DAY 1: UK - Venice - Venice area.
Fly to Venice, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the Venice area for an overnight stay. (D)

DAY 2: Venice area - Lake Maggiore.
This morning enjoy the included canal boat ride in Venice. You may also like to choose to join our optional city sightseeing with local guide and a typical Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. This afternoon we travel towards the shores of Lake Maggiore for three nights. (B, D)

DAY 3: Lake Maggiore. Included excursion to Zermatt.
There's a chance to experience the breathtaking majesty of the mighty Matterhorn as we take you on a full-day included excursion to the famous Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt, a car-free zone steeped in old-fashioned charm. An added bonus is the included ride on the scenic Zermatt Alpine train. (B)

DAY 4: Lake Maggiore.
Set between Piedmont and Lombardy, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or enjoy some of the many activities available in the Lake Maggiore area, including boating, walking and shopping. Why not join our optional boat trip to the Borromean islands of Pescatori and Isola Bella, exquisite jewels set in the centre of the azure lake? Along the way, you can enjoy marvellous views of the lake and the mountains beyond. And there's also time to visit the extravagant Borromeo Palace, built like a ship anchored just off the shoreline. (B)

DAY 5: Lake Maggiore - Lugano - Lake Como.
Three picturesque lakes are on the agenda today as we leave the southern part of Lake Maggiore and cross the border into Switzerland, heading for beautiful Lake Lugano and the stylish city which also bears its name. We then cross back into Italy and drive to the shores of Lake Como for a two-night stay. (B, D)

DAY 6: Lake Como. Included excursion to Bellagio.
Inspiring everyone from Roman senators to great composers, Como is the romantic image of the lakes, its cobalt blue waters lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens and grand villas. Today you are free to relax and get to know the area. From Cadenabbia's attractive waterside promenade you can take steamer trips on the lake, and included in your holiday is a short cruise to Bellagio, which occupies one of the most scenic positions in all Italy. (B, D)

DAY 7: Lake Como - Sirmione - Verona - Lake Garda area.
We pay a visit to Sirmione, a picturesque spa town on the shores of Lake Garda, with typical narrow cobbled streets and many shops and ice cream parlours. Continue to the lovely, historic city of Verona for a stop to see Juliet's balcony. This delightful medieval city is in a beautiful mountain-backed setting on the winding River Adige. Continue to Lake Garda for overnight. (B, D)

DAY 8: Lake Garda area - Venice.
Transfer to Venice and embark your cruise ship, MSC Musica. (B, D)

DAY 9: Bari.
Facing the Adriatic, on the edges of the plateau of the Terra di Bari, Bari is divided into two main parts marked out by the Corso Vittorio Emanuele: the old city, a network of medieval streets and monuments, where visitors will lose themselves in the beauty of the impressive Romanesque-Pugliese structures, and the quarters which were developed after 1820 and characterised by perfectly straight streets and squares. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Katakolon.
Katakolon on Greece's Peloponnese is the gateway to ancient Olympia, which was not only the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it was also a sanctuary dedicated to the god Zeus. Highlights of an optional excursion to Olympia include the ruins of the spectacular Temple of Zeus and the vast stadium, built to hold 45,000 spectators. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Santorini, Greece - Mykonos, Greece.
Santorini is a beautiful crescent shaped island with sheer cliffs that rise out of the sea. Visit Thira town thought by many to be the lost city of Atlantis. Take a walk through the streets, with their characteristic white houses, with blue domed roofs and wonderful views over the sea. In the evening the ship docks at the fascinating Greek island of Mykonos famed for its cosmopolitan nightlife and Greek hospitality. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Piraeus (for Athens), Greece.
After breakfast why not join an optional sightseeing tour of the Acropolis and Athens? The tour includes a visit to the Parthenon and the Acropolis museum, followed by a tour of the city by coach. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Corfu.
This picturesque island is a popular holiday destination, and is known for its splendid beaches. The Old Town of Corfu has many colourful shops and lovely arcades and the surrounding countryside is filled with rich orange and olive groves. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Dubrovnik.
Noted for its imposing buildings, squares and fortified walls, Dubrovnik is Croatia's best preserved medieval city. It lies on the rugged southerly coast beside olive and pine bordered shingle beaches. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Venice - UK.
Early morning arrival in Venice is a wonderful lasting memory. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)