A Royal Journey from Roman Shores

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Rome, Italy

  Fly from your chosen regional UK airport to Rome, Italy. On arrival be transferred to your hotel for a 3-night stay.

• Day 2-3: Rome, Italy

  The capital of Italy, Rome, is a sprawling city cosmopolitan city brimming with globally-influential art, architecture, and culture. The three-tiered Roman Colosseum amphitheatre offers fascinating tours of ancient history. The late Renaissance St Peter's Basilica was crafted by Michelangelo and other architects and is a must-see. The crystal blue waters and sculptures of Trevi Fountain will leave you mesmerised. The Roman Forum is the excavated heart of the Roman Empire and provides an insight of age-old times. Vatican Museums are home to Renaissance art treasures and feature the Sistine Chapel frescoes. Take a walk down the famous Spanish Steps. Pay a visit to the bustling Piazza Navona with its Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana del Nettuno fountains, exquisite bars, and talented street artists.

• Day 4: Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy (Embarkation Day)

  After checkout at your hotel be transferred to the port for your 7-night cruise onboard Queen Victoria

• Day 5: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 6: Marseille

  Marseille sits on the Cote d'Azur on the south coast of France. Meander around the Vieux-Port and watch the fishermen land their day's catch, before heading uphill to explore the local artisan boutiques and art galleries in Le Panier old quarter. Pay a visit to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Cathedrale de la Major de Marseille. Step back in time at Musee des Civilisation de l'Europe et de la Mediterranee (MuCEM) and Musee d'Histoire de Marseille. Spend some time enjoying the grand park, 19th-century water features, and museums at Palais Longchamp. Take a short ferry ride to admire the 16th-century Chateau d'If fortress.

• Day 7: Villefranche

  Villefranche on France's Cote d'Azur is today's port of call. Located on a picturesque bay, with Cap de Nice to the right and Cap Ferrat to the left, this port town is the perfect place to spend the day. Meander around the harbour and sea front Quai Courbet, before stopping for morning coffee at Place Amelie Polonnais. Discover the pastel-coloured buildings of the Old Town and view the trompe l'oeil paintings on the facades of house on the main Rue de Poilu. The baroque Church of Saint-Michel, Chapelle St-Pierre, and La Citadelle are well worth a visit too. Villefranche is also gateway to the nearby popular resort of Nice, the inland medieval village of Eze, and Villa Ephrussi de Rothchild on Cap Ferrat.

• Day 8: Genoa

  Step ashore today at the lively Italian port of Genoa. Stroll around the old town district and uncover Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale, Piazza de Ferrari, and the Renaissance palaces on Via Garibaldi. Ride the Il Bigo elevator at the Old Harbour to enjoy panoramic views of the area. Visit Acquario de Genova for close-up views of colourful marine life or explore the city's maritime heritage at Galata Maritime Museum. Santa Margherita Ligure and the stylish resort of Portofino are just waiting to be discovered further along the coast.

• Day 9: La Spezia, Italy

  The port town of La Spezia is found in north-west Italy on the Ligurian coastline. Home to the country's largest naval base, La Spezia has a rich history and is an important cultural and commercial centre. You can enjoy the winding streets of its old town and relax in a trattoria before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre — historic fishing villages dating from the medieval era. Discover sandy beaches and rocky coves, before visiting popular landmarks such as Castle of San Giorgio and the 13th-century Santa Maria Assunta church. Enjoy a selection of pasta and seafood dishes, local red and white wines, and cheese and salami platters at bistros and restaurants throughout and around La Spezia during your time here.

• Day 10: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 11: Civitavecchia, Rome (Disembarkation Day)

  Today your cruise comes to an end. You will disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport and board your return flight home to the UK.