Venice to Rome Mediterranean Cruise with PBS TV Host Darley Newman
Enjoy a Venice to Rome luxury Mediterranean cruise with six time Emmy Award-nominated PBS TV Host Darley Newman. Darley’s first trip to Europe was a Mediterranean cruise with her friend’s family, so this experience is near and dear to her heart. She still has her diary from the adventure, which was her 9th grade of high school and opened her eyes to the wonders of Europe and travel and forever changed the course of her life.
Darley can’t wait to join you on board Regent’s SS Splendor! This trip includes:
Cocktail Reception with Darley
Cooking Class with Darley
Dinner with Darley
Travel Lecture and Behind the Scenes on Darley’s PBS filming adventures!
Book the Mediterranean Cruise with Darley through our Preferred Provider of Travel Services by October 21, 2021 and get up to $550 per suite in savings. This cruise is extra special, because PBS TV host Darley Newman will be on board as a special guest. Limited Time Offer.
Contact Cathy to learn more.
We picked this Mediterranean cruise because of its quality, luxury and sophistication. Regent cruises are “All Inclusive,” which means that ALL FARES INCLUDE: 2-FOR-1 All-Inclusive Fares, free Business Class Air* on All Intercontinental Flights with free Transfers Between Airport and Ship, free Unlimited Shore Excursions, free Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits, free Open Bars and Lounges Plus In-Suite Mini-Bar Replenished Daily, free Pre-Paid Gratuities, free Specialty Restaurants and free Unlimited WiFi
Talk with our Preferred Travel Advisor to book this trip or customize it to fit your needs or that of your group!
Option #1:
Dates: Nov 2, 2022 to Nov 9, 2022
7 nights cruise starting at $7,599 USD per person double occupancy and including Business Class Air* on All Intercontinental Flights
Option #2: A 14 day luxury European adventure, including 7 nights of cruising and 7 days in Italy
Dates: Oct 30, 2022 to Nov 12, 2022
14 days/ 13 nights averaging $15,460 per person double occupancy and including Business Class Air* on All Intercontinental Flights
Option #3: Custom Pre and Post
Along with Option#1, let our Preferred Provider of Travel Services customize a pre and post trip for you, whether it’s one night in Venice or Rome, an excursion to Croatia or Greece or something different.
* Daily inclusions listed below. Prices are subject cabin choice and to fluctuations due to exchange rates at time of payment. Prices and reservations are not guaranteed until a deposit is placed.
Venice to Rome Mediterranean Cruise with PBS TV Host Darley Newman Vacation Itinerary
Day 1: Embark on the SS Splendor: Nov 2, 2022
Regent Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary
Embark on the Venice to Rome (Civitavecchia) Sailing Route on the Seven Seas Splendor, which sets sail at 6pm
Tasteful elegance surrounds you aboard this gorgeous ship, from twinkling crystal chandeliers overhead to the plush carpets underfoot. You’ll even find it in the fresh and creative cuisine, thoughtfully plated so that every bite offers a unique combination of flavor and satisfaction.
Ship Information Seven Seas Splendor™ is Regent’s newest ship and the next iteration of luxury cruising, from her elegant décor to the crowning Regent Suite. Layouts range from 307 to 4,443 square feet, and all include a furnished private balcony.
Day 2: Split, Croatia: Nov 3, 2022
Arrive to Split at 10am
This port city on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia is an enchanting mix of the past and present with ruins dating back to the Roman Empire. Visitors will also find beautiful beaches, and tasty cuisine. Key tourism spots include the imposing Diocletian’s Palace, the 4th-century Saint Dominus Cathedral, Marjan (hike up to this peak for spectacular city views), and the bustling boardwalk Riva, where tourists and locals alike eat and imbibe. Living the Dalmatian life, even for a few days, is a rejuvenating experience like no other.
Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian, noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here. The spectacular stone edifice and its grounds and cellars are a major highlight of any city tour. Other points of interest include the Cathedral of St. Duje, built on the remains of an ancient shrine purported to be the oldest in the world; and the Mestrovic Gallery, where the impressive works of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic are available for viewing in this home and atelier.
Depart from Split at 7pm
Day 3: Kotor, Montenegro: Nov 4, 2022
Arrive at Kotor at 8am
Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro, located in a most secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The old port, surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the House of Nemanjicc, is very well preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous other attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), and ancient walls which stretch directly above the city.
Depart from Kotor at 4pm
Day 4: Corfu, Greece: Nov 5, 2022
Arrive at Corfu: 8:00 am – Eastern European Standard Time
Legendary Corfu is a lush and romantic island, written about by Homer in his famous Odyssey. The island’s history is full of battles, indicative of Corfu’s turbulent position that lasted until modern times with unification with modern Greece in 1864. Corfu offers a combination of cosmopolitan and time-honored Greece. As well as a flower-strewn countryside and Adriatic-style villages, Corfu has splendid coastal scenery and some excellent secluded beaches.
