FROM RIVER TO OCEAN: VENICE, SICILY & CROATIA

Arrive in Milan where a group transfer will take you to your hotel.

Milan is a mecca for Italian fashionistas, famous for its innovative design and stylish flair. Venture inside the city’s hulking Gothic cathedral, as well as its cathedral to capitalism, Europe’s oldest shopping arcade. Alternatively, you can join a Masterpiece Collection optional excursion to Lake Como and Bellagio. This experience is bookable upon arrival, so please inquire with your tour manager about pricing and availability after check-in on Day 1.

En route to Venice, you’ll stop in the literary hometown of Shakespeare’s famously star-crossed teen lovers to see the sights. Later, enjoy lunch at a historic wine estate owned by descendants of Dante and learn about one of the most unique Italian wines, Amarone di Valpolicella.

This evening you’ll arrive in Venice and embark your river vessel. Unpack, relax and enjoy your first evening on the Venetian Lagoon. A compulsory safety drill and briefing, along with the welcome briefing, will be organized shortly before dinner, but this will be a quick and easy part of your journey.

With your early morning arrival at Doge’s Palace, you’ll be able to marvel at the estate in total peace. Wander through a Venetian neighbourhood and experience daily life in an authentic Venetian residential quarter. Later in the evening, cap the day off with a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds.

Start your morning in one of two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you’ll reboard the ship for scenic sailing across the lagoon as we head towards Mazzorbo and Burano. A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello’s famous basilica with an art historian, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano during your free time after lunch. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work.

Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market.

This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet. Later, during lunch, we sail back to Venice.

As your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande, you’ll arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge sits at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande and holds numerous shops and restaurants.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Disembark the ship. A private transfer will take you to your hotel for 1 night between your river cruise and your ocean cruise.

A group transfer will take you from Venice City Centre to Ravenna Port to join your Celebrity cruise.

Located on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea, Zadar is a Roman-era city with a modern and youthful vibe. Stroll along its beautiful tree-lined promenade. Start at The Sea Organ, an art installation consisting of 35 pipes cut into the promenade. Soothing chords become a cacophony when the waves are choppy, creating an unpredictable concert orchestrated by the sea. Classical sights include the Roman forum, of which only a few columns and an altar remain. Stones from here were used to build the neighboring rotunda of 9th-century St. Donat’s Church. The church of St. Simeon contains a beautifully crafted silver reliquary, while more can be seen in the Gold and Silver of Zadar exhibition at St. Mary’s church. There are also dozens of nearby islands for exploring and national parks where you’ll enjoy lakes, waterfalls, mountains and secluded wilderness.

Established 1,300 years ago on the far southern tip of the Dalmatian Coast, this city once rivaled Venice in terms of its importance. Take a walking tour to the Dominican Monastery and marvel at the finest collection of Renaissance paintings, including a painting by Titian.

Lined with palm trees, this Adriatic seaside town is also a cultural mecca. Within the walls of the Diocletian Palace, you’ll discover historical buildings, numerous museums, the National Theatre and a collection of old churches. Culture, beauty, natural wonder – Split has it all.

Kotor offers some of the most well preserved architecture in all the Adriatic coast, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Built in 1166, there are frescoes dating back hundreds of years, and much of the gold and silver relief work done by the city’s master craftsmen of that time are held for safe keeping within its walls.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.

The Phoenicians created Palermo, which means “surrounded by rocky cliffs” sometime between the 8th and 6th century B.C. Rich in history and works of art, you’ll be amazed at the variety of architectural styles – Byzantine, Arab, and Norman influence are blended in many buildings – reflecting the many nations which have ruled this small island over the centuries.

Naples is a large port city located in southwest Italy and is the capital of Italy’s Campania region. A Naples cruise port of call is an excellent way to visit Italy’s third largest city and experience everything this famous city is known for, including pizza, history, and it’s close proximity to several of Italy’s most famous places.

Due to its location, Naples is a unique port city for travelers on Mediterranean cruises. It has the allure of an energetic city since Naples is home to a vibrant historic center and famous culinary scene, but it is also the gateway to some of the most alluring places in the world. The Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri, and the lost city of Pompeii are all an easy day trip away.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.

Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. The Galleria dell’Accademia displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. The Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. The Galleria dell’Accademia displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. The Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

Your cruise comes to an end today, a private transfer will take you from the port to your hotel where you have 1 night to explore the city.

Your incredible holiday comes to an end today. Interested in extending your trip? Ask us about our amazing range of accommodation and touring packages.