Italy & the Islands of the Mediterranean – Cruise & Land Journey

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you’ve seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you’ll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

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Today, explore this timeless city from the water. Enjoy a gondola ride along magnificent canals and underneath ancient bridges. Marvel at the colourful Grand Canal, the main waterway that divides the city in two. Glide under the famous Ponte dei Sospiri, built almost 500 years ago, and explore the winding waterways that pass crumbling mansions and ornate public buildings.Scenic Freechoice: Dorsoduro & the Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Explore the picturesque Dorsoduro district, the city’s cultural heart. Finish with a private guided tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a world-renowned modern art collection.Walking Tour: Discover Venice on foot, visiting the spectacular Doge’s Palace and the majestic Basilica of San Marco. Stroll through the Rialto Market, stopping at an osteria for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti (snacks).

Venice is a city unlike any other. No matter how often you’ve seen it in photos and films, the real thing is more dreamlike than you could imagine. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. The fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is a quintessential part of exploring Venice, but at some point you’ll almost surely end up in Piazza San Marco, where tourists and locals congregate for a coffee or an aperitif.

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Your first stop today is Modena, one of Italy’s great gastronomic destinations. More relaxed than Venice or Rome, Modena is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and is said to be the birthplace of tortellini, lasagna, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. The centre of the city is a World Heritage-listed site, recognised for its grand cathedral, beautiful piazza and well-preserved Romanesque architecture. Visit a producer of traditional balsamic vinegar for a tasting and light lunch.This afternoon, travel on to Rapallo for a two-night Special Stay.

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This scenic seaside town on the Italian Riviera has been a favourite of royals, writers and poets for more than a century. It’s also an ideal base to explore the rugged coastline of the World Heritage-listed Cinque Terre. The five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are dotted along the cliffs and accessible only via walking paths, train or boat, which lends itself to the already considerable charm of these unique 11th-century settlements. Bask in a full day exploring this picturesque coastline.

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Travel to Portofino, a gorgeous fishing village also on the Italian Riviera. Brightly coloured buildings sit against crystal-clear water with lush pine-covered hills in the distance. Enjoy a scenic cruise around the spectacular bay. Then continue to Pisa to enjoy a guided tour and see its famous 58-metre-high leaning tower.The tower – which took almost 200 years to build – began to lean soon after construction started in 1173. It continued to worsen until the 1990s, when a stablisation project was implemented, halting the tilt at four degrees. Later, arrive in Florence for a two-night Special Stay.

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Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence (or Firenze) is renowned for its artistic masterpieces and culinary Tuscan delights. Enjoy a walking tour of this art lover’s paradise, including a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo’s David.In the afternoon, depart for Siena and enjoy a guided tour through a medieval city where time seems to have stood still. The 15th century city sits on three hills and comprises a maze of tight alleyways full of shops and restaurants. Its main square Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares.Scenic EnrichVisit a Tuscan farmhouse and discover local wine and oil production techniques. Later, enjoy a tasty rustic dinner featuring the region’s wine and produce.

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Welcome to Rome, where you’ll enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Known as the Eternal City, this ancient city was founded in 753BC. Like an enchanting open-air museum, there is history at every turn, with ancient monuments and elaborate churches sitting alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques.Today you will enjoy a walking tour of its historic centre, where your expert local guide will show you iconic landmarks such as the 18th century Spanish Steps, the Navona Square and Trevi Fountain, which was erected on the site of an ancient Roman water source.

Italy’s vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de’ Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

Italy’s vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de’ Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

Day programme:

This morning,  visit the world’s smallest state, the Vatican City. Marvel at the Vatican Museum, the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, which leads to the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. From there, you will continue to the Roman Forum, the ruins of an ancient district of temples, basilicas and public spaces, and the historic Colosseum.An icon of the city, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 72 AD as an arena for gladiatorial games. In the 1990s it underwent an extensive restoration project.Scenic EnrichThis evening, enjoy a private farewell dinner.

Italy’s vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de’ Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

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After breakfast, you’ll travel from Rome to Civitavecchia, an ancient port dating back to the 2nd century. Here, by the Roman Dock and the 16th century Michelangelo Fort, you will board your 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse for the next leg of your journey.Upon boarding, be warmly greeted by our world-class crew and raise a glass of champagne with fellow guests on the Observation Deck as you delve into the magical Mediterranean en route to Ponza.

