Welcome to beautiful northern Italy, and the world capital of fashion and design, Milan! Italy is a diverse country with something for everyone. Ancient ruins lie next to modern buildings and cobblestone alleyways next to busy streets. Home of pizza, pasta, olive oil and wine, Italy is known as a food lover's paradise. Fashion lovers from all over the world also flock to Italy for the latest clothing, shoes and handbag designs. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 5.00pm. This evening meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome drink at the hotel.

Located on the south side of the Alps, beautiful Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. A little less crowded than some of Italy’s other lakes, there is still much to see here. One of the highlights is the Borromean Islands, a group of small islands which feature impressive 16th and 17th-century architecture and well-manicured gardens. Before departing, we will explore the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan. Often described as the city of the future, this buzzing metropolis is where big business and high-end fashion meet, creating a city like no other. Our tour will take us to the Duomo, the most impressive structure in Milan and the largest church in Italy. We’ll also view the historic Sforzesco Castle (outside only) and the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery. An extravagant 19th century shopping mall, it is the oldest of its kind in the world. Here you can shop for the latest fashion pieces or simply watch the world go by from one of the many bars and restaurants. The afternoon, we depart for Lake Maggiore in the idyllic Lake District where we’ll enjoy a group welcome dinner.

Enjoy a perfect day discovering this beautiful area’s highlights and relaxing in a stunning location. Admire the islets and enjoy the views looking out over the brilliant blue lake, dotted with tiny, flower-filled pockets. At approximately 65 kilometres long, Lake Maggiore extends across the border to the north into Switzerland. Today we’ll take a boat out to visit the three Borromean Islands. Our first stop is Isola Bella, ‘beautiful island’, home to an elegant palazzo, Italianate garden and a small fishing village. Famous in particular for its stunning tropical gardens, Isola Madre is the largest of the three islands in the archipelago and our next stop. We’ll also visit Isola de Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore). Inhabited all year round, predominantly by its namesake fisherman, this island is bursting with seafood restaurants so make sure you try some of the local specialty.

Today we discover the spectacular Lake Como and explore the many sights on a walking tour of this lovely town. We then enjoy a cruise on the lake to Bellagio. Take in the incredible scenery along the way, including lovely hillside villas with the extraordinary Alps as a backdrop. Once we arrive in Bellagio, have some free time to explore this amazing city. It is known for its cobbled lanes and gorgeous villas, with private gardens. Why not pay a visit to one and take some striking photos of the flora and fauna, or find a local restaurant to savour lunch? Our visit today will end as we travel back to Como via speed boat before making our way back to Lake Maggiore.

Today we travel to the city of Bologna, characterised by its red-brick palazzi, towers, and lengthy porticos. Bologna’s historic centre is in fact the second largest in Europe. Settlements in the city date back to 1000BC and it is also home to the world’s oldest university – the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. On our way, we travel to the stylish city of Parma. Known for its architecture, music and art, it’s also the home of Parmesan cheese and prosciutto. Here we stop to indulge in some of the local delicacies before continuing to our next tasting stop at the Gelato Museum.

Special Experience

Enjoy a visit to the Gelato Museum dedicated to the history of artisan gelato, with tastings of course!

After a day of delicious tastings, we arrive in Bologna and enjoy an evening at leisure.

A delicious tour awaits us today as we explore Bologna’s culinary delights. Our first stop is the Mercato delle Erbe, where we’ll find fresh produce, artisan cheeses and cured meats. We’ll wander through the Quadrilatero, the oldest market in Italy, and sample local specialties such as tortellini, mortadella and balsamic vinegar. After learning how to make fresh pasta, we finish our tour of Bologna with delicious pizza, gelato and gourmet coffee. Full and happy, we’ll return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Today we journey to Venice. Known as the city of romance, it has the capacity to impress not only first timers, but also the most jaded of travellers. It is unlike anywhere else on the planet, with a mosaic of 117 islands connected by 409 bridges, where cars are banned and everyone, including postmen and the police, travel by boat. We stop along the way for a sightseeing tour in the city of Ferrara, one of Italy's hidden treasures. Still enclosed by its medieval walls, Ferrara has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its beauty, cultural importance, and many historical palazzi. The city is characterised by the imposing Castello Estense complex, complete with a moat and four bastions, which was once the residence of the Este family – rivals to Florence’s Medici in power and prestige. This afternoon we continue north to Venice.

