Day 3
Verona is one of the most pleasing cities in Italy and today we have a guided walking tour to appreciate it at its best, discovering its hidden side too. We approach through the centuries-old city walls and when you enter the old town, you can’t help but admire the medieval buildings with their contrasting frescoes underneath archways unchanged for centuries. Then there is the market place, dating from Roman times, replete with reminders of the city’s past.
The tragic story of Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona – you can even see the balcony where the immortal words ‘O Romeo, Romeo’ were reputedly spoken. The Roman arena is awe-inspiring but there are also medieval and Renaissance squares and courtyards to explore, as well as a 12th-century cathedral that houses a piece by Titian. The Roman Theatre is a must, as is the dazzling display of colour at one of the Renaissance’s finest gardens.
This afternoon is free so you can explore the city as you wish before we return to the hotel.
Day 4
This afternoon we transfer to Venice, where we board the Azamara Quest. Guests of Riviera Travel will also enjoy an exclusive wine pairing event on board, hosted by one of the ship’s own experts.
Our floating boutique hotel sets sail in the early evening, so there may be time for a brief wander in Venice to experience its timeless bridges, charming canals and handsome Piazza San Marco.
Day 5
This morning we find ourselves in Croatia’s beautiful Istrian peninsula and Rovinj, perhaps its most picturesque fishing harbour, with free time to explore. Set on an oval peninsula, the charming old town has managed to preserve its character better than anywhere else along the western coast. Lose yourself in the web of medieval lanes and cobbled piazzas, with the splendid church as a guide to help you get your bearings. Amble along the harbour to observe the colourful Venetian-era buildings close to the water’s edge and pause for a drink in one of the waterside cafés before we depart early this evening.
Day 6
This morning we arrive in bewitching Hvar island, one of the sunniest places in Europe with an average of 7.7 hours of sunshine per day. Wander into the little town, where medieval walls surround ornate Gothic palaces and pedestrianised marble streets so compact they don’t even have names. Fed by fresh springs, the island is unusually lush with olive groves, vineyards and lavender fields.
The Azamara Quest remains moored till later tonight so after a delicious dinner on board, why not stroll through Hvar to see its lively nightlife?
Day 7
We cruise along the breathtaking Dalmatian coast to bustling Split, Croatia’s second-largest city and a fantastic place to observe local life. Set against dramatic mountains overlooking the turquoise Adriatic, the exuberant city perfectly blends tradition with modernity.
It’s perhaps best-known for Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed site that has survived in remarkable condition since it was built in the 4th century. Let our local guide bring to life Split’s old town and this fascinating palace on our included walking tour. No expense was spared in the palace’s construction: marble came from Italy, while columns and sphinxes were imported from Egypt. During medieval times, a jumble of buildings was constructed around it and some structures were repurposed, such as the temple to Jupiter that became a baptistry. Today, some 3,000 people still live within its walls.
As we enjoy another delicious dinner on board tonight, the ship continues its journey along the beautiful Dalmatian coast.
Day 8
Early risers can enjoy stunning views of the spectacular Dalmatian coastline as we cruise to Korčula island, where vineyards, olive groves and tiny villages harbour a glorious old town. According to legend it was founded by a Trojan hero in the 12th century, and some claim it’s also the birthplace of Marco Polo. During your free time here, why not visit the Marco Polo Museum and see the house rumoured to have been his residence? Perhaps refresh yourself with a glass of grk, a full-bodied white wine with a citrus lift that perfectly complements shellfish.
After a wonderful day of exploring, return to the ship and relax as the Azamara Quest departs this lovely island tonight.
Day 9
Today we discover the many delights of Dubrovnik, whose enchanting walled old town never ceases to amaze. Explore its limestone streets, admire the many Baroque buildings and walk along the ancient city walls for beautiful views over the town and the shimmering Adriatic Sea.
Join our expert local guide for an included tour of the old town’s landmarks and intriguing history. Dubrovnik threw off its Venetian masters in medieval times and founded a commercial empire. The economic boom that resulted in the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ found expression in the likes of the Rector’s Palace, now a museum, and Sponza Palace, which currently houses centuries of historical city documents.
The Azamara Quest departs this wonderful city later tonight, giving you ample time to further your discovery and experience Dubrovnik after dusk.
Day 10
This morning we find ourselves in ruggedly beautiful Montenegro, named for its towering mountains that appear black when viewed from the sea. We dock in Kotor, a dramatically located town in the spectacular Boka Bay, overlooked by brooding mountains and guarded by medieval stone walls. The old centre is a maze of museums, churches, café-filled squares and Venetian palaces.
Today’s itinerary includes a guided tour of old Kotor, plus a visit to the nearby town of Perast and the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Despite its tiny size Perast boasts 16 churches and 17 mansions – echoes of a wealthy and powerful past. We take a short boat ride to a man-made island to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, a small church resplendent with Baroque art and silver votive tablets.
After a fascinating day we return to the ship, which departs this incredibly scenic country in the late afternoon.
Day 11
You have a full day at sea to make the most of the Azamara Quest’s superb facilities. Indulge in a treatment at the Sanctum Spa, rejuvenate yourself with a class at the fitness centre or lounge on the pool deck. If you wish to relax in your room, there’s entertainment on demand and live TV. Evenings aboard as just as enjoyable, with thrilling shows at the Cabaret Lounge and intimate performances in the Living Room.
Day 12
This morning we arrive in Sorrento facing the Bay of Naples and perched high atop cliffs. Stylish and elegant, the resort rose to fame when it became popular with Europe’s aristocracy in the late 18th century. Before you begin exploring this vibrant Italian town, we step back in time with our local guide to Pompeii, Europe’s most intriguing archaeological site and a startling reminder of Mount Vesuvius’ destructive forces. Our tour highlights its astonishing state of preservation – streets, temples and even an amphitheatre remain largely intact as everything was buried under scalding mud and ash.
Afterwards, you have the afternoon free to see the sights of Sorrento. Wander its narrow alleys and winding streets lined by chic shops and cosy restaurants.
Late this afternoon, we begin our cruise across the Tyrrhenian Sea towards France. After dinner on board, we venture into the heart of Livorno for an operatic evening at the Goldoni Theatre. Established in 1847, this grand venue is one of the most stunning in Italy. You'll be shown to your reserved seat for an operatic performance by sensational sopranos, accompanied by a masterful pianist. Be dazzled by classic Italian favourites and renditions of more contemporary songs.
Day 13
After a leisurely morning on board the ship we arrive this afternoon in Ajaccio, capital of Corsica and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Stroll through the historic quarter, where the vestiges of the past mingle with modernity. You may wish to discover the enduring legacy of France’s greatest military leader at the pink-hued town hall or his ancestral home, now a national museum devoted to the Bonaparte family. History aside, Ajaccio has an outstanding art museum that houses the largest French collection of Italian paintings outside the Louvre, with masterpieces by Titian and Botticelli.
You have the afternoon and most of the evening to get acquainted with Ajaccio before the ship continues its homeward journey.
Day 14
After breakfast, we disembark in Nice and transfer to the airport for our flight home.