Contrasts of Italy with Pearls of the Adriatic

Benvenuti a Roma where we begin our exciting journey through some of Italy's most beautiful cities. Spend time relaxing after your travels or take a walk down memory lane, tracing centuries of art, antiquities and culture before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive through Rome's intoxicating cityscape. (WR) Stay: Grand Palatino

We visit the centre of Christianity this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the imposing St. Peter's Basilica to see the Pietà, Michelangelo's masterpiece carved from the most 'perfect' block of marble. Our next stop is in Ancient Rome where we’ll visit the Colosseum. Here gladiators and slaves met their end in a blaze of glory. See the Circus Maximus before returning to the Holy See this afternoon.

Dive Into Culture and gain priority admission to the Vatican Museums where a Local Specialist will take us on a guided tour. Admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel when it is less crowded and observe the array of incredible artefacts at the Museo Gregoriano Profano, founded in the Lateran Apostolic Palace at the behest of Gregory XVI Cappellari in 1844. We will also enjoy an al fresco dinner against the spectacular backdrop of St. Peter's. (B/RD)

Enjoy a full free day in Rome or consider spending the day in beautiful Tivoli. Join an Optional Experience to see the exquisite house and gardens of the 16th-century Villa d'Este – a marvellous example of Renaissance landscape architecture. As the sun sets over the seven hills of Rome, people-watch in one of Rome’s beautiful squares or admire the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin to secure your return to Rome. (B)

Sit back on the high-speed train, bound for Florence, and watch the Tuscan landscape go by. Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour to gain insights into the city's Renaissance treasures. View the Ponte Vecchio, almost 700 years old and lined with goldsmiths, then visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of Michelangelo's masterpieces, the statue of David. Our love affair with Florence continues as we stroll to the Piazza della Signoria, featuring Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. (B) Stay: Ambasciatori

Cross the Arno River and see the enchanting skyline of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to Pisa through the Arno Valley. Meet your Local Specialist to explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, built on soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades. Over lunch, Connect With Locals at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia where you’ll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This evening, stroll along the Arno River in search of the perfect gelato, see the beautifully lit Duomo or visit a cosy enoteca for some wine tasting. (B/BMG)

Today is yours to discover the beauty and elegance of Florence – a city filled with exquisite galleries, lush gardens and opulent palaces. Consider a visit to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, the 'medieval Manhattan' of Tuscany. Venture outside the city to see Tuscan villages and taste rich panforte and tortas, or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's sophisticated boutiques. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Chianti region for a delicious Tuscan dinner. (B)

All aboard the express train for Venice. We cross the spectacular Apennines and fertile Veneto plain before arriving in this island city. Get lost this afternoon, wandering its narrow lanes in search of a cosy bacaro, people-watch in St. Mark's Square, the gateway to Venice, or take an unforgettable gondola ride along the city's enchanting canals. (B) Stay: Principe

This morning, breathe in the salty sea air as you board a private launch and cruise to St. Mark's Square to see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile, as well as the Doge's Palace. Later, we Dive Into Culture at an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassblowing. Admire the skill and talent of the master craftsmen as the shape the exquisite glassworks Venice has become justifiably famous for, using the same techniques that their forefathers have for centuries. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own terms, perhaps finding a quiet campo and pavement café or take a cruise to colourful Burano for a delicious meal. (B)

The sights and sounds of modern Venice come to life today as we join our Local Specialist for a walking tour and explore the vibrant Rialto Food Market, which has been feeding Venetians since the 11th century. We wander through the narrow calli - seeing the ornate façades of merchant houses that line the canals, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure for one last taste of Venice. Our adventure through Italy's charming cities is about to come to an end. We celebrate newfound friendships and an unforgettable experience at a Farewell Dinner. (B/FD)

Prime your sea legs this morning as you transfer to Opatija port and board the MV Aquamarin to meet your onboard team. This afternoon, you'll set sail for the 'island of love'. A guided tour of Rab will reveal its highlights, including its ancient walls, church bell towers and the monastery at the 16th-century Church of St. Justine. Sample Rab cake and enjoy a presentation of how this local delight is made. Rub shoulders with local artists who add a splash of colour to the streets of the town, then retire to the comfort of your cruise ship for the night. (B/L)

Cruise to Zadar, Croatia's oldest university town. From the 1st-century Roman forum to the 9th-century St. Donat Church, there's history around every turn. After exploring the wealth of museums, churches and palaces, you'll make your way to Zadar's Riva to see (and hear) the mesmerising Sea Organ, comprising several stairs that descend into the sea. (B/L)

Arrive in Skradin and travel to Bibich winery where you'll Dive Into Culture, learning the stories of the family who own this boutique vineyard. Indulge in a wine tasting of some of the indigenous varietals produced by the vineyards that surround you, paired with some of the favourite tapas delicacies of the area while you learn how the grapes are grown, picked and fermented to perfection using the same traditional techniques several generations of the Bibić family have used for centuries. You’ll leave feeling absorbed by this culture and way of life.

Next up is a visit to Krka Waterfalls National Park, where you'll visit Skradinski Buk, a spectacular vantage point from which to view 17 separate falls cascading 150 feet (45 m) to the pools below. You'll have the afternoon to explore the cultural monuments and waterfront attractions of Šibenik, a historic city along the Dalmatian coast and the oldest native Croatian town on the shores of the Adriatic. (B/D)

Your cruise continues towards the capital of Dalmatia and home to the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. Explore another aspect of Split’s buzzing historical town centre on foot with your Local Specialist who’ll share all the iconic and unexpected highlights with you as you wind your way towards Split Market. (B/L)

Follow in the footsteps of ancient Illyrian, Greek and Roman sailors as you cruise to Metković. It’s here, on the banks of the Neretva, that you’ll find one of the last remaining wetland deltas in Europe. A barge ride into the groves provides the perfect opportunity to view the local flora, fauna and birdlife. Next, visit the Narona Archaeological Museum, where you’ll see the remains of the Augusteum Roman temple, at the heart of what was once a major Roman stronghold. Tonight, you’ll be hosted by the Captain for dinner. (B/L/D)

Set sail for Korčula, most famously the birthplace of Marco Polo. You’ll discover why the locals call it 'The Black Island' and see how its towering walls have shielded its capital for centuries. After a tour through the Old Town’s narrow streets, you’ll have time to soak up the local atmosphere in one of the many konobas, restaurants or cocktail bars. (B/L)

Approaching Dubrovnik from the sea is a sight to behold. As you sail past its imposing walls, you’ll get a glimpse of why George Bernard Shaw described the city as 'heaven on earth'. Lunch is served on deck as the ship moors in Gruz harbour. You’ll be treated to a guided tour of the Old Town before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring on your own. You could choose to walk the ramparts, ascend Srđ mountain by cable car for spectacular views, or take a step back in time in its labyrinthine lanes. (B/L)

Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and take your airport transfer for your return flight. (B)