As you sail this expertly-designed itinerary, you’ll not only experience a journey along some of Europe’s most scenic coastlines, but also journey through centuries of fascinating history and culture at beautiful destinations in Italy and the Adriatic. Delve into the importance of the Renaissance period at its birthplace, Florence. Tour to this enchanting city from Livorno and discover how its culture, art and architecture were influenced by iconic figures such as da Vinci and Michelangelo; and explore the history of the Medici family. Elsewhere in Italy, revel in the beauty and charms of the Amalfi Coast, during scenic cruising and time ashore in Amalfi Town, with its whitewash villas, vivacious piazzas and famous limoncello liqueur, and Sorrento, boasting postcard-perfect views of legendary Mount Vesuvius and Naples. Learn of Venetian history at the very heart of it too; you’ve ample time in Venice to visit its famous palaces and basilica, and see its many other landmarks via a gondola ride on the city’s canals. Along the Dalmatian Coast, in Croatia and Montenegro, you’ll get a feel for how far the Venetians spread their influence too; visits to Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor afford chances to explore these historic cities to the full and see the architectural stamps left by their neighbours from across the Adriatic. Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites of Dubrovnik and Split’s enchanting old towns, and stroll through tales of centuries past amongst their ancient walls, terracotta-topped buildings, churches and monasteries. Amongst scenes of magnificent Montenegrin landscapes, Kotor’s Venetian Works of Defence, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, are a particular highlight to discover too, while you’ll enjoy an unforgettable sunrise sail to Kotor via the fjord-like Bay of Kotor too. There’s also a call at Zadar, the perfect base from which to journey to the beautiful Krka National Park, with its waterfalls and walking trails, though you may opt to stay within the city and take in sites such as Land Gate – another of Croatia’s famous historical highlights.