Departs from Sydney or Melbourne. Board your international flight from Australia to Venice, Italy via Dubai.

Upon arrival at Venice Airport, meet the group and be transferred to your comfortable 4* hotel. Venice, the capital of northern Italy's Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Relax for the rest of the day or explore this amazing city's nightlife with its abundance of historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks.

Hotel: Best Western Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, free and easy at leisure to enjoy Venice. Meet the group in the hotel lobby in the afternoon to be transferred to Venice Passenger Terminal for cruise check-in. Board the cozy cruise ship, MSC Lirica.

Hotel: Best Western Hotel or similar.

Kotor is one of the most atmospheric medieval towns on Montenegro's Adriatic coast, set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains. It's an attractive Mediterranean Cruise destination for those with a love of history and architecture. Glimpse ancient churches, an array of rustic palaces, and a maze of streets and squares. Kotor is also a gateway for other extraordinary Montenegro destinations, such as the stunning town of Perast, a medieval city crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kotor boasts ancient lanes and atmospheric squares. Visit the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon with its Baroque bell towers, Romanesque interior, and Byzantine-style frescs. In Perast, through the streets of this picturesque town, you will see its historical churches and Baroque palaces. Take a leisurely boat ride across Boka Bay to see Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island imbued with myths. Then, finish the day with a visit to the 20th-century church of St Nicholas.

During this sea day, guests of all ages will be able to enjoy awe-inspiring entertainment from morning to night, especially the world-class show performances on the cruise, as well as activities on board such as cafes, pools, bars, and restaurants. This also comes with a wide choice of indoor and outdoor dining. The Panorama Pool site cafe is a must-visit venue to explore. Make sure everyone is well-rested to prepare for the gala night in the evening.

During the 18th century, Mykonos' maze of tangled lanes would confuse even the most well-traveled pirates. Nowadays, pretending to get lost in these winding alleys makes for a day of entertainment! This Mediterranean cruise destination is known for its romantic Greek Island glamour. See brilliant beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque whitewashed villages. A gem of the Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos draws visitors from all over the world. Explore whitewashed houses on narrow streets, a labyrinth built to thwart pirate attacks.

You can't say you have been to Greece on holiday without seeing the natural wonder of Santorini. As our cruise ship manuvres into the great caldera of Santorini, the land seems to rise and clamp around it. Gaunt, sheer cliffs loom hundreds of meters above the deep blue sea, nothing grows or grazes to soften the awesome view. The only colours are the reddish-brown, black and grey pumice layers on the cliff face of the largest island in the mini-archipelago. The Archaeological Museum of Fira, near the cable car to the north, is well-presented and has a collection from the excavations of Ancient Thira.

During this sea day, guests of all ages will be able to enjoy awe-inspiring entertainment from morning to night. Especially the world-class show performance as well as activities on board such as cafes, pools, bars, restaurants, etc. This also comes with a wide choice of indoor & outdoor dining and bars. The Panorama poolside cafe is a must-visit venue to explore. Make sure everyone is well-rested to prepare for another gala in the evening.

Ancona greets you with a tangle of commercial buildings just two steps away from the Mediterranean Sea. Nonetheless, a city center excursion reserves some historical appeal, and the authorities are making a concerted effort to improve the cruiser and tourist experience. A stiff climb from the port area, where your MSC cruise ship awaits your return, you will pass Ancona's well-signposted Roman remains along the way, which will take you to the pink-and-white Duomo. Tucked away at the foot of the flight of steps leading up to Ancona's austere Dominican church, this worthwhile museum displays models, paintings, sculptures, and original documents showing key events in Ancona from 2000 BC to 2000 AD.

After breakfast, meet the group and transfer to Genoa to board the stunning cruise ship, MSC Seaside. She is a modern cruise ship unlike any other, pushing the boundaries of what is possible at sea. She is also featured with the latest innovative entertainment. The new entertainment options take the guests' experience to the next level and complement the ship's cutting-edge technology. You will have a chance to experience five new full-scale theatre productions in the World Theatre; four themed experiences in the Panorama Lounge; and surprise entertainment throughout the ship.

