Overview:
Join our renowned Expedition Team for a 12-day voyage that takes you on a comprehensive exploration of the famous landmarks and hidden gems of Italy. The journey starts with two days in Florence, followed by a cruise on the all-balcony ship ‘Le Bougainville,’ which will take you to iconic destinations like Rome, Venice, and Sicily. In addition to these popular destinations, you will also visit less frequented treasures like Matera, Urbino, Sardinia, and Corsica.
Highlights:
- Explore the art treasures of Florence, including Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus
- Discover the ancient ruins of Rome, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum
- Visit Matera’s UNESCO-listed Sassi caves, inhabited since prehistoric times
- Admire the Renaissance architecture of Urbino, birthplace of Raphael
- Relax on the beaches of Sardinia and soak up the Mediterranean sun
- Marvel at the cliffs and bays of Corsica’s stunning coastline
- Experience the romance of Venice’s canals and bridges
Advantages:
- Private Tour.
- The tour can start on any date that suits you.
- Top VIP Treatment.
- Before setting sail, enjoy two nights at a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Florence’s city center. During the cruise, you will be accompanied by our exceptional, which includes our award-winning Expedition Team, skilled service staff and crew, and an exceptional personnel-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.3.
- Enjoy all-inclusive cruising, including gratuities, unlimited house drinks, all onboard meals, and most meals ashore. The package also includes port charges, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Traveller’s Valet laundry service.
- Take advantage of the included curated excursions led by local guides throughout your voyage, offering unique and immersive experiences. Explore the enchanting islands of Corsica and Sardinia, exotic Sicily, and idyllic Puglia. Enjoy special excursions such as farmhouse visits, cooking lessons, and nature walks.
- Experience a full day in the timeless and romantic city of Venice, and discover Le Marche, including a visit to Urbino’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Book now and receive instant confirmation upon clicking the “Book Now” button. We also offer customizable options to suit your travel needs, including changing the pickup time.
- Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of Italy in style and luxury.
ITINERARY:
DAY1 ARRIVE FLORENCE, ITALY
Arrive in Florence and transfer to The Westin Excelsior, where you join your fellow guests for an elegant welcome reception. The Westin Excelsior, Florence View Image Gallery
DAY2 FLORENCE | HEART OF THE RENAISSANCE
Gracing the banks of the Arno River, Florence is the definitive cradle of the Renaissance, boasting one of the most impressive collections of art and architecture in the world. Today, you might embark on a walking tour of the historic city center and the Oltrarno District. Alternately, leave the city behind for a truffle hunt in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Art lovers might opt for a tour of the Accademia and Uffizi galleries, home to such Renaissance masterpieces as Michelangelo’s David, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Annunciation and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Florence. The Westin Excelsior, Florence View Image Gallery Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY3 TUSCANY & LIVORNO | TUSCAN TREASURES
The charming region of Tuscany captures the very essence of the Italian heartland. Today, opt for Tuscan adventures in Florence, Pisa or Lucca. You might choose a visit to Palazzo Vecchio, the former residence of the powerful Medici clan; explore Pisa’s grand Baptistery, Campo Santo, Duomo and world-famous Leaning Tower; or stroll Lucca’s picturesque town center, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and its impressive 16th-century ramparts. Later, drive to the port of Livorno and board your expedition vessel. Once you are settled in to your cabin, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner celebrating the anticipation of the exciting cruise to follow. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4 ROME | THE ETERNAL CITY
Disembark in the port of Civitavecchia and transfer to Rome, the former capital of one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Built one century on top of the other, the Italian capital’s landscape of iconic Imperial Roman ruins stands layered amid the modernity of a cosmopolitan metropolis. Here, you might explore the Vatican’s incomparable treasures, tour central Rome’s narrow streets and iconic Trevi Fountain (pausing for a private visit to Palazzo Colonna, see the Colosseum and enjoy some free time in the charming Trastevere district or savor a hands-on culinary experience at a former Papal palace in the hilltop village of Castel Gondolfo. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in the ancient fortress town of Bonifacio to explore Corsica, the enchanting mountainous Mediterranean island where Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769. Once ashore, explore the citadel’s medieval houses, chapels, and web of alleyways. Afterward, you may wish to stroll the cobbled streets, historic buildings and quayside of Porto Vecchio’s Old Town. Or, opt for a hike to Castellu d’Araghju for stunning views of the coast. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5 SARDINIA, ITALY | HIDDEN ISLAND GEM
