Italy’s art cities and an Adriatic square-rigger sailing cruise

Enjoy a walking tour around Rome today with your private guide. The city is perfect for exploring on foot, and this tour will take you through its heart to some of its most famous landmarks. Highlights of the tour will include the Spanish Steps as well as the magical Trevi Fountain, where you may wish to throw a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to the eternal city. You’ll also learn about the incredible history that lies beneath your feet. The bustling Piazza Navona, for example, is complete with its wonderful Baroque fountains and imposing mansions, as well as the Pantheon, which was completed by emperor Hadrian around 126 AD.

Arguably Rome’s most iconic landmark, the towering Colosseum still retains an air of incredible majesty nearly 2,000 years after its construction. Join your guide and enter the ancient structure, climb up within the interior walls for a view of the central arena and learn about the fascinating history surrounding the building. While some parts of the 50,000-seat amphitheatre have succumbed to the tests of time, the large section that remains offers an impressive glimpse into the ancient past and the incredible spectacles that were staged there.

This morning, your driver will take you to the train station for your premium class train journey to Florence. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a private driver and escorted to your hotel in the heart of the city. You'll then have a free afternoon to explore. We recommend heading to the Duomo, where you can climb the bell tower and dome for spectacular city views.

 Get to know Florence today with your local guide. Florence is a very pedestrian-friendly city, so exploring on foot is a great way to visit sights like the Piazza della Repubblica, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. The tour will also take you to some of Florence’s most beautiful religious buildings, including the Santa Croce Church and, of course, the towering Duomo. As you stroll around the city with your guide pointing out areas of interest, you will quickly gain an appreciation for its wonderful Renaissance heritage.

Rise and shine for your private transfer to the station and your premium class train journey to Venice. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel by private water taxi. After settling in, enjoy a walking tour where you will visit a selection of hidden bacaros (wine bars) with a local guide. Explore a selection of small, authentic haunts, enjoying a glass of wine and cicchetti, a traditional tapas-like snack, in true Venetian style.

Today you’ll board your sailing ship for a cruise of the Adriatic Sea. Before setting off, you’ll have the chance to get to know your ship, the largest five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship in the world. The ship pays homage to the beauty and design of the glory days of ocean sailing, while incorporating the state-of-the-art amenities and facilities of modern yachts. It boasts huge open decks, three outdoor swimming pools, and a captivating Captain Nemo Lounge with underwater portholes.

Welcome to Pesaro, a charming Italian seaside town, which, aside from being the birthplace of the famous composer Gioachino Rossini, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches. Take some time to soak up the relaxed seaside atmosphere, wander among the historic architecture and sample yet more delicious Italian specialities.

Your first call is in Croatia, and a town renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. Be sure to visit the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, a masterpiece of Renaissance art, and meander your way through Sibenik’s winding streets, complete with medieval charm and beautiful coastal scenery.

 Once you’ve arrived in Dubrovnik, you’ll have the chance to disembark and wander around the vertiginous 10th-century city walls, the narrow cobblestoned alleyways, and fortress towers. Alternatively, you may choose to book an additional-cost experience, such as a guided walking tour of the city’s artistic treasures or a tour that offers insight into the secret stories behind this ancient city.

Today you’ll pass into Montenegro and dock in the Bay of Kotor. Encircled by soaring mountains and known for its cobblestoned streets, palaces and churches, Kotor is a historic port that has primarily been preserved thanks to its isolated setting. You might opt to explore the town and nearby Perast with a guide. Or you can choose a speedboat trip out to the Blue Cave, a sea-kayaking adventure, or a hike and picnic within the forested high peaks of Lovcen National Park.

Described as the pearl among the Croatian islands, Vis Island has largely been left untouched by tourism for many years. The town of Vis was founded around 397 B.C. as a base for Greek colonisation of the Adriatic Sea and has a unique and fascinating history to uncover.

Rovinj is a captivating blend of Venetian charm, Mediterranean beauty, and laid-back sophistication. Spend your time exploring the Baroque three-nave church of St. Euphemia or strolling the cobbled lanes of the pastel-hued old town, which lead to hidden art galleries, wine bars and sea-view restaurants.

 Today you’ll conclude your cruise with a spectacular arrival in Venice. You may want to head out on deck as you sail into the lagoon and, perhaps, with a mimosa in hand, raise a toast to your recent adventures on board and ashore. Once in Venice, you’ll have a private water taxi take you to the airport for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.