Deal

Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours early to smoothly navigate check-in and boarding. All ship amenities are open and ready, so kickstart your vacation with a refreshing drink or a delicious snack.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

Located in northeastern Sicily on the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina is an ancient place with a fascinating history. Walk by the ruins of the Santa Maria Alemanna Church, built in 1220 A.D. You’ll also want to see the Duomo, a Romanesque and Norman cathedral that includes a display of artifacts in its treasury.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

This small port on the Ionian coast is your gateway to ancient Olympia, the home of the original Olympic Games. Olympia has preserved both athletic and mythological monuments, many dating back to 776 BC. Most intriguing is the stadium, which is still standing, and the gymnasium. The museum also offers a peek at fabulous Greek sculptures.This Grecian port city is also the gateway to one of the most important archeological sites in the world, the ruins of ancient Olympia. You can relive the glory of ancient Greece on your Katakolon cruise. As the birthplace of the Olympics, the great stadium still echoes the cheering of the first superstars of sport. Enter the stadium and pose in the marble starting blocks where the first marathoners once stood. Take a scenic drive through the small Greek villages on the way to Kouroutas Beach and spend three hours relaxing under the sun, swimming, and soaking up a perfect Greek beach day. Soak up the gorgeous Katakolon waterfront views while savoring traditional Greek specialties, like pastitsio or moussaka at one of the quaint tavernas and cafes offering shady outdoor tables. And of course, an abundance of calamari and other fresh seafood brought in by local fishermen are always on menus.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

According to myth, Poseidon honeymooned on this picturesque Greek island—and it’s easy to see why. Its breathtaking natural landscape and long history as an artistic and cultural hub make Corfu one of the most cosmopolitan and captivating of the Greek Isles. Wander through the cobblestoned streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or soak up some sun on one of the island’s many beaches.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

Established 1,300 years ago on the far southern tip of the Dalmatian Coast, this city once rivaled Venice in terms of its importance. Take a walking tour to the Dominican Monastery and marvel at the finest collection of Renaissance paintings, including a painting by Titian. Prepare to be riveted when first laying eyes on the old walled city on your cruise to Dubrovnik. This land has had many invaders including the Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Romans, Hungarians, and French, to name a few, and it has resulted in a fiercely independent citizenry with dynamic cultural influences. The views of the Adriatic from its rooftops are truly awe-inspiring. If beach-going is on the agenda, make sure to wear appropriate footwear as the beaches here tend to be of the pebbly variety. That said, the beautiful emerald green waters and coves make the slight inconvenience more than worthwhile. And, there’s plenty of seafood, specifically mussels and oysters, deliciously prepared in authentic regional styles on offer at restaurants throughout town.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

Lined with palm trees, this Adriatic seaside town is also a cultural mecca. Within the walls of the Diocletian Palace, you’ll discover historical buildings, numerous museums, the National Theatre and a collection of old churches. Culture, beauty, natural wonder – your Split cruise has it all. The mixture of old and new is very pronounced here. Everywhere there are signs and evidence left behind from the city’s previous conquerors namely the Romans and Austro-Hungarians and there is no better place to view them than in Split’s Old City. The Old City is so otherworldly that it’s been dedicated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and you’ll encounter the most imposing Roman ruins left on Earth, including the Diocletian’s Palace which was built facing the harbor in 4 A.D. for the Roman Emperor. This sprawling, expansive structure was built to be an all-in-one fortress/imperial residence/fortified town. The Cathedral of St. Domnius stands as one of the most pristine and preserved examples of ancient Roman architecture in the world. And for a breathtaking, all-encompassing view of Split you won’t soon forget, head to Marajan Hill which is just 10 minutes outside the city.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

This sunny coastal town in southern Montenegro is not only the principal and largest seaport in the country but also the sunniest one—with 270 days of sunshine per year. Set against 27 miles of Adriatic coast, with nearly 6 miles of beach coastline, you’ll discover more than 20 different, breathtaking beaches where you can soak up the warm Mediterranean sun. Exploring the area, you’ll find a diverse mix of cultures and activities like live discos, shows, old architecture—historic monasteries and churches—and sites like the Haj Nehaj Fortress, the Castle of King Nikola, and other 15th-century remnants. For a unique experience, you can seek out the Stara Maslina, one of the world’s oldest olive trees at over 2,000 years old, and get a taste of the area to take home by picking up some fresh local olive oil on your way out.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

Naples, Italy- Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is chock full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it a fascinating place for you to explore. For all of Rome’s notoriety and reputation, Naples, with its historic city center deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has just as many important archeological sites and landmarks. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale for a world-class collection of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman artifacts. And, if you’d like to venture a little deeper on your Naples cruise, then exploring Naples from below the ground is a must. Start with a trip into the basement of the San Lorenzo Maggiore church where you’ll find a partially excavated Roman market and a little deeper, just below the Roman ruins, you’ll find remnants from the Greeks to discover. And in the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Whether you’re looking for a thin, wood-fired Margherita pie, spaghetti alle vongole or a zeppole dusted with confectioner’s sugar, Naples and her bountiful edible treasures is sure to please. Only 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history, but also boasts a marvelous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.

