Jewels of Italy by Rail with Greek and Dalmatian Delights

Begin your journey in Istanbul and be transferred to your ship, the luxurious Seabourn Encore. This evening, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at a welcome reception as your ship sets sail.

Arrive in Canakkale in the morning and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula to experience the Anzac legend first-hand. Witness an array of trenches and memorials that remain as a tribute to those who have lost their lives in the First World War. Take a memorable visit to Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair.

Travel by coach to one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus. Delve deep into the ancient city’s history and imagine its former splendour in the Roman Empire. Grand buildings border wide streets. See the library of Celsus, built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator who had a great love for books. Later, savour lunch and a folklore show at a local handicraft museum before returning to your ship.

Today visit Patmos, a tiny island with a vast history, first settled in 1088. The island was deserted for centuries because of constant raids by pirates and the Turks and is now a quiet respite from other more popular Greek Isles. Enjoy time at leisure in town and delight in panoramic views over the Bay of Patmos and the stretch of islands in the archipelago beyond. Perhaps choose to join one of the optional sightseeing tours on offer (own expense).

Arrive in Rhodes, the most well-known of the Dodecanese Islands. Witness the stunning architecture in the old town, a patchwork of styles reflecting the island’s varying inhabitants over time. Embark on a journey to Lindos, where you’ll visit the charming village and the awe-inspiring Acropolis. Then, delve into this location’s rich history with a visit to two Captains’ houses, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Open exclusively for APT guests, venture through these stately mansions to discover their unique architecture, grand entrances, ornate doorways and impressive courtyards.

Relish a day at leisure as the ship sails along the coast and explore the incredible amenities on board. Enjoy a spa treatment (own expense) or savour a delicious meal at one of the ship’s many restaurants.

Venture ashore to the island of Spetsai and discover why it tantalises all the senses. Perhaps visit the historic old town to discover a spectacular harbour, unique shops and exceptional restaurants, some of the finest in the Saronic Gulf.

Arrive in the ancient capital of Athens and enjoy a tour of the city’s most popular sites including the legendary Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the historic neighbourhood of Plaka. Step back in time as you walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets that the Ancient Greeks once called home.

Today, dock in the charming medieval town of Monemvasia. This small island is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets as it is carved from a sea rock and only accessible by causeway. The remoteness of this spectacular location is reflected in its name, translating to single passage. The day is yours at leisure to explore. Perhaps ascend to the top of the hill and indulge in stunning views of the sea.

Relish an exciting Signature Experience in Olympia, discovering more about this stunning location’s history and culture. 

Signature Experience – Olympia and Olive Oil Press Embark on a guided tour of UNESCO’s Archaeological Site and Museum of Olympia, delving deep into ancient local life. Witness the locations where the athletes prepared for their events and where the races were held. The temples were all destroyed after the athletic contests ended in AD393 and the Temple of Zeus began to decay. Admire the wondrous remains of the pediments of the Temple of Zeus, located in the heart of the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Olympia. Then, visit a local olive oil press to learn about the production of this essential ingredient, widely used in dishes around the world. Savour a tasting of the local produce and celebrate the notes of its unique flavour composition. 

Sail along the coast today and enjoy a day on board the ship. Perhaps relax with a drink at one of the onboard bars, attend an informative lecture or simply marvel at the breathtaking view from your comfortable suite.

Set out on a walking tour of Dubrovnik’s old town before you enjoy a special experience. 

Signature Experience – Lazareti of Dubrovnik The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lazareti of Dubrovnik are a group of interconnected buildings located near the old town walls that were once used as a quarantine station. The impressive structures were built in the 1600s to protect the city of Dubrovnik from the plague and cholera. Here, merchants, sailors and travellers went through mandatory isolation before being allowed to enter Dubrovnik. Later, enjoy a welcome drink and relish a traditional dance performed by the Linđo Folklore Ensemble.   

Considered the sunniest place in Croatia, Hvar is known for spectacular beaches and lush forests. Take in the sweeping vistas of Hvar on a guided walking tour. Known as the ‘Queen of the Dalmation Islands’, Hvar has many highlights including Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Enjoy time at leisure to explore, or perhaps join one of the optional sightseeing tours (own expense).

