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]

Wander the historic streets of Ravenna and you may not immediately realise the wealth of artistry contained here. Leave the sun’s glow and let your eyes adjust to the interior of the city’s churches however and you'll discover some of the world’s finest Byzantine mosaics waiting for you. Decorated with spectacular explosions of colour even the humblest church facade can conceal momentous and magnificent artistic displays in this city which harbours 1 500 years of extraordinary history. Ravenna is home to a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Site designated buildings and no fewer than eight have received protection. Basilica di San Vitale of 525 AD stands as the town’s pièce de résistance - itself a precious mosaic of influence where Byzantine meets Baroque. Glorious light spills in vibrantly illuminating and highlighting the craftwork of its knaves and archways. The Mausoleum of Galla Placido is another noble achievement described by UNESCO as ‘the earliest and best-preserved of all mosaic monuments'. Look up at the glittering stars of the night sky from within and you may be inspired just as Cole Porter was when he penned Night and Day. Ravenna’s beauty has always been stimulating and Dante finished his masterpiece Paradiso here during exile from Florence. Sangiovese wines and prosciutto-filled piadina flatbreads will keep you fed and watered during your stay. Don't miss a taste of the local olive oil either which bursts with intense fruity flavours.

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.

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

Salerno is situated at the northern end of the Gulf of Salerno. The old town, rising up the slopes of the hill on the site of the ancient Salernum, still bears evidence of its great days during the medieval period. It had the oldest medical school in Europe, which flourished from the 11th century until it was closed down by Napoleon's brother-in-law, Murat, in 1812. Today, Salerno's main attraction is an imposing Romanesque cathedral, built in 1085 and remodeled in the late 18th century. A flight of steps leads up to an atrium with 28 columns from Paestum and fourteen ancient sarcophagi. The magnificent bronze doors were made in Constantinople in 1099. Inside is the ornate tomb of Margaret of Anjou and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII, who died in Salerno in 1085. In the richly decorated crypt under the alter lie the remains of the Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum.A 45-minute walk from the cathedral leads to a hilltop crowned by the old Lombard Castello, from where extensive views are available. Along the seafront, to the east of the harbor, extends a fine promenade lined with impressive modern buildings. The Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi is the town's principal traffic artery.Travelers coming to Salerno mainly use the port as a starting point for visits to the Greek temples of Paestum. Other favorite excursions from here are to Pompeii and to visit the popular resort towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Pier 22. A tourist office is located at the port and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. From the pier it is approximately two miles to the town center. Taxis are generally available at the pier for trips farther afield. Be sure to establish the fare with the driver before starting out. Shopping Local handicrafts, clothing, shoes and mozzarella cheese are items to look for. Major shopping areas are along Via dei Mercanti, Via Duomo and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Most shops are closed between 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine The always popular pasta dishes are a good choice. Other favorites include fresh seafood and local specialties. The home-produced ricotta and mozzarella are especially recommended. Good local wines will complement your meal. Other Sites Museo Diocesano At the Piazza Plebiscito, behind the cathedral, this museum houses a fine collection of medieval carved tablets. Museo Provinciale Occupying two floors of the San Benedetto Monastery, the main attraction at the museum is a handsome bronze head of Apollo fished out of the bay in the 1930s.

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.