Losing none of its allure over the years, this floating city of canals, bridges and masks is a place of eternal beauty and enduring elegance. The lagoon of more than 100 islands is a heavenly sight, transporting visitors on a journey through time - from its Roman inception, through centuries of trade to the modern face we see today. Navigate Venice’s sparkling waterways by romantic gondola, or on cruises along wide canal boulevards. Span the Grand Canal over its iconic original crossing, the Rialto Bridge, which - with its parade of tiny shops - gives some of the city’s most endearing views. If the crowds unsettle you at any point, take two turns away from the main thoroughfares to find peace alone, amid the city's labyrinth of tiny streets. Hurry to Piazza San Marco to be immersed in Venice’s elegant glory. Basilica San Marco transports you back to the wealthy days of the Doges, who ruled for over 1,000 years. Initially their private chapel, it’s now decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Nearby the Campanile di San Marco bell tower offers views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops of times gone by. Just a hop skip and a jump around the corner is the Doge’s Palace, where the levels of opulence ramp up even further. Justice was meted out in this stunning Palace, with the guilty walking to the cells across the covered Bridge of Sighs. Vaporetto trips to local islands offer even more adventures to float your boat, whether it’s Murano with its world-famous glass, Torcello with its amazing Cathedrals, or Burano with its handmade lace and delightfully colourful painted houses.

Known by the Romans for its happy outlook, see the lighter side of life on the beautiful Adriatic island of Rab. Happy to keep its upbeat secrets to itself, the island's charms were shared with the world when Edward VIII arrived to holiday and skinny-dip here, on an escape with his married lover. A highlight of the Kvarner Gulf, Rab is decorated with a spectacular contrast of cliffs, sandbars, dunes and pine forests, and the island is a protected geopark offering thrilling scenery for every taste. Characterful villages throw lavish fishing festivals and medieval celebrations, illuminating the island with summer feasts and cultural flavour. Dozens of beaches fringe this long thin island, whether you want shallow sand shelves or wild, bouldered coves. Watch beach sports, settle into beach bars or seek out isolated areas where the only soundtrack is the waves. Inland, specialities like grapes and olives grow for wine and oil production, while bakeries produce fragrant batches of the snail shell-shaped Rabska cake. A sweet taste of Rab, it features almonds and rose petal liqueur among the tangy citrus flavours, and you can visit the dedicated museum to learn of its history. The island has a litany of historic churches and Rab Town itself is known for the four bell towers that rise above its sparkling waters. Brave the stairs of the Cathedral of St Mary the Great’s tower for an astounding view over the sea, Rab Town, and the island. Goli Otok and Sv Grgur are a short ride away by boat, and the two islands form a harrowing former prison, known as the Croatian Alcatraz.

Bathing in the Dalmatian Coast’s generous sunshine, and overlooking sparkling, island-studded waters, Split is a city of romantic beauty, built around an extraordinary - still beating - historical heart. The setting may be spectacular, but it’s the Diocletian’s Palace - a Roman remain of incredible scale and detail that is truly bewitching. While immensely historic, Split hasn’t been afraid to move with the times, and the stone walls encasing the streets are alive with buzzy bars and quiet nooks, where bottles of red wine are uncorked and delicious meals devoured. With a natural backdrop of dramatic limestone mountains, and Croatia’s trademark scenic wonders all around, Split is a true heavyweight of the Adriatic. To enter Split’s Diocletian’s Palace is to step into a beautiful time warp. Head first to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, where a hollow bell tower rockets up, puncturing the sky. The palace’s cellars can shelter you from a little of the heat and give space for everything from wine festivals to souvenir stalls. The perfume of lavender hangs heavy wherever you walk in the old town, where tucked shops offer artisan chocolates, dried figs and freshly-ground coffees. The expansive seafront promenade is all palm trees, buzzing bars and eateries, and further out you’ll find the peace of Marion Hill - where you can climb to some of the best views in town. Or, take the far less exerting wander to Sustipan cemetery’s breathtaking panorama of sea, city and distant islands. Trips to island paradises like Hvar and Brac are tempting, as are longer excursions to sites like Krka National Park’s Waterfalls - where wide terraces of frothing water thunder into cooling, swimmable splash pools below. Nearby Trogir is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a cosier, no less charming old town and historic port.

