The Eternal City is a crumbling classic of romance and relics, where every sculpted cheek comes with a story. History is everywhere: be it the glory of the Colosseum, the tombs of ancient emperors, or churches lavished with masterpieces. Chefs and saints, aesthetes and artisans have all shaped this city, whose jumbled skyline sings with whirring Vespas and clinking espresso cups, the dome of St Peter’s reigning over it all like Jupiter himself. After arriving in this historic capital, check in to your grand luxury hotel set near the iconic Via Veneto.

Uncover the secrets of Ostia Antica, home to some of Italy's most fascinating and best-preserved Roman ruins. Here, ancient mosaics, frescoes and architectural details afford vivid insights into Roman urban planning and social life. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the port of Civitavecchia, where Crystal Serenity awaits your arrival.

With its pastel-hued houses and villas clinging to near-vertical cliffs, the Amalfi Coast has enchanted visitors since the days of the Grand Tour. Write your own chapter into Amalfi’s romantic history with a yacht cruise off the coast, coming ashore for a private lunch at a local winery. Or, sample the distinctively volcanic terroir of Pompeii at a renowned winery nestled amid the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Afterward, explore the preserved frescoes and mosaics of Villa Poppea. Alternatively, get your culinary fix at a Sorrento dairy farm renowned for its mozzarella, limoncello and olive oil.

Presided over by fiery Mount Etna, Sicily is a red-hot mix of sunbaked temples, sizzling sea views and sensational produce grown on its fertile volcanic slopes. Come ashore in the iconic port of Syracuse, a place Cicero described as “the greatest Greek city and most beautiful of them all.” Explore Syracuse’s Old Town of Ortigia, a tangle of cobbled streets wending this way and that, lined with fabulous boutiques, restaurants and ancient buildings such as the Temple of Apollo. After a tasting of the distinctive local wines, hit the market to sample the region’s freshest picks. Alternatively, head further inland for a truffle hunt at a local farm, explore the Greek and Roman ruins of Neapolis, or hike amid the papyrus stands of Fiume Ciane Natural Reserve.

Even among the beautiful and scenic Greek isles, Corfu stands out for its lush greenery as well as its charmingly winding streets and whitewashed houses. Head ashore to explore the Esplanade, the Town Hall and the Church of Saint Spyridon, pausing to sample local favorites such as souvlaki, ouzo and kumquat liqueur along the way. Alternatively, browse exhibits showcasing the ancient ruins of Paleopolis at the Archaeological Museum of Corfu or hike to the summit of Mount Pantokrator for breathtaking views.

Flanked by fjords and mountainous ridges on a picturesque Dalmatian Bay, Kotor enjoys a rich medieval maritime and trade legacy survived by its remarkably preserved houses, palaces and churches. Begin with an exploration of Kotor’s historic Roman buildings and a local cathedral dating to 1166. Afterward, opt for a winery visit or a boat excursion to the Baroque jewel of Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Church — home to Death of the Virgin, Tripo Kokolja’s 33-foot masterwork. A speedboat tour of Kotor Bay and a swim in the sapphire-like Blue Cave are also on offer.

Fronting Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Zadar charms with its Venetian city gates, Roman forum, medieval churches and cosmopolitan cafés. After an exploration of Zadar’s Old Town landmarks, visit the Church of Saint Donatus for a choir performance or try the region’s celebrated maraschino liqueur at a local restaurant. Alternatively, set out on a day trip to Pag, a lunar-like island enclave renowned for its UNESCO-recognized lacemaking technique and distinctive cheeses.

With its timeworn terracotta churches, sea-kissed breezes and warren of ambling lanes, Ravenna has a way of transporting travellers back to a time when life moved more slowly. This less-frequented jewel of the Emilia-Romagna region is renowned for the luminous early Christian mosaics that cover the interiors of its UNESCO-listed basilicas. Get an exclusive look with before-hours access to the stunning Byzantine mosaics of the Domus of the Stone Carpets. For a more active adventure, opt for a hike in the Foce del Torrente Bevano Nature Reserve. Alternatively, head to Bologna for a walk in the local market and a pasta-making class, or a tour of the Ducati Factory and Museum. Afterward, gather back in Ravenna for a special farewell dinner.

Bid farewell to your Expedition Team and crew as you disembark in the Venetian port of Fusina and catch your departure flight or continue on the Trieste post-tour extension.