Italy, Greece & Croatia onboard Celebrity Ascent

Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world and is a history lesson in itself. Key sites include the Vatican City, The Forum, the Colosseum and the ruins of the Circus Maximus. There are many museums and art galleries, with works by Raphael, Bottecelli, Pinturicchio and Belini and many more. The Vatican City has many spectacular buildings and churches to visit principle amongst which is the Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo ceiling. It is the world's smallest independent sovereign state and also features St. Peter's Basilica was built over 1,500 years ago the Vatican Library hand the Vatican Garden. Modern Rome is a city of restaurants, open piazza's, wonderful shopping and more. Things to See & Do * Vatican City * Sistine Chapel * St. Peter Basilica * The Colosseum * Trevi fountain

Messina is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, Italy and the capital of the province of Messina. It is located near the North-East corner of Sicily, and is the closest point on Sicily to mainland Italy. It is easily accessible from Reggio di Calabria or Villa San Giovanni on the mainland. Messina is a modern city with few intact monuments due to an earthquake in 1908 and Allie bombings in 1943. It is gateway to nearby Taormina, Mt Etna and ancient Naxos.

Cruising

Katakolon is a small seaside port village on Greece’s western Peloponnese coast, set between gentle green hills and the sparkling Ionian Sea. Known as the gateway to ancient Olympia, it offers a relaxed waterfront lined with cafés, shops, and views of fishing boats and cruise ships in the harbour. Visitors can explore the archaeological site and museum of Olympia, stroll along the scenic promenade, relax on nearby sandy beaches, or enjoy local wine and olive oil tastings. With its blend of coastal scenery, history, and easygoing Greek charm, Katakolon makes a welcoming stop for culture and relaxation.

Corfu is the second largest Greek island on the north side of the Ionian Sea, in the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, 6 km’s from the coast of Albania. The principal town of the island is also named Corfu, or Kerkyra in Greek. The island is steeped in history and it is directly connected to the history of Greece starting from Greek mythology. Corfu is a popular tourist destination, offering something for everyone. It boasts many beachside resorts, leisure and entertainment facilities, unspoiled countryside, secluded coves, traditional villages and scenic mountain walks. There are two excellent beaches close (about 25 km) to Corfu Town at Benitses Glyfada and Paeleokastritsa.

Dubrovnik, set along Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, is a historic walled city where marble streets meet the deep blue sea. Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its medieval walls, baroque buildings, and red-tiled rooftops. Visitors can walk the city walls for panoramic views, explore forts and palaces, take a cable car up Mount Srđ, relax on nearby beaches, or sail to the nearby Elafiti Islands, making Dubrovnik a striking blend of history, scenery, and coastal beauty.

Split is not only an urban, cultural and traffic centre of Dalmatia with road and sea connections to Dalmatia's numerous summer resorts, but it is itself often a popular tourist destination. A city with a 1700-year old tradition, there is a variety of archaeological, historical and cultural monuments, among which is the well-known Palace of Diocletian . Split has a variety of restaurants and wine cellars, offering domestic specialties. There are many beaches and public beaches in the city and its surroundings, the most popular of them being Bacvice, a sand beach almost in the very heart of the town. The cultural and entertainment offer of Split is extremely rich, particularly in the summer, when the city squares, yards and other areas turn into a large open-air stage. The Split Summer, a traditional festival in the middle of the summer season, includes dramas, operas and concerts. Split has several theatres, among which the Croatian National Theatre, established in 1893, deserves a special mention as a house hosting theatrical festivals, the Split Summer and the Days of Marulic. There is also the Youth Theatre, and the Split Puppet Theatre. If you visit city Split remember it is a city of history, culture, and tradition but it is also a city of fun parties and great night life.

Bar, located on Montenegro’s southern Adriatic coast, is a laid-back port city set between the sparkling sea and rugged mountain scenery. The area blends modern waterfront life with deep history, from the lively marina and beaches to the atmospheric ruins of Stari Bar, the old town perched on the slopes above the coast. Visitors can explore ancient stone streets and fortifications, see one of the world’s oldest olive trees, relax on pebble and sandy beaches, or enjoy coastal dining with views across the Adriatic. With its mix of history, nature, and easygoing seaside charm, Bar offers a quieter yet scenic window into Montenegro.

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Naples, set along the sweeping Bay of Naples in southern Italy, is a vibrant coastal city backed by Mount Vesuvius and filled with layers of history, colour, and local life, while nearby Capri adds a touch of island glamour just offshore. The scenery ranges from bustling waterfront promenades and historic streets to dramatic volcanic views and sparkling Mediterranean waters. In Naples, visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, admire the Royal Palace, visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, or enjoy world-famous Neapolitan pizza. A short trip to Capri reveals rugged cliffs, hidden coves, boat trips to the Blue Grotto, scenic chairlift rides up Monte Solaro, and chic piazzas overlooking the sea, creating a rich mix of culture, nature, and coastal beauty.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy