Italy Escape with Adriatic Cruise

Delight in rich culture, history and food in Italy’s timeless cities, then head to Croatia for a seven-night cruise upon the stunning waters of the Adriatic.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Rome

Arrive in Rome, the eternal city, and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight.

Day 2: Rome, Vatican City

Enjoy a guided tour that takes you to some of the city’s most famous sights, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. This afternoon, venture to Vatican City today and be immersed in a seemingly endless collection of treasures. Marvel at St Peter's Square before visiting the Vatican Museums, gazing up in awe at Michelangelo's masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The evening is at your leisure. Perhaps stop by the famous Spanish Steps or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain.

Day 3: Rome, San Gimignano, Florence

Depart Rome for Florence today, stopping along the way in the incredible Tuscan town of San Gimignano. Appreciate the medieval skyline before travelling north to Florence, a city famous for its art and culture. Enjoy an evening exploring the lively streets and amazing architecture at leisure.  

Insider Experience – Wine and Dine in Tuscany

Savour a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at Castello Vicchiomaggio. Relish dishes with seasonal flavours and sumptuous drops of regional wine.

Day 4: Florence

Begin your day with a guided tour through Florence's breathtaking streets and visit the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo's David. You may choose to join an optional tour to Pisa later to see its Leaning Tower and savour a Tuscan dinner.   

Insider Experience – Gelato Delights

Sample Florence's finest gelato at a famous local gelateria. 

Enhance Your Journey – Pisa

Pay a visit to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower. Afterwards, enjoy a mouth-watering Tuscan dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 5: Florence, Verona, Venice

Explore the beautiful city of Verona today, perhaps stopping under Juliet’s balcony to put yourself in Romeo’s shoes. Later, continue to the incomparable city of Venice. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Day 6: Venice

Spend the morning discovering Venice, where romantic canals replace bustling streets on a guided tour. During your tour, stop and enjoy a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure.

Day 7: Venice, Ljubljana, Opatija, Embark Ship 

After breakfast, travel via Slovenia’s eccentric capital, Ljubljana, to Opatija to board your ship and settle in for an amazing 7-night Adriatic cruise. 

Day 8: Opatija, Krk, Rab

Enjoy free time in Opatija before you set sail and drop anchor off the beautiful island of Krk, where you can take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic. After lunch on board and a relaxing sailing afternoon, your ship will arrive at the island of Rab. This evening is free to wander the picturesque Old Town of Rab, a perfectly preserved late medieval Adriatic settlement squeezed into a slender peninsula. Wander the white-walled harbour foreshore at leisure, perhaps enjoying dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the vibrant port marina.

Day 9: Rab, Pag, Zadar

This morning your ship will drop anchor near the island of Pag, where you may like to go for a swim (weather permitting). Arrive in Zadar later in the day and enjoy a guided afternoon walking tour through the atmospheric Old Town. Admire its Roman columns and portals, beautiful churches, baroque palaces and Renaissance buildings. This tour will conclude at the Sea Organ, an architectural sound art object and musical instrument powered by sea waves and tubes beneath large marble steps. Nearby is the Sun Salutation, a monument of 300 multi-layered glass plates that absorb solar energy by day and create a waterfront light show at sunset. Both were created by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić.

Return to your ship for dinner this evening. 

Day 10: Šibenik, Krka National Park 

Šibenik is known as the gateway to the magical Krka National Park, and today you will spend the afternoon at the dramatic waterfalls this area is famous for. Afterwards, return to the MV Princess Eleganza. Your ship remains in port overnight here in Šibenik. Following dinner on board your ship this evening, you may like to head into town to enjoy exploring Šibenik’s beautiful squares, as well as its narrow, winding streets.

Insider Experience – Krka National Park

Experience the natural beauty of Krka National Park. Here, explore the dramatic waterfalls, where the highlight is Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and countless cascades at the other, where the rushing river forces its way through a barrier of tiny islets. Take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, and the unique flora and fauna.

Day 11: Šibenik, Split

After breakfast, enjoy a walk through the historic town of Šibenik. Wander through the well-preserved, white-walled Old Town with your guide. Arrive in Split later this afternoon and set out on a guided walk through the town, exploring the Palace of Diocletian. Your ship will moor close to town in the evening, giving you the chance to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants located on the picturesque Riva Promenade.

Day 12: Vis, Korčula

On arrival at the Croatian island of Vis, disembark to explore this remote and largely untouched natural beauty during a scenic drive around the island. Return to the ship for lunch before sailing to Korčula. Join a local guide to explore the city’s maze of cobblestone medieval streets and elegant squares, flanked by palaces of the old nobility. This Old Town may not be as well-known as Dubrovnik, but this destination is every bit as rewarding for those lucky enough to visit. Your ship moors near to the town overnight, meaning you can enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Day 13: Korčula, Badija, Dubrovnik 

Stop at the idyllic island of Badija for a swim in the warm azure waters of the Adriatic Sea before continuing to Dubrovnik. Spend the afternoon on a guided walk through the unrivalled ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik. A guided tour of Dubrovnik’s World Heritage-listed fortress begins at the impressive Pile Gate, which has stood guard at the entry of this unique walled city for centuries. Within the ancient fortifications, wander through narrow limestone alleys and marble paved boulevards to see the grand Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace, the Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, and the inspiring Sponza Palace before returning to your ship later this evening for a Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 14: Disembark Ship, Depart Dubrovnik

Your journey draws to its conclusion after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport.