Heather & Michael

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 first class 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. This archaeological site is considered to be the world's finest example of a Roman town and its way of life. 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; view countless paintings and inscriptions and the streets with raised pavements on either side. At intersections are stepping-stones that ensured pedestrians a safe crossing. This prosperous Roman 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, where you will learn about the delicate art of cameo carving and have an opportunity to purchase some of the handicrafts.

A visit to Venice is not complete without experiencing the splendor of the city on a romantic evening gondola ride. You will depart from the pier by private motor launch with escorts to be transferred to St. Mark's landing area from where you will walk to a Gondola Station. You will board the typical sleek, black Venetian craft, riding four per gondola, to begin your 40-minute, non-narrated trip through some of the magical canals of the city. The hand-painted boats are lovingly cared for by their owners and are a source of great pride. As your experienced gondolier maneuvers along the canals, you’ll be utilizing a mean of transportation that dates back to the 16th century and was created for these waterways. Your trip will pass between stone buildings that seem to rise out of the water and leave a colorful reflection of light dancing on the ripples below. To complete the setting, a singer and accordionist (one duo for every five/six gondolas) will accompany you. Your return motor launch transfer will pass by the beautiful sights of the city en route to the ship.

Explore the famous ancient ruins, reflecting twelve centuries of Roman cultural, political and religious history, as your guide escorts you through the ruins of Imperial Rome. After arriving in Rome, you will debark your coach and walk to the Trevi Fountain. Capture the essence of the city's grandest fountain and a masterpiece of Baroque Rome. Follow the tradition and toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome. You'll visit the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, where the creation of the Roman civilization is reflected in the vast ensemble of ruins. You'll walk through Via Sacra (Sacred Way), the route followed by religious and triumphal processions. The imposing triumphal Arch of Titus was erected in AD 81 by the Emperor Domitian in honor of the victories in battle of his brother and father in Judea. Symbol of the "Eternal City," the Roman Colosseum is one of the most important monuments of ancient Rome. A masterpiece of classical architecture, the Colosseum is an enormous amphitheater where gladiators, Christians and wild beasts once battled to the death in front of 50,000 spectators. There, you'll have time for photographs both inside and outside the Colosseum. You will also see the impressive Arch of Constantine. Lunch (with a flute of Italian champagne and house wine) will be served at a first class restaurant or hotel. Afterwards, you will drive to the Vatican City to visit St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Among the many fine pieces of art on display are Michelangelo's "Pieta" and the beautifully carved Bernini Pulpit. A brief time will be allotted for you to explore or shop at your leisure.

This tour is designed for the independent guest who would enjoy free time in Florence, yet also requires a limited guided tour. Upon arrival in Florence, you'll begin a 2.5-hour guided walking tour. See the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) in Florence, where the Cathedral, Bell Tower and Baptistery share the same small square. This is home to Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Your next stop will be in the Piazza della Signoria, the city's largest square where you will see a copy of Michelangelo's "David" and the Loggia dei Lanzi. View the exterior of the Church of Santa Croce, known as Italy's Westminster Abbey for the Italian monarchy buried there. Its 14th century interior is one of the finest examples of Florentine Gothic decoration. Afterwards, you will be left on your own for approximately 3 hours for lunch (at your own expense) and to explore Florence. The guide will advise you of the time to meet again to reboard the coach for the return trip to the ship.

With your wedding gift, we'll toast to a round or two on you. Cheers!

To complement our fine dining experience on our honeymoon cruise, we'll choose from the extensive wine list and enjoy a fine bottle of wine on you. Cheers!

This package includes a bottle of chilled Domaine Chandon Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival; a tray of elegant canapés before dinner, and delicious petit fours after dinner on the first formal evening; breakfast in bed one morning during the cruise; and a silver-framed, 8" x 10' keepsake portrait