Italian & Adriatic Icons: Rome to Dubrovnik

Your unforgettable cruise begins in Civitavecchia, a historic seaport and main gateway for Rome, the ‘Eternal City’ and ancient capital of Italy. From here, you’ll be transferred to your luxury Emerald yacht to begin your voyage, discovering the charms of the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas.  Please book your flight to arrive into Rome prior to 02:00 PM.

The much-loved resort town of Sorrento is perched dramatically atop cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples and boasting stunning views of Mount Vesuvius across the water. An impossibly romantic haven, Sorrento bewitches with its elegant Italian villas, world-class restaurants serving up mouth-watering cuisine and fragrant lemon groves, which contribute to the production of limoncello – famous the UNESCO Worldover. Get a glimpse into its storied past as you explore grand cathedrals and palazzos built of warm golden stone, then sit down at a cafe to watch the UNESCO Worldgo by. Cruise across the strait this evening and dock overnight off the island of Capri.

The allure of Capri is timeless. From the first century AD, Roman Emperors chose this spectacularly beautiful island as their private retreat – the ruins of their grand villas still dot the shore. Take a leisurely stroll along the narrow, winding streets and dine al fresco under twinkling fairy lights, sampling the island’s traditional specialties that have become world-famous, like caprese salad and limoncello, a sweet lemon liqueur. 

The largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is a volcanic archipelago set off the coast of Sicily and embedded within the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. The gorgeous island landscape is defined by a rugged coastline, beautiful beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush vegetation. Lipari also boasts a charming Old Town, delighting with its quaint streets and traditional houses painted in pastel hues, as well as a 16th-century castle, which reveals panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The picturesque seaside town of Giardini Naxos is on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy. Its sprawling seafront offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Giardini Naxos is the gateway to the exclusive resort of Taormina, perched on the side of the mountain above. One of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, it draws the rich and famous from around the world to its luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants. The area also has a rich history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.

The city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe covering just over half a square kilometre (123 acres). Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, it’s a living testament to the Baroque period, with well-preserved buildings, ornate churches and magnificent fortifications. The city is located on a hilly peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its compact size, Valletta has a vibrant cultural life and regularly hosts lively markets and festivals.

Relish the nautical adventure of a lifetime with some relaxing downtime during your day at sea. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your stylish yacht: slide into the inviting infinity-style pool where the azure water appears to blur with the horizon, ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in the panoramic views, or simply unwind in the serene Observation Lounge.

Today, you’ll arrive in Greece and the Ionian island of Kefalonia. Here, you’ll discover the numerous charms of Fiskardo, a delightful village on the northernmost shores.  Explore the vibrant harbour encircled by cypress and olive trees and beautifully preserved Venetian architecture. Be sure to sample the excellent local wines and catch of the day seafood. 

On mainland Greece, you’ll find the resort town of Parga radiates a carefree holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine on one of the many gorgeous beaches, stroll through traditional Greek villages and marvel at the impressive 16th-century Venetian castle, which provides an incredible bird’s eye view of this popular town and sparkling Ionian coastline.

Enveloped by medieval walls, the fortified city of Kotor is a place of ancient stories and modern culture. Nestled between imposing mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed setting is brimming with Venetian palaces, cobblestone lanes and café-hemmed squares. Climb the 1,350 steps up to St John’s Fortress, where you’ll have spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor.

The island of Vis served as a Yugoslav military base from the 1950s until 1989, during which it was cut off to visitors and left largely unpopulated. This has preserved the island’s authenticity, and life here is laidback and unhurried, with a rocky coastline and azure waters. The town of Komiža, significantly developed during Venetian rule, is made up of narrow passageways and historic stone buildings. The island was used as a filming location for the sequel to the film Mamma Mia!, depicting the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. This evening, sail to Korcula and dock overnight.  

A gem of the Adriatic, Korcula is among the most beloved islands in Croatia. It boasts a landscape of olive groves and vineyards, and a striking coast of white pebble beaches and azure waters. While there’s evidence the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the fortified old town is on UNESCO’s tentative list for its late medieval planning and has been referred to by locals as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. It’s a delightful mix of medieval churches, elegant palaces and squares. See the impressive St Mark’s Cathedral, built in Gothic-Renaissance style, and the captivating Marco Polo Center, where you can understand the legacy of the explorer who is said to have been born here. The villages of Cara and Smokvica are renowned for producing the country’s signature dry white wine.

Your luxury Emerald cruise concludes in historic Dubrovnik, aptly known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. This hugely popular city is home to a walled Old Town that’s one of the finest examples of a medieval citadel in Europe. After bidding farewell to your crew and fellow guests, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday. Please book your flight to depart out of Dubrovnik after 11:00 AM. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.