Lake Garda & Venice Stay with Mediterranean 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.

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 centre 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.

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

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

The most popular port of call on any cruise itinerary is the photographer’s paradise of Santorini. This volcanic island is made up of a crescent shaped Caldera which is the edge of an ancient volcano . Ancient legend suggests that this was the site of the lost city of Atlantis – when the volcano erupted the centre of this island disappeared in to the sea leaving the remnant known as Santorini.

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.

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