Hidden Gems of Italy

On arrival in Valletta, transfer to your ship. This evening, get to know your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. Stay Seven Nights: MS Caledonian Sky (D)

This morning, arrive in Syracuse, founded by Greek political exiles around the fifth century BC. You have a free day to explore this ancient city at your leisure. Or perhaps, head out on an optional tour to visit the ancient Archaeological Park Neapolis, the island of Ortigia, the Arethusa Spring and the Temple of Apollo.

Later, join your fellow travellers for a Gala Welcome Dinner. (B/L/D)

Dock in the port town of Otranto, where you'll have the day at leisure to explore. Perhaps, join an optional guided city tour, visiting the town's romanesque cathedral and the Castello Aragonese, a fortified castle. Alternatively, take an optional tour to historic Lecce, a beautiful baroque town filled with sandstone palaces and churches. Your ship will stay docked in port until late evening, so you may wish to savour dinner at your leisure at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Today, you'll visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its trulli, which date back to the 15th-17th centuries during the Kingdom of Naples. These unique structures were built without mortar by resourceful Apulian farmers. Facing heavy taxes, the farmers pulled out keystones to collapse roofs and dismantle walls so that the village appeared uninhabited to tax collectors. As you stroll among the trulli, observe their subtle differences as your guide shares engaging commentary on their architecture and historical context. (B/L/D)

Spend a relaxing morning on board as you sail to Ancona. On arrival, enjoy time at leisure to explore. Perhaps, embark on one of the optional tours on offer, including a guided walking tour of Ancona or a visit to nearby Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site renowned for its dazzling architecture. (B/L/D)

Visit Ravenna, known as the City of Mosaics and an elected capital on three separate occasions. Admire glorious Roman and Byzantine architecture, boasting eight UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments. Set out on a guided tour and explore some of the impressive monuments including the Basilica of San Vitale, an octagonal building renowned for its mosaics that date to the sixth century. See the Mausoleum of Galla Placida, one of the best-preserved monuments in the city located in a nearby chapel.

Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional full-day tour, combining Ravenna with a visit to Bologna, one of Italy's most beautiful cities known for its gastronomy. Savour lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the historic Piazza Maggiore, the central square lined by medieval buildings including the Basilica of San Petronio and, at its heart, the famous Fountain of Neptune, built in 1556 by order of the pope. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, your tour concludes in Venice with a transfer to the airport. (B)