Sail the wine-dark sea on this cruise through the Adriatic and the Aegean. With port calls in Greece, Italy and Croatia, you’ll discover temples to the ancient gods, jaw-dropping sunsets and the ruins of a Roman emperor’s private retreat. When you disembark from your cruise ship, you’ll experience the timeless beauty of Venice on a guided tour.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Venice

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Venice aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Cruise

After clearing customs, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the harbor. If you’ve taken our pretour extension to Venice, join the rest of your tour today. Board your cruise ship, the Costa Fascinosa, and settle in to your stateroom. Then begin to discover the spacious decks and the variety of luxurious amenities. The ship houses a casino, Italianstyle piazza room, taverna, spa, pools, jacuzzis, game rooms and much more.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Please note: The April 29, 2012 departure will sail aboard the Costa Fortuna.

Day 3 - Cruise

Cruise the Italian Mediterranean coast along the Adriatic Sea and reach the port of Bari for a half day of exploration. You’ll have the afternoon to discover the 19th-century city on your own. You might wish to stroll through the historic Old Town with monuments and cathedrals dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. The highlight is undoubtedly Basilica di San Nicola, which contains the remains of Saint Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus. The 11th-century basilica is situated overlooking the sea. You also might venture off to the quaint coastal towns of Molfetta and Trani, also known for their old quarters and medieval festivals. Another good choice is the nearby Castel del Monte, about 20 miles south of Bari. This ancient castle is a modern mystery—virtually no records exist of its purpose or creation. Some have surmised it was a hunting lodge or a stop for pilgrims on their quest for the Holy Grail. Return to your cruise ship early this evening for departure to Greece.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 - Cruise

Reaching Greece, drop anchor in Katakolon, the port nearest to the town of Olympia. It was here that the first official Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. to honor the Greek god Zeus. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore the area. If you choose to visit the site, envision the grand stadium and arenas echoed by the remaining ruins, and the galleries once filled by thousands of cheering spectators. Or seek out the nearby beaches, coves and small coastal towns for an afternoon of relaxing and suntanning.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 - Cruise

Anchor this morning on Santorini, an island of stunning volcanic landscapes and black-sand beaches thought by some to be the lost city of Atlantis. Santorini’s volcanic soil is ideal for harvesting grapes, so as you admire the Mediterranean sunset, enjoy a glass of white wine for which the island is renowned. You’ll have a full day to explore at your leisure or join an off-shore excursion.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 - Cruise

Dock first thing this morning in Rhodes, where you’ll have a full day. The largest of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is one of Greece’s most popular resort areas. According to ancient myth, this island erupted from the sea to appease Helios, the sun god, after Zeus overlooked him while distributing the earth among the other gods. Rhodes was a center of Hellenistic culture in its early days, then became the territory of the medieval Knights of St. John. Its three major archaeological sites, Ialyssos, Lindos, and Kamiron, date back to the 7th century B.C. During your free time on the island, visit the ancient ruins of Rhodes, walk through the Old Town, explore the Jewish Quarter or visit some of Rhodes’ Turkish mosques.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 - Cruise

Sail through the crystal-clear warm waters of the Adriatic Sea today as you make your way to Croatia. Enjoy a full free day to enjoy the ship’s spa, four swimming pools or on-board casinos. Or relax in one of the ship’s many open sunning areas.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 - Cruise

This morning, as you sail along the Adriatic coast, you’ll arrive early in the historic city of Dubrovnik in the Republic of Croatia. Spend a full free morning exploring this 1,300-year-old city. You might stroll through the pedestrian-only plazas of the Lapad section or climb Petka Hill for a beautiful panoramic view of the city and its harbor. Return to your ship in the early afternoon for return departure to Italy.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 - Venice

Your cruise ends upon your arrival in Venice. After disembarkation, experience the romance of “La Serenissima” during a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Doge’s Palace, once the political heart of this powerful maritime empire. End by the Basilica of St. Mark, a rich mosaic of Byzantine, Romanesque and Islamic influences entombing the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist. This afternoon, opt for a Gondola Ride with music excursion to enjoy breathtaking views of “La Serenissima,” the Most Serene Republic. Later, transfer to your hotel for this evening’s included Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Doge’s Palace

$65 USD

Gondola Ride with Music More than 100 waterways crisscross Venice, and boarding a sleek black gondola to explore them has become a time-honored tradition. On this memorable excursion, join your fellow travelers for a tour through the canals of Venice. A musician serenades you as your gondola cruises through the city. Please note: This excursion runs as weather permits. A private two-person gondola ride is available for an additional $100 per person. Advanced reservations are required.

Day 10 - Venice

A Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)