Day 1

The Eternal City is a crumbling classic of romance and relics, where every sculpted cheek comes with a story. History is everywhere: be it the glory of the Colosseum, the tombs of ancient emperors, or churches lavished with masterpieces. Chefs and saints, aesthetes and artisans have all shaped this city, whose jumbled skyline sings with whirring Vespas and clinking espresso cups, the dome of St Peter’s reigning over it all like Jupiter himself. After arriving in this historic capital, check in to your grand luxury hotel set near the iconic Via Veneto.

Day 2

This morning, gain special access to the Vatican's incomparable treasures when the clavigero, or keymaster, unlocks the Holy City’s doors before opening hours. Alternatively, delve into the storied architecture of the Colosseum and the Church of Saint Lorenzo, a site that’s typically closed to the public. For another option, stroll the charming Trastevere district and take in a series of stunning Raphael frescoes exhibited in the 16th-century Villa Farnesina. Tonight, gather for a lavish welcome dinner hosted at the Casina del Salvi, a stately neoclassical venue affording views of the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.

Day 3

Uncover the secrets of Ostia Antica, home to some of Italy's most fascinating and best-preserved Roman ruins. Here, ancient mosaics, frescoes and architectural details afford vivid insights into Roman urban planning and social life. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the port of Civitavecchia, where Crystal Serenity awaits your arrival.

Day 4

With its pastel-hued houses and villas clinging to near-vertical cliffs, the Amalfi Coast has enchanted visitors since the days of the Grand Tour. Write your own chapter into Amalfi’s romantic history with a yacht cruise off the coast, coming ashore for a private lunch at a local winery. Or, sample the distinctively volcanic terroir of Pompeii at a renowned winery nestled amid the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Afterward, explore the preserved frescoes and mosaics of Villa Poppea. Alternatively, get your culinary fix at a Sorrento dairy farm renowned for its mozzarella, limoncello and olive oil.

Day 5

Presided over by fiery Mount Etna, Sicily is a red-hot mix of sunbaked temples, sizzling sea views and sensational produce grown on its fertile volcanic slopes. Come ashore in the iconic port of Syracuse, a place Cicero described as “the greatest Greek city and most beautiful of them all.” Explore Syracuse’s Old Town of Ortigia, a tangle of cobbled streets wending this way and that, lined with fabulous boutiques, restaurants and ancient buildings such as the Temple of Apollo. After a tasting of the distinctive local wines, hit the market to sample the region’s freshest picks. Alternatively, head further inland for a truffle hunt at a local farm, explore the Greek and Roman ruins of Neapolis, or hike amid the papyrus stands of Fiume Ciane Natural Reserve.

Day 6

Relax as you cruise northeast toward Corfu, taking advantage of the ship’s amenities along the way. En route, the Expedition Team sets the stage for tomorrow’s shore excursion with a series of enriching presentations as well as a photo workshop. This evening, don your finest for the Captain’s dinner and cocktail reception.

Day 7

Day 8

Flanked by fjords and mountainous ridges on a picturesque Dalmatian Bay, Kotor enjoys a rich medieval maritime and trade legacy survived by its remarkably preserved houses, palaces and churches. Begin with an exploration of Kotor’s historic Roman buildings and a local cathedral dating to 1166. Afterward, opt for a winery visit or a boat excursion to the Baroque jewel of Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Church — home to Death of the Virgin, Tripo Kokolja’s 33-foot masterwork. A speedboat tour of Kotor Bay and a swim in the sapphire-like Blue Cave are also on offer.

Day 9

Fronting Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Zadar charms with its Venetian city gates, Roman forum, medieval churches and cosmopolitan cafés. After an exploration of Zadar’s Old Town landmarks, visit the Church of Saint Donatus for a choir performance or try the region’s celebrated maraschino liqueur at a local restaurant. Alternatively, set out on a day trip to Pag, a lunar-like island enclave renowned for its UNESCO-recognized lacemaking technique and distinctive cheeses.

Day 10

With its timeworn terracotta churches, sea-kissed breezes and warren of ambling lanes, Ravenna has a way of transporting travellers back to a time when life moved more slowly. This less-frequented jewel of the Emilia-Romagna region is renowned for the luminous early Christian mosaics that cover the interiors of its UNESCO-listed basilicas. Get an exclusive look with before-hours access to the stunning Byzantine mosaics of the Domus of the Stone Carpets. For a more active adventure, opt for a hike in the Foce del Torrente Bevano Nature Reserve. Alternatively, head to Bologna for a walk in the local market and a pasta-making class, or a tour of the Ducati Factory and Museum. Afterward, gather back in Ravenna for a special farewell dinner.

