Western Mediterranean Venice to Rome Itinerary

WED

Flight from UK to Venice -Venice is the heart and soul of romance. Cast your eyes on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge’s Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. And know that, in Venice, love is always in the air.

THU

Venice – Piran, Slovenia – Surrounded by a circular wall, the town of Piran resembles an open –air museum with medieval architecture and a rich cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of famous composer and violinist Guiseppe Tartini. You may visit the Piazza Tartini, the town’s main square, Tartini’s house, Benecanka Palace, or the Church of St. George and the nearby Franciscan monastery which rises above the town.

FRI

Piran – Hvar, Croatia – The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys around the island of Hvar. Idyllically located just off the Dalmatian coast, the island and the little port, named after it, has been a favourite getaway ever since the time of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and even Austro-Hungarian royalty. See the perfectly preserved Cathedral of St. Stephen, the serene cloistered Franciscan monastery and the Venetian Arsenal, where one of Europe’s first public theatres was established in 1612.

SAT

Crotia – Dubrovnik – It was George Bernard Shaw who said, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik’s colorful history. In the cathedral treasury, the collection of priceless golden reliquaries include the remains of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint.

SUN

Dubrovnik – Kotor, Montenegro – You might think you were sailing up a Norwegian fjord. In fact, this stunning rock – walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in Southern Europe. As you venture deep into the heart of Boka Fjord, you’ll see several charming villages along the shore, but at its very end, Boka harbours one of the prettiest, unspoiled towns you’ll ever see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified with massive walls during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation.

MON

Kotor – Corfu, Greece – This, the most northern island of the Ionian, will give you a feel of the relaxed Greek way of life. Explore the old town and sample local delights available in the old town, heavily influenced by the Venetians and with more than a hint of English heritage.

TUE

At Sea – Relax and enjoy a day at sea, soaking up the sun, taking a cooling dip in one of the pools or simply admiring the passing scenery as you head towards Sicily.

WED

Taormina, Sicily – Barrelling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina separating Italy’s toe from the island of Sicily is a thrill beyond comparison, right past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses. And then you arrive in lovely Taormina, and your day is perfectly completed.

THU

Taormina – Capri – Capri, where the Emperor Tiberius held notorious bacchanals at his Imperial villa, has gradually become one of the most popular resorts in southern Italy. Famous for its scenery and climate, Capri is a garden of Eden teeming with vegetation despite the rocky landscape.

FRI

Capri – Ponza – The pastel houses of Ponza rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbour where sleekly groomed yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are only a few tourists here, so it’s a delight to wander through the unspoiled town. Then find yourself a private bit of beach, there are lots of them, and enjoy the feel of warm sand and cool clear water lapping your toes.

SAT

Civitavecchia, Port of Rome – Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight or to your hotel if you’re extending your stay.