DAY 1: UK - Rome - Civitavecchia.
Fly to Rome where you will be met by our representative and transferred to Civitavecchia to join your cruise ship, MS Noordam. (D)

DAY 2: At sea.
Time to enjoy the many facilities on board your ship today as you sail towards Dubrovnik. Perhaps sunbathe on deck, take a swim in the pool or enjoy the ship's activity programme. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Dubbed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' and girded by massive walls, the glorious medieval city of Dubrovnik is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stunning beauty. A former city-state whose power rivalled that of Venice, this beautifully preserved town boasts narrow paved streets, sunny squares and graceful palazzi. Enjoy an optional tour, entering through the city's 13th century Pile Gate to witness its elegant Sponza Palace, serene Dominican church and monastery, handsome Rector's Palace and Church of St Blaise. Finish with a stroll along the Stradun, the lovely main thoroughfare lined with handsome mansions and buzzing cafes. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Corfu, Greece.
Corfu is one of the most beautiful Greek Ionian islands and boasts a captivating capital, Corfu Town, overlooked by two massive fortresses. Delve into the tangled streets of its Venetian old quarter today or take an optional excursion to the Achillion Palace set in the island's lush interior. Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II, this lavish mansion is surrounded by exquisite gardens. From here, travel to Kanoni to soak up splendid views over the Convent of Vlacherna and Mouse Island before strolling the atmospheric streets of old Corfu Town and admiring its famous St Spiridon Church. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Katakolon (for Olympia), Greece.
On the western shores of the Peloponnese, Katakolon is the gateway to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. Today, an unmissable optional excursion takes you to this ancient jewel to see the remains of the 2,000 year-old stadium where 40,000 spectators once cheered athletes competing in circuit races and field sports. Marvel at the crumbled 5th century Temple of Zeus, once a mighty Doric-style temple, and visit Olympia village before rejoining your ship. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Santorini, Greece.
Revel in the views as you enter Santorini's main harbour today. This vast bay was formed by a volcanic eruption in 1500 BC and is flanked by vertiginous cliffs crowned by dazzling sugar-cube houses. This morning, choose from a range of exciting optional excursions, perhaps joining a trip to Oia, the island's prettiest town. En-route, you'll learn about Santorini's volcanic landscapes before admiring Oia's blue-domed churches, two-storey houses and labrynthine cobbled lanes crammed with lovely souvenir shops. Afterwards, walk the spectacular cliffside road in Fira before taking the cable car back to your ship. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Kusadasi, Turkey.
Kusadasi lies on Turkey's Aegean Coast just a short drive from Ephesus which you can visit on an optional excursion. One of the world's best-preserved classical cities and once a prosperous coastal settlement visited by Cleopatra and St Paul, Ephesus is believed to have been the Hittite city of Apasa and will bowl you over with its sun-baked antiquities. Stroll its colonnaded marble streets, still grooved by long-ago chariot wheels, see its stunning Celsus Library and marvel at the Odeion, the amphitheatre where political meetings were held. Later, return to Kusadasi to shop in its buzzing bazaars, enjoy a Turkish carpet demonstration or relax on board. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Piraeus (for Athens), Greece.
Another exciting day dawns as your ship docks in Piraeus - the gateway to the Greek capital, Athens. The optional excursions today include a tour of this legendary city to view the splendid Parthenon of its Acropolis, Constitution Square, Plaka district and Hadrian's Arch, a gift to Athens from the Roman Emperor. Alternatively, join an excursion to the Corinth Canal, the incredible four-mile channel connecting the Ionian and Aegean Seas. From there, travel to ancient Corinth to experience the Greek and Roman remains of this once thriving city. Wonder at its Christian Basilica, ruined Greek racetrack and other monuments before heading for Mycenae, one of Greece's finest classical treasures. Once an enormous citadel and home to Agamemnon, the Greek Commander in Chief during the Trojan War, this fascinating site boasts endless enthralling ruins, including its famous Lion's Gate and Beehive Tomb. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: At sea.
Another day to enjoy the comforts and facilities that your ship has to offer as you cruise towards Sicily. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Messina, Sicily.
Steeped in history, Messina is one of Sicily's most colourful towns and has a museum housing masterworks by Caravaggio. Today, a choice of optional excursions beckons including a trip to 11,000-foot, snow-capped Mount Etna, Europe's biggest and most active volcano. Passing through dramatic lava-coated landscapes and timeless villages, you'll take the switchback road up Etna's scenic slopes, enjoying heart-stopping views over forests and vineyards before reaching the mighty Silvestri Crater. Located at 6,000 feet, this epic crater is still riven by lava flows from the volcano's 1983 and 2001 eruptions - a sight you'll never forget. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Civitavecchia - Rome - UK.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport in Rome for your flight to the UK. (B)