28-night Hidden Gems Of Italy, Greece, Croatia & France Cruise

Oct 21, 2028 - Dubrovnik

Classed as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO, Dubrovnik is a place of ancient streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. The city is enclosed by stone walls, and the highlight is a leisurely walk atop these massive walls for a great view of the city and the sea. Entering Dubrovnik, you are greeted by an impressive pedestrian promenade, the Placa, which extends before you all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town. The Orlando Tower here is a favorite meeting place. Just inside the city walls near the Pile Gate is the Franciscan Monastery housing the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. For a fantastic panorama of the city, take a cable car ride to the summit of the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj.

Oct 22, 2028 - Kotor

Take a step back in time and visit the old town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the awesome monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “World’s natural and cultural inheritance” list. From ancient fortification systems surrounding the city to 12th century cathedrals, Kotor is a dream come true for those who revel in history. Entrance to town from the Gurdic spring, consists of 3 separate gates, built from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of the most visited and impressive churches in the city. According to some texts, the original church was erected in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1166. Two earthquakes, one in 1667 and one in 1979 seriously damaged the cathedral and it continues to be restored to this day. The city is breathtaking in every respect and only a visit will truly reveal all it has to offer.

Oct 23, 2028 - Brindisi

Rich in history Brindisi sit's on the boot's heel of Italy and is one of the three main towns of the Salento peninsula. From here Crusaders sailed for the Holy Land and traders sold goods from the Silk Road. Visitors can visit the local Archaeological Museum and view bronze Greek statues rescued from ancient shipwrecks. To the south are Otranto and Gallipoli where there is exciting nightlife and beautiful beaches. Festivals, cultural events and sagras - occasions usually linked to the commemoration of the local saint - combined with delicious seafood and wine, make this an ideal holiday destination.

Oct 24, 2028 - Corfu

Corfu's unique scenery, with gentle green hills and luxuriant southern flora, makes it one of the most beautiful of all Greek islands. Many beautiful buildings can be seen in Corfu Town. Corfu is a popular holiday destination for vacationers from all walks of life who come to enjoy mild climate, calm blue-green water, rugged mountains, hidden coves and miles of sandy beaches. A number of historical sights range from old fortresses and mansions to cathedrals and palaces. Corfu Town is surrounded by arcaded Venetian buildings. The Spianada is considered to be the largest square in Greece. Explore the narrow streets of Old Town. See Town Hall and the 300-year-old Church of Saint Spyrídon; a silver sarcophagus contains the remains of the town's patron saint. The Royal Palace - a neo-classical mansion - holds on its upper floor the Museum of Byzantine and East Asian Art. The Archaeological Museum has displays of artifacts discovered on Corfu. The Old Fortress, an impressive 14th-century Venetian structure, is now used as a popular venue for concerts.

Oct 25, 2028 - Itea

Itea, in the Gulf of Corinth, is the port from which you can visit Delphi and the monastery at Osios Loukas. Docking at the pier close to the centre of town, a twenty minute bus or taxi journey takes you to Delphi, perhaps the most magical classical site in Greece.

Oct 26, 2028 - At Sea

Oct 27, 2028 - Gythion

Gythion, in south of Sparta, the port of is a good starting point for exploring the Mani area. There are caves with underground lakes and rivers at Glifada and Alepotripa in the Diros region.

Oct 28, 2028 - Athens (Piraeus)

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Oct 29, 2028 - Nafplion (Nauplia)

A former capital of Greece and a popular port on the eastern Peloponnese coast, Nafplion impresses visitors with grand, medieval architecture erected by Venetians during the 15th century. The most dominant structure is Palamidi Fortress towering high above town. The port is a lively town with a scenic harbor, a picturesque center to explore on foot and pebble beaches. Several monuments remain from its Turkish past, including mosques and parliament building. Handicrafts and local costumes are on display at the Folk Art Museum. Palamidi Castle has an incomparable view from the fortress’ lofty position. Spend time strolling along the waterfront, exploring around main square and narrow streets of Old Town. Platia Sintagmator, the city’s main square, is fronted by a former mosque, now the meeting place of Greek Parliament. Here is also the Archaeological Museum, which features an outstanding collection of Mycenaean finds. The entrance to Akronafplia Citadel has a gate built of Roman bricks, a Byzantine gatehouse with frescoes dating from 1291, and Venetian bastions. From the port, don't pass up a tour to Mycenae. There is evidence that the site has been inhabited since 4000 BC, but reached its peak of civilization during 1500 - 1000 BC. It was here that the mighty Agamemnon ruled and the site still contains massive structures which give visitors a glimpse of what this magnificent city once was.