Today we revel in the sights and sounds of this floating city with a walking tour of the major highlights, including the famous St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. St Mark's Square was memorably described by Napoleon as the 'drawing room of Europe'. The golden Byzantine St Mark's Basilica was founded in the ninth century, as a shrine for the relics of St Mark. Built on a plan of the Greek cross, its Eastern appearance is enhanced by golden mosaics, originally created by craftsmen from the Byzantine Court at Ravenna. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to further explore this wonderful city – the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy the views as we make our way to the Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps, offering some of the most interesting mountain landscapes in the world. On our way, we’ll admire the scenic views of the Boite River Valley. Here, the majestic peaks of the Pelmo and Antelao mountains rise above the green Ampezzo Valley, with a lush backdrop of mountains and verdant forests. This region is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural beauty and has also witnessed a turbulent history. During World War I, it was the site of fierce fighting between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces. After we arrive and check into our hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Today we explore the breathtaking Dolomites. The Dolomite mountains developed into what they are today thanks to geological activity from over 230 million years ago. The foothills of this famous region are beautifully striking with green pastures, the occasional shepherd’s house and forests stretching into the distance. The houses in this region resemble adorable Swiss-style chalets, low with gentle sloping roofs and window boxes adorned with colourful flowers.

Special Experience

Take a chairlift up the mountains to the open-air museum of the 5 Torri, which bears the scars of WWI battles fought between the Italians and Austro-Hungarians.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore more of this beautiful area at your own pace.

Today we’ll cross the border and make our way to the picturesque town of Bled, in the heart of the Slovenian Alps. The region around Bled is beautiful, set amongst stunning mountain peaks and brimming with forests and greenery, waterfalls, and streams. Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll have time to begin exploring these impressive surroundings at your own pace.

We’ll discover charming Bled on a sightseeing tour this morning including the town, the lakeshore and imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The history of Bled Castle dates back to 1004, when the German king Henrik II gave the estate to the Bishops of Brixen, who built the first castle in 1011 for defensive purposes. The castle is now a museum and exhibition space. Whilst exploring the Lake Bled area, stop and try a local Slovenian dish, known as the Bled cream cake. Made with layers of puff pastry, custard, and whipped cream it’ll be hard not to go back for seconds. Other cafes offer chocolate fruit versions of the cream cake too. We’ll then travel to the lake valley of Bohinj, beautifully set amidst dense woods and spectacular mountains. The journey will take us through some very old, typical Slovenian villages with gorgeous landscapes.

Special Experience

Visit a local cheese producer, learning about the life of herdsmen in an authentic environment and tasting the delicious cheeses.

We’ll then take the cable car to the top of Mt Vogel to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, before returning to Bled.

Today we visit the incredible Postojna Cave, the second longest and most visited show cave in Europe. Consisting of a network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers, the cave system is filled with two-million-year-old stalagmite and stalactite formations. The massive Postojna Cave has its own distinct ecosystem and is home to the unique amphibian, the olm, also known as the human-fish. Our journey then continues to Predjama for a photo opportunity of the impressive Predjama Castle, built into the mouth of a cavern. In the afternoon we’ll stop in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, known for its abundance of beautiful green spaces. This beautiful city features a hilltop castle, emerald green river, and a buzzing al fresco cafe culture. Here we’ll see the central open-air market, Baroque Town Hall, Robba's Fountain, and the Three Bridges.

Today our journey takes us to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia's most popular tourist attraction, granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves, and waterfalls. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey, or blue. The colours change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. First, we’ll cross the border and make our way to Zagreb, the Croatian capital. Situated between the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountains and the northern bank of the Sava River level. We take a morning sightseeing tour of this fascinating city and its impressive 900-year-old Upper Town, and visit the Cathedral, the tallest building in Croatia. We’ll then continue our drive to beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, stopping along the way to visit the open-air war museum in Karlovac.

