Kristine & Michael

Leave Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), after a 40-minute drive your will reach the Eternal City. Drive past the Vatican walls, which define the area of the Vatican City, the Lungotevere and the Ara Pacis. You will proceed towards the old Roman walls and the famous Villa Borghese, through Porta Pinciana and into the old town. You will see Via Veneto, the symbol of the Italian dolce vita, Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum, the Arch of Costantine and the Circus Maximus. You will arrive at the St. Peter's Basilica area where you will have time to explore independently the biggest Basilica in the world or stroll around the famous St. Peter's Square. After approximately 45 minutes of free time, you will follow your escort to your coach and enjoy the drive via the highway along the Etruscan Countryside and views of Tyrrhenian Sea to your ship.

Depart from the pier on a scenic ride to Europe's largest active volcano. While en route, enjoy the delightful countryside of vineyards and orchards, while passing the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana and the fertile fields on the side of the mountain. You will see the remnants of the last eruptions in October 2002. You will arrive at Silvestri Spent Craters, almost 6,400 feet above sea level where you will be able to walk along the brim of these craters. After visiting the craters, enjoy a refreshment with typical sicilian cakes at a local mountain restaurant. On the way to Taormina you will visit a jewelry factory where you will see the artisans at work and watch as they create their individual masterpieces of fine Italian gold and unique jewelry pieces. You will also learn how some are made with Sicilian amber and shells with lava from Mt Etna and, while enjoying a generous refreshment, you will have an option to buy. Proceed to Taormina, well known the world over. The town is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, has a delightful medieval character, contains lots of interesting shops, and is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Sicily. The village is full ofmedieval charm and character. You'll have approximately 1.5 hours to explore the village at your own pace. Enjoy a cappuccino at one of the local cafe's or shop along the exclusive boutiques on the Corso Umberto. Be sure to visit the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC and on a clear day, offers an awe-inspiring view of the snowcapped peak of Mt. Etna.

Your tour begins with the highlights of Athens and the legendary Acropolis built during the Golden Age of Pericles. Explore the ruins of this ancient city and admire its crowning glory, the Parthenon. Lunch will be served at a deluxe hotel serving traditional Greek food. After lunch and a short drive, reach the southernmost tip of the European landmass, Cape Sounion. High on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea stands this imposing temple dedicated to the god of the sea, the Temple of Poseidon. The 16 Doric columns bear silent testimony to the tragedy of King Aegeus who threw himself to his death. You will pass the gate and climb a rocky path, roughly following the ancient approach into the sanctuary of the sea god. The temple was probably designed just after the middle of the 5th century BC and the remaining columns of Pentelic marble have retained much of their original lustrous white appearance.

Driving from the pier through the Turkish countryside along a hilly drive, you arrive at the House of Virgin Mary where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. The site was made famous by the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. In November of 2006, Pope Benedictus the 16th paid an official visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. Outside is the Fountain of Our Lady, providing the faithful water from the holy foundation. From there, a short drive will take you to the entrance to Ancient City of Ephesus that was built on a small hill. Once you enter the Open Air Archeological Museum of Ephesus and pass by the Magnesia gate, you will enter the administrative section of ancient Ephesus. The guided walking tour will take you through one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsius. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats. You will return to the buses through the Arcadian way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. At the Ephesus Archeological Museum, you'll be escorted through the 9 exhibits tracing the religious and chronological history of the ancient city. Filled with attractively displayed mosaics, statuary, and other artifacts, the museum exhibits several marble statues of the Mother Goddess Artemis, goddess of nature, childbirth, and the harvest. Combining the information at the Open Air Museum and the Archeology Museum will give you a very fulfilling idea of the city of Ephesus and its importance in the ancient times. Overlooking Ephesus are the remains of St. John's Basilica, a once great church built on a 2nd century tomb thought to hold the remains of St. John. While the church is now in ruins, there are frescoes, mosaics and graceful columns that attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John, the Evangelist, lived and died. The site requires stair climbing at the entrance and walking over uneven dirt, stones and gravel walkways. At the and of the tour, you will stop for a traditional Turkish lunch with a variety of dishes . After lunch, the tour will return to Kusadasi downtown area. Join the group for a refreshment stop and brief carpet presentation or return directly to the ship which is within walking distance.

Your tour will begin with a short drive to the entrance of the Old Town. From there, you will proceed on foot across the moat and through the arched entryway of Porte d' Amboise past the Palace of the Grand Masters. The tour continues passing the Hospital of the Knights and down the Street of the Knights, its paths paved with well-worn cobblestones. You'll pass the medieval towers and emblazoned facades. Outside the walls of the Old Town you will begin a panoramic drive through the more modern city, observing the Governor's Palace, the landmark Hotel des Rhodes, Mandraki Port and some of the beaches for which the island is known. You'll make a short photo stop at the top of Monte Smith, the highest point of the town, for an overview of the port. Once protected by the hundred-foot high Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the port was an active center of trade. After a scenic drive along the west coast of the island, you will reach the ancient city of Kamiros. Once a thriving Doric city during the 5th century BC, Kamiros retains much of its historic past. Ruins of an altar to the sun god Helios, public baths and ancient cistern can all be seen from the viewing platform overlooking the city's main square.