Oct 30, 2028 - At Sea

Oct 31, 2028 - Kotor

Take a step back in time and visit the old town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the awesome monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “World’s natural and cultural inheritance” list. From ancient fortification systems surrounding the city to 12th century cathedrals, Kotor is a dream come true for those who revel in history. Entrance to town from the Gurdic spring, consists of 3 separate gates, built from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of the most visited and impressive churches in the city. According to some texts, the original church was erected in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1166. Two earthquakes, one in 1667 and one in 1979 seriously damaged the cathedral and it continues to be restored to this day. The city is breathtaking in every respect and only a visit will truly reveal all it has to offer.

Nov 01, 2028 - Sibenik

This attractive coastal city shows traces of its fascinating history, having been under Venetian, Byzantine, Bosnian, Austrian, Italian and Hungarian rule over the centuries. The old town centers on Poljana Square, which is surrounded by old patrician houses and palaces. Be sure to visit City Hall and the baroque-style Church of St. Lawrence. The pearl of the city is the Cathedral of St. Jacob, which was built by Juraj Dalmatinac in the 15th century. It's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unusual construction and ornamentation. Fortresses that once were used in defense of the city are now attractive spots with beautiful views. There's also a museum in what once was an elaborate palace. Popular day trips out of Sibenik include the magnificent Krka River National Park and the Kornati Islands National Park.

Nov 02, 2028 - Zadar

Zadar's many promenadors on the shore have a feeling they are on board the starboards of which are being laved by the waves carried by the warm zephyrus. Zadar is a town on the seaside. It is floating on the reef and closing from times a gap between itself and land, a harbor which was a pulse of its history. All the maritime and land ways led to this harbour and on their crossings the ancient marketplace was made, which became the origin of the Town, the very springwell of its life.

Nov 03, 2028 - Koper

Koper is the main Slovenian port and the entrance to the inland of the Central Europe. It is located on the "top" of Istria. Koper was an island till the 19th century. Later the town and the island were connected with the mainland. Old town centre boasts with the rich architecture and cultural monuments.

Nov 04, 2028 - Venice (Fusina)

Nov 05, 2028 - Rovinj

Many visitors have been enchanted by Rovinj and its beauties. At the 100-year-old institution of Rovinj Aquarium one can admire fauna of the Adriatic Sea. The Rovinj coastal area is well articulated with numerous bays, creeks, and capes. There are places of great natural and ecological value: forest park Punta Corente-Muntrav, St. Andrea's archipelago, the Palud marsh, the Limski kanal Fjord, and Monfiorenzo cave. The antique city center presents a unique Venetian urban and architectural model, built upon late antiquity and high medieval foundations. The historic nucleus is up on a hill, on a very narrow building area of former island, with houses bunched together up to the baroque St. Euphemia Church - which has a slender bell tower dominating the city. The ample Valdibora Bay is on the North side, and the pictoresque Bay of St. Catherine is on southern side of the city. Rovinj has numerous sporting associations, important scientific and research institutions, museums, cultural attractions, and educational instituitions.

Nov 06, 2028 - Vis

Vis is known for its superior wine, pristine beaches, unique wildlife and charming medieval villages accented by Venetian red-roof architecture. Explore secret coves and bays, or delve into the history of the island at the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Fisheries, where you can learn about the island's important maritime history. The nearby island of Biševo is renown for its Blue Cave, and is easily accessible with a quick boat ride.

