Mediterranean Cruise: Barcelona to Venice

Day 1 Tuesday, June 1

Welcome one and all to the Maple Leaf Lounge at the Kingston Portuguese Cultural Centre, 959 Division Street, as we meet our fellow travel companions and depart for Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport to fly to Barcelona!

Tuesday, June 1, Montreal to Barcelona. AC822
Depart Montreal 6:35 pm | Arrive Barcelona 8:00 am (Jun 2)
Tuesday, June 15, Venice to Montreal. AC819
Depart Venice 12:20 pm | Arrive Montreal 3:05 pm

Day 2 Wednesday, June 2

We’ll arrive in Barcelona for our 2 night pre-stay ! Our guide will meet us at the airport and transfer us to our hotel for the next two nights, in beautiful Barcelona!

Day 3 Thursday, June 3

After breakfast we will enjoy a local guided tour of Barcelona taking in all the sights and learning about over 2000 years of history that made this bustling city a must see destination on everyone’s list! The capital of Catalonia, and one of its provinces, Barcelona, is a place of palpable history, where you can lose yourself strolling down the medieval streets of the Barri Gotic. It’s a city designed to delight the senses: take in other-worldly Modernista churches like Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, or treat yourself at a street side cafe to Patatas Bravas or a Passion Fruit Mojito.

Day 4 Friday, June 4

ALL ABOARD! After a wonderful included breakfast we will be transferred to our ship, the Norwegian VIVA!
Get ready to set sail in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.

Day 5 Saturday, June 5

A cruise to Nice/Monaco (Villefranche) offers the change to experience an enchanting example of the French Riviera’s allure that’s nestled a mere 6km east of Nice. Stroll along the Old Harbour for majestic views of the Mediterranean. Saint Michael’s Church houses many incredible artworks and an 18th-century organ constructed by the Grinda Brothers. Relax on one of the local beaches or trek up to the Fort Du Mont Alban, a 16th-century structure overlooking the city. For some subterranean scenery, head to the Rue Obscure under the city or the prehistoric archaeological site at Grotte du Lazaret.

Day 6 Sunday, June 6

How lucky to visit the Tuscan region, Florence & Pisa, resplendent in art and history. What’s even more fortunate is that all the main attractions in Florence are centrally located for the perfect walking tour. See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Michelangelo’s David.

Day 7 Monday, June 7

Endless adventures await in Rome. With two and a half thousand years of history, art and culture, it is no wonder Rome is one of the most visited cities on the planet. Gaze at the masterpieces of the Vatican or walk into the past with visits to ancient relics, historic monuments and legendary museums. Or people-watch while sipping on an espresso in a quaint cafe.

Day 8 Tuesday, June 8

The history of Salerno is as rich and vibrant as its surrounding landscapes. The site of ancient settlements (Neolithic mummy remains discovered here), Salerno has been home to vast empires and was the site of Medieval Europe’s first
medical school. A trip to Salerno makes it easy to understand why Gulf of Salerno. Nestled between the mountains and the sea at the southeastern point of the famed Amalfi Coast, Salerno boasts sun-drenched beaches, nature reserves and parks, historic sites and delicious local cuisine.

Day 9 Wednesday, June 9

The third largest city on the island of Sicily, Messina welcomes cruise ship visitors with its lovely harbour, extraordinary architecture (much of which miraculously survived a horrendous earthquake and tidal wave in 1908) and wonderful food. Stroll through Messina’s Piazza Cairoli taking in magnificent fountains and cathedrals, or sip Marsala wine at a sidewalk cafe.

Day 10 Thursday, June 10

One of the lushest of the Greek Isles, Corfu is rimmed in dramatic blue waters and topped with tranquil hillside villages. A collection of quaint cafes in the town of Corfu feels very continental, but the island’s secluded coves and sandy beaches could only be found in the Greek Isles.

Day 11 Friday, June 11

A beautiful coastal town, a seaport and large industrial area, Bar, Montenegro is also a popular transport hub welcoming trains from Belgrade and ferries from Italy. For this reason, it’s the perfect base city for touring the incredible ruins of Stari Bar (Old Bar) in the mountains. A quick history lesson: The northern part of the coast remained under Venice’s rule and then Austria, while the southern part spent 300 years under Turkish control. Founded in 1908, “New” Bar has a more modern look and feel, but once you start heading to the Albanian border, you will see more mosques and Ottoman-style buildings.

Day 12 Saturday, June 12

This Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic has a long and eventful history dating back to the awesome Diocletian’s Palace (circa 295 A.D.) in the centre of the city. Split offers cruise guests a wealth of exciting places to visit, from the majestic cathedral and marble streets in the centre of town to the harbour area with its café-lined promenades and views of coastal mountains.

Day 13 Sunday, June 13

This morning, disembark at Trieste port and private group transfer to Venice by coach. Upon arrival at Venice car terminal, private water taxis to the city center (luggage will be transported to the hotel separately). After some time at leisure for lunch, meet your local guide in the afternoon and enjoy a walking tour of the surrounding promenades and canals. Reach the heart of the city, Piazza San Marco, called by Napoleon the “most elegant drawing room in Europe”. Discover the Doge’s Palace, masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture and former residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic. Check-in to your accommodation, Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo, +39 041 520 0955, The 4-star Hotel Cavalletto and Doge Orseolo of Venice overlooks the Orseolo Basin, one of the most famous and enchanting places of the old town center, an exclusive access to the splendor of Saint Mark’s Square, just 50 meters away.
An age-old experience of hospitality and comfort that distinguishes the Hotel Cavalletto among Venice hotels ensures that you will have a fascinating stay in Venetian-style rooms, assisted by a cordial staff offering impeccable service. Once settled in we will gather for a welcome
dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Overnight: Venice
Route Trieste-Venice: 100 miles drive / 2,5 hours

Day 14 Monday, June 14

This morning, visit the Accademia Gallery, one of the richest art galleries in the world, with its extraordinary collection of Venetian paintings ranging from the 1200s Byzantine through Gothic to Renaissance artists. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 15 Tuesday, June 15

After breakfast and check-out, private transfer by water taxi to Venice airport (luggage will be transported separately)