Departing from the port, your coach follows the road leading out of the town to the lush countryside teeming with orange, lemon cypresses and olive groves. At the Village of Gastouri, visit the Achilleion Palace built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1891. Tour the impressive rooms, as well as its beautiful gardens offering a spectacular view over the Ionian Sea. The gardens, full of exotic trees and flowers, were brought here by the Empress after her travels around the world. The main “Terrace of the Muses” is one of the most interesting enclosures of the palace, decorated with statues of the Nine Greek Muses and the imposing figures of “Achilles Victorious” and “Achilles Dying.” Leaving Achilleion Palace, continue to Corfu Town passing by the coastal resort of Perama and the beautiful spot of Kanoni, from where you will enjoy excellent views of the Convent of Vlacherna and the picturesque Mouse Island.

Once in the Old Quarter of Corfu Town, begin your walking tour along the narrow cobbled streets known as the “Kandounia.” Walking along the old cricket grounds you will see the Royal Palace of St. George and St. Michael, an imposing building built entirely of yellow Maltese stone by the first British Commissioner of the island. Proceed through the arcades of the Liston Piazza and into the heart of the old town, where you will visit the 300 year old Church of St. Spyridon with its priceless collection of icons and gifts offered to the Patron Saint of the island. Pass by the old Town Hall as you head towards the shopping district where you will have free time to browse the shops before boarding your coach for the return journey to the ship. Modest dress is required in the religion sites.

Drive through the lush countryside of Corfu on your way to the beautiful Bay of Paleokastrisa, also known as the “Capri of Greece.” Visit the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin, still inhabited by a community of monks, and its small museum housing a priceless collection of Byzantine icons and church relics. From the Monastery’s gardens you can enjoy breathtaking views of beautiful bays of the area with their crystal-clear waters and rocky promontories. On an opposite hill you can see the remains of “Angelokastro”, a Byzantine Fort, built in the 13th century by the Despot of Epirus Michael Komninos. Continue onto the traditional village of Lakones, built high on the mountain slopes, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Paleokastritsa and have an opportunity to take photos. The spot is generally known as Bella Vista for its unique and breathtaking views. Driving onwards, you arrive at the town of Makrades where you will have some time at leisure to explore the village and buy local products. Modest dress is required in the religious sites.

Enjoy a short scenic drive to Cavtat, stopping on the way at an impressive lookout for a breathtaking view of Dubrovnik. The drive takes you along the lovely Zupa Duborvacka (Parish of Zupa), also called the Riviera of Dubrovnik, passing the resorts of Srebreno, Mlini, Soline and Plat. Entering the picturesque seaside resort of Cavtat, founded by Greek settlers from Epidaurus, you will reach the palm-lined promenade, from where an easy stroll will take you to the town center. Those looking for a leisurely pursuit may choose to wander in the lively and sophisticated city center, browse the shops or watch the world go by from a local café. Return to Dubrovnik, the starting point of your panoramic walking tour of the Old Town. Today, as in the past, Stradun, the broad main street of the ancient town, is the very heart of Dubrovnik. Nearly all the beautiful houses lining the main street are built in the late Renaissance style, having been built after the Great Earthquake of 1667. Your tour will include such sights as Onofrio’s Fountain, the 14th century Franciscan Monastery, and the Rector’s Palace. After the sightseeing tour you will have the opportunity to explore the town on your own before returning to the ship.

Depart the port for the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Your walking tour will begin from Pile Gate, which marks the beginning of the broad main street of the ancient town, known as Placa – Stradun. Today, as in the past, this street is the very heart of Dubrovnik. Nearly all the houses within this street were built after the great earthquake of 1667. First stop is the Franciscan Monastery and its church built in the 14th century, containing tombs of Dubrovnik’s prominent nobility. The Monastery is well known for its Old Pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe, and its treasury, which contains a precious collection of relics, pictures of Ancient Dubrovnik and portraits of the city’s famous citizens. Next stop is the Rector’s Palace, once the seat of the government and the rector of the Dubrovnik Republic. Today the Palace is home to a permanent display of must-see artifacts, furniture, paintings, coins, medals and arms. Continue onto the Cathedral, a baroque building from the 17th century designed by Andrea Buffalini. It occupies the site of an earlier cathedral, a Romanesque basilica, which was probably the most splendid building of Dubrovnik before its destruction during the Great Earthquake. After the walking tour you will have some free time to explore the town on your own before return to the ship. Modest dress is required in the religion sites.

