Italian Lakes & Greek Islands - Itinerary
Unwind in the breathtaking Italian lakes region, and visit cosmopolitan Milan to see the magnificent cathedral and the world’s most famous opera house, La Scala. Travel to Venice and board your lovely cruise ship – inspired by the grand Italian steamers that provided transatlantic passage - for an exciting 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise. While at sea, soak in a jacuzzi, take advantage of the fitness center, or just relax on deck watching the beautiful scenery pass by.
View the most popular Greek Isles: the picturesque windmills on Mykonos; the island of Santorini, widely considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis; and Rhodes, the headquarters of the Crusader Knights of St. John. Explore the historic, walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, set on a peninsula and known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Disembark in Venice and visit bustling St. Mark’s Square and the famous Bridge of Sighs before continuing to Milan for your return flight home.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1:
Overnight Flight
Join Collette Vacations and explore the magnificent historical sights and cultures of northern Italy, Croatia and the stunning Greek Islands. Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Italian lakes region followed by a romantic 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the Costa Fortuna.
Day 2:
Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in picturesque Stresa on Lago Maggiore. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.
Day 3:
Milan - Lago Maggiore
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel to cosmopolitan Milan for a panoramic tour featuring the Duomo (Cathedral), one of the most magnificent late gothic structures ever built, and La Scala, the world’s most famous opera house. Return to Stresa and enjoy some time at leisure to soak up the lakeside atmosphere of this beautiful resort town. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4:
Lago Maggiore - Venice - Board Cruise Ship
Following breakfast, depart for Venice. Your exciting 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise begins today on the Costa Fortuna. This lovely ship draws inspiration from the grand Italian steamships that provided trans-Atlantic passage. While on board breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily in luscious Italian-style! Early this evening you will set sail for Bari. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5:
Bari, Italy
This afternoon you dock in Bari. Perhaps you will spend the afternoon exploring the medieval streets and Romanesque churches, including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, built to house the body of Saint Nicholas, now known throughout the world as the man behind the legend of Santa Claus. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 6:
Katakolon, Greece
Today you will enjoy an afternoon in stunning Katakolon. Wonder at the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and explore the site of the very first Olympic Games. This evening you will set sail for breathtaking Santorini. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 7:
Santorini - Mykonos
This morning you will arrive on the beautiful island of Santorini. In 1500 BC, a powerful volcano erupted and caused the central part of the island to sink into the sea. Could this be the lost city of Atlantis? Enjoy some leisure time to soak in the breathtaking views of this beautiful island and delve into the mysteries of ancient Santorini. Your next stop is the fashionable island of Mykonos. Enjoy an evening stroll through Mykonos, where picturesque windmills dot the landscape and view the beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, and an endless line of boutiques and chapels. Depart late this evening to sail overnight to Rhodes. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 8:
Rhodes
Dock this morning on the beautiful island of Rhodes where, centuries ago, the Crusader Knights of St. John made it their headquarters. Take some time to explore the Palace of Grand Masters which once housed the knights. Take in this island’s beauty before setting sail this evening. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 9:
At Sea
Enjoy a full day at sea to sit back, relax by the pool and enjoy all of the amenities available on board your cruise ship. Perhaps you will sit by one of the four swimming pools, soak in the waters of one of the six jacuzzis, head to the fitness center or spa, or just sit on deck, relax, and watch the lovely scenery go by. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 10:
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This morning you dock in Dubrovnik where you have the opportunity to explore this ancient city, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Set on a peninsula, this beautiful city is surrounded by a 1,000-year-old protective wall. Take plenty of time to explore the treasures of this marvelous city. This afternoon, set sail for enchanting Venice. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 11:
Venice, Italy - Disembark Cruise Ship - Milan/Malpensa
Your morning disembarkation is followed by a visit to Venice's St. Mark’s Square, a bustling hub of quintessentially Italian activity and events. A local expert provides a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Depart Venice mid-afternoon. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a fun-filled, memorable trip. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 12:
Milan/Malpensa - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today. Today breakfast will be included.
