Italian Coasts & Amalfi Discovery

Arrive in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities. Settle into your 4-star hotel and spend the evening wandering Venice’s enchanting canals, crossing its iconic bridges, and soaking up the timeless atmosphere of this floating masterpiece.

A final morning to explore Venice before transferring to Fusina to embark Azamara Onward. Sail away at 5:00 PM as the lagoon’s golden skyline disappears behind you.

Ravenna is one of the most underestimated cities in Italy, its UNESCO-listed Byzantine mosaics among the finest works of art from late antiquity in the world. The mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, completed between the 5th and 6th centuries, use millions of hand-cut tesserae of glass and gold to create images of extraordinary colour and detail that still radiate light 1,500 years after they were made. Dante spent the last years of his life in Ravenna and his tomb is in the city centre. For those choosing to venture inland, Bologna’s medieval porticos, covered colonnades stretching 38 kilometres through the city, the Piazza Maggiore and the legendary food market at the Quadrilatero represent Italy’s finest food city at its most accessible.

Perched dramatically on a headland overlooking the Adriatic, Ancona is a city of Roman arches, medieval churches, and excellent seafood. Explore the triumphal Arch of Trajan, the hilltop Cathedral of San Ciriaco, and the charming old port.

One of the Adriatic’s most breathtaking destinations, Kotor’s medieval walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the ancient fortress walls for panoramic views over the bay, explore cobblestone squares, and discover Venetian palaces tucked among the old town’s winding streets.

A sea day heading south through the Ionian Sea as Azamara Onward rounds the heel of Italy’s boot toward Taranto. The transition from the medieval Adriatic world of Kotor and Ancona to the ancient Greek world of southern Italy is one of the most significant cultural shifts on this voyage, and the onboard destination briefing on Magna Graecia — the network of Greek colonies that dominated southern Italy from the 8th century BC — is worth attending today as preparation for the next three days. The Ionian Sea in May is warm, calm and deeply blue, and the Prime C and Aqualina are both worth reserving for this evening.

Known as the City of the Two Seas, Taranto sits between two natural harbours in the heel of Italy’s boot. Discover its fascinating Greek history at the National Archaeological Museum, stroll the historic island old town, and sample the region’s renowned seafood.

One of Calabria’s oldest cities, Crotone was once a powerful ancient Greek colony. Explore the impressive Archaeological Museum, the clifftop Castle of Charles V, and the unspoiled coastline of this lesser-visited southern Italian gem.

One of the ancient world’s greatest cities, Siracusa is a treasure trove of Greek and Roman history. Wander the beautiful island of Ortigia, marvel at the Greek Theatre in the Archaeological Park, and explore the cathedral built inside a 2,500-year-old Greek temple.

Nestled between the sea and salt flats on Sicily’s western tip, Trapani is a sun-drenched town of Baroque churches, medieval laneways, and outstanding fresh seafood. Visit the extraordinary hilltop town of Erice, or explore the ancient Greek ruins at nearby Segesta.

The jewel of the Amalfi Coast awaits. With an extended stay until 10:00 PM, there’s ample time to explore the magnificent cathedral, wander the town’s steep laneways, or venture along the coast to the glamorous towns of Positano and Ravello.

Perched dramatically above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring the region. Visit the ruins of Pompeii, take a ferry to the island of Capri, or simply stroll Sorrento’s elegant piazzas and lemon-scented streets.

Arrive into Civitavecchia in the early morning and disembark Azamara Onward. A private transfer takes you to the airport, as you depart with unforgettable memories of Italy’s most spectacular coastlines.