Land Program

Upon arrival at the airport you will be transferred to the hotel. After checking in, you’ll have time to get settled in before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Note: if you wish to spend more time in Florence, ask your Personal Vacation Manager about the optional hotel extension.

Olive Oil

After breakfast, we’ll head out of the city and into the countryside to visit a local farm that specializes in olive oil production. In Italy, olive oil is not only a cooking ingredient, but also a cultural symbol steeped in tradition. From the olive branch representing a peace offering to olive groves being passed down from generation to generation, the olive tree provides traditions that date back to Ancient Rome. During our visit we will learn about the production process and then sample some of the estate’s prized oils. A snack will be provided during the tasting. We will then return to Florence, where you will enjoy some free time in the “Jewel of the Renaissance”. Your guide can suggest some local restaurants near the hotel for dinner. (B, S)

Note: although you will enjoy some free time this evening, if you are interested in exploring the museums of Florence, we recommend extending your hotel stay to allow for sufficient time for museum and art gallery visits.

Piazza Del Campo, Siena

Today we will explore the city of Siena, a prominent city within the Tuscan region with a centuries-old rivalry with Florence. Enjoy a guided tour of the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the beautiful Palazzo del Campo, famous for its semiannual horse race and the Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque and Gothic architecture. We will then drive to a region blessed with lush vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees to visit a local winery for lunch. We will enjoy a delicious menu of local products, then return to the hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Pottery Workshop

Check out of the hotel and say goodbye to Florence; today we will head further south into the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Start the day with a visit to the hilltop town of Volterra, a former Etruscan settlement with a splendid view of the surrounding landscape. Besides the views, the city is also renowned for its alabaster, a beautiful pale stone that is soft enough to carve. Your guide will provide a tour of the most important sights of the town, then take you to visit an artist at his alabaster workshop. You will then enjoy some free time in the village to stroll along the medieval alleyways and have lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, you will visit one of Tuscany’s secret gems: Certaldo. This was the hometown of Giovanni Boccaccio, author of the “Decameron” and one of first Renaissance humanists. We will take a walk through the historic town and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills below. The tour ends with a visit to a ceramic painting shop, where you will see an artisan at work.

Upon arrival at our hotel, you will have time to check in and get settled before rejoining the group for dinner. The Palazzo San Lorenzo, an elegant XVII-century palace, is located in the historic center of Colle Val d’Elsa, a quaint medieval village in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. (B, D)

Cooking Class, Chianti Valley

Your cooking lesson takes place at a charming location in the middle of the Tuscan vineyards. You will be greeted with a welcome drink in the garden before entering the facility and exploring. For the first cooking activity, you will concentrate on the main specialty of Italian and Tuscan cuisine—homemade pasta. The chef and staff will provide the directions and ingredients needed and then give you the opportunity to try your hand at it. They will then teach you how to prepare a few other traditional dishes, using the precious Tuscan extra virgin olive oil and other local ingredients. The course will conclude with a tasting of Tuscan wines to pair with the dishes, which the group will all enjoy, served along with some additional appetizers like bruschetta.

Chianti Vineyards, Tuscany

With a full belly and a tipsy smile, you will board the bus and drive through the beautiful hills of the Chianti Valley towards Greve. This valley is considered by many to be the heart of the Tuscan countryside and is renowned for its famous wines. In the charming village of Greve, you will take a stroll and then visit a historical and traditional butcher’s shop to taste their homemade products. Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B, L)

Montepulciano, Tuscany

Today we will visit lively Cortona, which is characterized by its well-preserved medieval character. Steep, cobblestone paths lead through the narrow alleyways in the historic center, then open up onto the large squares of ‘Piazza della Repubblica’ and ‘Piazza Signorelli’, where the town comes to life. Shops offer gastronomic delicacies and handicrafts, while street cafés invite one to linger. Many scenes of the famous movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” were shot here, as well as the villa of the book’s writer, Frances Mayes.