Special Experience

Spend two nights in stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, only 400 metres from the highest waterfall.

World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park comprises 16 terraced lakes surrounded by densely wooded hills. This stunning national park lies in the Lika region of Croatia and covers a total area of 300 square kilometres, whilst the lakes join together over a distance of 8 kilometres. Today we’ll enjoy a morning walk around some of the lower lakes. This afternoon there is time for an extended walk of the area to appreciate its natural beauty. Otherwise, you can spend the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the tranquillity.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Cruise Embarkation: After breakfast we transfer to the port of Split to board our yacht for a seven-night cruise along the picturesque Dalmatian coast. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner on board the ship.

Today we’ll discover the vibrant city of Split on a tour, exploring the impressive seafront promenade and the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We set sail for Trogir, enjoying lunch on board and a stop for a quick dip. This afternoon we’ll arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed artists’ town of Trogir, where scholars from around the world gather to study and paint. From Trogir, we’ll take a bus to the stunning Krka National Park, where we’ll marvel at the crystal-clear waterfalls and the rich biodiversity. This evening is at leisure for you to experience the local restaurants and nightlife of Trogir.

This morning we’ll start the day with a tour of the charming town of Trogir, where we can admire its medieval architecture and Venetian influences. Hopping back on board, we set sail for Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, stopping for a refreshing swim and a lunch along the way. We’ll arrive at Stari Grad this afternoon, one of the oldest towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can wander the cobblestone streets and discover cosy restaurants and cafes in the old town centre. This evening is a chance to enjoy this picturesque place at your own pace.

This morning we head to the city of Hvar where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of its historical treasures including St Stephen’s Square and Cathedral, and the Arsenal, housing the first public theatre in Europe. We’ll also venture above Hvar Town to the impressive Fortica fortress for stunning views of the bay and Pakleni islands. We’ll enjoy lunch on board on our way to Vis, a bohemian paradise which is the furthest island from the coast, and the most enigmatic! This evening is at leisure, so why not explore the buzzing restaurants and nightlife here in Vis?

This morning we set sail for the island of Biševo, with its famed Blue Cave - a waterlogged sea cave with a striking blue glow that is simply awe-inspiring. Enjoy some time to relax and swim before lunch in a secluded bay en route to Korčula. We arrive in Korčula in the early afternoon and enjoy a walking tour of its character-filled cobbled streets. This island is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean and is also thought to be the birthplace of the famous explorer, Marco Polo! This evening is at leisure for you to explore many of the bustling local restaurants of Korčula and enjoy the nightlife here.

We sail to the lovely island of Mljet this morning, supposed favourite holiday spot of the Greek hero Ulysses, and enjoy free time to explore the Great and Small Lakes in the beautiful national park. After lunch on board, we’ll head to Slano, a quiet fishing village on the mainland. From there, we’ll make our way to Ston, a fortified town on the Pelješac peninsula, known for its oysters and wine. After exploring the town we’ll visit a nearby village to enjoy an oyster tasting. This evening we’ll enjoy a group Captain’s dinner on board with live music and entertainment.

We sail past the Elaphiti islands as we make our way into Dubrovnik, stopping for a swim in a secluded bay. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is one of the most photographed towns in the Mediterranean. Enjoy lunch as we cruise along past Dubrovnik’s city walls, before disembarking for a walking tour of the Old Town. See the most important sights of the Old Town as we walk along Stradun, the main street and square. We’ll also visit the Franciscan Monastery and explore its Old Pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe! Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. You can visit the Rector’s Palace, and the Cathedral, take a boat to Lokrum island or a cable car to Mount Srđ. When in the Old Town, take the opportunity to walk the old city walls. Roughly 2 kilometres long, you can stroll at your own pace and enjoy the views over the Adriatic as well as into the hidden narrow streets and lively squares below.

We disembark the cruise this morning, marking the end of our adventure through some of the most stunning parts of Europe. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!