After disembarkation, you will board a private tender for a boat tour of the two islets of Palea and Nea Kameni (volcano) before arriving at the port of Athinios to board your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to the traditional village of Oia. The beautiful village of Oia is perched atop a craggy cliff at the northern most point of the island, offering panoramic views of steep plummeting cliffs and nearby small islands surrounded by the deep blue sea. The charm of this lovely traditional and somewhat removed village lies in its very narrow, twisting cobblestone alleyways and steps, pointing out the brilliant white stone buildings that create a maze of fine shops, cafes, and domed churches. Walking through the village, you can enjoy the panoramic views and admire the Cycladic architecture for which the town is well known. Meet with your guide and visit the naval museum. A neoclassical old mansion restored and converted to a museum, housing the maritime history of Santorini. Rejoin your coach and continue to the village of Megalohori to visit the Boutari Winery, one of the most elegant wineries on the island. Specially trained personnel will guide you through the production facilities and its underground cellars. After the tour, you are initiated in the art of wine tasting and treated with local mezes (typical Greek Snacks). Complete your visit with a quick stop in the wine boutique where you can purchase rare wines of limited production as well as books and various items about the wine. Drive to Pyrgos Village for a short stop at the panoramic viewpoint to admire the unique formation of this island. Your tour terminates in Fira Town, the capital of the island. After a short walk, you will reach the Archipelagos Restaurant situated at the edge of the caldera for a delightful lunch. The charm of this cliff-top village lies in it's very narrow, twisting cobblestone paths that cater to pedestrians only. You will have free time in Fira Town for independent browsing and shopping. From Fira you will join the cable car (ticket provided) and descend independently to the old port. A local tender will ferry you back to the ship, which will be anchored offshore.

Mykonos lies between the neighboring islands of Tinos and Naxos, and has been justly named one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the world. Along the South Coast of Mykonos lie some of the islands prettiest beaches. Elia Beach is a 25-minute drive from the ship where you can enjoy the clear waters of the Aegean Sea along with the sandy beach and sun and see for yourselves how this island got its reputation. You will find everything you need for a relaxing or exciting (as you like it) time on the beach.

After disembarking your ship you will walk to the jetfoil terminal for a 40-minute ride to Capri. From the dock at Marina Grande, the funicular will transport participants up the terrace to Capri Town. The view from the town overlooks the marina and the Sorrento Peninsular. Capri has become very commercial in recent years, but you will enjoy visiting La Piazzetta, the heart of the shopping and nightclub area. Wander through the narrow streets and explore the shops and sights. Time permitting; it may be possible to visit the beautiful Augustus Gardens, overlooking the famous Faraglioni of Capri and Marina Piccola. Return to the marina by funicular and travel by watercraft back to the mainland. Driving south, the next stop is the fabled town of Sorrento. Legend states it was the sirens of Sorrento who attempted to lure Ulysses onto the rocks. Lunch (with a flute of Italian champagne and house wine) will be served at a typical restaurant or hotel. After lunch, board your coach for the transfer to Pompeii. Located 12 miles from Naples is the Roman town of Pompeii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. In 79 AD, the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the town under 20 feet of ash and pumice stone, preserving the entire city. During the walking tour of the ruins, admire the mansions and art of wealthy patricians who moved to Pompeii to escape the turmoil of Rome. At intersections are stepping-stones that ensured pedestrians a safe crossing. This prosperous city had an extensive forum, lavish baths, temples and villas richly decorated with frescoes. Excavations have revealed details of everyday life such as the wine jars still set in the counter of the wine shop. Time permitting; a stop will be made at a cameo factory to learn about the delicate art of cameo carving and the opportunity to purchase some of the handicrafts.

This tour will take you to the heart of the Roman Catholic Religion - The Vatican City, to explore St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel. You'll visit the world famous Vatican Museum, where an exceptional collection of artwork from every era is on display. Over one thousand rooms and galleries contain thousands of amazing treasures collected by the Pope's throughout the centuries. You will have time to only see a portion of the many beautiful pieces of work. Then, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, highlighted by Michelangelo's masterpieces, the impressive frescoes, including the "Last Judgment." Finally, you'll see St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Among the many fine pieces of art and mosaics on display are Michelangelo's "Pieta" and the beautifully carved Bernini Pulpit.

We don't want to settle for a standard room on our honeymoon! With your perfect gift we can plan ahead and upgrade to a room with a view on our once in a lifetime trip!

What better way to enhance our fine dining experience than with our chosen bottle of exceptional wine? Cheers!

It's casual, fun and perfect for an afternoon lunch. With so many restaurants in town, we'll choose the most perfect, casual restaurant where we'll take delight in the juiciest burgers, fresh sandwiches, chicken and fries!

The catch of the day awaits us! As seafood lovers it will be hard to choose from the different types of seafood restaurants and the variety of fresh fish, all complemented by delectable side dishes, fresh vegetables, and an incredible selection of wines. A delicious treat!

Cheese and fruit plate

Chocolate Strawberries for Mike

We will have to choose from all the local Italian restaurants in town to reserve the perfect table in the most romantic setting. We will tantalize our taste buds with homemade pasta, Panini, fresh Seafood, select an Italian vino and enjoy the best dessert ever, ending with a cup of cappuccino. Now that's amore!

We'll need a spa day just to ourselves! We will sit back, relax and indulge in a rejuvenating and revitalizing spa treatment or massage to help soothe our tense muscles and to help us get back in the groove.

We'll toast to our lives together as we uncork the effervescence of a bottle of champagne. Cheers!

We will experience the special indulgence of a couple's massage lying side-by-side being pampered with exotic oils that hydrate the skin, rejuvenate senses, and leave us refreshed and revitalized. We want to reserve our spa treatments early for this ultimate spa experience!