We will then visit a winery in the region of Montepulciano, another town in the heart of Tuscany where some scenes of the movie were shot. This area is situated on a stone mountain and the local vintners carved out their wine cellars in the cool stone. Their ‘noble’ wine was already known in the 8th century as the ‘Vino dei Signori’ – wine of the nobility. We will end the day’s excursion at one of these famous local wineries to enjoy a sensorial wine experience. You will visit the vineyards and cellars and then taste the wine directly from the barrels as we toast to an unforgettable Journey! Lunch will be served in the estate’s local farmhouse before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the port, where you will board the Celebrity Ascent for a 12-night cruise to the Greek Isles. (B)

Enjoy breakfast onboard, then disembark the Celebrity Ascent and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Optional 2-night Barcelona hotel stay available, see “special offers” section for details.

Port Highlights

Naples, Italy

Naples, Italy: Naples is a large port city located in southwest Italy and is the capital of Italy’s Campania region. A Naples cruise port of call is an excellent way to visit Italy’s third largest destination and experience everything this famous city is known for, including pizza, history and it’s close proximity to several of Italy’s most famous places.

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece: No Greek Islands cruise is complete without going a little off-the-beaten path to the tiny fishing village of Katakolon in the region of Elis. When you arrive at the Katakolon cruise port, you’ll be met by views of the bluer than blue Ionian Sea, romantic Greek vistas and a beachy paradise. You can venture on to Olympia, where the first ever Olympic Games were held to honor the Greek gods, or stop in at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia for a closer look at ancient Greek art and history.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Athens (Piraeus), Greece:As the capital of Greece and one of Europe’s most bustling cities, Athens is powered by 5,000 years of history. At night, the city of Athens glows from afar, light reflecting off the ancient ruins. Today, travelers flock from around the world to experience its history while on cruises from Athens. After all, the art, theatre, architecture and philosophy of Athens had ripple effects through the fabric of entire civilizations.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece: Mykonos (also known as Hora) is perhaps the most known and famous of the Greek isles and public fascination with the island has seen a massive uptick in recent years. The secret’s out—Mykonos is sophisticated and glossy, the younger sibling of Athens, where bright white buildings pop against seriously blue waters and bougainvillea blooms unrestricted, Mykonos cruises revel in incredible nightlife, alluring white sand beaches and a stay-up-all-night spirit.

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes, Greece: Discover the island’s long, sandy beaches, vibrant culture and thousands of years of history that unfold as you explore. Experience winding Byzantine streets in Old Town. See the magnificent palaces built by the medieval Knights of St. John. Venture further afield to beautiful Lindos, a whitewashed hill town dominated by a dramatic acropolis and an ancient temple.

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey: We may be more familiar with destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, but cruises to Ephesus, Turkey and the port town of Kusadasi will give you a look at thousands of years of history. When your Kusadasi cruise ship docks in port, you’re perfectly positioned to head further inland to the ruins of Ephesus, where you’ll discover an off-the-beaten-path approach to Turkey.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece: The port was created when the island’s volcano erupted in 1650 BC. The port is located at the base of Fira, the capital city. When your Santorini cruise docks in Fira, you’ll take a small boat to the shoreline and then, in picturesque Greek fashion, make your way to the top of the island by either cable car, donkey or on foot.

Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Sicily (Palermo), Italy: Sicily is one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. It evokes summertime sun, gorgeous piazzas and the clinking of glasses in celebration. Palermo itself was declared the Italian Capital of Culture in 2018, bringing new life and excitement to the region. On a Palermo cruise, you’ll tour both city and sea, whether you’re strolling around the Foro Italico or staring up at the architectural marvels of the Piazza Vigliena. You’ll take a dip in the Adriatic Sea at Mondello Beach and admire the gardens of the 9th century Norman Palace up close.

Land Program

Upon arrival at the airport you will be transferred to the hotel. After checking in, you’ll have time to get settled in before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Note: if you wish to spend more time in Florence, ask your Personal Vacation Manager about the optional hotel extension.

Olive Oil

After breakfast, we’ll head out of the city and into the countryside to visit a local farm that specializes in olive oil production. In Italy, olive oil is not only a cooking ingredient, but also a cultural symbol steeped in tradition. From the olive branch representing a peace offering to olive groves being passed down from generation to generation, the olive tree provides traditions that date back to Ancient Rome. During our visit we will learn about the production process and then sample some of the estate’s prized oils. A snack will be provided during the tasting. We will then return to Florence, where you will enjoy some free time in the “Jewel of the Renaissance”. Your guide can suggest some local restaurants near the hotel for dinner. (B, S)

Note: although you will enjoy some free time this evening, if you are interested in exploring the museums of Florence, we recommend extending your hotel stay to allow for sufficient time for museum and art gallery visits.