Perched on a domed headland, Rovinj is located on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia’s northern Adriatic coast. Take a walking tour through Rovinj’s cobbed narrow streets before a special experience. 

Signature Experience - Rovinj Rovinj is an active fishing port where you can experience the atmosphere of a small fishing village. Visit Batana Boat Museum, which is dedicated to the traditional wooden vessels known as batàna. You’ll then finish your tour with a delicious lunch accompanied by live music in a spàcio, a traditional meeting place for Rovinj’s local workers and fisherman.   

After breakfast, disembark Seabourn Encore for the final time. Then, join a walking tour of beautiful Venice and savour a cicchetti tasting, sampling a selection of small plates typical to the region. Admire the city’s many alluring canals dotted with gondolas and witness Italian Gothic architecture.

This morning, board a comfortable high-speed train and head towards historic Florence. On arrival, visit the Galleria dell’Accademia and stare in awe at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David, a true sight to behold. Afterwards, set out on a tour of the romantic city of Florence, immersing yourself in the bustling lanes and admiring sublime locations including the intricate marble Duomo and the fascinating Opera del Duomo. Later, indulge in free time to explore more of the birthplace of the Renaissance before dinner at a local restaurant.

Travel to the medieval city of Siena by coach and explore the historic centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the magnificent striped façade and intricate ornamentation of the Duomo. Then, wander around the Piazza del Campo, a typical Tuscan town square that was once a vibrant medieval marketplace. Take in your surrounds of brick buildings adorned with red awnings and a traditional tower, Torre del Mangia. Later, head into the heart of the lush Chianti wine region in central Tuscany for a tantalising wine tasting before returning to Florence. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. For dinner, perhaps try a local trattoria with traditional pasta dishes typical of the region.

Journey by regional train from Florence to the enchanting city of Lucca, once home to the composers Luigi Boccherini and Giacomo Puccini. Spend time on a tour of this quaint medieval walled city and stroll through the cobbled streets, lined with colourful buildings and decorated with green shutters. Afterwards, travel to Pietrasanta on the coast of northern Tuscany where you will spend the next two nights.

Journey to Carrara on a regional train. On arrival, board 4WD vehicles to see the impressive marble quarries of Carrara and join a tour of the site. Afterwards, savour a lunch featuring a local specialty, Colonnata’s Lard. Later, return to Pietrasanta to enjoy an evening at leisure.

Today, absorb the sweeping vistas of the Cinque Terre, before efficiently traversing the rural Ligurian landscape from La Spezia to Genoa by high-speed train. Arrive in Genoa, your home for the next two nights.

Signature Experience - Cinque Terre Cruise

In Portovenere, board a private motorboat and cruise to the Cinque Terre, taking in views of Italy’s most picturesque coastline along the way. Indulge in a delectable lunch and a wine tasting.

Embark on an in-depth tour of the lively port city of Genoa, well-known for playing a pivotal role in maritime trade over the centuries, and delve into the history of migration to Australia. Later, take part in a pesto cooking class followed by lunch. Originating in Genoa, ‘Pesto alla genovese’ is a delicious basil-based sauce commonly paired with pasta dishes.

This morning, travel from Genoa to Milan via a high-speed train. On arrival in the fashion capital, take a walking tour of Milan past the detailed Duomo terraces and the lavish opera house Teatro alla Scala. Soak in the dramatic contrast of these wide, cosmopolitan streets with the charming Tuscan laneways that you recently walked through.  Later, tantalise your taste buds with a traditional Milanese aperitivo, a combination of drinks, snacks typical of the region and conversations with friends prior to dinner. Perhaps try a local restaurant for dinner as you have the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Spend the day relishing undeniably outstanding views of Italy’s Lake District, stretching across Italy’s north. Enjoy a full day tour to the glamourous Lake Como. Home to celebrities and awe-inspiring villas, this idyllic location is one of Italy’s best with its dramatic scenery of manicured gardens and aqua blue water. Later, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner.

This morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.