£2890pp—Small-ship cruise around Italy & Montenegro

Explore Italy in depth on Azamara Onward. Due to its smaller size, the ship can dock earlier and spend longer in ports. You'll have time to take things slowly, live like a local, and explore after other cruisers leave.

What's included

• Return flights with up to 23kg checked baggage
• Private overseas transfers throughout
• Two nights at the Ambasciatori Hotel Venice Mestre, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, with daily breakfast
• A 11-night all-inclusive cruise on Azamara Onward, in an Oceanview Stateroom
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Gratuities and tourist taxes

When
Depart from London Heathrow on 14 May, 2027.

For more information, see our partner's website.

Itinerary highlights
Start your holiday with a stay in Mestre, a mainland borough of Venice. Shops and restaurants are nearby, and there's a bus stop just outside the property. Line 4 can take you to Piazza Romale, the entry point to Venice proper, in just over 10 minutes. There, you can cross a pedestrian bridge or a hop on a vaporetto (water taxi) to venture into the old town.

Embark your 11-night cruise on day three, calling at:

• Ravenna… see early Christian mosaics at millenia-old churches, or go on a tour to Bologna (shore excursions are chargeable).
• Ancona… linger around cafe-filled piazzas in a city funded by Greek settlers in 387BC along the Adriatic Sea.
• Kotor… stand in awe on the deck as you approach this Montenegrin gem wedged between towering mountains and a fjord-like bay.
• Taranto… return to Italy at this coastal town in Puglia. Visit the fortified castle or seek out a nearby beach club.
• Crotone… sample aromatic Cirò Rosso (Calabrian red wine) at a local bar. Or, tour the Capo Colonna archaeological site along the Ionian Sea.
• Syracuse… admire ornate Baroque palaces or load up on gelato in this beautiful Sicilian city.
• Trapani… join an optional excursion to the well-preserved Doric temple and Greek theatre at Segesta. Another highlight would be a visit to The Carthaginian ruins at Selinunte.
• Amalfi… drop anchor at this postcard-perfect town fringed by lemon trees planted on steep terraces. UNSECO-protected Pompeii is also within easy reach.
• Sorrento… take a boat to the glamorous island of Capri, or taste pizza in its birthplace, Naples.
• Civitavecchia… conclude your cruise in Rome's seaport, less than hour's transfer (included throughout) from the airport.

Ship details
Azamara Onward is a ship that carries 684 passengers at full capacity, and the small size allows it to call at ports out of reach of bigger ships. The cruise line prides itself on casual luxury, and schedules provide ample time spent in destinations.

There are six dining venues, including the Discoveries Restaurant which offers flexible dining with no assigned seating. You can also drop in to Aqualina (Italian) or Prime C (grill and steak) for a speciality experience (chargeable). Standard spirits, and international beers and wines are included, and so are tips. 24-hour room service, and self-service laundry are also covered.

The Sanctum Spa offers massage and beauty treatments for a fee. Join Pilates classes or outdoor yoga sessions. Work out in the gym, or find your favourite spot on a lounger around the pool.

You can attend Azamara's signature White Night party held weather permitting once per cruise. Enjoy canapes and drinks under the stars, with a live DJ providing the soundtrack. You'll also get a complimentary AzAmazing Evening. This is a immersive experience, like a show or a concert, held in port to give guests a taste of local culture.

Other options
Sail in a Veranda Stateroom from £3589 per person.

Transfers & baggage
Both are included.