to the summit of the legendary mountain of fire, across fields of solidified lava flows. Known to the Greeks as the home of the God of Fire, and the one-eyed Cyclops, the mountain continues to amaze and awe with its restless power. Vineyards carpet the scenery - interrupted by occasional cactai and citrus groves – and produce some of Sicily’s most refined flavours. Enjoy a glass of wine on Giardini Naxos’ seafront, and toast your time on these rich Sicilian shores

Perched high on the imposing Sciberras Peninsula, Valletta immediately presents its massive, protective walls and vertical bastions to visitors arriving by sea. Rising to 47 metres in places, the fortifications protect lavish palaces, grand domes and illustrious gardens. Built by the Knights of St John on the narrow peninsular, Valletta is a compact, richly historical treasure trove of Baroque wonders. Ascend to reach the restful, flower-filled Upper Barrakka Gardens, where cannons fire and boom in salute at noon each day, sending echoing cracks of noise out across the waves below. Recognised as 2018’s European Capital of Culture, Valletta is a fascinating and dense haven of history and intrigue. A busy, bustling capital, the breathtaking St John’s Cathedral - commissioned in 1572 - is almost concealed among its narrow streets. The relatively modest exterior is counterpointed by a staggeringly opulent, gold-leaf bathed interior, containing a Caravaggio masterpiece - the shadowy vision of the Beheading of St John. Cinematic and magnificent, Valletta has served as a filming location for Game of Thrones - but real epic history abounds on this rocky isle too. From the prehistoric and megalithic sites of the Hypogeum of Paola and Tarxien, to the fascinating War Museum at Fort St Elmo. Mdina also waits nearby, and the former medieval capital is a striking contrast to the island’s main city. Cars are barred from its streets, and it offers endlessly atmospheric old-time wanders. With a strategic positioning in the Mediterranean, Malta is a jewel that many have wrestled for over the centuries. Independence from Britain was finally achieved in 1964, but the close allegiance remains evident, with English recognised as an official language, cars driving on the left, and red post boxes and telephone gleaming in Malta’s sunshine.

Surrounded by glowing turquoise waters and rugged coastline Trapani invites you to explore western Sicily's ruins intense flavours and sun-soaked leisure pursuits. Built on salt and tuna exports Trapani is experiencing a renaissance having been lovingly spruced up as a sailing capital and an international airport bringing in visitors from far and wide. The town looks out over the Egadi Islands gazing west to witness some of Siciliy's most evocative sunset displays. Start exploring Trapani from its historic core a dense network of alleys hosting a collection of small shops restaurants and wine bars. You’ll encounter the Cathedral of San Lorenzo – where colourful artworks are spread below sweeping arches and a beautiful domed roof. Sicily feels like an island on the cusp of continents and Trapani practically has one foot in Africa as you soak in its pretty whitewash houses and fusion of foods and arts. Discover the Ancient Greek influence by venturing to rich archaeological sites nearby like Selinus and Segesta where the treasures from the past have been unearthed and displayed. Pyramids of white salt rise up at the Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani e Paceco. These salt marshes and windmills are a symbol of Trapani and although sea salt production is much less important today the small white hills remain a Trapani landmark. Look out for the pink flamingos wading in the salt pans below. For beach days the Egadi Islands can be easily reached from Trapani - Favignana is the largest and most popular.

Sorrento's colourful, sun-faded facades cascade down from green hills and cliffs to the Bay of Naples' gently lapping waters. The perfect base for exploring this Italian corner of outstanding natural beauty, venture to the curvaceous roads of the Amalfi coast - or enjoy leisurely jaunts across the shimmering waves to Capri's gem of an island. While it makes for a fantastic jumping-off point, Sorrento itself has oodles of rustic fishing town charm, so don't rush off too quickly. Piazza Tasso is the locals’ main meeting spot and a starting point for a wander through the picturesque streets. Throw back a quick espresso caffeine kick at a standing cafe, before strolling through Corso Italia - Sorrento's spine - which is lined with boutiques, museums, bars and restaurants. The historic Church of San Francesco blossoms with colourful celebrations of weddings, which spill out into its gorgeous ivy-tangled cloisters. Or head down to relax by the small beach and fishing-boat filled harbours. The looming, cloud-wisped cone of Mount Vesuvius is unlikely to escape your attention, and this now docile volcano was responsible for a famous tale of destruction when it wiped out the ancient city of Pompeii in a heartbeat. Known for the haunting, frozen casts of the city’s unfortunate inhabitants - the massive site is a miraculous snapshot of an Ancient Roman city in its pomp. Wander the stone slabs streets, visit the beautiful theatre, and the columns of the sprawling ancient forum – painstakingly recovered and rendered from below the ash. If you’re feeling a little peckish, enjoy quick and delicious flame-cooked pizzas of oil, basil, tomato, and buffalo mozzarella. The volcanic soil imbues the local wines with rich flavour – soak in the waterfront views while savouring Taurasi and Lacryma Christi flavours. Or sample the luminous lemony-hit of ubiquitous limoncellos.

All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil.

All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil.