Sailing the Adriatic: Treasures of Italy’s Eastern Coast

Arrive in Venice and transfer to the ship. Settle in onboard and head out into this fairy-tale city to explore—the ship remains docked here overnight. (D)

Set out this morning on your choice of excursion in Venice; tour the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a 16th-century religious institution whose walls are covered with more than 50 paintings by Tintoretto, and view works by Titian and Donatello at the Frari Church. Or delve into a world of unique Venetian crafts, learning about mask-making traditions that sprung from the city’s famous annual Carnival and learning how gondolas are built. Alternatively, set off on a guided tour of Venice's hidden gardens. Set sail tonight along the western shores of the Adriatic. The afternoon is yours for independent exploration. (B,L,D)

Drop anchor in Ravenna, the seat of the Roman Empire in the fifth century and later a hub of Byzantine power in Italy. Early Christians filled the town with churches in the fifth and sixth centuries, and filled the churches with exquisite mosaics that draw on eastern and western artistic traditions. On a tour of Ravenna, decipher the biblical stories and historic events that blanket the walls and ceilings of these religious monuments—collectively designated a World Heritage site. (B,L,D)

From the port city of Ancona, discover Italy’s less-visited Le Marche region today. Venture inside the 14th-century walls of Jesi, the birthplace of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, and find treasures of art and architecture. Or spend the day in the university town of Urbino, the hometown of artist Raphael, which experienced a flourishing of art and literature during the Renaissance and still harbors an impressive collection of Renaissance art. (B,L,D)

Step ashore in the lively seaport of Bari, the capital of the Apulia region that comprises Italy’s “heel.” Travel inland to the Valle d'Itria to explore Alberobello, a World Heritage site known for its conical trulli houses. Or stay in Bari for a walking tour of the Old Town, stopping for tastings of the street food for which the city is famous: focaccia, panzerotto, and a fried polenta snack called scagliozze. (B,L,D) 

Awaken in Otranto and head to nearby Lecce, best known for its unique baroque architecture sculpted out of the region’s soft, golden limestone. On a guided tour, visit stunning palaces and churches that exemplify the style and find vestiges of the ancient Romans scattered through the heart of town—including a partially excavated amphitheater. (B,L,D) 

Your first port of call in Sicily is beautiful Taormina, a longtime retreat of Europe’s literati built against a backdrop of craggy headlands. Visit the town’s cathedral and the Palazzo Corvaja on a guided walking tour and ascend to the Greek Theater, poised high in the hills with spectacular views.  Or travel to Mount Etna, a World Heritage site, and view its inactive volcanic craters before heading to a mountainside winery for a tasting tour and a typical Sicilian lunch. (B,L,D) 

Your final stop is Syracuse, a powerful Greek city that was sieged by the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War. Explore the archaeological park, which includes a Greek theater and one of the world’s largest Roman amphitheaters, and hear the legendary acoustics inside the Ear of Dionysius cave. Later, visit the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, discover the fifth-century town of Noto, a gem of Sicilian baroque architecture and a World Heritage site.  In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the charms of Ortigia, a World Heritage-listed island steeped in history and mythology. (B,L,D)

Disembark in the World Heritage site of Valetta after breakfast, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)