Piazza Del Campo, Siena

Today we will explore the city of Siena, a prominent city within the Tuscan region with a centuries-old rivalry with Florence. Enjoy a guided tour of the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the beautiful Palazzo del Campo, famous for its semiannual horse race and the Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque and Gothic architecture. We will then drive to a region blessed with lush vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees to visit a local winery for lunch. We will enjoy a delicious menu of local products, then return to the hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Pottery Workshop

Check out of the hotel and say goodbye to Florence; today we will head further south into the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Start the day with a visit to the hilltop town of Volterra, a former Etruscan settlement with a splendid view of the surrounding landscape. Besides the views, the city is also renowned for its alabaster, a beautiful pale stone that is soft enough to carve. Your guide will provide a tour of the most important sights of the town, then take you to visit an artist at his alabaster workshop. You will then enjoy some free time in the village to stroll along the medieval alleyways and have lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, you will visit one of Tuscany’s secret gems: Certaldo. This was the hometown of Giovanni Boccaccio, author of the “Decameron” and one of first Renaissance humanists. We will take a walk through the historic town and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills below. The tour ends with a visit to a ceramic painting shop, where you will see an artisan at work.

Upon arrival at our hotel, you will have time to check in and get settled before rejoining the group for dinner. The Palazzo San Lorenzo, an elegant XVII-century palace, is located in the historic center of Colle Val d’Elsa, a quaint medieval village in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. (B, D)

Cooking Class, Chianti Valley

Your cooking lesson takes place at a charming location in the middle of the Tuscan vineyards. You will be greeted with a welcome drink in the garden before entering the facility and exploring. For the first cooking activity, you will concentrate on the main specialty of Italian and Tuscan cuisine—homemade pasta. The chef and staff will provide the directions and ingredients needed and then give you the opportunity to try your hand at it. They will then teach you how to prepare a few other traditional dishes, using the precious Tuscan extra virgin olive oil and other local ingredients. The course will conclude with a tasting of Tuscan wines to pair with the dishes, which the group will all enjoy, served along with some additional appetizers like bruschetta.

Chianti Vineyards, Tuscany

With a full belly and a tipsy smile, you will board the bus and drive through the beautiful hills of the Chianti Valley towards Greve. This valley is considered by many to be the heart of the Tuscan countryside and is renowned for its famous wines. In the charming village of Greve, you will take a stroll and then visit a historical and traditional butcher’s shop to taste their homemade products. Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B, L)

Montepulciano, Tuscany

Today we will visit lively Cortona, which is characterized by its well-preserved medieval character. Steep, cobblestone paths lead through the narrow alleyways in the historic center, then open up onto the large squares of ‘Piazza della Repubblica’ and ‘Piazza Signorelli’, where the town comes to life. Shops offer gastronomic delicacies and handicrafts, while street cafés invite one to linger. Many scenes of the famous movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” were shot here, as well as the villa of the book’s writer, Frances Mayes.

We will then visit a winery in the region of Montepulciano, another town in the heart of Tuscany where some scenes of the movie were shot. This area is situated on a stone mountain and the local vintners carved out their wine cellars in the cool stone. Their ‘noble’ wine was already known in the 8th century as the ‘Vino dei Signori’ – wine of the nobility. We will end the day’s excursion at one of these famous local wineries to enjoy a sensorial wine experience. You will visit the vineyards and cellars and then taste the wine directly from the barrels as we toast to an unforgettable Journey! Lunch will be served in the estate’s local farmhouse before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the port, where you will board the Celebrity Ascent for a 12-night cruise to the Greek Isles. (B)

Enjoy breakfast onboard, then disembark the Celebrity Ascent and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Optional 2-night Barcelona hotel stay available, see “special offers” section for details.

Port Highlights

Naples, Italy

Naples, Italy: Naples is a large port city located in southwest Italy and is the capital of Italy’s Campania region. A Naples cruise port of call is an excellent way to visit Italy’s third largest city and experience everything this famous destination is known for, including pizza, history and it’s close proximity to several of Italy’s most famous places.