Nov 07, 2028 - At Sea

Nov 08, 2028 - Valletta

Valletta is the capital of Malta. This remarkable fortified city with its massive bastions followed the most advanced Renaissance ideas in town planning, with streets laid straight on a grid looking over the Grand Harbour. Outside the 'City Gate' is the famous Triton Fountain. 'City Gate' has public buses and vendors selling soft drinks and all sorts of traditional fresh Maltese bread and sweets. Freedom Square shows an extraordinary capital with buildings of fine architecture of different tastes and styles ranging from the Mannerism to Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism. Valletta is a fascinating city for wandering around looking at what used to be the Knight's own cathedrals and Auberges. The city's backbone is Republic Street, which runs straight through the city center to Fort St. Elmo. Valletta has several narrow, steep side streets decorated with traditional Maltese pastel colored balconies and a statue on almost every street corner. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.

Nov 09, 2028 - Lipari

Cast in the Tyrrhenian sea, the Lipari Islands experience an increasing amount of tourism due to unusual scenery and mild climate. The variety and beauty of rock formations, the volcanic phenomena of Stromboli and the crystalline waters always impress visitors. Local-style architecture adds charm to picturesque villages. The main islands include famous Stromboli and Lipari. In a bay on Lipari’s east coast lies the main town of the same name - dominated by the Castello or Acropolis, which separates the town’s two harbors. Within Castello are the cathedral and the former Bishop's Palace, which now houses the Archaeological Museum. It is noted for its fine collection of relics from recent excavations, Greek masks and statuettes from theatrical life as far back as Sophocles and Euripides. At Marina Corta there are hydrofoils and boats offering trips to neighboring islands. The most southern Lipari Island, Vulcano Island, has a spectacular volcanic landscape of rugged peaks rising above beaches. A steep trail leads up from the plain to a 1,150-foot crater.

Nov 10, 2028 - Salerno

Salerno is situated at the northern end of the Gulf of Salerno. The old town, rising up the slopes of the hill on the site of ancient Salernum, still bears evidence of its medieval period. Salerno's main attraction is a Romanesque cathedral, built in 1085 and remodeled in the late 18th century. Inside is the ornate tomb of Margaret of Anjou and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII, who died here in 1085. In the richly decorated crypt under the alter lie the remains of Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum. A hilltop crowned by the old Lombard Castello offers extensive views. Along the seafront, to the east of the harbor, extends a promenade lined with impressive modern buildings. Visit the Greek temples of Paestum. Other favorite excursions from here are to Pompeii and to the popular resort towns of Amalfi and Ravello. The Museo Diocesano houses a fine collection of medieval carved tablets. Occupying two floors of the San Benedetto Monastery, the main attraction at Museo Provinciale is a handsome bronze head of Apollo fished out of the bay in the 1930s.

Nov 11, 2028 - Rome (Civitavecchia)

Civitavecchia is the port city for Rome. Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City. With its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafés and elegant shops, Rome is one of the world’s most attractive cities. Among the most famous monuments is the Colosseum where spectators watched combats between muscled gladiators and ferocious animals. Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once a political and commercial center. Rome’s squares were enhanced with such imposing structures as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di Trevi. Awe at Christendom’s most magnificent church, the Sistine Chapel. The busy square Piazza Venezia is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. Take a stroll to Rome's famous Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is the site of lovely St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, where for 200 years, Renaissance masters worked on its design and created an unparalleled masterpiece. Visit Vatican Museum.

Nov 12, 2028 - At Sea

Nov 13, 2028 - Florence/Pisa (Livorno)

Livorno serves as a convenient gateway to Tuscany - which is known for classic landscapes and lush vineyards. Visitors come to see great art centers of Florence, Lucca and Pisa - where names like Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Boticelli, da Vinci, Donatello and Dante come to mind. Pisa is known for its brilliant monuments, which include the 11th-century Cathedral, the Baptistery and the leaning Bell Tower. Lucca is one of the most handsome Romanesque cities in Europe. Its historic center features several fine old churches and lovely squares. Lucca is also known as home of composer Giacomo Puccini, whose birthplace is now a museum. Walking in the historic center, shopping in its elegant stores and enjoying a meal of renowned Tuscan cuisine are some highlights of this area. Downtown Livorno has a fine local market and a variety of fine shops and restaurants. Sights include the 14th-century Loggia della Signoria assembly hall in Florence; the Uffizi Gallery, which houses one of the world's famed museums and the Accademia best-known for Michelangelo's sculptures.

