Venice is the heart and soul of romance. Cast your eye on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge's Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini, and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, or glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. Know that love is always in the air in Venice.

Rovinj is a typical example of a Mediterranean town. The town is dominated by the Baroque three-nave church of St. Euphemia (Fuma). Close to the harbor are the clock tower, the Baroque Balbi's Arch, and the former 17th-century Town Hall. To the east lies the complex of the Franciscan monastery and to the south, Rovinj's oldest monument, the Romanesque heptagonal chapel of the Holy Trinity.

The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys around the island of Hvar. Idyllically located just off the Dalmatian Coast, the island and the little port named after it have been a favorite getaway ever since the time of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and even Austro-Hungarian royalty.

It was George Bernard Shaw who said, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th-century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik's colorful history.

Weather permitting, enjoy an exceptional swimming stop. 

This stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in southern Europe. Boka harbors one of the prettiest, unspoiled towns you'll ever see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation.

The lushest (and some say the loveliest) of all the Greek Islands, Corfu lies just a stone's throw from the Albanian coast. Nowhere is the stunning natural beauty of Corfu more evident than in the small village of Paleocastritsa, where legend says Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa.

During your time onboard, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, a revitalising spa, and a peaceful library.

Barreling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that “It is the greatest work of art and nature.”

Sorrento, whose city walls rise straight out of the sea, is located on the lovely Amalfi Coast and overlooks the Bay of Naples. Optional excursions might include taking a trip back in history to Pompeii, where the ashen remains of ancient Romans lie frozen in time.

Enjoy an optional tour to Capri or Pompeii.

During the Middle Ages Gaeta, a coastal city south of Rome, was a fortified settlement, and vibrant port which carried out trade with countries in the eastern Mediterranean. Gaeta is shrouded in history and rich in ancient monuments. Here you will find Monte Orlando Park, a protected area with Roman ruins, Access to Monte Orlando is only on foot or by a shuttle bus during summer months. As you ascend the mountain you will pass the statue of the Madonna and Child which looks out protectively over the beautiful Bay of Gaeta. It is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.

The pastel houses of Ponza Town rise in neat terraced rows from the busy harbor where sleekly groomed yachts and ramshackle fishing boats moor side by side. Happily, there are few tourists here, so it's a delight to wander through the unspoiled town.

Palmarola is snorkeling heaven that is part of a group called The Pontine Islands, located off the coast between Rome and Naples. A craggy landscape with pink coral beaches and emerald coves beckons so don't forget your swimsuit and flippers. It's totally unique, isolated and stunning.

Arrive in Rome: St. Peter's, with its breathtaking Sistine Chapel, newly restored to its former glory; the Spanish Steps, where all Rome passes by; the Colosseum, where gladiators fought to the death, and the Pantheon, considered to be the most perfect architectural statement of the ages. Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.