Intrepid Travel and Celebrity Cruises: Italian and Croatian Highlights

Ciao! Welcome to Italy. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Manerba del Garda, situated on the shores of Lake Garda – the largest lake in Italy, known for its crystal-clear waters, medieval fortresses and mountains. If you arrive early maybe go wine tasting in Bardolino, hike in the surrounding mountains or simply get your bearings with a stroll through town. Tonight, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a local restaurant.

Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am this morning. After your welcome meeting, set off on an orientation walk through Manerba de Garda. With remains from the Mesolithic period, discover stilt houses and beautiful beaches. Then, stop at a local winery for lunch before enjoying a free afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace.

Today is free for you to choose your own adventure! You might take a cable car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo for panoramic views of the lake or visit Isola del Garda – the largest island on Lake Garda and part of the commune of San Felice del Benaco. Later, you could stroll through the Heller Botanical Gardens, relax in the thermal spas or set off on a bike ride through the cliffside tunnels in Limone.

This morning, set off on a guided walking tour of Verona. Explore the romantic city famed for its Roman Arena and the legendary balcony of Juliet’s house from Romeo and Juliet. Stroll through its bustling piazzas and historic architecture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage–listed city. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!

Today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe lace up your walking boots and set off along the scenic Old Ponale Road Path near Riva del Garda orvisit Limone sul Garda – a town known for its lemon groves and traditional limoncello. Or head into the Dolomites – the scenic mountain range that forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps. In the afternoon, maybe explore the lake on a sunset cruise, visit the grand villa and gardens of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio at Vittoriale degli Italiani or discover the medieval castle in Arco.

This morning, board a ferry to Sirmione – a lakeside town known for its thermal baths and Roman ruins. When you arrive, set off on a guided walk through the Grotte di Catullo – the fascinating ruins of a 1st-century Roman villa overlooking Lake Garda. As you wander through the ancient stone walls, hear the stories and learn about life in Roman times. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in Sirmione – maybe discover the historic Scaliger Castle, stroll through the town centre, Centro Storico Sirmione, or visit Chiesa di San Pietro. Later, take the ferry back across Lake Garda. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner.

After a morning spent at your leisure, rejoin your group for lunch at a local restaurant in Manerba de Garda. If you haven’t got your pizza and pasta fix yet, be sure to tuck in! The rest of the afternoon is free for you to wrap up your Lake Garda exploration. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

As there are no further activities, your tour comes to an end this morning. Catch the Italian high-speed rail to Venice  where you’ll find a canal-filled city that is equal parts gritty and romantic, known as a fishermen’s town turned cultural hub. Venice is popular for honeymooners and international tourists alike, filling the elaborate, sinuous system of canals with the buzz of activity. Like Rome and Florence, there’s a magic to the city’s energy that sweeps you up in it, whether you’re exploring St. Mark’s Square on foot or enjoying a gondola ride along the Grand Canal before sailing from Ravenna.

Stay: 4* Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena by IHG

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours early to smoothly navigate check-in and boarding. All ship amenities are open and ready, so kickstart your cruise with a refreshing drink or a delicious snack

Lined with palm trees, this Adriatic seaside town is also a cultural mecca. Within the walls of the Diocletian Palace, you'll discover historical buildings, numerous museums, the National Theatre and a collection of old churches. Culture, beauty, natural wonder – your Split cruise has it all. The mixture of old and new is very pronounced here. Everywhere there are signs and evidence left behind from the city’s previous conquerors namely the Romans and Austro-Hungarians and there is no better place to view them than in Split’s Old City. The Old City is so otherworldly that it’s been dedicated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and you’ll encounter the most imposing Roman ruins left on Earth, including the Diocletian’s Palace which was built facing the harbor in 4 A.D. for the Roman Emperor. This sprawling, expansive structure was built to be an all-in-one fortress/imperial residence/fortified town. The Cathedral of St. Domnius stands as one of the most pristine and preserved examples of ancient Roman architecture in the world. And for a breathtaking, all-encompassing view of Split you won’t soon forget, head to Marajan Hill which is just 10 minutes outside the city.

Established 1,300 years ago on the far southern tip of the Dalmatian Coast, this city once rivaled Venice in terms of its importance. Take a walking tour to the Dominican Monastery and marvel at the finest collection of Renaissance paintings, including a painting by Titian. Prepare to be riveted when first laying eyes on the old walled city on your cruise to Dubrovnik. This land has had many invaders including the Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Romans, Hungarians, and French, to name a few, and it has resulted in a fiercely independent citizenry with dynamic cultural influences. The views of the Adriatic from its rooftops are truly awe-inspiring. If beach-going is on the agenda, make sure to wear appropriate footwear as the beaches here tend to be of the pebbly variety. That said, the beautiful emerald green waters and coves make the slight inconvenience more than worthwhile. And, there’s plenty of seafood, specifically mussels and oysters, deliciously prepared in authentic regional styles on offer at restaurants throughout town.

Kotor, Montenegro- A cruise to Kotor, Montenegro offers up some of the most well-preserved architecture in all the Adriatic coast, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Built in 1166, there are frescoes dating back hundreds of years, and much of the gold and silver relief work done by the city's master craftsmen of that time are held for safe keeping within its walls. Tucked at the secluded tip of a tranquil bay and watched over for millennia by the surrounding mountains, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Located in northeastern Sicily on the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina is an ancient place with a fascinating history. Walk by the ruins of the Santa Maria Alemanna Church, built in 1220 A.D. You'll also want to see the Duomo, a Romanesque and Norman cathedral that includes a display of artifacts in its treasury.

Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is chock full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it an incredible place for you to explore. And in the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Just 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history but also boasts a marvelous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.

While at sea, indulge in some well-deserved relaxation before your next adventure. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, savor exquisite cuisine, or discover the unique venues on board. Your next incredible destination awaits.

Stroll tiny Portofino, a perfectly poised pastel village taking refuge on its own secluded peninsula. Stop at a charming café to get a bite and watch the yachts bobbing in the harbor. Explore the seductive boutiques and art galleries that line the harbor and narrow streets. Discover historic sites like the Church of St. Martin and the Castello Brown fortress. Just down the Italian Rivera awaits Cinque Terre National Park, a seascape of fishing villages carved from the cliffs. Hike through the park on 15th-century footpaths winding through olive groves and vineyards, overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.

La Spezia, which lies between Genoa and Pisa, and is just minutes to the east of Cinque Terre-the five fishing ports that enjoy National Park status-is home to the Palio del Golfo, an annual boat race that sees the Gulf of Poets; 13 historic villages face off against one another in celebration of the annual Festa del Mare. The town also offers fantastic shopping opportunities, as well as plenty of trattorias to enjoy local, Ligurian cuisine

Your cruise may have ended, but the adventure continues . Make your own way from Civitavecchia Rome, Italy’s eternal capital. Explore the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Capitoline Museums, where centuries of art, architecture, and history await. Savour authentic pizza, pasta, seafood, and gelato at traditional trattorias, and wander cobbled piazzas and charming side streets lined with artisan shops—perfect for keepsakes and souvenirs before your flight back to London later this evening,