Southern Italy and the Dalmatian Coast

Itinerary

Days 1-4 – U.S., Venice, Italy
Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Venice. Upon arrival, embark Aegean Odyssey.

Enjoy a boat trip down the beautiful Giudecca Canal and a special walking tour of this remarkable city, a World Heritage site, including the Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge’s Palace. During an optional tour, discover historic Frari Church and Scuola de San Rocco, featuring abundant artistic treasures and classical architecture. Enjoy ample free time for independent exploration, perhaps for a trip to the stunning island of Torcello or a walk to the Rialto or the Accademia. A private evening visit to St. Mark’s Basilica is definitely a highlight of your stay in Venice. (2B,3L,3D)

Day 5 - Split
This morning, tour the magnificent Palace of Diocletian, a World Heritage site. When it was completed in A.D. 305, the palace complex consisted of three temples, Diocletian’s massive mausoleum (now the Cathedral of St. Dominus), and residences for nearly 9,000 people. Today the palace is a bustling warren of houses, shops, and cafes. Visit one of the true gems of the Dalmatian coast in the afternoon – the delightful island of Trogir. There is ample time for independent exploration in Split and the option to spend the evening ashore before the ship departs. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Cruising the islands of Brac & Hvar, Korcula
Witness the stunning natural beauty of the Kornati islands as Aegean Odyssey approaches the pine-forested island of Korcula, said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Your guided walking tour focuses on highlights in the Venetian fortified town, including the fabled traveler’s reputed birthplace, the 15th-century Cathedral of St. Mark, and the Venetian art in the Abbey Treasury. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Dubrovnik
Discover the stunning Croatian capital of Dubrovnik during a tour that includes the magnificent 10th-century city walls, the Baroque Church of St. Blaise; the Cathedral, which boasts Titian’s Assumption over the main altar; and the Rector’s Palace, which houses the Museum of Dubrovnik. Enjoy free time to explore the Old City, a World Heritage site. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – At Sea
Relax and enjoy the onboard lecture program as Aegean Odyssey makes her way to Sicily. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Syracuse, Noto
At the height of its power, Syracuse was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of ancient Europe, rivaling Athens, Carthage, and Rome. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s outstanding Greek and Roman ruins, including the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 2nd-century B.C. Altar of Hieron. The highlight is the 5th-century Greek theater where many of Aeschylus’s tragedies were first staged. Explore the island of Ortygia and the imposing Temple of Apollo, dating from the 6th century B.C. Discover the World Heritage Site of Noto, one of the fine Baroque towns in southeast Sicily, on an optional tour before returning to Syracuse. (B,L,D)

Days 10 & 11 – Palermo, Monreale, Segesta, Cruising Stromboli
In the Sicilian capital city of Palermo, you’ll discover the Norman Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel, the perfect Norman combination of Latin, Byzantine, and Arab culture. Close by is San Giovanni degli Eremiti, a Norman church decorated with Arabic domes and an exquisite Romanesque cloister. Palermo Cathedral is also a short walk away, housing the tremendous porphyry tombs of Robert II, his daughter Constance, his son-in-law the Emperor Henry VI, and his grandson the Emperor Frederick II. Marvel at the beauty and grace of Monreale Cathedral, with its glorious 12th-century mosaics and its magnificent cloister. Choose an optional tour to Segesta or enjoy free time to explore on your own. Later, cruise by the Island of Stromboli. (2B,2L,2D)

Days 12 & 13 - Cruising the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Pompeii, Herculaneum
Sorrento is a delightful clifftop town with spectacular views of the Bay of Naples. Your included tours feature the astonishingly well preserved ancient city of Pompeii or the sister city, Herculaneum, the Greek settlement named after its patron, Hercules. Both cities were buried under ash as a result of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in A.D. 79, and were not discovered until centuries later. Enjoy additional free time to explore the charms of Sorrento, to visit Capri, or discover the collections of the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. (2B,2L,2D)

Days 14 & 15 - Rome, Disembark
Your morning tour begins with the largest and most famous Roman amphitheater, the Colosseum. It was constructed in A.D. 80 by Emperor Vespasian as a means of gaining the love of the people by building a magnificent venue for gladiatorial games, and it had a capacity of 50,000 spectators. Continue to the Roman Forum, the ceremonial, social, and civic center of ancient Rome, and the sumptuous basilica of St. Peter’s in Vatican City. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy ample time to explore independently some of the city’s other wonderful sites, among them the Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Campo de’ Fiori, and Nero’s Golden House. (2B)

Day 16 – Transfer to Rome airport for flight to the U.S.
(B)