A Journey of Sunset Shores & Mediterranean Icons

Day

Date

Arrival

Departure

8th Jun 2027 Tuesday

Civitavecchia (Rome)

20:00

The capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and inspiring ancient sites. At the same time, it's alive and vibrant in a 21st-century way. It's an unforgettable city to visit, and we'll warn you right now that once you've experienced it, you'll want to go back for more.

One of our favorite things to do there is walk and ogle. On a recent visit, we took one day to do the route from Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica -- with its jaw-dropping art, statuary, and religious significance -- to Via del Corso, where our quest for the latest Italian fashions was more than fulfilled amidst the well-dressed crowd of Roman shoppers. The next day, we went on an ancient history quest past ruins and columns, traversing the same streets Julius Caesar strode (and rode) to the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Walking on, we were awed by the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient symbol of Rome and now a great hangout spot.

First-time visitors, many envisioning Rome as big and congested, will be surprised by the scenic layout, with its famous seven hills and the Tiber River running through the city. (Cleopatra famously made her grand entrance from the river.) And the senses may be shocked by the general energy, hustle and bustle. With cars, taxis and scooters roaring here and there, crossing the street can be a challenge. (Don't worry; there are quiet piazzas aplenty with lovely cafes where you can get away from it all and unwind.)

The food is, of course, wonderful -- we can't eat enough pasta -- and the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. Whenever we do such a quest in Rome, we do regular gelato stops (try the yummy pine nut flavor) or coffee breaks. And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci, Armani and more. (High style can be found in more affordable brands like Furla, as well.) What could be better than that?

No question, Rome has one of the world's most important collections of once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and on and on and on. And for those historic monuments alone, the city is worth a visit.

But if you're on an itinerary where Rome is just a port of call for the day, you won't see everything. Either resign yourself to that fact, or book a tour that will at least drive you by the main sights. Be aware the port for Rome, Civitavecchia, is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city. (There is decent train service.) If you're beginning or ending your cruise there, plan to stay at least a couple of nights to explore the Eternal City; it's likely to steal a piece of your heart. Make sure to drop a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is said to assure you'll come back again.

9th Jun 2027 Wednesday

Naples

07:00

17:00

9th Jun 2027 Wednesday

Capri

20:00

Think of Capri -- one of the world's most glamorous destinations, beloved of literati (including George Hemingway) and glitterati (from Elizabeth Taylor to Tom Cruise) -- and you might well picture French Riviera-style winding mountain roads with dazzling sea views leading to stylish enclaves filled with gorgeous whitewashed villas, classy hotels, elegant shops and intimate restaurants. In some respects, you'd be spot-on. But if you arrive at Marina Grande, the island's bustling main harbor, with only that picture in mind, you'll be in for a disappointment, as you need to take a bus, taxi or cable car ride up to Capri Town and Anacapri to see the island's more elegant side. What you'll find at Marina Grande, and along its harborfront, are cheap and cheerful restaurants, a small and rather scrubby shale beach, and shops selling cheap beachwear, souvenirs and gelato. This is not surprising, as Capri (the emphasis is on the Cap rather than the ri) lies just three miles off the Italian coast and, along with its sister island, Ischia, is served by regular ferries bearing tourists and daytrippers from Naples (the nearest big port) and Sorrento. So your arrival might be a bit of a hassle. But look -- and go -- beyond the immediate hubbub of the harbor and this astonishingly beautiful island will soon exert its spell. Capri is really a group of gigantic limestone cliffs surrounded by sapphire seas, and the higher up you go, the better the views you'll get. The island has three towns: Marina Grande, the gateway for all travelers by hydrofoil, motorboat or cruise ship tender; Capri Town with its upscale boutiques including Prada, Versace and Gucci; and Anacapri, near the peak of Mount Solaro. At 1,933 feet above sea level, Anacapri is the island's highest spot. So as you might imagine, the views are amazing, and the 12-minute cable car trip up Mount Solaro is an absolute delight. You'll look down over whitewashed villas dotted with scarlet bougainvillea; breathe in the heady fragrance of groves filled with lemon trees, and spot flower-filled gardens, many sporting colourful religious shrines made from seashells. Capri is an island which rewards patient travelers. Waiting in line might seem like a national sport in Marina Grande during the hot summer months when daytrippers descend. But hang on in there, for this magical island -- once the private playground of Emperor Tiberius and a magnet for the bronzed and the beautiful since the '50s -- is simply spectacular.

10th Jun 2027 Thursday

Capri

02:00