Exclusive Achilleion Palace, Paleokastritsa and Corfu Town

Where most cruise lines may offer only two of the three must-see sights on Corfu, this tour affords you three wonderful destinations, and in groups never larger than 30 guests per guide. Enjoy an exclusive excursion to the beautiful Achilleion Palace and Gardens, the monastery of Paleokastritsa, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Corfu Town.

After meeting your professional, local and friendly guide on the pier, depart Corfu town and drive through the beautiful countryside for approximately 30 minutes to the famous Monastery of the Virgin. The monastery is located high on a hill overlooking the gorgeous Paleokastritsa Bay, known as the "Capri" of Greece. This Byzantine monastery is still inhabited by a self-reliant community of monks; its long history is evident from the collections of Byzantine icons and other religious relics featured in the chapel and its museum.

Following your guided tour of the monastery, approximately 90 minutes, continue from here with a drive over the mountain ridge passing through some of the most picturesque traditional villages on the northern side of the island with views of the countryside, island life and glimpses of the coast in the distance.

Approximately 30 minutes later you will reach the old traditional village of Gastouri where you will visit the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elisabeth "Sissy" of Austria in 1891, and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. In addition to visiting the interior rooms that are open to the public, you will also see some of the beautiful gardens full of exotic trees and flowers, which the Empress brought with her from her trips around the world. The gardens also feature several classical statues, as she was very fond of Greek ancient history and mythology. The main Terrace of the Muses is decorated with statues of the Nine Greek Muses and the imposing figures of Achilles Victorious and Achilles Dying. From several places in the garden you will also have spectacular views over the Ionian Sea.

Leaving Achilleion, you will make your way back to Corfu, approximately 40 minutes away. Once in the Old Quarter of Corfu Town, drive to the front of the Old Venetian Fortress (14th-century UNESCO World Heritage site), opposite the central Esplanade Square. From here, your guide will lead you on a beautiful walking tour of the historic center of the Old Town. Walking through the maze of winding narrow cobbled streets known as kandounia, you will visit some of the most elegant quarters of this Venetian-built town, which competes with Napoli, Florence and Venice in terms of beauty, style, character and charm.

Walking along the old cricket grounds, a tradition left over by the British, you can see the Royal Palace of St. George and St. Michael, an imposing building built entirely of yellow Maltese stone by the first British Commissioner of the island. You will also see the spectacular arcades of the Liston Piazza, a down-sized replica of the Rue de Rivoli of Paris, built by the French in the 19th century. You will then walk to the heart of the Old Town, where you will visit the 300-year-old Church of Saint Spiridon, with its priceless collection of icons and gifts offered to the Patron Saint of the Island.

You will also have time to explore the old flea market, passing by the old Town Hall and then find yourself in the busy shopping district where you will have some free time for shopping or leisure. At the appointed time and place, you will meet your driver for the return transfer back to your ship.

Please Note: The Achellion Palace is closed until further notice and will be substituted with a visit to Mon Repos Palace. Mon Repos Palace was built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. It is a small but very beautiful palace with colonial architectural elements.

Old Town Walking Tour

After meeting your professionally trained guide at the entrance to Dubrovnik's Old Town, you will begin your walking tour of this fascinating historical and cultural site.

The Old City, also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, was an important Mediterranean Sea power from the 13th century onwards. Dubrovnik is a remarkably well-preserved example of a late-Medieval walled city with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains.

Your tour of the Old City begins at Pile Gate, the gated entrance to this ancient city. Cross the wooden drawbridge that was once pulled up each night in order to protect the city. Upon entrance into the walled city, see Onofrio's Fountain. During the Middle Ages, this fountain provided fresh water from the Dubrovnik River through an aqueduct system. Next on your walking tour of Old Town, see the imposing Baroque architectural features of The Franciscan Monastery. This monastery also features a garden, museum, and the famous Old Pharmacy. Still in operation after 700 years, The Old Pharmacy is one of the oldest working pharmacies in Europe, and visitors can peruse the jars, ointments, and poisons that date back to the 15th century.

Your walking tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town continues with a walk up and down both sides of the famous main street, the Stradun. A walk along the Stradun will show you a few of Dubrovnik's Renaissance buildings that survived the earthquake of 1667, and will give you an idea of the city's architectural heritage. Perhaps the finest Renaissance highlight is the Sponza Palace, which dates from the 16th century and is now home to the National Archives. The Rector's Palace is a Gothic-Renaissance structure from the 15th century when it was the seat of the Government and Rector of the Republic. It has finely-carved capitals and ornate decoration, which gives us a glimpse into how the ruling class lived. The St. Saviour Church is another glorious remnant of the Renaissance period.

After your guided tour, you may choose to continue sightseeing on your own on Stradun before making your way back to the ship. Stroll the quaint streets, shop in the many boutiques, enjoy refreshments at a local cafe, or simply sit on a bench and enjoy the sights before heading back to your ship.

Please Note: This tour concludes on the main street, Stradun. Guests must make their way back to the ship on their own.

Exclusive Pompeii and Amalfi Coast

Departing from the Maritime Station cruise pier in groups of never more than 30 people max, you will meet your guide and your driver, who take you on an approximately 45 minute drive along the road that follows the Bay of Naples towards Mount Vesuvius and the ancient City of Pompeii, which lies in its shadow. Ironically, one of the ancient world's worst disasters preserved time in Pompeii, where you will experience life as it was lived in 79 AD. Once a thriving empire, it was devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD when 30 feet of volcanic ash and pumice stone covered the city.

Upon arrival in Pompeii, you will enter by one of its ancient gates, and a short walk will take you to the city's hub, the Forum. Surrounded by lavish temples and porticoes, you'll begin to grasp the lifestyle of the inhabitants. Admire the mansions and the art of wealthy patricians who moved to Pompeii to escape the turmoil of Rome; view countless paintings and inscriptions. See the streets with raised pavements on both sides and the stepping-stones that ensured pedestrians a safe crossing at intersections. Your guided visit to Pompeii is approximately 2 hours.

After your visit to Pompeii sit back and appreciate about a 40 minute drive to the door of Amalfi Coast: Vietri sul Mare, the picturesque seaside resort situated on top of a hill facing Amalfi Coast. It is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Italy. You will have approximately two hours to yourself in Vietri to buy lunch, shop, take pictures, or stroll the narrow streets and several churches on your own. You will then drive back to Naples.

Please Note: The entrance fee to Pompeii is included in the tour price; however, all guests must present a valid photo ID on the day of the tour. Crowds are to be expected at all sites and lines for certain attractions may exceed over one hour to enter. The tour itinerary may be reversed but will still cover the mentioned sights. Heavy traffic congestion should be anticipated and may affect the duration of the excursion. On select days or holidays, heavy delays in traffic may contribute to a change of itinerary at the operator's discretion. Your tour of the ruins is guided.