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Discover the
breathtaking beauty and rich cultures of northern Italy,
Greece and Croatia on a 7-night cruise through the
Eastern Mediterranean. After touring Milan and Como in
the picturesque Italian Lakes region, your first port of
call is Bari. Here, whimsical round houses with
cone-topped roofs dot the landscape like chanterelle
mushrooms. Travel back in time to ancient Greece when
you visit Katakolon, the site of the very first Olympic
Games. An optional excursion is available to nearby
Olympia, where you’ll find the sacred flame and the
ruins of the awesome Temple of Zeus. Then it’s on to the
island playgrounds of Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes,
characterized by vibrant blue waters, gorgeous beaches,
and whitewashed villages. Soak up the sun, taste
delicious fresh seafood, and browse the colorful markets
for souvenirs. A full day at sea brings you to
Dubrovnik, Croatia, an interesting ancient city built on
a peninsula and protected by a 1,000-year-old wall.
After exploring this city, sail to enchanting Venice.
Here meander through the romantic canals, have a
cappuccino in St. Mark’s Square, and see the sites
including the Clock Tower, the Doge’s Palace, and the
famous Bridge of Sighs.
- Immerse yourself in the
breathtaking scenery of the Italian Lakes: Lago Maggiore &
Lake Como
- Unpack once for a memorable 7-night
Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the Costa Victoria.
- Explore the
histories & cultures of 3 distinctive countries: Italy,
Greece & Croatia.
- Visit the most popular of
the Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Rhodes
- Free time allows you to explore the
historic, walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Day
1: Overnight Flight
Welcome as you join Collette Vacations exploring the
beauty, historic sights and cultures of northern Italy,
Croatia and the fabulous Greek Islands. Experience the
breathtaking scenery of the Italian lakes followed by a
romantic 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the
Costa Victoria.
Day 2: Milan - Stresa (Lago Maggiore), Italy - Tour
Begins
Your tour begins in the picturesque Italian Lakes region
and the beautiful resort of Stresa, Italy. This evening,
join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Stresa - Milan - Como - Stresa
Travel to cosmopolitan Milan for a panoramic tour
featuring the Duomo (Cathedral), one of the most
magnificent late gothic structures ever built, and La
Scala, the world's most famous opera house. Next, travel
to the beautiful resort of Como. Visit one of the areas
most distinguished silk producers and learn how this
famous fabric is made. (B)
Day 4: Stresa - Venice - Board Cruise
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before departing for Venice.
Your exciting 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise
begins today. While on board your Costa Victoria cruise
ship, all of your meals will be included: breakfast,
lunch, dinner and midnight snacks. Early evening you set
sail for Bari, Italy. (B, D)
Day 5: Bari, Italy
Mid-day you arrive in Bari. Spend the afternoon
exploring the medieval streets and Romanesque churches,
including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, built to house
the body of Saint Nicholas, now known throughout the
world as the man behind the legend of Santa Claus. (B,
L, D)
Day 6: Bari - Katakolon, Greece
Your destination today is Katakolon, Greece, the site of
the very first Olympic games. Explore Katakolon on your
own, or participate in an optional excursion to nearby
Olympia, to find the sacred flame and the ruins of the
awesome Temple of Zeus. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Katakolon - Santorini - Mykonos, Greece
Arrive on the beautiful island of Santorini. In 1500 BC,
a powerful volcano erupted and caused the central part
of the island to sink into the sea. Could this be the
lost city of Atlantis? Enjoy some leisure time to soak
in the breathtaking views of this beautiful island and
delve into the mysteries of ancient Santorini. Your next
stop is the fashionable island of Mykonos. Enjoy an
evening stroll on this oasis as picturesque windmills
dot the landscape along with the beautiful beaches,
whitewashed houses, and an endless line of boutiques and
chapels. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Rhodes, Greece
Enjoy a full day in port in historic Rhodes - explore
its fascinating medieval center, enclosed by huge
protective walls. Or, perhaps you may wish to explore
Rhodes' many bazaars and shops that line Socrates
Street. If you prefer, an optional tour will be offered
to the picturesque seaside town of Lindos. (B, L, D)
Day 9: At Sea
Enjoy a full day at sea to sit back, relax by the pool
and enjoy all the amenities available on board your
cruise ship. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Venice, Italy
This morning you dock in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where you
have the opportunity to explore this ancient city. Set
on a peninsula, this beautiful city is surrounded by a
1,000-year-old protective wall. Take plenty of time to
explore the treasures of this marvelous city. Later,
sail to enchanting Venice, built on 117 islands with 150
canals and 400 bridges. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Venice - Disembark Ship - Verona
Your early morning disembarkation is followed by a visit
to charming St. Mark's Square, a hub of quintessentially
Italian activity and events. A local expert provides a
leisurely walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, with
its famous Moors, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's
Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Mid-afternoon,
travel to Verona. Enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating
the end of a fun-filled, memorable trip. (B, D)
Day 12: Verona - Milan - Tour Ends
Your tour ends at Milan International Airport.

Stay another night -
Add a pre night stay in Stresa. Prices start at $100 per
person, double.
|
Uniquely For You
Stresa, Italy |
| The
beautiful resort town of Stresa is
situated on the western shore of
breathtaking Lake Maggiore, facing the
Borromean Islands on one side and
Pallanza on the other. This charming
town is surrounded by lush green
vegetation and snow-capped mountains.
With an endless variety of trees,
flowers and shrubs, there is always
something in colorful bloom, making it
beautiful year-round. This resort town's
beauty lures visitors from around the
world and invites them to explore its
interesting old buildings, shops and
cafes. A narrow boulevard runs along
most of Stresa's waterfront, offering
expansive views of the lake, islands and
mountains. Stresa has inspired artists
and writers for generations; Ernest
Hemingway set part of his novel A
Farewell to Arms here, in the Grand
Hotel des Iles Borromees. Your
incredible vacation begins with a
relaxing 2-night stay in Stresa, where
you'll enjoy a welcome dinner with
fellow passengers. In the evening, feel
free to catch the moonlight's final
curtain call on the lake before it
vanishes behind the mountains. |
Base Rates Per Person
|
Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
|
Apr 28 2006 |
$2099 |
$2719 from
NYC |
|
Jun 02 2006 |
$2199 |
$3159 from
NYC |
|
Sep 15 2006 |
$2099 |
$2719 from
NYC |
|
Oct 06 2006 |
$1999 |
$2619 from
NYC |
|
Nov 03 2006 |
$1999 |
$2439 from
NYC |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a
specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not
include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates.
Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is
listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For
tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above.
Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
12 days, 24 meals
9 Buffet Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2, 3 - La Palma Hotel or Regina Palace,
Stresa, Italy
Day 4 - 10 - Costa Victoria, Costa Cruises
Day 11 - Hotel Leopardi, Verona, Italy
On some dates alternate hotels may be used
NOTES:
- Specific cabin assignments are supplied in you final
documentation.
- Veranda, Single and Tripe accommodations are limited
and will be confirmed upon request and availability from the cruise line.
- Port taxes of $157 USD
per person are included in the cruise portion of the tour cost.
- On board gratuities are not included in the price of
your vacation.
- Due to flight schedules, on the last day of the tour
you may require a very early morning departure from the hotel Return flights should not be
booked prior to 11 a.m.
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