Discover the culture and colour of Civitavecchia, an MSC Mediterranean Cruise's destination. This Italian gem is an enjoyable flight from many European and non-European cities. Celebrated for its 16th-century Michelangelo Fort, ancient Taurine Baths, and marble Vanvitelli fountain, the port is a convenient starting point for visiting Rome, Italy's regal and romantic capital.

Be entranced by its many architectural wonders including the famous Colosseum. An ancient amphitheatre in the centre of the capital, built between 70 and 80 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned by Roman Emperor Vespasian to entertain more than 50,000 people! A journey to Rome isn't complete without a visit to Vatican City, located in the heart of the Italian Capital. You will also have a chance to see St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. The Trevi Fountain is also an icon of Rome, a Baroque beauty uniting architecture, sculpture, rocks, and water. This structure has been featured in films such as La DolceVita and Roman Holiday.

The port of Palermo is the regional capital of the island of Sicily. This cosmopolitan city is known for its heavenly architecture, serious street food, and outrageously beautiful beaches. See Politeama and Quattro Canti squares, the Palazzo d'Orleans, and the remarkable Palatine Chapel. A fusion of Norman, Byzantine, and Fatimid styles, this 12th-century masterpiece features shimmering mosaics, Arabic arches, and a magnificent Muqarnas ceiling.

During this sea day, guests of all ages will be able to enjoy awe-inspiring entertainment from morning to night, including three new concert-style shows in the multi-purpose Luna Park Arena; five new full-scale theater productions in the World Theater; four themed experiences in the Panorama Lounge; and surprise, pop-up live exhibits throughout the ship. She also comes with a wide choice of dining and bars, new concepts and immersive experiences based on seasonal and creative expression. Make sure you are well-rested and get ready for the Gala Night on board.

Ibiza is a heavenly Mediterranean destination, a place where you can let your hair down and enjoy the laid-back hippie atmosphere of its fashion and street markets, chill out on a Bali bed next to the sea, or watch the sunset surrounded by beautiful scenery. Ibiza is so authentic that it can combine the world's most exciting nightlife with a UNESCO World Heritage town and Biodiversity Reserves.

Valencia is formerly a Roman settlement and a charismatic port city on the coast of Spain. Its marriage of modern and ancient architecture is a sight to behold - from the futuristic stylings of the City of Arts and Sciences to the 13th-century Valencia Cathedral. Walk around its avenues and squares and soak up the city's spellbinding energy. For restful pursuits, take in the beauty of its protected natural wonders including Albufera National Park. The Iconic Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias and Oceanographic Museum, as well as Valencia's Cathedral.

On the spectacular coastline of the French Riviera, lies Marseille. This atmospheric city is known for its unique mix of grit and glamour, seen in its labyrinth of streets and historical architecture. A few miles from Marseille's charismatic cafes and bustling Vieux Port, stunning cities are to be found. You'll have a chance to visit Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of Cezanne, or take in the ancient beauty of Avignon.

After breakfast, disembark the ship, and take the rail journey from Genoa to Milan. Upon arrival at Milan Train Station, you will be transferred to your hotel for a leisure day. You have a free day in one of the world's most distinguished cities. Milan, also known as a metropolis in Italy's northern Lombardy region, is a global capital of fashion and design. The suggestion is to visit the Milan Cathedral and Shopping Mall.

Hotel: Anderson Star Hotel or Similar

After breakfast, have all your camera equipment and gear ready to begin the adventure from Milan through Northern Italy to the Swiss Alps. It's a must-do experience to board the Bernina Express Scenic Rail. You will have a chance to explore the landscapes of Italy & Switzerland with a breathtaking ride on the Bernina red train to St. Moritz. We will ensure you have plenty of free time to explore the glitzy resort town of St. Moritz, as well as the stunning Alpine scenery, filled with gorges & glacier lakes. Breathe in the pure air at the foot of the mighty Alps, and take a bike ride by the glistening lakes with snow-capped vistas. Return to Milan in the evening.

Hotel: Anderson Starhotel or similar

After breakfast, free at your own leisure to explore the beautiful city of Milan. Later, you will be transferred to the airport to board the home ward flight.

Arrive in Sydney/Melbourne.