Overnight: Celebrity Ascent

Extend your Italian adventure beyond the coastline with a coach tour that takes you into the heart of the country, uncovering beautiful villages, historic centres and authentic cultural experiences along the way.

Embrace excess on this leisurely jaunt through the highlights of Italy, beginning in Rome. Spend the day soaking up the vibrant atmosphere before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception.

Meet your Travel Director at 17:00

Overnight: Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome/Crowne Plaza Roma St. Peter’s or similar (D)

Explore Rome with a Local Specialist. Take in views of St. Peter’s Basilica and Square as you pass through Vatican City, and see the historic Circus Maximus, once the grand arena of Ancient Roman chariot races. Later, visit the mighty Colosseum, where gladiators once battled before roaring crowds. This evening, consider joining a Roman dinner experience to enjoy traditional cuisine and the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight: Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome/Crowne Plaza Roma St. Peter’s or similar (B)

Discover why the Italians say ‘it is sweet doing nothing’, spending your day watching Rome’s beautiful people embrace life lived to its fullest in the exquisite city. Delve into its treasures spanning millennia – the museums, churches, gardens and architecture that remain as enduring symbols of a powerful city. Or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to Tivoli, site of the magnificent Villa d’Este Gardens.

Overnight: Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome/Crowne Plaza Roma St. Peter’s or similar (B)

Today, continue south to Pompeii, a city frozen in time. Accompanied by a Local Specialist, explore the excavations that reveal the tragic story of this once-thriving city, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Stroll along ancient stone avenues, passing landmarks such as the Forum and the Temple of Apollo. In the afternoon, you could choose to join an Optional Experience to explore Ravello, a hillside haven celebrated for its gardens, views and artistic soul. This evening, savour the sun-ripened, local flavours from the Amalfi Coast.

Overnight: Hotel San Pietro Maiori or similar (B, D)

Indulge in a full free day at leisure. Consider joining an Optional Experience along the Amalfi Coast to the beautiful seaside village of Positano, a true painter’s paradise. Smell the fresh scents of lemons as you relax in this picture-perfect setting. Later, you could choose to join an Optional Experience dinner on the Amalfi Coast, a relaxed evening of local flavours and warm hospitality. Perhaps linger over a limoncello as the Mediterranean sky lights up in glorious pinks, yellows and blues.

Overnight: Hotel San Pietro Maiori or similar (B)

This morning, journey along the coast to the medieval town of Amalfi. See the 10th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Sant’Andrea and the Campanile before setting sail to the glamorous island of Capri. On arrival, ascend to Capri town by funicular for a guided walking tour with a Local Specialist who will share views of the piazzetta—the heart and soul of this beautiful town. Later, return to the mainland.

Overnight: Hotel San Pietro Maiori or similar (B)

From the Amalfi Coast, travel north through the rolling green and golden landscape of Umbria into scenic Tuscany before arriving in the Renaissance city of Florence. You’ll have a free evening to amble along the Arno River, admire the famous city skyline at night from Piazzale Michelangelo, or indulge in the finest antipasti in town.

Overnight: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence or similar (B)

Delve into the history of a city renowned for its art, architecture and cultural treasures. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour that includes views of the exquisite marble Duomo, Baptistery and Ponte Vecchio. Wander through the Piazza della Signoria, the centre of Florentine political life since the 14th-century with its prominent Palazzo Vecchio. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a Be My Guest experience set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.

Overnight: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence or similar (B, D)

Spend your morning enjoying Florence at your own pace. You might choose to relax with a cappuccino in a sunny piazza, explore the shops or simply take in the atmosphere of this Renaissance city. Travel north to Venice, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. Discover more of the Venetian lagoon with an Optional Experience to Burano, cruising to a relaxed dinner in this colourful and characterful fishing village.

Overnight: Principe Hotel Venice or similar (B)

Cruise by private launch past many of the city’s most prominent sights, enjoying views of the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and the ornate Doge’s Palace. Next up is an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness first-hand the intricate craft of glassblowing. Watch how master craftsmen use the same techniques their forefathers did to shape the delicate glassworks for which Venice has become justifiably famous, perhaps choosing to buy a souvenir of your own. Inspired by the artistry you’ve just witnessed, you’ll soak up the pageantry and elegance of Venice on your own terms before enjoying dinner with our Travel Director and newfound friends to toast to the delicious flavours of Italy.

Overnight: Principe Hotel Venice or similar (B, D)