Today, explore the wild and remote island enclave of Sardinia, coming ashore in its historic port city and capital, Cagliari. Stroll the Old Town, taking in views of the Roman amphitheater, and visiting Saint Mary and Saint Cecilia Cathedrals. Alternately, hike Sardinia’s gentle hills and splendid vistas or sample local varietals and culinary specialties at a local winery. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6 SICILY | ANCIENT TREASURES
Hosting a culture, landscape and flavor all its own, Sicily was colonized at various times by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Aragonese, with each group contributing something to see, taste and hear. Today, come ashore in the eastern Sicilian port of Messina. From here, you might opt for a walking tour of the intimate clifftop enclave, Taormina, pausing to take in stunning views of Mount Etna from the Greek Theater. Alternately, set out on a 4×4 excursion to Mount Etna’s crater or take a scenic drive capped off with a tasting of the region’s distinctive local wines. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7 AT SEA | CRUISING THE IONIAN SEA
Relish a day of relaxation, enjoying the amenities of your ship and engaging presentations by our experts. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8 BARI | GATEWAY TO PUGLIA
Disembark in Bari, vibrant capital of the Puglia region. Today, choose from a culinary experience at a local farmhouse, a visit to the intriguing Castel del Monte, a nature trek through the hills of Alta Murgia National Park or a drive inland to explore Matera’s cave dwellings. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY9 ANCONA | HIDDEN BEAUTY OF LE MARCHE
Explore Le Marche, a region renowned for its landscapes, history and artistic heritage. Disembarking in Ancona, you might opt to tour the Renaissance art and architecture of Urbino, privately visit the Villa Imperiale in Pesaro or savor a wine experience in the breathtaking countryside. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY10 VENICE | CITY OF BRIDGES
From its earliest days, Venice’s ethereal, romantic waterscape has bewitched artists, poets, musicians and travellers from around the world. Experience Venice’s beguiling magic firsthand with a private water taxi tour, pausing at St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Alternatively, you might explore St. Mark’s Square on foot and go off the beaten path to discover the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the city’s largest church. Or, escape to the Orto di Venezia winery and the glassworks of the Murano islands. ‘Le Bougainville’ View Image Gallery Deck Plan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY11 DEPART VENICE
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight, continue on your post-tour extension or set sail on Adriatic Voyage: Croatia, Montenegro & Greece. Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
- 11-night cruise on a luxury ship
- All meals on board
- Wine and beer with lunch and dinner
- Guided tours and excursions as per the itinerary
- Port charges and taxes
Exclusions:
- Flights to and from Italy
- Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities for the crew and guides
Pricing Information:
Prices $14500 per person based on double occupancy.
Accommodation Plan:
FLORENCE, ITALY: The Westin Excelsior, Florence
TUSCANY & LIVORNO : ‘Le Bougainville’
Tips and Advice:
- Pack comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for the weather
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and moments
- Check the visa requirements for Italy before booking the tour
- Inform the tour operator of any special dietary requirements or medical conditions before the tour
Trip Notes:
- The itinerary is subject to change depending on local conditions and availability
- The tour may be affected by weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances
- The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or modify the tour in case of emergency
FAQs:
Q: How many people are on the cruise? A: The ship accommodates up to 100 passengers.
Q: Can I customize the tour? A: Yes, the tour can be customized to suit your needs, including changing the pickup time.
Q: Is travel insurance included in the tour package? A: No, travel insurance is not included. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before the tour.