Depart the pier and journey to the coastal town of St. Stephan, a fortified island settlement near Budva. According to legend, it was built in the early 15th century after a battle in which the Pastrovic clansmen overcame the crews of several Turkish galleys. The fortified town was of economic importance providing storage and protection for produce sold at markets along the Adriatic coast and in Venice. The town was converted into a hotel in 1955, and continues to be a popular tourist attraction today. After the panoramic view of St. Stefan, continue onto Budva, the oldest settlement in the area. Many archaeological finds provide evidence of the town’s long history – some dating back to the 2nd century B.C. The guided walk through this old city gives you the opportunity to learn more about the history and the legends surrounding this charming town. After your tour, enjoy some time at leisure before transferring to Kotor.

Kotor's date of origin is uncertain, however its strategic location made the town a target for conquerors throughout the centuries, including the Byzantinum, Serbian, Hungarian-Croatian, Venetian, Austrian, and Napoleonic empires. Despite the city's tumultuous past, Kotor has managed to retain its medieval appearance. The Rector’s Palace, 16th to 18th century patrician mansions, and 12th to 18th century cathedrals testify to the skill and high standards of Kotor's artisans. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon (sv. Tripun) was originally built in the 9th century, and legend has it that the relics of St. Tryphon were transferred to the church, whereupon this saint became the town’s patron. The interior contains a 14th-century ciborium and a golden altar-piece with reliefs of saints, the work of an anonymous Kotor goldsmith in the 15th century. The treasury has a valuable collection of gold and silver objects, the work of 18th-century Kotor craftsmen. Continue onto the Maritime Museum, housed in the 17th century Grgurina mansion, and features an impressive collection of ship models, instruments, weapons and maps. Return to the pier in Kotor upon conclusion of your tour. Modest dress is required in the religion sites.

Depart the port and journey to the coastal town of Perast, which served as a strategic stronghold during medieval times. Shedding the domination of Kotor towards the end of the 16th century, it became an autonomous maritime commune. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the town and its navy flourished. Off the coast of Perast, in the middle of a small bay, is a man-made islet of rocks, on which a baroque church of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Skrpjele) was built in 1630. After a 10 minute boat ride across the bay, you will visit the church containing many baroque paintings and icons by local and Italian artists, as well as over 2,000 silver votive tablets.

From Perast, return to Kotor for a walking tour. Kotor's date of origin is uncertain, however its strategic location made the town a target for conquerors throughout the centuries, including the Byzantinum, Serbian, Hungarian-Croatian, Venetian, Austrian, and Napoleonic empires. Despite the city's tumultuous past, Kotor has managed to retain its medieval appearance. The Rector’s Palace, 16th to 18th century patrician mansions, and 12th to 18th century cathedrals testify to the skill and high standards of Kotor's artisans. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon (sv. Tripun) was originally built in the 9th century, and legend has it that the relics of St. Tryphon were transferred to the church, whereupon this saint became the town’s patron. The interior contains a 14th-century ciborium and a golden altar-piece with reliefs of saints, the work of an anonymous Kotor goldsmith in the 15th century. The treasury has a valuable collection of gold and silver objects, the work of 18th-century Kotor craftsmen. Continue onto the Maritime Museum, housed in the 17th century Grgurina mansion, and features an impressive collection of ship models, instruments, weapons and maps. Return to the pier in Kotor upon conclusion of your tour. Modest dress is required in the religion sites.

Drive through beautiful mountains that lookout over the Kotor Bay and arrive in Njegusi, the birthplace of Petar Petrovic-Njegos. Scholars consider him to be the most important Montenegrin leader of all time. Apart from laying down the foundation for the modern Montenegrin state and the subsequent Kingdom of Montenegro, Petrovic-Njegos is also known as one of the foremost Slavic poets. Enjoy a brief stop in this village for a taste of some of the local specialties including smoked ham and cheese, and local brandy and wine.

Board the coach and proceed to Cetinje, the former capital of Montenegro. Visit the National Museum, and the Blue Chappell, home to the Phileremos Madonna. Continue your scenic drive through the mountains to Budva, a 2,500 year old coastal town, where you will have time for a brief photo stop before returning to the port.

Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, is well known for its mythological connections and natural beauty. The first stop of your panoramic bus tour will be Pianoconte, where you will have a beautiful view of the island and its quintessential white houses, vineyards and the promontory of Quattropani. Continue into Porticello, where you can admire the old quarries of pumice, before arriving at Canneto, built among the two mounts Rosa and Pilato. From the "Faraglioni" rocks to the picturesque pumice quarries and the flow of hardened red obsidian at the "Rocce Rosse", your guide will take you on a journey of discovery around the island. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

Board a private motorboat and depart for Vulcano, a small volcanic island in the archipelago of the Eolie. The island is home to three volcanoes, one of which forms the main mass of the island and has been dormant since the Prehistoric Era. Gran Cratere, which is still active, dominates the northern part of the island. It is characterized by its form and strange coloration, especially near the summit. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the coast of Vulcano before arriving to the island to enjoy time at leisure to explore the village on your own. Sail back to Lipari to embark your cruise. Note: This tour will operate June-August only.

For 2,600 years, Marseilles has been a port city. The city was originally founded and used as a port by the Greeks, and today continues to be the largest commercial port in France in addition to the country's 2nd largest city. Dubbed the “gateway to the East,” the city's historic buildings reflect the many political and religious influences that have made an impact on this city. Your panoramic tour will pass the highlights including Saint Victor Abbey, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the cathedrals, Palais Longchamps and the famous Old Port with The Canebière.

Enjoy a guided tour of Aix, the former capital of Provence. Whether in the narrow streets of the old town, the moss covered fountains, the pediments of mansions or in the surrounding countryside, the glorious past of the city has been miraculously preserved. Aix en Provence is also the town of the tempestuous writer Mirabeau and famous painter Paul Cézanne. Your tour begins at University Square and Saint Sauveur Cathedral. This building was first founded in the 4th century and then gradually modified to reflect the Romanesque style. A few yards away, there are 12th century cloisters with admirable arcades and columns. Continue onto the magnificent Town Hall and Clock Tower with its splendid astronomical clock. Proceed to the Cours Mirabeau, an elegant tree lined avenue filled with cafes that serves as a starting point to the Mazarin quarter, where everything is luxurious and beautiful. Take time to stroll the pedestrian streets, taste the famous Calissons and relax on the shaded café terraces. Note: The journey from Marseilles to Aix en Provence is approximately 40 minutes.

Depart from the pier and journey to Taormina. This small town is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character that has made the city one of the most popular Mediterranean sun spots. Enjoy a walking tour of the city that includes such sights as the famous Gothic Corvaja Palace dating back to the 15th century and the impressive Greek Theater. The theater was reconstructed in the Roman style in the 2nd century A.D., and is the second largest theater in Sicily. The upper tier's spectacular view reveals the majestic Mt. Etna, Europe's largest and still active volcano. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to stroll the pedestrian area or browse the shops for local handicrafts. Note:The journey from Messina to Taormina is approximately 45 minutes.

Depart the pier with a local guide and begin your journey to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. The slopes soar up to over 10,814 ft and the flanks of the mountain are covered with scores of cones and craters. Admire the breathtaking views, and explore the crater including the remnants of the awe inspiring streams of lava. Later drive back to the ship docked in Messina. Note: We remind you the tour to Mount Etna is subject to weather conditions. Due to the last events, the tour is subject to the permission given by the local Competent Authorities. The drive from Messina to Mount Etna lasts approximately two hours depending on the traffic and the itinerary that is followed to reach the volcano.

Situated between Venice and the Ionian Islands, Split is one of the most fascinating cities in the Adriatic. Your tour begins with a drive to a vista point for a spectacular view of the city. Continue onto the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery, the former home of the greatest Croatian sculptor of all time, which now serves as a gallery. Proceed to the city center to begin your walking tour which includes such sights as the 15th century Town Hall and the Perystile, the inner court of the ancient Palace and the present day Cathedral’s Square. You will also visit the ancient Temple of Jupiter, which was transformed into the Baptistery during the medieval period. Enjoy time at leisure before visiting the Diocletian’s cellars of the imperial apartments. Modest dress is required in the religion sites.

Depart by coach and begin your journey to the Karst Sibenik region to the famous Krka river waterfalls. Situated in the Krka National Park, the Krka falls has 17 natural cascades. The Krka River is a unique phenomenon due to its gypsum formations that have created the unique landscape of the falls. This entire area has been preserved in its original form. Next, you will see the extraordinary Skrandinski Buk Waterfalls, the highest falls in Europe. Above the falls the large plateau offers spectacular views. A path wanders around the falls for those who wish to explore further. Also, see the old mill that is still used for grinding. After your visit to the National Park, return to the boat for a scenic sail to the small, picturesque town of Skradin where the coaches will be waiting for your return transfer to the port of Split.