Day 11

On your final day in Ravenna, go hands-on with a cooking class or a mosaics workshop. Alternatively, take a day trip to the UNESCO-listed, Emilia-Romagna enclave of Ferrara, where you stroll the medieval streets of the Via delle Volte and tour the Renaissance halls of Este Castle.

Day 12

Bid farewell to your Expedition Team and crew as you disembark in the Venetian port of Fusina and catch your departure flight or continue on the Trieste post-tour extension.

Day 1

Arrive Tahiti, Society Islands, French Polynesia – Casting Off for adventure. A bustling hub of French Polynesia’s Society Islands, Tahiti towers over the ocean, with waterfall-laden mountains, black sand beaches, blue lagoons and a distinctly modern buzz. 

Day 2

Tahiti, Society Islands – Casting Off for Adventure.  After a relaxing morning at your resort, board Le Jacques-Cartier and begin your exploration of French Polynesia.

Day 3

Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands – Diving into Island Life. Go ashore to meet the locals,or hop on an e-bike to explore the island with a smaller oceanfront village and a historic church. Then relax on a private beach of soft pink sand.

Day 4

Tahanea, Tuamotu Islands – Uninhabited Atoll

Come ashore on Tahanea, an uninhabited atoll familiar only to a handful of local fishermen and the endemic sandpipers and warblers that call its lagoon their home. Explore, walk the beach or snorkel amid the stunning beauty of this true island paradise.

Day 5

At Sea – Cruising to the Marquesas

Cruise toward the Marquesan Island of Fatu Hiva, making the most of Le Jacques-Cartier’s onboard facilities while preparing for tomorrow’s excursion with presentations from the Expedition Team.

Day 6

Fatu Hiva, Marquesas – Nature’s Sacred Balance. Make landfall on Fatu Hiva, the most isolated of the inhabited Marquesas. Here, hike to the achingly beautiful Bay of the Virgins, trek to a secluded waterfall or take a scenic drive. Then, swim from one of the island’s idyllic beaches.

Day 7

Nuku Hiva, Marquesas – Melville’s Muse

Come ashore on the largest of the Marquesas, Nuku Hiva. On a scenic drive, a guide reveals how Herman Melville’s adventures on Nuku Hiva inspired his novel Typee. Alternatively, hike an island trail or set out in search of tiki, petroglyphs, paepae stone platforms and other archeological relics.

Day 8

Hiva Oa, Marquesas – Gauguin’s Legacy

Known as the garden of the Marquesas, explore the island’s enduring connection with Paul Gauguin at the artist’s former home and final resting place. Alternatively, explore the tiki of the Upeke archeological site.

Day 9

Ua Pou, Marquesas – Ancient Warriors of Legend

The tranquil island of Ua Pou stands guarded by Poutetaunui and Poumaka, two towering basalt pillars said to represent ancient warriors. Pass under their gaze and head ashore to hike a trail to the peak of Poumaka, or hunt for the island’s distinctive flower stones.

Day 10

At Sea – Cruising Back to the Tuamotus

Today, the Expedition Team continues its enriching lecture series as Le Jacques Cartier begins the return leg back toward the Tuamotuan Islands.

Day 11

Manihi, Tuamotu Islands – Unspoiled Marine Paradise

The pristine beaches, ocean breezes, crystal clear lagoon and abundant marine life of Manihi soothe the soul like few places on Earth. Come ashore to swim, beachcomb or just soak it all in.

Day 12

Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands – Bounty of the Reef

Translated roughly as “the big sky,” Rangiroa spans more than 400 islets that encircle a massive lagoon teeming with marine life. Delve into Rangiroa’s aquatic wonders with a visit to a black pearl farm or a glass-bottom boat ride amid the reef’s Napoleon fish.

Day 13

Mataiva, Tuamotu Islands – Leopard Print Lagoon

Mataiva is distinguished by its unique lagoon spotted with small, deep pools. Here, swim in the lagoon, snorkel the reefs or explore the rock formations and beaches.

Day 14

Bora Bora, Society Islands – Pearl of the Pacific

The leading lady of the South Pacific, Bora Bora is synonymous with romance, tropical beaches and warm hospitality. Go beyond the tourist’s Bora Bora with everything from 4x4 explorations of the mountains and World War II sites to snorkeling and glass-bottom boat excursions offshore.

Day 15

Raiatea, Society Islands – Wayfinders’ Homeland

Known as Hawaiki, or “the homeland,” Raiatea was once regarded as the cultural and religious center of the Society Islands. Legend holds that skilled wayfinders navigated double-hulled sailing canoes from these shores outward to the distant reaches of Hawaii, New Zealand and beyond. Retrace this legendary legacy as you kayak offshore, snorkel the reefs from a catamaran or explore an archeological site on land.

Day 16

Depart Tahiti – the Voyage Ends

Disembark Le Jacques-Cartier and transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.