Day 1:ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2:ROME A Little Romance Join your group for an informative orientation tour to get to know the Eternal City with striking views of its legendary landmarks. Work up an appetite for a food tour of romantic Roma! (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Time stands still with a small group walk through the Eternal City. Join your personal Local Guide to be amazed by the monumental, artistic, and religious buildings of Rome. Along the way, stop in three local venues that are perfect for small groups to taste local specialties.Day 3:ROME-NARNI-PERUGIA Small Pleasures in Perugia Enjoy an intimate walking tour to explore the sights of the ancient hilltop town of Narni. Next, visit a local frantoio farm for a special olive-oil tasting and light lunch in the 14th-century city of Perugia—one of the most beautiful and beloved villages in Italy. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTOLIVE YOU, ITALY! For generations, the same family has cared for hectares of fertile ground in the green hearth of Umbria. Take in the scent and the color of the excellent olive oil in this timeless mill as the family shares their history of cultivating Frantoio olives to achieve the authentic characteristic of its delicious flavor. Day 4:PERUGIA-PIENZA Sweet Expectations Enjoy the sweet experience of a guided walking tour, including an exclusive chocolate-tasting experience in Perugia. Keep the samples coming with a savory Pecorino cheese-tasting in Pienza. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCHOCOLATE IS LIFE The town of Perugia is widely known for its love affair with chocolate. Every year, this beautiful capital of Umbria hosts the annual Eurochocolate festival when chocolate enthusiasts from around the world gather and indulge in chocolate tastings and special events. ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Settle in with your small group to enjoy two nights in the serenity of The Relais Chiostro di Pienza hotel. This former 13th-century Monastery of St. Francis combines austere elegance with Tuscan luxury in the center of the historic hamlet of Pienza.Day 5:PIENZA-EXCURSION TO BAGNO VIGNONI A Toast to Tuscany Visit the small village of Bagno Vignoni in the Val D 'Orcia region of Tuscany, renowned for its unique thermal baths which have been used since Roman times. [LF] Join your small group for a unique wine tasting in the Montepulciano region. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITENEW TRADITIONS A big advantage of small groups becomes clear when enjoying unique experiences like a visit to a sustainable and organic winery in the heart of Montepulciano region. Learn about local winemaking traditions that produce exceptional wines while caring for the environment and preserving the local ecosystem. Day 6:PIENZA-MONTERIGGIONI-SAN GIMIGNANO-FLORENCE Secret Recipes Stop this morning in Monteriggioni and enjoy some free time to explore this medieval gem. En-route to San Gimignano visit a local farm for a private cooking class, followed by lunch. In San Gimignano, join your group for an enlightening orientation walking tour. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTTABLE MANNERS Roll up your sleeves with a personal, professional chef to learn the techniques of preparing an authentic Tuscan meal. Master the secret methods of creating your own mouthwatering dishes using fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients.Day 7:FLORENCE Fashionably Great Take a guided walking tour through the historic center of Florence to admire the elegant piazzas and monuments. Visit the Ferragamo Museum in Palazzo Spini Feroni, dedicated to the famous fashion designer and his collections, before celebrating in syle with a typical Italian aperitif at a renowned local caffè. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world 's most magnificent art and architecture. Follow your Local Guide through a maze of must-see sights and legendary landmarks. Discover more about one of Italy 's great fashion designers, Salvatore Ferragamo, with a captivating visit to the Ferragamo Museum. Then mix with the locals as you relax and enjoy an aperitif. Cincin!Day 8:FLORENCE-VENICE Via Venezia Travel to Venice via high-speed train. Later, grab your favorite few for a private Gondola ride followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT MOORS & OARS Enjoy the quintessential Venetian experience with a Gondola ride on the iconic canals. Glide through the narrow waterways with the expert of your gondolier who effortlessly steers with just a single oar—while possibly offering a serenade or two. Get a new perspective of the city sights, architecture, picturesque bridges, and bustling waterfronts from the comfort of your private water taxi. Mamma mia!Day 9:VENICE (EMBARKATION)-CRUISING AT SEA La Serenissima Free time this morning invites you to explore more of Venice, see the landmark sites or meander along the canals and through the typical Venetian “calli and campi” (alleyways and squares). This afternoon board your small cruise ship and join your fellow passengers for a welcome cocktail and dinner. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza,” it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark 's Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge 's Palace - a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, takes its name from the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison 's interrogation rooms.Day 10:ROVINJ, CROATIA Cobblestones and Cocktails This morning, arrive in Rovinj, one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Croatia. Explore the colorful old town, stroll along the quaint cobblestone streets and visit the church of St. Euphemia. This evening, before dinner, join the onboard Signature Cocktail demonstration. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULINARY CULTURE Istria, the peninsula on which Rovinj is located, is particularly famous for its gastronomy which has its roots in both Croatian and Italian cuisine. It is fortunate to have a mix of good quality local produce to choose from, fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic and olive oil and truffles from the land.Day 11:SENJ Medieval Views Today, visit Senj, a medieval town on the Adriatic coast. Indulge in free time to visit the town and the Nehaj Fortress, located above the town and boasting amazing views. Explore further afield with an optional excursion to the Plitvice Lakes. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Croatia 's first national park, Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. Lush forests, pristine lakes and wondrous waterfalls share this natural paradise with a wealth of wildlife, including wolves, bears, bobcats, and a bountiful species of birds. Words can 't do justice to this spectacular natural wonderland, so why not join the optional excursion and see this spectacle of pure nature for yourself.Day 12:SIBENEK Delightful Dalmatia Dock at the historic city of Sibenik, the oldest native Croatian city on the Adriatic, Free time to stroll along the waterfront and explore the main highlights including the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTFAMOUS FIRSTS Whilst Sibenek remains in the shadow of some of the more famous Croatian towns, allowing it to maintain traditions and an authentic local life. It can boast that it has also been a leader; it was the first Croatian town to mint its own money, and the first city in the world to have street lighting powered by an alternating current.Day 13:SPLIT The Emperor 's Escape This morning, disembark in Split for a day of discovery. Take a walk through the labyrinth of medieval streets within the walls of Emperor Diocletian's Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage site that forms the hub of the city. Join the locals at one of the bustling markets or simply enjoy local specialties whilst admiring the stunning views. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTA LEGEND SLEPT HERE Discover one of the world 's best-preserved monuments to Roman architecture - the spectacular Diocletian Palace that was built for the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th-century AD, and forms nearly half of the Old Town of Split. Having served as the emperor's villa, summer house, and military camp, this ancient palace evokes the power and strength of the Roman Empire.Day 14:KORCULA Emerald Isle Reach Korcula this morning, one of Croatia 's largest islands and famous for its lush green vegetation. Take free time to explore the Old Town and admire the medieval architecture, that often leads it to be compared to Dubrovnik. This evening you are invited to the Captain 's Dinner, a Mediterranean Feast Night, a combination of tantalizing flavors and music. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days.Day 15:KOTOR, MONTENEGRO Jewel of the Mediterranean This morning reach Montenegro, a small country with a stunning location. Sail into the Bay of Kotor, the southernmost fjord in Europe. Disembark in picture-perfect Kotor. Free time to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its cobblestone streets and charming squares and try some of the traditional specialties in the local cafes. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Kotor is a beautiful, walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. One of the squares contains the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.Day 16:DUBROVNIK, CROATIA A King 's Landing Enjoy the views as you approach Dubrovnik. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to your overnight hotel. Spend the day at leisure exploring the Old Town and its amazing walls or take a cable car up the Srd Mountain for some breathtaking views. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE It isn 't hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector 's Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.Day 17:DUBROVNIK Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Disembark your ship. (B)
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