Italy’s vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de’ Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

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Ponza is home to a captivating historic centre, with narrow streets, vibrant buildings and a lively atmosphere. Renowned for its exquisite seafood dishes and breathtaking natural beauty, the island is a paradise for food enthusiasts and boasts stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a true gem of the Mediterranean.After an active morning, take some time to unwind before arriving in Capri this evening. This might also be the perfect opportunity to visit the Captain and their crew. Make the most of the open bridge policy to learn about the cutting-edge technology that makes your Discovery Yacht one of the smoothest ships on the seas.

Tour description Capri, Italy Popular since Roman times when the emperors built their villas on Capri, this island is surely one of the world’s most famous and beautiful spots. Visiting Capri, it is easy to see why the ancient Romans fell in love with this place 2,000 years ago – the craggy mountains, the sea caves and grottos and the brilliantly colored flowers cast a magic spell then and still capture the admiration of today’s travelers. There are sleek yachts moored in the deep blue waters of the bays, and beautiful villas and tiny villages cling to steep slopes. An excellent year-round climate and a breathtaking landscape complete the picture of a storybook island. There are two main villages – Capri Town, site of the popular meeting point “Piazzetta,” and Anacapri, the upper town, dominated by 1,750-foot-high Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Both remain the “in” scene for international travelers. By spending millions on comfort and style, the island has ensured its continuing success. After a trip to upper-level Anacapri, visitors enjoy strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of Capri Town, browsing in chic boutiques and spending time in the Piazzetta with a drink in one of the outdoor cafés. There is a funicular from the main port of Marina Grande to Capri Town; from Anacapri, a chair lift whisks visitors to the top of Monte Solaro for a spellbinding view. The magical Blue Grotto can be reached by boat from Marina Grande, but entrance into the grotto depends for the most part on sea conditions. Please Note: For your convenience, the shore excursions offered for this port of call are available to reserve in advance at www.silversea.com until August 8 , as well as offered for purchase on board, unless otherwise noted in the description. Going Ashore in Capri Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Capri’s main port, Marina Grande. Guests will be taken ashore via local tenders, arriving at the pier just a short distance from the funicular to Capri Town. Taxis and minibuses are also available near the pier area. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting out. Shopping Capri is a shopping mecca, though by no means inexpensive. Upscale shops and boutiques offer an array of jewelry, designer fashions, resort wear, straw articles and souvenir items. Start from the Piazzetta and the streets fanning out from the square. Some shops may be closed between 12:30/1:00 p.m. and 4:00/4:30 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine Capri features plenty of open-air eateries in addition to top rated restaurants. Fresh seafood and delicious pasta dishes make for a nice lunch; for a quick meal there are tempting sandwiches and pizza. You might enjoy a hearty Italian table wine with lunch. Other Sights Capri Town La Piazzetta is the main square of Capri Town located just opposite the upper funicular station. The square is an ideal place from where to start exploring or shopping. Sidewalk cafés around the square provide residents and visitors with a popular pastime – people-watching while sipping a drink or enjoying a coffee.   Anacapri Reaching Capri’s second town is via local minibus. In addition to numerous souvenir shops and designer boutiques, attractions include Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele and the chair lift to Monte Solaro. Blue Grotto Boat excursions to the Blue Grotto can be booked locally at Marina Grande. Be aware that it is necessary to transfer into smaller boats in front of the grotto. Also, entrance to the grotto is subject to weather and sea conditions. For this reason, tours to the Blue Grotto are frequently cancelled. Private arrangements are not available in this port.

