10-night Mediterranean Cruise

Explore Trieste and its charming Miramare castle

This private tour will introduce you to the best features of Trieste and its area, including a mesmerizing castle Miramare, once a love nest of a Austro-Hungarian Emperor. We suppose this is proof that emperors have a softer side, as well. Trieste is a very vibrant city in North Italy, known for its mundane, hedonistic culture of after-work aperitifs, amazing food and fast but pleasant energy of the city. This melting pot of different cultures and religions, resulted in Trieste being a very interesting epicentre of culture today. Just outside Trieste, a beautiful castle is located, built under the Austro-Hungarian reign. Facing the sea, it is situated on steep rocks, and surrounded with romantic gardens that will take your breath away.

Highlights:

• unique sightseeing experience 

• Personal guide

• Round transfer

Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning 
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy

Inclusions: 

• Private guide
• Round transfers
• Tickets for Miramare Castle 

Not Included:

• Lunch
• Tips

Kotor sightseeing

This tour will start with a meeting with your guide. Kotor is located at the end of Boka Kotorska (Bay of Boka) where Mount Lovcen and the sea cuddle the town. Kotor is a town that belongs to a very “young” country, Montenegro, even though founded in 2006 as an independent country, the area has a deep and unique history and cultural richness dating back to the Neolithic ages. Kotor is an excellent combination of natural, cultural, and historical beauties which makes the town worth visiting even more than once in a lifetime. Your visit to the Old town in Kotor can be supplemented with a visit to the Maritime museum, which is found on the Square of the Boka fleet.

Highlights:

• Unique sightseeing experience
• Personal guide

Kotor: Walking Tour - 2 hours

Meet your guide at the tender pier ready for your walking tour of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by impressive medieval bulwarks which extend above the town to the fortress of Sveti Ivan, Kotor was under the rule of the Republic of Venice between 1420 and 1797 and the Venetian influence on the architecture is strong. Take a walking tour of the town passing the Watch Tower, the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tripun, the Church of St Luc and the 17th-century Prince’s Palace.

Highlights:

• Walking tour of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• An expert local guide in Kotor (2 hours)
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Kotor: Highlights of Montenegro - 8 hours

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is surrounded by impressive medieval bulwarks. Strong Venetian influences can be seen in the architecture and a walking tour of the town reveals the Watch Tower (Sat Kula), the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tripun, the Church of St Luc and the 17th-century Prince’s Palace.
After lunch at leisure, drive over the Lov´cen mountain (the Black Mountain which gives Montenegro its name) to Cetinj. The former capital of Montenegro, Cetinj was home to Njegoš, Montenegro’s greatest poet and king. Visit the National Museum of Montenegro, and the monastery before continuing to Budva, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea, dating back to the 5th century BC. In the Middle Ages when Budva was under Venetian rule, the town was fortified by powerful Venetian walls to protect against the Ottoman conquests.

Highlights:

• Enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor
• Visit to the National Museum of Montenegro in Cetinj
• Discover the Venetian influences on the historic town of Budva

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert local guide (8 hours)
• Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Bari: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli - 5 hours

Today you will have the chance to visit Polignano a Mare, a shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic.

Continue to Monopoli, whose history has been thoroughly influenced by its east-facing position and its fortified sea-front walls and castle. Visit the colourful street market, the cathedral and the elegant bell tower that is over 60 metres high, completely dominating the town below.

Walk down the sea front promenade, where you will visit the church of Santa Maria della Zaffira and take a look at Monopoli’s harbour with it’s fishermen mending their nets or unloading the day's catch.

Highlights:

• Perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff Polignano a Mare makes for a fascinating stop
• Walk along Monopoli’s sea-front promenade, with its colourful street market and fishermen unloading the day’s catch  

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert local guide (5 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Bari: Locorotondo & Alberobello - 5 hours

You will visit Locorotondo where you will see the architecture typical of the region with white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. The town also features several community squares, each of which are built on the edge of the hill allowing for some spectacular views.

