Venice, Florence and Rome Trio with Greek Island Hopping to Turkey

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 Florence, overnight at hotel

Built on the site of an Etruscan settlement, Florence, the symbol of the Renaissance, rose to economic and cultural pre-eminence under the Medici in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity can be seen above all in the 13th-century cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace, the work of great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo.

Catch the train to Rome, overnight at hotel

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.

Transfer to 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 photographers 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.

Kusadasi is the staging post for Ephesus (the Turkish equivalent of Pompeii) well known for the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and is a popular tourist destination. Nearby there is the opportunity for lazing on the beach, snorkelling and for the thrill seekers out there, try the aquapark.

(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.

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

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.

Disembark ship for your flight home