Italy and the Dalmatian Coast

Fly from London to join Minerva in the port of Piraeus. The ancient city of Athens has the most glorious history in the world and is the birthplace of democracy. Discover the Acropolis and the state-of-the-art museum, or perhaps enjoy a drive to the extensive site of Old Corinth, once a rich trading city. Sail away from Piraeus in the early afternoon for a transit of the famed Corinth Canal at dusk. Opened in 1893, this narrow channel across the isthmus dramatically shortened the shipping route between Athens and the west.

Spend the following day settling into life on board, getting to know your fellow passengers and listening to your Guest Speakers’ introductory talks before Minerva calls at Kotor situated at the head of southern Europe’s deepest fjord. Explore the medieval old town, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and ancient houses, or venture over the mountains to visit Cetinje, former royal capital and cradle of religious life and culture. A short distance away along the Dalmatian coastline lies the beautiful city-state of Dubrovnik. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, visiting the Baroque Cathedral and Franciscan Monastery, while a scenic drive along the Riviera, with panoramic views of Dubrovnik, leads to the pretty seaside resort of Cavtat.

In 295AD the Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered the building of a magnificent palace for his retirement in Split. Discover the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace for yourself as well as the cathedral that was built reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum.

Ensure you are on deck as Minerva sails into the magnificent city of Venice late this morning viewing the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Square from the water. Disembark this afternoon to view its architectural masterpieces at first hand as you explore the city on foot. In the Doge’s Palace view paintings by Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese, glorifying the Venetian state and take advantage of an overnight in port to enjoy dinner ashore. A second day in Venice allows you time to enjoy a boat ride to the islands of Torcello & Murano or take a gondola ride and visit a privately-owned Palace, a wonderful opportunity to get behind the façade of Venice’s wonderful buildings. Sail south to Ravenna, a glittering showcase for Byzantine art and view a unique collection of early Christian mosaics described as a symphony of colour by Dante in his Divine Comedy.

Enjoy Minerva’s congenial atmosphere, comfortable lounges and extensive Library as you cruise for two days south along the Adriatic Sea and through the Messina Strait, to Salerno, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Discover the Graeco-Roman city of Paestum, often overlooked by visitors and free from crowds where three well preserved Doric temples, including the Temple of Neptune, stand.

Finally sail into the Bay of Naples to Italy’s third largest city, Naples. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii offers an unparalleled view of ancient domestic architecture while sculpture and mosaics from the devastated cities can be viewed at the fascinating Archaeological Museum.

Cruise Message:

Special offer terms and conditions:

**To qualify for free insurance all passengers must be under 85 years of age at time of booking with no pre-existing medical conditions, further restrictions and terms apply, available on request. Offer only available on bookings confirmed by 31 May 2012.
***Complimentary return UK chauffeur service is available for all passengers booking in cabin grades A, B and C, travelling within 75 miles of Portsmouth or your departing airport.  Excess mileage charges on journeys over 75 miles will apply.

Itineraries and timings may be subject to change.