Almost touching mainland Italy’s toe, Messina is the closest step-off point to Sicily. It is built on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character. From Messina, you can take a tour to Taormina, the beautiful city overlooking Mount Etna.

MESSINA - Taormina

Departure from the pier by coach with local guide and through the highway you will reach Taormina that is about 50 km far. The small town, become one of the most popular Mediterranean sun spots, is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character.Upon arrival you will leave the coach at the bus terminal and start the walking tour, during which you will admire (outside) the famous Gothic Corvaja Palace dating back to the XVth century. Afterwards you will visit (inside) the impressive Greek Theatre, that is amazing for its spaciousness, its extraordinary acoustics and its stunning location. This theatre was reconstructed in Roman style in the 2nd century A.D. with a diameter of 358 feet. It is the second largest theatre in Sicily after Syracuse. From the upper tiers spectacular views reveal majestic Mt. Etna, Europe's largest and still active volcano.Before returning to the ship, you will have some free time for a stroll in the broad pedestrian area where you will have the possibility to shop for local handicrafts or walk to Piazza del Duomo for a look at the old Dominican Monastery, now a de-luxe hotel. REMARKS: We remind you that Taormina is a complete pedestrian area. Please note that the journey from Messina to Taormina is approximately 45 minutes.

MESSINA - Mount Etna

After leaving the pier by coach with the local guides, passengers will drive through the centre of the town until the highway to Monte Etna.Along the scenic road that winds around the slopes of the mountain, passing the town of Giarre and the village of Zafferana, passengers will arrive at Monte Etna - Cratere Silvestri, at about 1950 meters on the sea level.Monte Etna is the European largest active volcano. The slopes soar up to over 3.296 meters and the flanks of the mountain are covered with scores of cones and craters. From its top passengers will admire the Gulf of Catania, but of course the major attraction is the crater and the remnants of the awe inspiring streams of lava.Later passengers will drive back to Messina and the ship. REMARKS: We remind you the tour to Mount Etna is subject to weather conditions. Due to the last events, the tour is subject to the permission given by the local Competent Authorities. The drive from Messina to Mount Etna lasts approximately two hours depending on the traffic and the itinerary that is followed to reach the volcano.

Picturesque Kotor, the jewel of Montenegro, is located along one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays. The old port, surrounded by an impressive city wall, is well preserved and protected by UNESCO. Kotor has many cultural and religious sites to visit such as the Church of St.Luke and Typhon Cathedral.

KOTOR - Kotor & Perast

KOTOR - Njegusi & Cetinje

As the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast, situated between Venice and the Ionian Islands, and a major transport hub, Split is one of the most fascinating cities in the Adriatic. It is the main city in Dalmatia, built from Emperor Diocletian, and also one of the oldest cities in the area traditionally considered just over 1,700 years old. In 1979, the historic center of Split was included into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Split is said to be one of the centers of Croatian culture. Its literary tradition can be traced back to medieval times.

SPLIT - City Tour

SPLIT - Krka Waterfalls

SPLIT - Salona & Trogir

Venice, the capital of the region of Veneto in northern Italy, is best known as “La Serenissima" and the "City of Water". The city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea.

VENICE - Historic Venice

VENICE - On your Own & Gondola Ride

Dubrovnik has been proclaimed ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. It is a tranquil touristic centre. Its historical heritage, cultural interests and events, excellent climate, lush vegetation, enchanting beaches, hidden coves, and friendly atmosphere, make this city one of the most attractive destinations on the Adriatic Sea.

DUBROVNIK - Dubrovnik & Cavtat

DUBROVNIK - Tour

Corfu is located in the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest, greenest Ionian Island and the most popular one all year around. Corfu was Homer’s ‘beautiful and rich land’ and Odysseus’ last stop on his journey home to Ithaki. The island has enchanted visitors for ages with its picturesque landscape and warm climate.

CORFU - Achilleion Palace & Corfu Town

Corfu, the wooded isle of the Phaeacians, Odysseus' last stop on his long journey home to Ithaca, is the best known of the lonian islands. Departing from the port, your coach follows the road leading out of the town; soon you are in the lush Corfiot countryside teeming with orange, lemon cypresses and olive groves.
At the Village of Gastouri you will visit the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1891. Once in the Palace, you will visit the vast impressive rooms, as well as its beautiful gardens offering spectacular view over the Ionian Sea. The gardens, full of exotic trees and flowers were brought here by the Empress after her travels around the world.
The main Terrace of the Muses decorated with statues of the Nine Greek Muses and the imposing figures of Achilles Victorious and Achilles Dying are some of the most interesting enclosures of the Palace.
Leaving Achilleion Palace, your tour continues to Corfu Town passing by the coastal resort of Perama and the beauty spot of Kanoni, from where you will enjoy some excellent views of the Convent of Vlacherna and the picturesque Mouse Island. Once in the Old Quarter of Corfu Town, you shall leave your coaches in front of the Old Venetian Fortress just opposite the central Esplanade Square to start your walking tour during which you shall delight in the narrow cobbled streets known as the Kandounia. Walking along the old cricket grounds you will see the Royal Palace of St. George and St. Michael, an imposing building built entirely of yellow Maltese stone by the first British Commissioner of the island. The tour then proceeds through the arcades of the Liston Piazza -once the Palace Stables- and into the heart of the old town. Here, you shall visit the 300 year old Church of St. Spyridon with its priceless collection of icons and gifts offered to the Patron Saint of the island, pass by the old Town Hall as you head towards the shopping district where you will have some free time to browse and shop before boarding your coach for the return journey to the ship.
REMARKS
Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. The tour includes visits to religious sites, knees and shoulders must be covered.

CORFU - Paleokastritsa, Bella Vista & Markades

This tour offers you the chance to visit some of Corfu's most enchanting landmarks, places of natural beauty and colourful villages. The tour begins with a 25 minutes drive through the dense Corfiot countryside full of olive groves, pine, cypress, lemon and orange trees. Crossing the valley covering most of the islandâ019s interior, you arrive in one of the most beautiful spots of the island, the Bay of Paleokastrisa, known as the Capri of Greece.
You are driven uphill the highest rocky summit for a visit to the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin, still inhabited by a community of monks, and its small museum housing a priceless collection of Byzantine icons and church relics. From the Monastery's gardens you can enjoy breathtaking views of beautiful bays of the area with their crystal-clear waters and rocky promontories. On an opposite hill you can see the remains of Angelokastro, a Byzantine Fort, built in the 13th century by the Despot of Epirus Michael Komninos. You then ascend by coach to the traditional old village of Lakones, built high on the mountain slopes, from where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of Paleokastritsa and take some marvellous photographs. The spot is generally known as Bella Vista for its unique breathtaking views. Driving onwards, you arrive at the traditional village of Makrades where you will have some time at leisure to explore the village and buy local products.
REMARKS
Tour not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. The tour includes visits to religious sites, knees and shoulders must be covered.

The largest Aeolian Island, Lipari is a volcanic archipelago located just off the northern coast of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Lipari is the best-equipped base for island-hopping, with plenty of places to stay, eat and drink.

LIPARI - Scenic Island Tour

The port city of Livorno in Tuscany is your gateway to Florence. The glory of Florence lies in the eminence of its past, its buildings are masterpieces guarding within more works of art. Some of Florence’s illustrious citizens were Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Dante, Lenoardo da Vinci and its renowned rulers, the Medici family.

LIVORNO - Lucca

LIVORNO - Pisa

LIVORNO - Highlights of Florence