Italy Cruise: Hidden Treasures from Florence to Venice (2022)

Arrive in Florence, centrepiece of the Renaissance, and transfer to your hotel. Join fellow guests for a welcome dinner this evening.
The Westin Excelsior | Meals: D

Explore this cultural metropolis with a choice of curated excursions. Choose to discover iconic Florentine sites during a guided walk in the historic centre, followed by a stroll through the Oltrarno District. Alternately, leave the city behind for the rolling hills of Tuscany. There, meet a truffle hunter and his faithful dog and discover the history of this prized delicacy before savouring a truffle-themed lunch. Art lovers can head to the Accademia Gallery to see one of the most iconic sculptures ever created, Michelangelo’s David, and visit the Uffizi Gallery, where masterpieces such as Da Vinci’s The Annunciation and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus hold court. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Florence.
The Westin Excelsior, Florence |Meals: BL

Experience more of the treasures of Tuscany, choosing from excursions designed for discovery in Florence, Pisa and Lucca. History buffs can opt for a visit to Palazzo Vecchio, the former residence of the powerful Medici clan, with its interior apartments featuring works by Michelangelo and Donatello. You may also depart for Pisa to take in its grand Baptistery, the Campo Santo, the Duomo and the world-famous Leaning Tower. Alternately, visit the charming city of Lucca and stroll its picturesque town centre. See the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which follows the curve of the original Roman amphitheatre, and the impressive 16th-century city walls and ramparts. Later, drive to Livorno to board ‘Le Bougainville’ and enjoy your first dinner aboard your luxury, all-balcony mega-yacht. 
'Le Bougainville' |Meals: BLD

Your first port of call lures you beyond the borders of Italy for a not-to-be-missed chance to experience Corsica. Set out on an excursion that introduces you to the city of Bastia, a place of Baroque churches and a charming harbor front. Gather for one of the day’s highlights, an awe-inspiring Corsican choir performance presented just for A&K guests. Visit the Mattei distillery shop to sample the city’s signature aperitif, Cap Corse, a wine with a uniquely bittersweet profile. Join your fellow guests for lunch at a local restaurant and a true taste of Corsican life. Alternately, explore the mountainous heights of Bastia on a hike, taking in superb views of the city and shoreline. 
'Le Bougainville' | Meals: BLD

Disembark this morning in the port of Civitavecchia and board a motorcoach for the drive to Rome, where you have your pick of expertly designed excursions. If you are a food lover, opt for a three-hour, hands-on lesson in the art of Italian cuisine, visiting a fresh market and learning the secrets to making delectable pasta and tiramisu. Alternately, discover the Vatican and enjoy an afternoon viewing its incomparable treasures. You may also tour central Rome’s narrow streets and sunny piazzas — including world-famous Trevi Fountain — and pay a private visit to Palazzo Colonna. Another alternative features a panoramic tour with various stops, including the Colosseum, and some time at leisure in the lively Trastevere district.
'Le Bougainville' |Meals: BLD

Spend the day cruising the Tyrrenian Sea, later enjoying postcard-worthy views of the Aeolian Islands and the volcanic peak of Stromboli. In the evening, arrive at the island of Lipari, where you may disembark for sightseeing or some time at leisure in the lovely town.
'Le Bougainville'| Meals: BLD

Begin your exploration of Sicily with a choice of three inspiring excursions. In the first, take in the sites of capital city Palermo, including the Teatro Massimo, Palermo’s Duomo; the Quattro Canti, a spectacular Baroque square; and the 12th-century Cataldo Church. Another option is a journey into Sicily’s rich cuisine, starting with a shopping expedition to a local market in Palermo. Proceed to a private city palazzo (palace) for a three-hour, hands-on cooking class, where you learn the importance of food to Sicilian culture and prepare a four-course lunch. You may also opt to enjoy a scenic drive to Erice; walk up the hill to the historic town and enjoy tantalizing Sicilian views, as well as its own distinctive almond pastries. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and later visit Segesta, one of the finest Greek temples in the world, before returning to the ship for dinner.
'Le Bougainville'| Meals: BLD

Explore the eastern shore of Sicily with a day in and around Taormina, a clifftop city of narrow, store-packed streets and spectacular views. Walk the city with a local guide and visit the Greek Theatre, a great vantage point for viewing Mount Etna. Alternately, explore Catania and a private garden. If you prefer to get up close to Sicily’s greatest landmark, take a 4x4 excursion to Mount Etna, viewing its stunning crater and learning about this volcanic peak’s history; or, after a scenic drive, enjoy a special Etna wine tasting and local specialties
'Le Bougainville' |Meals: BLD

Relish a day of relaxation, enjoying the amenities of your ship and more engaging presentations by our experts.
'Le Bougainville'| Meals: BLD

Disembark in Puglia’s coastal Manfredonia for an array of excursions. These include the choice to visit the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages where the original grotto of the Archangel is said to have been consecrated. Or, choose to hike in Gargano National Park, a place of serene paths, beautiful sea views and rich history. 
'Le Bougainville'| Meals: BLD

Further up the coast, in the Marches region, lies the port of Ancona, your starting point for an inspiring afternoon. One excursion takes you to Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its Renaissance art and architecture. Enter the stately Palazzo Ducale, where masterworks by Raphael and Titian are on display. Alternately, privately visit the Villa Imperiale in Pesaro, or participate in a Jesi wine experience in the breathtaking countryside. 
'Le Bougainville'| Meals: BLD

A worthy finale, Venice is an endlessly inspiring place, and today’s excursions reveal it the way you wish to experience it. Choose a comprehensive walking tour of the island, including must-sees like St. Mark’s Square as well as places more off the beaten track, such as Frari Church, where Renaissance painter Titian is interred. Another option is a discovery of the island city by privatized water taxi, making stops to admire St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Lovers of local delights can opt for a visit to Mazzorbo Island, known for its walled vineyards.
'Le Bougainville'| Meals: BLD

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your departing flight or continue on A&K’s post-tour extension. 
Meals: B

This journey contains some active elements, including walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.

Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.

Minimum age is 7 years.

Categories 4–8 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.

First group event: welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Sep 13.

Last group event: disembarkation at 9:00 a.m. on Sep 25.