Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. The day is at your leisure, so if you arrive with time to spare perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your tour begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today you will be taken on a walking tour of the city. You'll see such marvels as the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. As you wander the city, you will have time to stop in at a bar for a quick coffee or indulge in some gelato. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this great city as you please. Make sure you take the opportunity to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. The view from the dome of St Peter’s is breathtaking. Roman food is world-renowned, and the trattorias that line the streets are the perfect place to sample the local pasta delights. A taste or two of the (very well priced) local wine is also a must.

Begin the day with a drive to the medieval city of Siena (approximately 4 hours). It is best known for the Piazza del Campo, the site of the twice-annual Palio (a horse race that goes around the edge of the oval square). Be sure to visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral, and see the statue of the capitoline wolf, which was brought here by the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. It has been the city's symbol ever since. Continue to Monteriggioni (approximately 30 minutes), another Tuscan hill town that was built by the Sienese to defend their territory against the Florentines in the 13th century. Learn a little more about the circular walls and 14 towers which played a significant role in the attacks staged by the Bishop of Volterra. In the afternoon arrive at your hotel in the Chianti Region right in the heart of Tuscany (approximately 1 hour). The hotel is the feature stay of this trip, situated in a converted castle. Relax by the pool or perhaps take a stroll through the vineyards that are part of the property. Later on, rejoin the group for dinner.

This morning you will make your way towards the dramatic coast of the Cinque Terre. On the way, you will visit San Gimignano (approximately 1.5 hours), the 'Town of Fine Towers'. This medieval walled town is famous for its well-preserved tower houses which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There will be time for you to explore the Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries. Continue to your accommodation in La Spezia (approximately 3 hours), the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre (translating as 'Five Lands' or 'Five Villages') is a region of Italy famed for its rugged coastline and the colourful villages that cling to it. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region. You can choose to walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. There is a train that connects the villages as well, so if you prefer to enjoy a more relaxing day, you are welcome to take this option. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the foods of the Liguria region with a pesto making demonstration, and the chance for you to create your own pesto. Enjoy a glass of wine with your culinary creation. In the evening return to La Spezia. There's no better way to refuel after the taxing walks than indulging in a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local focaccia, a specialty of the area.

Start the day with a drive to Lucca (approximately 1.5 hours), where you can explore the bustling streets or perhaps take a walk along the famous city walls. Your next stop is Pisa (approximately 30 minutes). Due to the precarious state of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Torre Pendente, it is not always possible to climb it, but you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your trip leader will take you to the ticket office to purchase tickets to the Cathedral, Baptistry, Museums and Campo Santo, should you wish to visit them. In the afternoon make your way to Florence (approximately 2 hours).

While you are in Florence there will be plenty of time to explore the city and its museums and galleries. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. Similarly, a visit to Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, is a must. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional dishes are renowned for their simplicity and ingredient-driven quality. Olive oil, beans and fresh herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina (essentially a big T-bone steak that is shared between multiple diners) and ribollita (a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables and beans). Panforte is the signature sweet treat.

The morning is free for you to further explore Florence, one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. Perhaps walk to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in beautiful views of the city. In the afternoon head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice (approximately 2 hours).

Today you will take an orientation walk in the morning. Board a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio, where you will climb the bell tower and witness expansive views of Venice. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. You might like to visit some museums or take a trip to some of the outlying islands. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit. It's equally satisfying to simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s speciality dessert, tiramisu. In the evening come together for a group dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, you can get out and experience the winding canals and streets of beautiful Venice. This city is best explored on foot or by boat. Transfer to Venice airport at approximately 12.15am to meet the rest of your group, then travel by road to Opatija to begin the cruising section of your adventure (approximately 3 hours). There will be another meeting tonight where you will be briefed on the second stage of your adventure and receive a safety demonstration on your boat. After this important meeting, enjoy some dinner on board to get to know your fellow travellers and crew.

Wake to the Adriatic and take breakfast on the deck. The ship will make an all-important swim stop en route where you’ll have your first opportunity to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Head north to Krk and stretch your sea legs with a guided tour upon arrival. Krk is the equal-largest island in the Adriatic, a popular destination with beaches, a historic Old Town and plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs. After orientating yourself with the island, you’ll be transferred to a local farm for prsut (prosciutto) and wine tasting and a lamb dinner.

The ship will depart Krk in the morning and make its way to the island of Rab, which was first declared a city in 10 BC by the Roman Emperor Augustus. Spend the journey relaxing and reading, getting some sun or simply staring at the crystal water. With ancient walls, churches and squares, Rab is the ideal place to explore on foot, be it with the local guides on an optional 3-hour hike around the island, or by yourself at your own pace. In the evening. Hunt down some fresh seafood for dinner and discover why Rab is known as the Happy Island.

Leave the Happy Island as a happy person this morning and cruise to Zadar, described by Alfred Hitchcock as having the most beautiful sunset in the world. Enjoy a swim stop along the way then freshen up ready for a guided walk around the Old Town on arrival. Finish up at the famous Sea Organ – a giant organ with underwater pipes that makes music as the waves gently roll in. Enjoy a shot of Maraska – the local cherry liquor – then take your time exploring Zadar before overnighting in port.

An early departure this morning leaves you with plenty of time to discover Kornati National Park. Made up of 89 stunning islands, Kornati is the perfect place to while away a day cruising around the beautiful bays, swimming and soaking up some rays. Local park rangers will take you on a hike around Kornati’s stunning limestone cliff, or if you’d rather spend your time on the water, there’s an option to explore the inlets and bays by sea kayak. The ship will anchor in Telascica – a designated nature park since 1988 thanks to its historical, cultural and environmental value, and the crew will cook up a barbecue on deck. Kick back and enjoy the sunset with salty skin and a cold drink.

This morning cruise to Sibenik, stop for a dip in the azure waters of the Adriatic en route then venture out on walking tour of the Old Town on arrival, taking in the stunning stone cathedral. The Cathedral of St James is a World Heritage-listed site and was built in both a Gothic and Renaissance style over the 15th and 16th centuries. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy, so seek out some local seafood if you so desire and settle in for a laid-back evening on shore.

Enjoy another day of cruising with a swim in the sparkling sea. The ship will dock in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, which is renowned for its modern lifestyle and ancient buildings. Diocletian’s Palace, the sprawling complex at Split’s centre, was built in the fourth century and its white stone walls are home to bars, restaurants, shops and hotels. Take a guided walk around town or explore on your own before joining your shipmates on deck for a Captain’s dinner and celebratory drink, reminiscing your favourite moments from your Adriatic adventure.

Your trip officially ends after breakfast. Say farewell to your friends and crew and make your way into Split, back home or continue your adventures. After all, there’s still plenty to see in Croatia.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast on Day 10. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).