Mediterranean Romance Cruise 2012 

We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. In Paris we board the high-speed TGV to Lausanne on Lake Geneva, staying at the Hotel Continental. We depart by train on Day 2, travelling through Switzerland and via Milan to Verona, the beautiful, bustling Roman city curled along the banks of the River Adige. We enjoy a guided tour of Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, exploring the charming streets and visiting the main sights including the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony. We spend tonight at the Hotel Giberti. (Day 1-E,D; Day 2-B)

This morning you are free to explore Verona further. This afternoon we travel to Venice to board the MS Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America's newest 5-star cruise ship, for a fantastic 12 night cruise. On Day 4 your morning is free in Venice to explore the unforgettable sights of this romantic city, including St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Cruising past St Mark's Square, we leave Venice in the early afternoon for our first port of call, Dubrovnik. Once our cruise begins, it is time to relax. The pace of your holiday is set by you alone - you may wish to join optional shore excursions or explore independently, or simply enjoy the many facilities on board. (Day 3-B,D; Day 4-B,L,D)

We arrive in Dubrovnik mid-morning and enjoy the day here. Situated on Croatia's enchanting Dalmatian coast, this walled city has narrow cobbled streets, pretty squares and elegant palaces. Explore at your own pace or join an optional shore excursion. We leave the coast of Croatia this evening for Corfu. (B,L,D)

We drop anchor in Kérkira this morning with a full day to explore Corfu's pretty harbour town. The Venetian-style streets are protected by two imposing fortresses, and the town has typically Greek shops and restaurants. You could also explore further inland on this beautiful Ionian island, with its elegant hills, impressive cliffs and idyllic white sand beaches. Once again, you have the choice of an optional guided excursion or of venturing out at your own pace. On Day 7 our port of call in the Greek Islands is Kefalonia. Argostoli is the island's capital and offers good shopping, restaurants and museums. On an optional excursion, you could discover historic landmarks, enticing beaches and traditional fishing villages. We depart mid-afternoon for an overnight cruise to the beautiful island of Santorini. (Days 6-7-B,L,D)

We arrive at this enchanting volcanic island before lunch and you have plenty of time to explore. From the caldera you will experience breathtaking views of gleaming white, sugar cube houses clinging to the cliff sides, distant islands and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. (B,L,D)

A day at sea is the ideal time to experience the excellent facilities on board the ship - enticing restaurants, relaxing lounge bars, casino, gym and Health Spa. (B,L,D)

Today we arrive in Catania, Sicily, a city of Roman magnificence and Baroque splendour situated at the foot of towering Mount Etna. Here you can view extraordinary Baroque palaces, whose black lava stone and white limestone dominate the vision. We leave mid-afternoon to cruise through the Strait of Messina towards Naples. (B,L,D)

Today we have time to explore the irrepressible city of Naples, superbly placed on the beautiful bay, with the cone of Vesuvius behind and the islands of Capri and Ischia in front. Your options include visits to the evocative ruins of Pompeii or the pretty Amalfi coast. On Day 12 we dock in Civitavecchia. The port of Civitavecchia has been the gateway to Rome since the 13th century. You can explore the city independently, or opt for a guided excursion. The Vatican is popular, or you may prefer a tour of classical sights including the Colosseum, the Forum and St Peter's Basilica. (Days 11-12-B,L,D)

From Livorno you can venture into the Tuscan countryside, with its rolling ochre hills and pencil cypress trees. Take an optional excursion to Renaissance Florence or medieval Lucca, still fully encircled by its 16th century walls. Day 14 is spent at spent at sea. (Days 13-14-B,L,D)

We dock in Barcelona on Day 15 and after a final breakfast on board we disembark and enjoy a guided tour of this vibrant city, which takes in sights such as the Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's astonishing church, the Olympic Stadium, Las Ramblas and surreal Park Güell. Our base for the night is the Hotel Fira Palace. On Day 16 we leave Barcelona by train, travelling in First Class for Paris, where we join the Eurostar service to London. We travel in Standard Premier Class, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board before arriving at St Pancras International. (Day 15-B,D; Day 16-B,E)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday