Adriatic and Aegean Seas with Italian Sojourn

On arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your ship and settle into your spacious suite.

This evening, get to know your crew and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner as your ship sets sail. Stay 14 Nights: L'Austral (D)

• Perhaps travel to the ancient city of Troy, the location of the legendary Trojan War and the famed Wooden Horse that was the downfall of this remarkable city. Visit the town's enthralling museum, which houses an interesting collection of Trojan artefacts as well as a fascinating range of ancient fossils from the Bronze Age through to modern times. Alternatively, you may wish to tour the ancient city of Assos.

This morning you will dock in Kusadasi, located on Turkiye's Anatolian coast. Drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Step back in time today as you immerse yourself in ancient Roman life and imagine the city's former splendour. Broad streets are lined with impressive buildings including the library of Celsus which was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator and reportedly a great book lover.

Later, enjoy lunch and a folklore show at a local handicraft museum before returning to your ship. (B/L/D)

• Take an exclusive after-hours tour of the Museum of Olive Oil Production, where you will enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal and folk dancing performance.

Land on the dazzling Greek isle of Mykonos and embark on a guided tour. Visit Ano Mera, the second largest village of the island and enjoy free time to stroll through the main square, before travelling to Kalafatis beach where you will have time to relax and take in the beautiful setting.

Later, take a walking tour through the main town of Chora. Stroll through the tangle of tiny lanes and take in the whitewashed buildings with iconic blue shutters, and see the blue-domed churches. See the old port and the famous windmills so often featured on post cards. You might even see Petros the Pelican, Mykonos' mascot. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps spend some time by the beach. (B/L/D)

On a tour of Athens, take in the cities most popular attractions including the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the historic neighbourhood of Plaka.

Later, your ship will traverse the famous Corinth Canal, which is just 21.3 metres wide. (B/L/D)

This morning, arrive in the Greek port of Itea and set off on an excursion to the sacred site of Delphi. In ancient times, Delphi was considered the centre of the known world. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and visit the partially reconstructed Treasury of the Athenians. You'll also visit the impressive museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of archaeological treasures. (B/L/D)

• Perhaps enjoy a guided city tour and wander past the town's Romanesque cathedral and see the Castello Aragonese, a fortified castle. Alternatively, visit to the historic town of Lecce, a beautiful Baroque town filled with sandstone palaces and churches.

Cruise the stunning fjord of Kotor Bay in Montenegro.

Upon arrival in Kotor, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town. During time at leisure, those feeling energetic may like to climb the 1,350 steps to the top of the town's fortifications, or alternatively, delve into history at the Maritime Museum. (B/L/D)

• Perhaps ride a cable car to the top of Srd Mountain for views of the town sprawled out beneath you, or learn about the city's walls on a guided tour.

• Witness an exclusive Moreska performance. This traditional sword dance dates back centuries and involves two groups of dancers representing opposing kingdoms engaging in battle to win over the heart of the King's fiance.

Today, head to beautiful Krka National Park to explore its dramatic waterfalls. The most famous is Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and countless cascades at the other as the rushing river forces its way through a barrier of tiny islets. Take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, as well as the unique flora and fauna.

Later, enjoy a walking tour of Sibenik. (B/L/D)

Take a walking tour of the main town, Mali Losinj, and admire the pastel-coloured villas lined up along the waterfront.

Later, relax as your ship sails towards Venice. (B/L/D)

• You may wish to take a tour of the St Mark's area including the Doge's Palace, an exquisite example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Alternatively, board a local boat to Murano, home to glass-blowing since 1291, and pay a visit to one of the oldest glassware factories.

This morning after breakfast, disembark your ship for the final time and travel to Bologna, known as Italy's culinary capital. Take a walking tour of the Old Town, taking in the Piazza Maggiore and the narrow laneways of the popular food district.

Later, continue to Florence and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Florence, Sina Villa Medici (B/D)

Explore the Galleria dell'Accademia and see Michelangelo's Statue of David before setting out on a tour of Florence.

Later, enjoy free time to explore. (B)

• Live the Italian good life as you sit down to a Tuscan light lunch of locally made olive oils, fresh antipasti and regional wines. Continue to Rome, where you'll have the evening at leisure to explore.

Today is all about soaking up Rome's iconic sites on a guided exploration.

Afterwards, take a guided tour of the Vatican. You'll also see the frescoes that only Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel can offer.

Tonight, savour a farewell dinner. (B/D)

This morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)