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece: No Greek Islands cruise is complete without going a little off-the-beaten path to the tiny fishing village of Katakolon in the region of Elis. When you arrive at the Katakolon cruise port, you’ll be met by views of the bluer than blue Ionian Sea, romantic Greek vistas and a beachy paradise. You can venture on to Olympia, where the first ever Olympic Games were held to honor the Greek gods, or stop in at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia for a closer look at ancient Greek art and history.

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Athens (Piraeus), Greece:As the capital of Greece and one of Europe’s most bustling cities, Athens is powered by 5,000 years of history. At night, the city of Athens glows from afar, light reflecting off the ancient ruins. Today, travelers flock from around the world to experience its history while on cruises from Athens. After all, the art, theatre, architecture and philosophy of Athens had ripple effects through the fabric of entire civilizations.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece: Mykonos (also known as Hora) is perhaps the most known and famous of the Greek isles and public fascination with the island has seen a massive uptick in recent years. The secret’s out—Mykonos is sophisticated and glossy, the younger sibling of Athens, where bright white buildings pop against seriously blue waters and bougainvillea blooms unrestricted, Mykonos cruises revel in incredible nightlife, alluring white sand beaches and a stay-up-all-night spirit.

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes, Greece: Discover the island’s long, sandy beaches, vibrant culture and thousands of years of history that unfold as you explore. Experience winding Byzantine streets in Old Town. See the magnificent palaces built by the medieval Knights of St. John. Venture further afield to beautiful Lindos, a whitewashed hill town dominated by a dramatic acropolis and an ancient temple.

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey: We may be more familiar with destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, but cruises to Ephesus, Turkey and the port town of Kusadasi will give you a look at thousands of years of history. When your Kusadasi cruise ship docks in port, you’re perfectly positioned to head further inland to the ruins of Ephesus, where you’ll discover an off-the-beaten-path approach to Turkey.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece: The port was created when the island’s volcano erupted in 1650 BC. The port is located at the base of Fira, the capital city. When your Santorini cruise docks in Fira, you’ll take a small boat to the shoreline and then, in picturesque Greek fashion, make your way to the top of the island by either cable car, donkey or on foot.

Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Sicily (Palermo), Italy: Sicily is one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. It evokes summertime sun, gorgeous piazzas and the clinking of glasses in celebration. Palermo itself was declared the Italian Capital of Culture in 2018, bringing new life and excitement to the region. On a Palermo cruise, you’ll tour both city and sea, whether you’re strolling around the Foro Italico or staring up at the architectural marvels of the Piazza Vigliena. You’ll take a dip in the Adriatic Sea at Mondello Beach and admire the gardens of the 9th century Norman Palace up close.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain: Find the stunning architecture, delectable cuisine and vibrant cultural experiences at every turn. Get to know Barcelona’s many distinct neighborhoods, including the Old Town or Ciutat Vella, where you’ll find museums, cafes and shopping. Venture to the Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic and stroll through its narrow streets, where you’ll see the best of Barcelona’s Gothic architecture, mystical corridors and old city cafes. Another must-visit stop in Barcelona is Las Ramblas, the famous pedestrian walkway in the heart of the city that will take you past restaurants, bars, stores and the storied Boqueria food market.

Alicante, Spain

Alicante, Spain: Like most Spanish cities, Alicante comes alive at night after 9pm, when lively tapas bars fill up with locals and beach bars blare music you can really dance to. When you cruise Alicante, share a bottle of wine among friends, eat delicious paella and explore the city’s signature sights like the Castillo de Santa Barbara or shop at the enduring Mercado Central.

Gibraltar, United Kingdom

Gibraltar, United Kingdom: Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern coast of Spain and separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar. Gibraltar’s location gives it a Mediterranean, subtropical climate with dry summers. Spend your day in port walking around town and checking out local beaches or exploring Gibraltar’s most famous landmark, the massive rock that shares its name. During a Gibraltar cruise port of call, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this scenic and historically significant area of the UK and learn about its interesting culture.

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Ponta Delgada, Azores: Your ship will pull into port right by the city and you’re a short walk away from the whitewashed buildings, arches and waterfront promenade that make this city so visually appealing to visitors. Beyond the city center of Ponta Delgada is much to explore. A Ponta Delgada cruise port of call is the gateway to the lush nature of São Miguel, which is the largest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago. São Miguel has cloud forests, volcanoes, crater lakes, botanical gardens and pretty beaches next to dramatic cliffs.