Discover the beauty of the Adriatic with PONANT on an exceptional 8-day cruise in Croatia. Aboard Le Lyrial, fall under the spell of the hidden treasures of the Croatian coast and its turquoise waters.

Your voyage will begin in Italy with an embarkation in Venice. An opportunity to discover or rediscover the sublime city of the Doges, with its many canals, its vaporetti and its mythical gondolas.

You will start your exploration of the Croatian coast with the discovery of the magnificent preserved islands of Hvar, Mljet and Lastovo. Legend tells that Odysseus, bewitched by the nymph Calypso, spent seven years on Mljet. There you will enjoy sea bathing, relaxation sessions, walks, kayak and paddleboard trips.

Le Lyrial will then sail to Korčula, between olive groves, vines and ancient stones. This is an island marked by history: its medieval citadel was the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo.

You will then discover the charming old town of Sibenik, which has conserved a rich architectural heritage, and the splendid Krka National Park, before sailing on to Venice, where you will leave the ship.

Then, experience the essence of Europe as you travel through bustling Rome and Paris, stopping off in Renaissance Florence, the colourful ocean-side villages of the Cinque Terre and the glittering snow-capped peaks of Switzerland. Explore local life as you enjoy small-group dining in Lucerne and cross paths with locals who are passionate about sharing Europe’s rich heritage, culture and traditions with you.

Your Fly, Cruise, Stay & Tour Includes:

• Economy class flights from Sydney to Venice, returning from Paris
• Private transfer from Airport to Port
• 5 night Adriatic cruise onboard Le Lyrial, Venice return
• Includes all meals, open bar including standard spirits & champagne plus select shore excursions
• Private transfer from Port to Airport
• Economy class flight from Venice to Rome
• Private transfer from Airport to Hotel
• 1 night’s accommodation in Rome including breakfast
• 9 day Flavours of Europe guided holiday with Insight Vacations, Rome to Paris
• Includes 12 meals, highly-skilled Travel Director, luxury air-conditioned coach + more
• Port charges, fees, gratuities onboard your cruise & airline taxes

Extend your flights and stay longer - talk to our travel experts about more options!

Cruise Itinerary:

Flavours of Europe Itinerary:

DAY 1

WELCOME TO THE ETERNAL CITY OF ROME.

Rome is one of the world’s most historic cities, filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Transfers to your hotel depart Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Then this extraordinary city is yours to discover. At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and enjoy the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travellers.

Hotel:Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome.

Meals:Dinner with Wine

DAY 2 - RELAXED START

ROME WITH THE LOCALS.

Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and pizzazz, and your morning walking tour with a Local Expert includes this in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain and see the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon, before enjoying free time to do as the Romans do, in Piazza Navona. Perhaps join a tour inside the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and see the Roman Forum?

Hotel:Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome.

Meals:Breakfast

DAY 3

VIP VATICAN AND FLORENCE.

Start the day with your Local Expert they introduce you to the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special VIP entry to avoid the crowds and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter's Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. Your travels continue with a drive to the Chianti Hills, to arrive at the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo, where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. Lined with fountains and statues, it acts as an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Take time to gaze at Neptune and David as you explore the historic city center.

Hotel:Hotel Londra, Florence.

Meals:Breakfast

DAY 4

THE CINQUE TERRE AND ITALIAN RIVIERA.

The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Please note that the cruise is weather dependent. Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Savour authentic Italian cuisine as you dine for a Sea-to-Table lunch at Ristorante Da Ely in Cinque Terre. Continue by train to Levanto, then on to your resort in Rapallo.

Hotel:Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo, Italian Riviera.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

DAY 5

ACROSS THE ALPS TO LUCERNE.

Pass Milan as you head north for the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world. Travel alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne, where you are at leisure for the rest of the afternoon.

Hotel:Renaissance, Lucerne.

Meals:Breakfast

DAY 6

LUCERNE’S LAKES, MOUNTAINS AND LION.

In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose between taking a walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see marmots and other native animals. Alternatively, join a Swiss ranger and hear a talk to learn about local wildlife and flora in the area. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for fine watches and delectable chocolates. Tonight, enjoy a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.

Hotel:Renaissance, Lucerne.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

DAY 7

SIGHTS AND DELIGHTS OF PARIS.

In the morning, travel through the Burgundy region to the City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?

Hotel:Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Meals:Breakfast

DAY 8

THE FOOD AND FLAVOURS OF PARIS.

Your exploration of Paris today starts with an Insight Choice. Choose between shopping at Galeries Lafayette and a guided tour around the Right Bank led by a Local Expert. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.

Hotel:Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

DAY 9

AU REVOIR PARIS.

Your discovery of Europe comes to an end after breakfast. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 and 11:00.

Meals:Breakfast