The town of Salona thrived long before Split was inhabited. At the time of its greatest prosperity (3rd and 4th century), Salona had approximately 40,000 inhabitants. Archaeologists have excavated remains of temples, an amphitheatre, early Christian churches, burial grounds and Roman baths which shows centuries of prosperity and upheavals. After the tour through the ancient ruins of Salona you will continue toward the charming town of Trogir, driving along the beautiful Riviera of the Seven Castles. Situated in a small island squeezed in between the mainland and the larger island of Ciovo, Trogir is connected to the mainland with a bridge. Except for the green parks the entire island is occupied by spectacular constructions: bleached stone houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers, and walls. You will visit the main attraction in Trogir - the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. This 13th century building is probably the finest example of sacral architecture in Croatia. The unusual construction with three naves and three semi circular apses dominates the whole town. The main portal carved by the local artist “Radovan” in the 13th century is world famous. Other fine buildings that will be viewed are the Town Loggia decorated with stone carvings, including one by great Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, the Town Hall, and the Cipiko Palace. After visiting Trogir you will have free time to explore the town on your own, before boarding the coach to drive back to the ship.

Depart your ship and enjoy a ride on the motor launch through the canals to St. Mark’s Basin where your tour will begin. St. Mark’s Square was the political and religious center of the city when La Serenissima ruled an empire. Visit the Doge’s Palace that housed the private residence of the Doge, the seat of government and the Court of Justice. The original palace was started in the Byzantine style during the 9th century and was destroyed by fire several times during its history, and today reflects the Gothic style from its last reconstruction during the 14th century. Your guide will accompany you through the beautiful rooms and point out the fantastic ceiling decorations and well-known paintings by Titian, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Carpaccio and Veronese. After leaving the Hall of Magistrates you will walk over the Bridge of Sighs, a covered passageway above the canal between the palace and the ancient prison. Continue to visit St. Mark’s Cathedral, showcasing a wide variety of architectural styles. Above the main entrance are the Four Horses, copies of those taken from the Byzantine when the Crusaders sacked Constantinople in 1204. Inside the Cathedral you can admire the famous mosaics and the bones of St. Mark, smuggled out of Alexandria to give the city a prestigious saint as its benefactor, are entombed beneath the main altar. At the end of the visit, enjoy time at leisure before you meet your escort to return to the ship. This tour is not recommended for people with walking difficulties. Modest dress is required in religion sites. Passengers may not be allowed to enter with big bags. Video cameras are forbidden in the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica.

This tour gives you an opportunity to visit two of the islands surrounding Venice. Leaving the pier by motor launch, you will travel along the Giudecca Canal and the lagoon to reach Murano, renowned since 1291 for its glass manufacturing. The island became a sanctuary for glassmakers after furnaces were banned from Venice as a precaution against fire. Here you will witness masters of this delicate craft at work, during a visit to a leading factory. You will then proceed to Burano, a tiny island dotted with brightly painted houses. Its fame is due to its traditional lace making, an art still practiced by many of the local women. Following your visit to the island of Burano, you will re-board the motor launch for the return journey. You will have the opportunity to explore the “Serenissima” at your leisure as your motor launch will drop you off at St. Mark’s area conveniently located near the major sites. The motor launch will later be waiting at the drop-off point for the return trip to the vessel.

No visit to Venice would be complete without a ride on a gondola. After reaching St. Mark by motor launch you will board the gondola for a journey through Venice. Starting from the most beautiful promenade of Venice, the “Riva degli Schiavoni”, you can admire Saint George Island on your right, which is in the middle of the water-basin of Saint Mark. Proceed through the canal della Canonica under the bridge “della Paglia” and the famous Bridge of Sights, between the Doge’s Palace and the Palace of the Old Prison. Cruising into the inner canals crossed by scores of stone bridges of the city, you can feel the real Venetian atmosphere. Glide by gondola down inner waterways until you reach the Canal di San Lorenzo, where you disembark your vessel and have time at leisure to explore Venice on your own. The motor launch will be waiting at the drop-off point for the return trip to the vessel. Note: Gondola ride is subject to weather and tide conditions, for this reason it can be cancelled. Gondola ride will be through the small and charming canals (Canal Grande is not included in the itinerary). Gondola has 6 seats and is not suitable for people with walking disabilities. The ride has a duration of 30 minutes.