Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning in Milan, perhaps a short walk to admire the historic Duomo di Milano and sip espresso at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Explore the fashionable Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and grab a light lunch before heading to the airport.
Evening: Arrive at Linate Airport at 5:45 pm, collect luggage, and take a private transfer to your hotel to unwind after the flight.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early by train to Zurich, enjoying scenic Alpine views during the journey.
Afternoon: Tour the famous Lindt Chocolate Factory, where you’ll learn the art of chocolate making and sample fresh truffles.
Evening: Continue to the charming town of Einsiedeln to visit the Einsiedeln Milchmanufaktur, then catch an evening train toward Genoa, Italy.
Find HotelsMorning: Relax on the train crossing the Swiss‑Italian border, admiring the lake‑side scenery of Lake Como.
Afternoon: Arrive in Genoa, check into your harbor hotel, and stroll the historic Via Garibaldi promenade.
Evening: Dine on fresh Ligurian seafood at a waterfront trattoria and prepare for the cruise departure.
Find HotelsMorning: Board the luxurious MSC Splendida at the Genoa port and settle into your cabin.
Afternoon: Enjoy the ship’s amenities, including the pool deck and a welcome cocktail on the sundeck.
Evening: Attend the opening gala dinner in the elegant main restaurant, followed by a live music show.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive in Ajaccio, Corsica; take a guided tour of the historic citadel.
Afternoon: Explore the stunning coastal cliffs and relax on a private beach.
Evening: Return to the ship for a themed Mediterranean dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Dock at Cagliari, Sardinia and visit the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.
Afternoon: Sample local delicacies such as pane carasau and fresh seafood at a seaside market.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset cocktail on deck before a relaxed evening aboard.
Find HotelsMorning: Cruise into Naples and take a short excursion to the ruins of Pompeii.
Afternoon: Savor authentic Neapolitan pizza in the historic center.
Evening: Return to the ship for a performance of traditional Italian folk music.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive in Palermo, Sicily and explore the bustling Ballarò Market.
Afternoon: Visit the stunning Monreale Cathedral with its golden mosaics.
Evening: Enjoy a Sicilian wine tasting event on board.
Find HotelsMorning: Dock at Valletta, Malta and wander the fortified city walls.
Afternoon: Discover the impressive St. John’s Co‑Cathedral and its Caravaggio masterpieces.
Evening: Return to the ship for a Mediterranean-themed dinner night.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive in Barcelona, Spain and take a guided walk along La Rambla.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Sagrada Família and enjoy a tapas lunch.
Evening: Experience a Flamenco show before sailing back to Italy.
Find HotelsMorning: Disembark at the Port of Genoa after a final sunrise on deck.
Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel and refresh before the next leg of the journey.
Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in Genoa’s historic center.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a fast train to Florence and head straight to The Mall Luxury Outlets for designer shopping.
Afternoon: Return to Florence to admire the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery (optional).
Evening: Catch an evening train back to Genoa and relax at your accommodation.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Venice and begin with a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal.
Afternoon: Visit the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and explore the Doge’s Palace.
Evening: Enjoy a gondola ride at sunset followed by dinner in a canal‑side osteria.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive in Ancona and wander the historic Cathedral of San Ciriaco.
Afternoon: Stroll the seaside promenade and visit the Roman Amphitheatre.
Evening: Dine on fresh Adriatic fish at a local trattoria.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short boat trip to the nearby Conero Riviera for beach relaxation.
Afternoon: Hike the scenic coastal trails with panoramic sea views.
Evening: Return to Ancona for a relaxed evening in the historic center.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the Museum of the Sea to learn about the region’s maritime heritage.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a piazza café and shop for local ceramics.
Evening: Prepare for the final leg of the trip with a quiet night in preparation for Rome.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive in Rome and start at the iconic Colosseum, exploring the ancient arena.
Afternoon: Walk through the Roman Forum and climb the Palatine Hill for stunning city views.
Evening: Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and enjoy a final Italian dinner near the Spanish Steps.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack and head to the airport for your flight home, reflecting on an unforgettable 18‑day journey.
Find HotelsIf you’d like to shorten the itinerary, consider skipping the Ancona segment and heading straight from Venice to Rome, which reduces travel time by three days. Conversely, you can extend your stay in Rome or add a day trip to Tivoli’s Villa d’Este for extra cultural immersion. Adjusting the cruise length (e.g., opting for a 5‑day Mediterranean route) also offers flexibility while still enjoying the highlights of the MSC Splendida.