Lake Garda Greek Isles Explorer cruise

The beautiful lakeside towns around Lake Garda have charmed foreign visitors for centuries. Even before the ancient Romans, the area was a luxury summer destination; in Sirmione and Desenzano you can visit ruins and mosaics that record their presence. Lake Garda is located in the north-east of Italy, dividing the regions of Lombardy, the Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige. The large lake is long and slim, stretching from north to south. The southern lake-shore is low, rolling land and fairly built-up. In contrast, the dramatic fjord-like northern end is surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs. Most of the lakeside towns are popular as holiday resorts; they differ in character but all are well-connected by boat services.

Transfer to Desenzano train station and travel to Venice via business class scenic rail journey. Overnight hotel stay in Mestre.

Catch the train to Ravenna, make way to cruise port to embark ship.

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.

Corfu is the birth place of Prince Philip at the Palace of Mon Repos. The Achilleon Palace is home to the statue of Achilles Heel and was where Kaiser Wilhelm declared World War I. Corfu Town is the largest “living” medieval town in Greece and an absolute pleasure to walk around, perhaps watch some cricket in the square or sample the excellent local cuisine. Try the local Kumquat liquor or simply watch the world go by with an ice cold frappe..

Athens received a make-over for the 2004 Olympics. There is a lot to see here such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Poseidon and Athena, Odeon Herodus of Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysos.

Mykonos (part of the Cyclades chain of Islands) is also frequently visited by many cruise ships for its Greek charm and upmarket cosmopolitan atmosphere – plus there are some excellent beaches too.

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia and the setting of the film Captain Korelli’s Mandolin. Part of the Ioanian Island chain which includes Corfu and Zante situated at the gateway to the Adriatic and just off the coast of Albania. Visit the magnificent Blue Caves at Melissani.

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

Disembark the ship in Ravenna and transfer to Bologna airport and fly to UK