Afterwards you will visit Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alberobello represents the heart of the Itria Valley. The city was founded in the 15th-century by the Counts of Acquaviva. The image of the trullo in Alberobello has always been associated with Puglia, where the deep roots of Alberobello act as one of the most typical expressions of the area. The trullo is a construction with a central round or square base of dry stone and at its summit a cone-shaped roof.

Highlights:

• Visit Locorotondo, whose historical centre contains charming white-washed stone buildings
• Explore Alberobello the UNESCO World Heritage Site characterised by the Trullo cone-shaped roofs

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (5 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Bari: Ancient Matera - 8 hours

Spend a full day soaking up the unique ambience of Matera. Venture down the steep streets that crisscross Barisano and Caveoso, the two districts of Matera's sassi (literally the "stones"). Visit a house furnished as it would have been when as many as ten people lived with their animals in one or two rooms. Explore the chiese rupestri, or rock churches, some of which still have their original fresco decorations. After lunch on your own, head out on an easy hike along the opposite ridge of the ravine on which Matera is built and discover some of the rock churches that dot the countryside.

Please note: Matera involves steep walking

Highlights:

• Soak up the unique ambience of Matera and its ancient centre 
• Hike to discover the nearby rock churches that dot the countryside

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Bari: Highlights of Puglia & Cheese Tasting - 8 hours

Today you will meet your English-speaking guide for a full day excursion of “Valle d’Itria”. You will visit Alberobello which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the 15th-century by the Counts of Acquaviva. The image of the trullo in Alberobello has always been associated with Puglia. The trullo is a construction with a central round or square base of dry stone and a con-shaped roof.

Afterwards you will visit Locorotondo where you will see the architecture typical of the region with white-washed, stone buildings with cool, shaded, cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. The town also features several community squares, each of which are built on the edge of the hill allowing for some spectacular views.

Next visit to a local cheese production where you will see the different phases of how different cheeses are made. After the visit you will enjoy an informal cheese tasting with a buffet where you will taste the local products.

Finally, visit Polignano a Mare, shining gem on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare truly lives up to its name and literally could not be any more ‘at sea’!

Highlights:

• Tour the charming and architecturally impressive villages of Alberobello and Locorotondo
• Experience the authentic taste of Puglia with a cheese tasting that includes various local products

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide throughout (8 hours)
• Cheese tasting
• Entrance fees
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Giardini Naxos: Greek Taormina Walking Tour - 3 hours

• Take in the incredible views from the town of Taormina, which overlooks the Bay of Naxos
• Wonder through Taormina's charming streets and visit the Greek Theatre

• Luxury car or minivan transfers between Giardini Naxos and Taormina
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (3 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Greek Theatre
• All taxes

Giardini Naxos: Syracuse & Ortigia Island - 8 hours

• Explore the beautiful city of Syracuse
• Visit the Greek theatre at Neapolis, one of the most important examples of ancient theatre architecture in the world
• Discover the charming island of Ortigia

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Neopolis Site
• All taxes

Giardini Naxos: Catania and Piazza Armerina - 8 hours

• Explore the city of Catania,including the morning fish market and the many buildings in the city built using the lava stones of Etna.
• Explore central Sicily and the town of Piazza Armerina, where you will visit the site of Villa Romana del Casale

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Villa Romana del Casale
• All taxes

Naples: Food Tour of Naples - 4 hours

Along with your expert guide, head into the heart of the historic centre of Naples and explore one of Naples’ best food markets. Your guide will lead you through the market stalls and shops, where you can sample some of the delicious local specialties. Continue along the alleys of the historic city centre to discover the most picturesque corners of Naples. Sites include the Greek ruins of Bellini square, the street of music (San Biagio dei Librai), San Gregorio Armeno street (famous for shops selling nativity scenes), Decumani and old churches decorated in Rococo style.
Stop for a wine tasting in one of the most famous wine shops in the city before the highlight of your tour: lunch in one of the world’s oldest pizzerias! Naples is the birthplace of the pizza. The Naples pizza margherita features a soft yet satisfyingly chewy base, all puffed up and charred at the edges, the merest smear of tomato sauce, the odd dot of mozzarella and a few basil leaves. Not to be missed is the pizza fritta - the original pizza and unique to Naples - a deep fried pizza filled with ricotta cheese. Heaven on a plate!