Tour description Capri, Italy Popular since Roman times when the emperors built their villas on Capri, this island is surely one of the world’s most famous and beautiful spots. Visiting Capri, it is easy to see why the ancient Romans fell in love with this place 2,000 years ago – the craggy mountains, the sea caves and grottos and the brilliantly colored flowers cast a magic spell then and still capture the admiration of today’s travelers. There are sleek yachts moored in the deep blue waters of the bays, and beautiful villas and tiny villages cling to steep slopes. An excellent year-round climate and a breathtaking landscape complete the picture of a storybook island. There are two main villages – Capri Town, site of the popular meeting point “Piazzetta,” and Anacapri, the upper town, dominated by 1,750-foot-high Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Both remain the “in” scene for international travelers. By spending millions on comfort and style, the island has ensured its continuing success. After a trip to upper-level Anacapri, visitors enjoy strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of Capri Town, browsing in chic boutiques and spending time in the Piazzetta with a drink in one of the outdoor cafés. There is a funicular from the main port of Marina Grande to Capri Town; from Anacapri, a chair lift whisks visitors to the top of Monte Solaro for a spellbinding view. The magical Blue Grotto can be reached by boat from Marina Grande, but entrance into the grotto depends for the most part on sea conditions. Please Note: For your convenience, the shore excursions offered for this port of call are available to reserve in advance at www.silversea.com until August 8 , as well as offered for purchase on board, unless otherwise noted in the description. Going Ashore in Capri Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Capri’s main port, Marina Grande. Guests will be taken ashore via local tenders, arriving at the pier just a short distance from the funicular to Capri Town. Taxis and minibuses are also available near the pier area. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting out. Shopping Capri is a shopping mecca, though by no means inexpensive. Upscale shops and boutiques offer an array of jewelry, designer fashions, resort wear, straw articles and souvenir items. Start from the Piazzetta and the streets fanning out from the square. Some shops may be closed between 12:30/1:00 p.m. and 4:00/4:30 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine Capri features plenty of open-air eateries in addition to top rated restaurants. Fresh seafood and delicious pasta dishes make for a nice lunch; for a quick meal there are tempting sandwiches and pizza. You might enjoy a hearty Italian table wine with lunch. Other Sights Capri Town La Piazzetta is the main square of Capri Town located just opposite the upper funicular station. The square is an ideal place from where to start exploring or shopping. Sidewalk cafés around the square provide residents and visitors with a popular pastime – people-watching while sipping a drink or enjoying a coffee.   Anacapri Reaching Capri’s second town is via local minibus. In addition to numerous souvenir shops and designer boutiques, attractions include Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele and the chair lift to Monte Solaro. Blue Grotto Boat excursions to the Blue Grotto can be booked locally at Marina Grande. Be aware that it is necessary to transfer into smaller boats in front of the grotto. Also, entrance to the grotto is subject to weather and sea conditions. For this reason, tours to the Blue Grotto are frequently cancelled. Private arrangements are not available in this port.

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Capri’s mythical charm has captured hearts for more than 2,000 years. Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus fell in love with the island in 29BC, building villas, temples and gardens for his own private paradise. Today, its jaw-dropping beauty still draws royalty, celebrities and fashionable travellers from all over the world.Wander through the Piazzetta and listen to the melodious chiming of the clock tower, admire the impossibly blue ocean as it crashes onto the cliffs, and taste its famous flourless chocolate cake or a fresh caprese salad.

The largest and most developed of the Aeolians, Lipari welcomes you with distinctive pastel-color houses. Fields of spiky agaves dot the northernmost tip of the island, Acquacalda, indented with pumice and obsidian quarries. In the west is San Calogero, where you can explore hot springs and mud baths. From the red-lava base of the island rises a plateau crowned with a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.

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The World Heritage-listed Aeolian Islands are seven volcanic outcrops set off the north coast of Sicily with a rich history dating back to 5000BC. As you sail into the islands this morning, look out for the huge rock formations that rise dramatically from the water. Lipari is the largest and most populated of the islands, known for its pebbled beaches, hiking trails and historic harbour. From its panoramic position, a castle overlooks the seafront of pastel-coloured townhouses, with windswept highlands and steep cliffs in the distance.

Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island’s east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. All ships and planes dock or land near Corfu town, which occupies a small peninsula jutting into the Ionian Sea.Whether arriving by ferry from mainland Greece or Italy, from another island, or directly by plane, catch your breath by first relaxing with a coffee or a gelato in Corfu town’s shaded Liston Arcade, then stroll the narrow lanes of its pedestrians-only quarter. For an overview of the immediate area, and a quick tour of Mon Repos palace, hop on the little tourist train that runs from May to September. Corfu town has a different feel at night, so book a table at one of its famed tavernas to savor the island’s unique cuisine.The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough so that you can easily walk to every sight. There are local buses, but they do not thread their way into the streets (many now car-free) of the historic center. If you are arriving by ferry or plane, it’s best to take a taxi to your hotel. Expect to pay about €10 from the airport or ferry terminal to a hotel in Corfu town. If there are no taxis waiting, you can call for one.

Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island’s east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. All ships and planes dock or land near Corfu town, which occupies a small peninsula jutting into the Ionian Sea.Whether arriving by ferry from mainland Greece or Italy, from another island, or directly by plane, catch your breath by first relaxing with a coffee or a gelato in Corfu town’s shaded Liston Arcade, then stroll the narrow lanes of its pedestrians-only quarter. For an overview of the immediate area, and a quick tour of Mon Repos palace, hop on the little tourist train that runs from May to September. Corfu town has a different feel at night, so book a table at one of its famed tavernas to savor the island’s unique cuisine.The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough so that you can easily walk to every sight. There are local buses, but they do not thread their way into the streets (many now car-free) of the historic center. If you are arriving by ferry or plane, it’s best to take a taxi to your hotel. Expect to pay about €10 from the airport or ferry terminal to a hotel in Corfu town. If there are no taxis waiting, you can call for one.

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This ruggedly beautiful Greek island is dotted with whitewashed houses and olive trees and is edged with shimmering turquoise waters. The World Heritage-listed Old Town of Corfu has a rich history and magnificent architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Explore quaint fishing villages, relax on the many idyllic beaches and coves and stroll through the largest square in Greece, the Spianada.

Split’s ancient core is so spectacular and unusual that a visit is more than worth your time. The heart of the city lies within the walls of Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace, which was built in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian, born in the nearby Roman settlement of Salona in AD 245, achieved a brilliant career as a soldier and became emperor at the age of 40. In 295 he ordered this vast palace to be built in his native Dalmatia, and when it was completed he stepped down from the throne and retired to his beloved homeland. Upon his death, he was laid to rest in an octagonal mausoleum, around which Split’s magnificent cathedral was built.In 615, when Salona was sacked by barbarian tribes, those fortunate enough to escape found refuge within the stout palace walls and divided up the vast imperial apartments into more modest living quarters. Thus, the palace developed into an urban center, and by the 11th century the settlement had expanded beyond the ancient walls.Under the rule of Venice (1420–1797), Split—as a gateway to the Balkan interior—became one of the Adriatic’s main trading ports, and the city’s splendid Renaissance palaces bear witness to the affluence of those times. When the Habsburgs took control during the 19th century, an overland connection to Central Europe was established by the construction of the Split–Zagreb–Vienna railway line.After World War II, the Tito years saw a period of rapid urban expansion: industrialization accelerated and the suburbs extended to accommodate high-rise apartment blocks. Today the historic center of Split is included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

The Croatian island of Hvar bills itself as the “sunniest island in the Adriatic.” Not only does it have the figures to back up this claim—an annual average of 2,724 hours of sunshine—but it also makes visitors a sporting proposition, offering them a money-back guarantee if there are seven consecutive days of snow (snow has been known to fall here; the last time being February 2012).

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For early risers, experience a scenic passage between Brac and Solta Islands, where crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes create a truly unforgettable journey. This stunning route offers captivating views of rugged coastlines, hidden coves, and the serene beauty of the Adriatic Sea.Hvar, the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands, known for its sunshine, the pebbly coves of its coastline and medieval history. The Town Square in Hvar is among the most beautiful and the largest in Croatia, and the medieval streets of Hvar Town are a treat to wander on this dreamy island.

Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world’s most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost

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Your journey concludes in the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik, where ancient stone walls meet the shimmering Adriatic. Enjoy a final breakfast on board, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and luxurious moments shared. As you disembark your Discovery Yacht, you’ll be seamlessly transferred to the airport or your next destination, taking with you cherished memories of this remarkable voyage.Please book your flight to depart out of Dubrovnik after 12:00 PM.#Senses Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.  ^Experiences on board our two helicopters are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tide and ice conditions.Submersible not operational in Europe.The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.