Unforgettable Italy Cruise & Stay – M/S Arca | 18 Days

This morning, we visit the Colosseum, a symbol of Rome. After our visit, we continue to see the splendid Arch of Constantine, climb the ancient Palatino Hill, overlook Circus Maximus and the Imperial Palace; and stop on the legendary Via Sacra or “Sacred way”. In the afternoon we have time at leisure for more discoveries and activities on your own or join an optional tour of the Grand Piazzas & food tour. Overnight in Rome.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Today we visit the Vatican Museums, located within that city’s boundaries. We see the works of Raphael & Michelangelo and admire the Sistine chapel’s magnificent frescoes. We continue to St. Peter’s Square where some of the most important Papal ceremonies take place. In the afternoon you might want to visit some of the chic shops, galleries, and museums; do some more sightseeing on your own or relax in a sidewalk cafe with a glass of fine Italian wine, some refreshing gelato, or a hearty dish of pasta. Overnight in Rome.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany with its iconic landscapes as you make your way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Here you will take a walking tour to see the main square and visit the impressive Basilica of St. Francis. Continue to Florence for dinner and an evening at leisure. Overnight in Florence.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

Our morning city tour begins at the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, we visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. The remainder of the day is free to savour the Renaissance splendour of the Tuscan capital on your own or take an optional tour Visit of San Gimignano with wine tasting. Overnight in Florence.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Drive to Pisa where you’ll view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo. Continue to Ferrara a renaissance gem in the Emilia-Romagna region, standing on the banks of the Po River. After an orientation tour of Ferrara, we continue to Venice for dinner and a free evening. Overnight in Venice.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

We begin our exploration of Venice at St. Mark’s Square with a walking tour which includes visits to the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We take in the amazing views of the Bell Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. We also take a boat ride to Murano Island, famous for its artistic glassware. Visit a glassblowing factory, where you will watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing by master craftsmen. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Venice on your own or join an optional Gondola serenade with Aperol spritz Venetian style drink. Overnight in Venice.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Drive to the seaside town of Opatija. A gem on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, nestled along the striking Gulf of Kvarner. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the town on your own. Perhaps take a stroll along the “Lungo Mare” seafront and enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf, sheltered by soaring mountains. Enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers. Overnight in Opatija.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the seaside town of Opatija, with its rich history, picturesque surroundings and once a gathering spot for the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Alternatively, join the optional tour to the Istrian Peninsula that begins in Pula, a strategic port since the times of the ancient Romans. Afterwards, the tour continues to the resort town of Rovinj. Tonight, return to Opatija and explore the charming town with its wealth of fine seafood restaurants. Overnight in Opatija.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Depart today for a drive along spectacular Adriatic coast to Split. Comfortable stop on the way for a delicious lunch included. Continue traveling to the past old fishing villages and new resorts, to the city of Split. Upon arrival, a city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Finally, see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The reminder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Split.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast you will be transferred from your Split hotel to harbour, where embarkation begins at 13:00h. Get settled in your cabin before attending a Welcome reception followed by dinner this evening. Overnight in Split.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Dinner

Morning sail towards Stari Grad, swimming stop and lunch on board. Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe with many affordable konobas and restaurants in the backstreets of the old town. The Stari Grad Plain and the old town centre of Stari Grad have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2008. Your evening is free to explore Stari Grad on your own. Overnight in Hvar.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Morning departure towards Hvar, the most popular island in the Adriatic and a meeting point for the international jet set. A sightseeing tour of this charming town, with 8 centuries of architecture, will show you the picturesque little streets and the first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s theatre in the UK). Afterwards we set sail for Korčula, with swimming stop in one of pristine bays and lunch on board. Early afternoon arrival to Korčula, thought to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour through this fortified town which is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean and enjoy wine tasting in one of the local wine bars. Your evening is free to discover the town and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many good restaurants. Overnight in Korcula.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning sail to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, you will enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Old Town with a panoramic bus ride above the Old Town. After the panoramic view, we will arrive at the historical centre of Dubrovnik, walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, the most famous place inside the town walls, the famous city enlisted as UNESCO’s World Heritage site, where your guide will show you the most interesting sights of Dubrovnik. After city tour, you will be left on your own to explore the city, visit City Walls, the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s second oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace, and the Cathedral, take a boat ride to Lokrum island or take the cable car to the top of the Mount Srđ. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning head further north to the Island of Mljet. Mljet National Park encompasses five types of forest, many species of birds, and two deep lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Join the Cruise Manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to explore the National Park or island on your own. Tonight, enjoy Captain’s dinner on board.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a break for a swim during your morning cruise. Continue sailing through lunch, arriving this afternoon in Hvar, a favourite holiday destination for international celebrities, but it’s also a charming seaside town with 8 centuries of architecture. On a walking tour visit the old town with the picturesque little streets and the first public theatre in Europe (older than Shakespeare’s theatre in the UK), the Franciscan Monastery and much more. Your evening is free in Hvar. You can explore more and dine on your own at one of the many restaurants in town.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Next, we head to our final port Split with a stop along the way to swim, cool off and relax, if weather permits, with lunch on board. In the late afternoon we arrive in Split to take a walking tour of the historic inner city takes us to the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. Your evening is free in Split.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast it’s time to disembark. You will be transferred to Split airport or your Split hotel. End of our services.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Touring with licensed local guides

English speaking tour director for land portion

Professional English speaking cruise manager on 7 night cruise

Tours as per itinerary

Sightseeing tours of Rome, Florence, Venice, Split, Hvar, Mljet National Park, Korčula and Dubrovnik

17 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners

Transportation by air conditioned vehicle

Deluxe superior cruise by M/S Arca (or similar)

Optional tour of the Grand Piazzas & food tour on day 2

Optional visit of San Gimignano with wine tasting on day 5

Optional Gondola serenade with Aperol spritz on day 7

Optional tour to the Istrian Peninsula on day 9

Water dispenser during cruise

Complimentary fresh fruits available daily during cruise

Daily cabin servicing, fresh bed linen and towels midweek during cruise

Luggage handling

Free Wi-Fi on board

Hotel taxes

Whisper technology enhanced touring

Wine tasting in Korcula

Entrance fees to:

• Colosseum,
• Vatican Museums
• Basilica of St. Francis
• The Academy of Fine Arts
• St. Mark’s Basilica
• Doge’s Palace
• Glassblowing factory
• Diocletian’s Palace

Tips and gratuities

Passport or visa fees

Baggage and personal insurance

Any beverages or food not listed in itineraries

All other entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions

Any other items of personal nature

Tourist and Port taxes of €35 per person. This is to be paid locally