Italy Cruise: Hidden Treasures from Florence to Venice

You can barely move for masterpieces in the Tuscan capital: Michelangelo’s David, centerpiece of the Galleria dell ’Accademia; the Uffizi; the romantic Ponte Vecchio; and the Duomo, a holy canopy of terracotta high above the rooftops. Even the streets are an elegant, edifying showcase of Italian culture.

Take in Florence’s living exhibition as you walk the historic city center and the Oltrarno District. Or, tour of the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi to see the works of the Renaissance masters in the flesh.

A cypress-dotted vision of Italian beauty, Tuscany charms like a Medici prince, capturing the very essence of the nation’s heartland. Set out into this timeless realm of storybook hilltop towns and undulating green landscapes as you choose your own Tuscan adventure. Head to Lucca to stroll its picturesque town center, Piazza dell’Anfi teatro, and its impressive 16th century ramparts. Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower is also on the menu, along with the city’s historic Baptistery, Campo Santo and Duomo. Or, linger in Florence to take in the timeless Palazzo Vecchio, the former residence of the powerful Medici clan. Alternatively, set out for a truffle hunt in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Later, head to the port of Livorno, where your expedition vessel awaits.

The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the mountainous island of Corsica juts imposingly from the Mediterranean, as bold and proud as the French emperor himself. Here, explore the fortress town of Bonifacio’s medieval houses, chapels and web of alleyways. Afterward, stroll the cobbled streets, historic buildings and quayside of Porto Vecchio’s Old Town. Or, hike to Castellu d’Araghju for stunning views of the coast.

Though Sardinia glints with some of the most breathtaking shores in the Mediterranean, its culture has been defined by its rustic interior more than its coast: a landscape of mysterious Bronze Age monuments and ancient shepherd tracks that wind through forests of oak and myrtle. Come ashore in Sardinia’s historic port city and capital, Cagliari, where you stroll the Old Town and visit Saint Mary and Saint Cecilia Cathedrals. Alternatively, hike Sardinia’s gentle hills to uncover timeworn ruins or sample the varietals of a local winery.

Relax as you cruise southward through the Mediterranean, taking advantage of the ship’s amenities along the way. En route, the Expedition Team sets the stage for tomorrow’s shore excursion with a series of enriching presentations.

Presided over by fiery Mount Etna, Sicily is a red-hot mix of sunbaked temples, sizzling sea views and sensational produce grown on its fertile volcanic slopes. Come ashore in the iconic port of Syracuse, a place Cicero described as “the greatest Greek city and most beautiful of them all.” Explore Syracuse’s Old Town of Ortigia, a tangle of cobbled streets wending this way and that, lined with fabulous boutiques, restaurants, and ancient buildings such as the Temple of Apollo. After a tasting of the distinctive local Moscato, Nero d’Avola and Syrah, hit the market to sample the region’s freshest picks. Alternatively, head further inland for a truffle hunt at a local farm.

As you cruise onward around the heel of Italy’s “boot,” the Expedition Team prepares you for tomorrow’s shore excursion to Bari.

Bari serves as your seaside gateway to the time-warp villages and sweeping countryside of the Puglia region. This university town’s youthful, urban vibe plays well with its grand boulevards lined with historic architecture. Once ashore, choose from a culinary experience at a local farmhouse, a visit to the intriguing Castel del Monte, a nature trek through the hills of Alta Murgia National Park, or a drive inland to explore Matera’s cave dwellings.

Le Marche’s pebbled beaches, cliff-flanked bays and medieval hill towns often fly under the radar. But those who have experienced this region’s enchanting landscapes, history and artistic heritage are happy to have it to themselves. Staging your day from the port of Ancona, set out to tour the Renaissance art and architecture of Urbino, privately visit the Villa Imperiale in Pesaro, or savor a wine experience in the breathtaking countryside.

A heady dream of Carnival, canals, basilicas and Byzantine relics, Venice bewitches from the very first breath. Nowhere else in the world can you turn from a grand marble palace floating amid the canals, and into a warren of stirring, salty-aired passageways, where life has ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of the water for centuries. Experience Venice’s beguiling magic firsthand with a private water taxi tour, pausing at St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Alternatively, you might explore St. Mark’s Square on foot and go off the beaten path to discover the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the city’s largest church. Or, escape to the Orto di Venezia winery and the glassworks of the Murano islands.

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight or set sail on A&K’s Adriatic Voyage: Croatia, Montenegro and Greece.