A tale of Two Cities Constellation Venice to Rome 11 nights

History, architecture, dining, , romance and pure wander lust through the cobbled streets and by the canals is what Venice is all about. Top souvenirs would be Venetian Glass (also known as Murano Glass) or the famous and flamboyant masks. Standing in the middle of the magnificent piazza San Marco is an experience in itself - once described by: Napoleon as the ‘drawing room of Europe’. St Mark’s Basilica ,Doge’s Palace and the clock tower built between 1496 and 1506 - are the city's main attractions. St. Mark's Basilica, built in the eleventh century, is the most famous and most recognizable of all the churches in the city of Venice. Its design is considered one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture in the world, known for its opulent design and gilded interior mosaics, and nicknamed "Church of Gold". The magnificent Doge's Palace is one of the most important buildings in Venice; it was the center of power, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled. No trip to Venice would be complete without a punt down one of the city's picturesque waterways in an iconic gondola. Prices vary according to the time of day you want to go and the route you want to take. Prices below are for the hire of the gondola, for six passengers or less. Having your own personal crooner will push the fare up.

Take the train from Venice Mestre to Ravenna, embark ship

Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town. There are several Venetian gates in the city walls. Surrounding the Roman-era Forum is 11th-century St. Mary’s Convent, with religious art dating to the 8th century. There’s also the grand, 12th-century St. Anastasia’s Cathedral and the round, 9th-century pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus.

Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s many highlights. This unique 12th century walled city has cobbled streets , towering ramparts and red roofed building overlooking a pretty fishing harbour. Visit Onofrio’s Fountain, Sponza Palace and the Church St Blaise.

A medieval port which nestles on the sparkling Dalmatian Coastline of Croatia has a picturesque pedestrianised centre and a 60 meter high cathedral bell tower. Diocletian‘s Palace is one of the best preserved Roman Palaces in Europe and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Well known for its stunning architecture and amazing natural setting, the small town is surrounded by well preserved walls that feature many landmarks making Kotor itself a UNESCO World heritage site.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Is situated just 3 miles from the mainland under the shadow of Mount Etna. Perhaps visit picturesque Taormina with its hilltop Saracen Castle and the Ancient Greek Ampitheatre.

Most people head for the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius or scoot across the bay to the island of Capri.

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Approximately 30 minutes from the port lies the ancient city of Pisa with its famous leaning tower. Then it’s on to Florence – a renaissance treasure founded in the 16th century. Visit the the Uffizi Gallery and the main cathedral Il Duomo Di Firenze which was started in 1296 and completed in 1436. No visit to Florence would be complete without a walk across Ponte Vecchio which is lined with gold and silver merchants.

Disembark ship for overnight hotel stay

You will be spoilt for choice in this infinitely intriguing city where an unsurpassed vibrancy of life mixes with epic history, tasty cuisine, top class shopping and a joyous nightlife. Peel back layer upon layer history with world class sights such as the Coliseum, The Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain and more. The Pantheon is absolutely awe-inspiring dating back to 27 BC and is the only complete structure from the Roman Empire still standing. The circus maximus once seated 250,000 spectators for chariot races around 11 BC. While the oval shape of Piazza Navona, which houses the magnificent Four River Fountain, is a clue to its Stadium of Domitian heritage from 86 AD were gladiators fought and athletes competed. The Spanish steps , he home of John Keats, were built in 1723-1725 and are another of those must see places – a place to sit and people watch artists, poets and painters.The best place to stay is in the centre of Rome close the train terminus which puts you within walking distance of many of the major attractions. Walking is the best option to enable you to unearth some unexpected sights, memorable moments and great photo opportunities. Perhaps the warm aroma of a bakery and the handmade leather of a local craftsman. Seek out that tucked away piazza stuck in the 16th century criss-crossed with washing lines and adorned with colourful window boxes

Transfer to airport for flight back to UK