One of the most popular of the island escapes sprinkled across the turquoise Adriatic, Hvar is a glorious idyll of hidden coves, electric blue waters and quietly contented port towns. In recent years, it’s gathered something of a reputation as a party island - mainly earned from Hvar Town’s nocturnal exuberances, and the transient day-tripping yachts that drop by. Soak up the energy, exuberance and fine dining, or sidestep the hedonism to explore a richly refined, rural and historic island – utterly spoiled with sunshine, and hidden beaches, which dazzle with colourful intensity. Bike rides along long sweeping coastal paths, boat journeys from pretty harbours, walks through fields of purple lavender - it’s all waiting for you on heavenly Hvar. Relish the sunshine and explore deserted, idyllic inlets, before sharing strong espressos in quiet harbour towns, surrounded by welcoming, sun-wrinkled locals. There’s also rich Medieval history – the sleepy town of Stari Grad is said to be Croatia’s oldest, dating back to 384 BC. Elsewhere, Jelsa is a postcard perfect place – settle in for a bite to eat, with nothing but the sound of harbour waters lapping and sandpaper scraping boats hulls for company. You can walk to look out over glorious views across to Brac, sometimes watching on as thunderstorms rage and flash, an eternity away over the mainland’s crumpled mountains. You’re also just a short ferry ride from the incredible Golden Horn - an evocative spike of brilliant sand which juts out evocatively into the cobalt-blue sea.

Embedded into the slopes of the steep Lovćen mountain, and overlooking the deep blue Adriatic, the fortified town of Kotor boasts a spectacular, imposing staging that few can match. Squeezing in through the tight Bay of Kotor is a daunting and impressive approach in itself, as you arrive via one of Europe’s most stunning waterways. A pearl of Montenegro and the Adriatic, Kotor's warren-like streets drip with history and authenticity. Under Venetian influence for four centuries, the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site old town invites you to wander amid atmospheric stone-clad streets, overlooked by a sea of terracotta roofs and the double towers of the cathedral. Protected by thick stone walls - and the mountains behind - Kotor draws comparisons with another fortified Adriatic wonder in Dubrovnik. Many favour Kotor for its compact layout, smaller crowds, and authenticity, however - having been spared from shelling during Yugoslavia's breakup. The tightknit streets here are patrolled by a slinking population of feline residents, who were adopted as the town’s mascots, after being left behind by transient trader ships. Learn of the city's extensive heritage on the waves, in the dedicated maritime museum that is contained within Grgurina Palace. Pick your way through tight alleys of workshops and studios, walking below fresh laundry strung from windows, before settling into shiny, paved piazzas for an afternoon coffee or seafood meal. If you’re up for an aerobic challenge, tackle the 1,350 steps up the steep walls to St John's fortress. The views over the gorgeous bay make the arduous slog worth it, as you rise past the city's eye-catching 15th-century church bell tower.

Overlooking the turquoise blue Ionian Sea, Albania’s most southerly harbour is a short 20-minute boat ride from Corfu, and bathes in the glow of more than 300 sunny days each year. Revel in Albania’s best beach life, or explore historic ancient cities and fortresses embedded with immense archaeological interest. Clear turquoise waters lap the city's beaches, and there's always something to see along the lively Boulevard Hasan Tahsini - which traces the seafront and is stacked with bars, restaurants and shops. The hardy, 16th-century Lekuresi Castle has been battered by weather and war over the years but it offers a fantastic lookout point to survey Sarande's expanse, Corfu's island, and the turquoise sea beyond. From here, you can head to the Blue Eye Spring, a rejuvenating natural landmark where a groundswell of the purest water gushes up 50 metres to surface amid the forest. Bathe in the immaculate waters, which are intensely refreshing on sunny days. The majestic ruins of Butrint's ancient city stand nearby, unearthed from the leafy site, after the city was abandoned in medieval times. Albania's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint was an ancient Greek and Roman stronghold - and you can walk back in time along stone-paved streets to discover the immense history here. Roam between the compact Roman theatre and the impressive arched-windows of the basilica, before admiring the stunning floor mosaics that have been left behind.