Highlights:

• Sample some delicious specialities at one of Naples' best food markets
• Visit one of the world's oldest pizzerias for lunch

Naples: The City of Naples - 8 hours

Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe, covering 4,200 acres and enclosing 27 centuries of history. One of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world with Bronze Age Greek settlements dating back to the second millennium BC, the area was re-founded as Neápolis (‘new city’) in the sixth century BC, becoming a lynchpin of Magna Graecia and playing a key role in the merging of Greek culture into Roman society.

Explore Naples today with your expert guide. Highlights include the Spaccanapoli district, the magnificent Duomo cathedral, the Cappella Sansevero with its virtuosic sculptural masterpiece the Cristo Velato, as well as lesser-known gems such as the San Giovanni a Carbonara. Today’s tour encompasses artistic-historic treasures and plenty of local colour. Along the way, enjoy a bite of Naples’ famous street food ‘frittura’, a sinfully delicious mix of deep fried aubergines (eggplant), zucchini, mozzarella, arancini (rice croquettes), cauliflower, or potato croquettes.
Continue your sightseeing tour in the historic centre of Naples. Visit the Castel Nuovo, the imposing medieval structure built by the Angevins to defend the city. You may also wish to visit the adjoining Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace Museum and Royal apartments), built in the 17th century. The magnificently decorated halls and rooms contain the original Bourbon furnishings, paintings, statues and porcelain. Enjoy a panoramic drive to reach the magnificent Carthusian Monastery, the Certosa di San Martino situated on Vomero Hill, where you may visit the luxuriously decorated Baroque Style church.

Highlights:

• Try Naples' famous street food as your guide shows you the historic sights of Italy
• Visit the medieval Castel Nuovo, whose magnificently decorated rooms contain original Bourbon furnishings, paintings and statues

Naples: Historic Pompeii & Vesuvius - 9 hours

Travel outside Naples today for an excursion to Pompeii. Upon arrival at Pompeii, enjoy a walking tour of this once opulent town. The extensive and varied ruins of Pompeii now provide us with a rich history of life at the time of the Roman Empire. Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC, this dugout treasure represents an amazing day trip for children and adults alike. On view are temples, forums, amphitheatres, a brothel and the casts of those killed by the falling ash and pumice stone.
Mount Vesuvius – 1281 meters high – was brought into volcanological history after the eruption of 79 BC, when it destroyed the towns and thousands of residents of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum. Climb till the summit of the ‘mount’ this afternoon with your guide and admire the splendid views across the Bay of Naples. Lose yourself admiring its slopes, once covered with vineyards and woods that nowadays provide a spectacular backdrop for the bustling town below.

Highlights:

• The ruins of Pompeii provide an unparalleled window into life during the Roman Empire
• Climb to the summit of Mount Vesuvius to admire views across the Bay of Naples

Civitavecchia: Imperial Rome & The Vatican City - 8 hours

• Tour some of Rome's most iconic sites including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
• Explore the impressive museum collections in the Vatican City and the breath-taking masterpiece that is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
• Spend time in the Basilica of St. Paul, the largest church in the world

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
• Entrance fees to Colosseum, Imperial Forum and Vatican Museums
• All taxes

Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours

• Visit the church of San Clemente and discover its fascinating history
• Explore the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families, which houses a vast private art collection

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
• Entrance fees to San Clemente and Doria Pamphilij
• All taxes

Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours

• Uncover Rome's bohemian quarter, along with tastings of Italy's best loved delicacies 
• Car and driver at your disposal to discover Rome

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert local guide (3 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
• Food and wine tastings

Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours

• Travel out to Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world
• Visit Villa Borghese, home to a collection of sculptures and paintings that are among the most important in Italy

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Capitoline Museums and Villa Borghese
• All taxes