Italy Cruise: Hidden Treasures from Florence to Venice
12
9
148
Experience Italy reframed on an all-encompassing voyage that sheds new light on some of Europe’s most iconic destinations. Venture off the beaten path in Florence, then cruise to Rome, Venice and Sicily, going ashore with the region’s foremost guides to unearth your own Da Vinci Code of discoveries. Along the way, your small explorer ship affords access to Matera, Urbino, Sardinia, Corsica and other ports of call most cruises miss.
Begin with two nights in one of central Florence’s finest hotels
Cruise for nine nights on an exclusive charter of Le Dumont d'Urville
Choose from a list of curated shore excursions led by A&K’s acclaimed local guides
Go off the beaten path in Corsica and Sardinia
Explore the flavors of Sicily and Puglia with exclusive farmhouse visits and cooking lessons
Immerse yourself in the timeless romance of Venice
Discover Le Marche and Urbino, two fascinating destinations overlooked by many travellers
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Florence, Italy
Arrive in Florence and transfer to The Westin Excelsior, where you join your fellow A&K guests for an elegant welcome reception.
Day 2 | Florence - Heart of the Renaissance
Gracing the banks of the Arno River, Florence is the definitive cradle of the Renaissance, boasting one of the most impressive collections of art and architecture in the world. Today, you might embark on a walking tour of the historic city center and the Oltrarno District. Alternately, leave the city behind for a truffle hunt in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Art lovers might opt for a tour of the Accademia and Uffizi galleries, home to such Renaissance masterpieces as Michelangelo's David, Leonardo da Vinci's The Annunciationand Botticelli'sBirth of Venus. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Florence.
Day 3 | Tuscany & Livorno - Tuscan Treasures
The charming region of Tuscany captures the very essence of the Italian heartland. Today, opt for Tuscan adventures in Florence, Pisa or Lucca. You might choose a visit to Palazzo Vecchio, the former residence of the powerful Medici clan; explore Pisa's grand Baptistery, Campo Santo, Duomo and world-famous Leaning Tower; or stroll Lucca's picturesque town center, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, and its impressive 16th-century ramparts. Later, drive to the port of Livorno and board your expedition vessel. Once you are settled in to your cabin, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner celebrating the anticipation of the exciting cruise to follow.
Day 4 | Rome - The Eternal City
Disembark in the port of Civitavecchia and transfer to Rome, the former capital of one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Built one century on top of the other, the Italian capital's landscape of iconic Imperial Roman ruins stands layered amid the modernity of a cosmopolitan metropolis. Here, you might explore the Vatican's incomparable treasures, tour central Rome's narrow streets and iconic Trevi Fountain (pausing for a private visit to Palazzo Colonna) see the Colosseum and enjoy some free time in the charming Trastevere district, or savor a hands-on culinary experience at a former Papal palace in the hilltop village of Castel Gondolfo.
Day 5 | Corsica, France - Mysterious French Isle
Arrive in the ancient fortress town of Bonifacio to explore Corsica, the enchanting mountainous Mediterranean island where Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769. Once ashore, explore the citadel's medieval houses, chapels, and web of alleyways. Afterward, you may wish to stroll the cobbled streets, historic buildings and quayside of Porto Vecchio's Old Town. Or, opt for a hike to Castellu d'Araghju for stunning views of the coast.
Day 6 | Sardinia, Italy - Hidden Island Gem
Today, explore the wild and remote island enclave of Sardinia, coming ashore in its historic port city and capital, Cagliari. Stroll the Old Town, taking in views of the Roman amphitheater, and visiting Saint Mary and Saint Cecilia Cathedrals. Alternately, hike Sardinia's gentle hills and splendid vistas or sample local varietals and culinary specialties at a local winery.
Day 7 | Sicily - Ancient Treasures
Hosting a culture, landscape and flavor all its own, Sicily was colonized at various times by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Aragonese, with each group contributing something to see, taste and hear. Today, come ashore in the eastern Sicilian port of Messina. From here, you might opt for a walking tour of the intimate clifftop enclave, Taormina, pausing to take in stunning views of Mount Etna from the Greek Theater. Alternately, set out on a 4x4 excursion to Mount Etna's crater or take a scenic drive capped off with a tasting of the region's distinctive local wines.
Day 8 | At Sea - Cruising the Ionian Sea
Relish a day of relaxation, enjoying the amenities of your ship and engaging presentations by our experts.
Day 9 | Bari - Gateway to Puglia
Disembark in Bari, vibrant capital of the Puglia region. Today, choose from a culinary experience at a local farmhouse, a visit to the intriguing Castel del Monte, a nature trek through the hills of Alta Murgia National Park or a drive inland to explore Matera's cave dwellings.
Day 10 | Ancona - Hidden Beauty of Le Marche
Explore Le Marche, a region renowned for its landscapes, history and artistic heritage. Disembarking in Ancona, you might opt to tour the Renaissance art and architecture of Urbino, privately visit the Villa Imperiale in Pesaro or savor a wine experience in the breathtaking countryside.
Day 11 | Venice - City of Bridges
From its earliest days, Venice's ethereal, romantic waterscape has bewitched artists, poets, musicians and travellers from around the world. Experience Venice's beguiling magic firsthand with a private water taxi tour, pausing at St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. Alternatively, you might explore St. Mark's Square on foot and go off the beaten path to discover the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the city's largest church. Or, escape to the Orto di Venezia winery and the glassworks of the Murano islands.
Day 12 | Depart Venice
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight or set sail on A&K's Adriatic Voyage: Croatia, Montenegro & Greece.
Extensions
Tuscany Pre-Tour Extension
Explore the legacy of Siena’s Palio and the architecture of picturesque Pienza, pausing to enjoy Tuscany’s renowned wines and cuisine along the way.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Arrive in Florence and transfer to The Westin Excelsior, where you join your fellow A&K guests for an elegant welcome reception.
Itinerary:
Extensions
Tuscany Pre-Tour Extension
Explore the legacy of Siena’s Palio and the architecture of picturesque Pienza, pausing to enjoy Tuscany’s renowned wines and cuisine along the way.
Hand Selected for an Unmatched Experience
Le Dumont d’Urville
Chartered exclusively for A&K, your small explorer ship is specially configured to limit capacity to 148 total travellers (from a maximum of 184). The all-English-speaking ship staff is complemented by A&K’s expert Expedition Team. All staterooms and suites feature a private balcony, and every suite offers complimentary butler service. The vessel also features multiple observation, lounge and dining areas, as well as a library, theater, outside heated pool, fitness center, spa, 24-hour medical facility with a certified doctor and a fleet of Zodiac boats for shore expeditions. A&K also includes complimentary wireless Internet and Traveller’s Valet laundry service.
Enjoy your choice of curated daily shore excursions spanning a wide range of interests. Once you’ve made your selection, our network of local guides reveal your destination at its most authentic. Ranging from historians and anthropologists to art experts and sommeliers, these local guides offer a multidimensional perspective that’s sure to broaden yours.
Inclusions & Offers
Save 50% on the single supplement in stateroom categories 1-3
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
English-Speaking Local Guides
Optional pre-tour extension available on this departure.
Active elements include walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes
Minimum age is 7 years old
Welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Sep 2
Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m. on Sep 13
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adventures
12 Days
|
from $15,995
|
148 guests