Nov 14, 2028 - Monte Carlo

Monaco is famous as Côte d’Azur’s playground. With spacious beaches, elegant hotels and lively nightlife, this tiny domain is a jet set favorite and home to some of the world's most expensive real estate. In addition to luxury hotels and beautiful beaches, Monaco is noted for mild climate and magnificent scenery. Monaco and Monte Carlo rank high on every visitor’s must-see list. Monaco-Ville is the old city and seat of Monaco’s government. The 19th-century Romanesque cathedral Prince's Palace contains impressive works of art and the tomb of Princess Grace, while the Parliament building and Oceanographic Museum, under the auspices of the Jacques Cousteau Society, offer additional sights. Monte Carlo spells sophistication, elegance, and glamour. Every year the rich and famous gather here to bask in the sun, gamble at the world’s most opulent casino and attend spectacular parties. The most splendid hotels, several fine theaters, museums and excellent restaurants cater to the elite. Nothing typifies more the elegant lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur than glamorous Monte Carlo.

Nov 15, 2028 - Provence (Marseille)

Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.

Nov 16, 2028 - Sete

Situated at the Golf du Lion in South France, Sète has been an important port for three hundred years and today is the country’s second busiest port after Marseilles. Upper town straddles the slopes of Mont St. Clair, which overlooks the vast Bassin de Thau, a breeding ground of mussels and oysters. Lower town is intersected by waterways lined with tall terraces and seafood restaurants. Surrounding hills offer great hiking opportunities, and other interesting destinations include the university city of Montpellier and Agde. In Sète, pedestrian streets allow visitors leisurely strolling, and scattered café tables invite visitors to relax, sip an apéritif and people-watch. The sailor’s cemetery located on Mont St. Chair overlooks the harbor. The poet Paul Valéry, a native of Sète, is buried in the cemetery and the town honors him with the Musée Valéry, located across from the cemetery. The museum features a collection of modern French paintings and a room dedicated to singer and songwriter Georges Brassens, born and raised in Sète.

Nov 17, 2028 - Port Vendres

Midi-Pyrenees is France's largest region, spreading from the Dordogne in the north to the Spanish border in the south. Port Vendres, only 10 miles from the Spanish border, is located on the coast that is known as Cote Vermeille. The port had its heyday in the 19th century with colonial trade and ferries from North Africa. Port Vendres provides the opportunity to visit some of the prettiest areas of France. It serves as a convenient starting point for trips to Perpignan, Roussillon's historic capital; Collioure, a picturesque harbor filled with brightly colored fishing boats; Banyuls, famous for its sweet wine and as the birthplace of sculptor Aristide Maillol; and the medieval town of Carcassonne. Port Vendres serves primarily as a starting point for trips into the surrounding areas. Five miles from Port-Vendres is the small town of Banyuls. It is known for its seafront aquarium and full-bodied Banyuls wine. The aquarium contains a comprehensive collection of the region's fish and submarine life. The wine can be sampled at the Cellier des Templiers.

Nov 18, 2028 - Barcelona

Barcelona, the self-confident and progressive capital of Spain, is a tremendous place to be. Though it boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, and some great museums – most notably those dedicated to Picasso and Catalan art – it is above all a place where there's enjoyment simply in walking the streets, stopping in at bars and cafés, drinking in the atmosphere. A thriving port and the most prosperous commercial centre in Spain, it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of the country. In part this reflects the city's proximity to France, whose influence is apparent in the elegant boulevards and imaginative cooking. But Barcelona has also evolved an individual and eclectic cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Scattered as Barcelona's main sights may be, the greatest concentration of interest is around the old town (La Ciutat Vella). These cramped streets above the harbor are easily manageable, and far more enjoyable, on foot. Start, as everyone else does, with the Ramblas.