Taking its name from the Greek translation of 'beautiful city’, Gallipoli has a big reputation to live up to. A gorgeous gem of the Ionian, this is an elegant city with water running through its veins. Surrounded on three sides by the sea, wander between the fish market, where tables groan below hauls of fresh seashells, and the harbour where little boats come and go all day long. Scooters weave along the old town's tight streets, dodge them while enjoying atmospheric strolls below the dangling flowerpot-laced balconies. Enclosed by 14th-century sea walls - and linked to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge - the island is dominated by Castello Angioino di Gallipoli, with its thick walls and imposing waterfront setting glaring out to sea. The grand baroque facade of the Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata of 1629 stands in the centre of the old town, showcasing intricate carvings, and harbouring intense, dark paintings, and grand columns within. These sun-blessed landscapes produce a rich bounty of flavourful olives and grapes each year. The rich liquid gold of Gallipoli's olive oil is legendary, and the city is pocked with underground olive oil factories, squeezing out the very best flavours. Puglia has a number of charming coastal towns, from the beautiful Baroque architecture of palaces and churches at Lecce, to the walled city of Otranto - which waits across the peninsular looking east. This pretty old town has a charming Medieval core, and its glowing beaches spread beside the Adriatic’s blue waters. There is dark history lurking, however, and the bones of the 813 Martyrs of Otranto - massacred during a 15th-century Ottoman invasion - are stacked in the cathedral. They have recently been canonised as the town’s patron saints.

Hugging a long, sweeping bay, Giardini Naxos welcomes you ashore to some of Sicily’s most scenic and historic sites. Naxos was the first Greek settlement on Sicily, and it is surrounded by remarkable remains and swirling mythology. With a long arc of sun-soaked golden sand, you can kick back by the waves - and cool off with a dip into the sea's refreshing embrace. Up above the seaside revelry, the spectacular Taormina hillside town perches - containing rich Roman and Greek history. Visit to encounter one of Sicily’s best views, as you look down over the rejuvenating blue of the sea, and the looming backdrop of Mount Etna rising in the distance. The majestic, honey-coloured Greek theatre is a highlight, standing before the distant loom of the volcano. Head towards the puffs of cloud, and wisps of smoke, that gather around the peak of Sicily’s mighty volcano, which is among the most active in Europe. Arrive through vineyards, thriving in this fertile soil, before taking the 1,737-metre incline to the summit of the legendary mountain of fire, across fields of solidified lava flows. Known to the Greeks as the home of the God of Fire, and the one-eyed Cyclops, the mountain continues to amaze and awe with its restless power. Vineyards carpet the scenery - interrupted by occasional cactai and citrus groves – and produce some of Sicily’s most refined flavors. Enjoy a glass of wine on Giardini Naxos’ seafront, and toast your time on these rich Sicilian shores.

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 the ancient Salernum, still bears evidence of its great days during the medieval period. It had the oldest medical school in Europe, which flourished from the 11th century until it was closed down by Napoleon's brother-in-law, Murat, in 1812. Today, Salerno's main attraction is an imposing Romanesque cathedral, built in 1085 and remodeled in the late 18th century. A flight of steps leads up to an atrium with 28 columns from Paestum and fourteen ancient sarcophagi. The magnificent bronze doors were made in Constantinople in 1099. Inside is the ornate tomb of Margaret of Anjou and the tomb of Pope Gregory VII, who died in Salerno in 1085. In the richly decorated crypt under the alter lie the remains of the Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum.A 45-minute walk from the cathedral leads to a hilltop crowned by the old Lombard Castello, from where extensive views are available. Along the seafront, to the east of the harbor, extends a fine promenade lined with impressive modern buildings. The Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi is the town's principal traffic artery.Travelers coming to Salerno mainly use the port as a starting point for visits to the Greek temples of Paestum. Other favorite excursions from here are to Pompeii and to visit the popular resort towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Pier 22. A tourist office is located at the port and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. From the pier it is approximately two miles to the town center. Taxis are generally available at the pier for trips farther afield. Be sure to establish the fare with the driver before starting out. Shopping Local handicrafts, clothing, shoes and mozzarella cheese are items to look for. Major shopping areas are along Via dei Mercanti, Via Duomo and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Most shops are closed between 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine The always popular pasta dishes are a good choice. Other favorites include fresh seafood and local specialties. The home-produced ricotta and mozzarella are especially recommended. Good local wines will complement your meal. Other Sites Museo Diocesano At the Piazza Plebiscito, behind the cathedral, this museum houses a fine collection of medieval carved tablets. Museo Provinciale Occupying two floors of the San Benedetto Monastery, the main attraction at the museum is a handsome bronze head of Apollo fished out of the bay in the 1930s.

All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil.

The excursions are provided as a sample of what may be offered on this voyage and are subject to change.