Italy, Croatia & Malta Cruise 7 Nights • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Brilliance of the Seas

The Eternal City endures with endless adventures, so it’s definitely worth exploring before your cruise from Civitavecchia. Rome is just an hour from the port by train, so spending a few days here is easy and convenient. Start each morning with a frothy cappuccino and a warm, flaky cornetto in an al fresco café and watch the city wake. Then head to the Palazzo Massimo, home to one of the world's biggest collections of ancient art. Or visit the thermal Baths of Diocletian, where you can see two ancient, decorated tombs dating back to the early second century AD. And of course, no visit to Rome is complete without a trip to the famous Colosseum, which once hosted gladiator contests, battle reenactments and Roman dramas. If you’re a foodie, you’re in the right city. Roman cuisine is all about simple, fresh, unfussy flavors. Think thin and crispy pizza cooked in wood ovens, homemade pasta tossed in simple sauces, crispy fried vegetables and decadent breakfast pastries often stuffed with cream.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

The third-largest Italian city and one of the oldest in Europe, Naples combines deep history and modern verve. Check out the extravagant Royal Palace of Naples, the former home of the royal family, with its beautiful tapestries and frescoes. People-watch from a streetside cafe in the Sanita district with a glass of wine and slice of classic margherita pizza.

Messina is the coastal jewel of northern Sicily. Let yourself get a little lost in the city, as you wander the streets taking note the of the history embedded in its architecture. See the famous Messina Cathedral — its dome has stood since 1551. Stroll among neoclassical and Art Nouveau sculptures at the Camposanto. And check out the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, a 12th-century church that offers a unique example of Norman architecture, blending Arab, Byzantine and Roman elements.

Begin your Malta adventure by wandering Valletta's Grand Harbor, with its 16th-century fortifications and sweeping ocean views. Then, learn more about this island nation at the Malta Experience Museum — here, an audio-visual show guides you through 7,000 years of the island's history. Savor Malta's eclectic mix of Mediterranean, Arabic and European flavors through dishes like aljotta, a hearty fish stew with tomatoes and garlic, thickened with rice.

Thick 16th-century stone walls encase the entire Old Town of Dubrovnik. But you’ll find boundless adventures among its orange-roofed ramparts. Explore the perfectly preserved Rector’s Palace and enter beloved St. Blaise’s Church. Browse Croatian art and history museums— or kayak crystal blue waters, with the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ shimmering in the distance.

Split's town center is compact, so you can see its main sights in a morning. This includes Diocletian's Palace, the large and ancient fortress that constitutes approximately half of Split's Old Town; and Riva, its infamous seaside promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. In the afternoon, relax at one of Split's beaches or do a half-day cruise to picturesque Brac Island.

Discover enchanting Ravenna — once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a thriving hub for craftsmen, artists and master masons. This charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture boasting a staggering 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Which makes it an excellent place to spend a couple of days exploring after your cruise. Wander through majestic churches and impressive palaces that showcase some of the world’s finest Christian mosaics. Plus, take advantage of your proximity to Venice and Bologna — both less than 2-and-a-half hours by car. Stroll through the iconic St. Mark’s Square and ride a gondola beneath the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Or eat your way around the Mercato Delle Erbe and catch amazing views from the top of Asinelli Tower in Bologna. Visiting Ravenna gives you the opportunity to go off the beaten path and to visit Venice’s famous canals or Bologna’s enchanting streets.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.