Depart from Corfu: 2:00 pm – Eastern European Standard Time
Day 5: Valletta, Malta: Nov 6, 2022
Arrive at Valleta at 11am
Malta’s major port and capital, the entire city of Valletta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The centerpiece is the impressive 19th century Mosta Dome, visible from anywhere on the island, with its inlaid marble floor and the gilded, carved stone flowers set around the interior dome. For a tranquil afternoon, stroll the San Anton Palace Gardens, artistically laid out in Three Villages – Attard, Lija and Balzan. Or, for spectacular vistas, take a day tour to Dingli Cliffs, which offer striking views of the sea and rugged coastline. Valetta is also a portal to day trips to nearby Mdina, with its landmark Baroque Cathedral of St. John; and Rabat, the provincial township that was once part of the Roman city of Melita, where you can explore several fascinating archaeological digs.
Depart from Valleta at 8pm
Day 6: Messina, Sicily: Nov 7, 2022
Arrive at Messina, Sicily at 8am
Messina, the third largest city in Sicily, was the most important port of departure for European knights on their way to the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Today, this extensively rebuilt port city still boasts many historically and architecturally significant landmarks, particularly the renowned cathedral with its unusual astronomical clock, the 12th century Catania Church and the ornate Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. Messina is also the starting point for a day trip to the peak of breath-taking Mt. Etna-Crateri Silvestri.
Depart from Messina, Sicily at 7pm
Day 7: Naples, Italy: Nov 8, 2022
Arrive at Naples at 8am
Spend a day exploring the fabulous ruins of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum with their stunning temples, frescoes and mosaics. Explore fascinating Naples and its famed museums, visit charming Sorrento or take a boat trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri.
Hotel in Rome Near Piazza Navona 
Villa D’Este in Rome, Italy 
Villa D’Este in Rome, Italy
Day 8: Rome, Italy: Nov 9, 2022
6:00 am – Central European Standard Time
Disembark at Rome Civitaveccia
End of Cruise Adventure of continue on our Post Itinerary in Rome!
Pre and Post Cruise Option
***Pre and Post Cruise Add On Option: Arrive in Venice: Oct 30, 2022
Meet your private assistant at Venice Airport
Upon arrival, meet your private assistant to escort you to your hotel. Enjoy your seamless private canal transfer after your trans-Atlantic flight
St Mark’s Square Hotel for 3 nights + 1 early check in room
Location. Location. Location. Your hotel in Venice is in a stunning position just behind St Mark’s Square, also known as the Plaza, the main public square of Venice. It is surrounded by the smartest boutiques in town, museums and sights, so you can walk around, stretch your legs and enjoy.
This luxury accommodation is pleased to offer its guests an exclusive hotel experience and a fine personalized service, in addition to modern amenities like a fitness room and a panoramic outdoor jacuzzi. Each sumptuous and comfortable room and suite is elegantly provided with stylish Art Deco and Venetian furniture, fabrics, Murano glass chandeliers, together with modern comforts. Every suite in this hotel in Venice is particularly adorned. Some have balconies or terraces giving the guests extraordinary views of Venice, the Grand Canal and St Mark’s Basin. There are two restaurants onsite for your convenience, including one with a Michelin-star chef and plenty more places to dine or have coffee right outside of your door.
Time on own at leisure
Celebrate your first evening! Aperitivo & Italian specialties (Included)
Darley Vacations is happy to welcome you in Venice and celebrate with you your first evening in Italy at the Bar Canal with a cocktail and some local specialites (Included-Darley Vacations welcome amenity)
- One cocktail or aperitivo/person
- One choice of Menu snack bar at Bar canal/person
*Does not include gratuities
Colorful Venice, Italy 
Colorful Venice, Italy 
Venice Hotel Outdoor Dining or Drinks 
St Marks Square Luxury Hotel 
St Marks Square Luxury Hotel
Venice Landmarks: Oct 31, 2022
Gondolas and Great Venice Locations
For your first morning in Venice, explore the canal city through the lens of one of its landmarks: the gondola.
Wth your private guide who will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast, visit a squero, where gondolas are built and repaired. Venice has about 400 gondolas in active service, and all are made by hand. A typical gondola is built from nine different types of wood and several hundred parts, including a carved oarlock called a forcola and a weighted bow ornament known as a ferro that helps to counterbalance the weight of the gondolier who rows while standing on the boat’s stern.
A gondola can cost upwards of €20,000, depending on its amenities, and it needs regular maintenance to ensure a working life of several decades. Most of these boatyards are in locations that tourists seldom see, but the oldest and most famous yard–the Squero di San Trovaso–is in the heart of the city. Although the squero isn’t open to the public, you will enjoy a view of the gondola craftsmen at work from the opposite bank of the San Trovaso Canal.
Take a gondola tour for about 30minutes, and see the city from the canals.
Walking tour of Venice landmarks with your private guide
Continue your visit with your guide, and walk through the city, discovering Venice landmarks, and the historical context and stories for each of Venice famous places: The Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and Saint Mark’s Square, The Rialto Market, the Jewish Guetto, La Fenice, and of course, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs!
Lunch and dinner on own
We will give you some dining recommendations.
Venice Glassmaking: Nov 1, 2022
Morning on own at leisure
Relax at your own pace. Enjoy some time to recuperate at leisure
Afternoon: Burano and Murano private visit
This afternoon, embark on an excursion by private boat to Murano and Burano islands with your personal guide, who will pick you up at your hotel.
This excursion will take you to explore the two most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon. An extremely relaxing tour, which combines many different characteristics of Venice: the natural beauty, craftsmanship, a genuine fisherman village atmosphere and the history of the earliest days.
Murano is the island famous for its glassmaking, a traditional activity that still preserves the ancient techniques of the past. You will admire the glass masters at work while producing the beautiful objects which have made them famous all over the world.
Burano is the most cheerful and one of the most populous of the lagoon islands. Its brightly painted houses give it the air of an Italian opera set, while the success of its most important industries, lace making, fishing and boat building, accounts for the well-being of its people.
Lunch and dinner on own (not included)
Before embarking for your cruise tomorrow, say “Arrivedecci!” to Venice. Should you wish, indulge in a delicious gastronomic Michelin-Star dinner (Not included-We are happy to try to make you a reservation. Availability not guaranteed).
Murano Glass in Venice, Italy 
Murano Glass Blowing in Italy 
Gondolas in Venice
*** Post Cruise Option
Pick up by private driver. Transfer from to Rome hotel
9:00 am – Central European Standard Time
Early check in at Hotel in Rome
In the very heart of Rome, just nearby the vibrant Piazza Navona, there is a world-wide 5-star deluxe celebrated Hotel. From its astonishing vine-covered façade, this magnificent “maison” will immerse you in a world of charm, few steps away from the Pantheon, The Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s Church:an ideal base to experience the elegance of Rome.
“Created” and started up in 1963 by Spartaco Vannoni (1922-1980), the Hotel Raphaël is a real museum of art: paintings, litographs, sculptures, antiquarian artefacts and a valuable collection of Picasso ceramics and Mayan art may be seen throughout the lobby.
You will enjoy an early check in. Upon arrival, enjoy some breakfast, relax at the hotel, or rest in your room for a few hours.
Afternoon private tour of Rome landmarks (Except Roman vestiges) and Villa D’Este
Your private driver-guide will take you on a tour of Rome landmarks (except the Roman vestiges), and you will learn everything about Rome different districts, historical periods, and main points of interests, to end your visit at Villa D’Este.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa d’Este is an unparalleled example of Renaissance architecture, located just under an hour away from the city centre in Tivoli (next to Villa Adriana). Marvel at its fountains, terraces and gardens, explore the building from the inside and feel like one of the many artworks featuring Villa d’Este has come alive.
Dinner at Villa D’Este (Included)
Private transfer to your hotel after dinner
Rome, Italy: Nov 10, 2022
Explore Rome through history: how did the ancient Romans live?
Pick up at your hotel by private guide after breakfast.
Enjoy a thematic and exploratory tour of Rome. How did the ancient Romans live ?
A very special guided visit to monuments and archaeological sites in Rome accompanied by illustrative materials, maps, etc., giving the historical-cultural context of the sites to be visited.
Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum and learn how Ancient Romans lived. We’ll also visit a very special place, which is almost unknown also to Roman People, the Stadium of Domiziano.
In the history of Ancient Rome, the first and only example of brick masonry stadium is the one of Domitian, built in Campus Martius between 85-86 A.D., in order to celebrate the Certamen Capitolino Iovi, a quinquennial competition established in 86 A.D. to inaugurate its opening, in imitation of the Olympic Games. Modern sport was born here! Today, the remains of the Stadium of Domitian lie under Piazza Navona (Unesco heritage), about 4,5 metres beneath the street level, covered by a wide skylight. The recovery of the site drew great interest and in its first year it has hosted more than 70.000 visitors. Panels and screens show the ancient sport’s history with graphics, pictures and videos, paying particular attention to the Stadium’s history.
To tell the story of sport and its practices from Ancient Greece to Imperial Rome is an initiative that has never been done before and therefore fills an important void in understanding the ancient society.
Panels and screens showing graphics, photos and videos illustrate the history, chronology and facts about key people, with particular attention given of course to the history of the stadium itself.
Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy 
Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy 
Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
Lunch on own
Time on own at leisure or guided tour at additional cost (suggestions are available)
“Merenda” at the Terrazza Caffarelli
In Piazzale Caffarelli, 4, with external access from the steps of the Capitol Hill, on the top floor of the beautiful building that houses the Capitoline Museums, is located the Terrazza Caffarelli, rare for location and stunning views of the capital.
Building work was begun by Ascanio Caffarelli in 1538 on family property situated close to the Palazzo dei Conservatori; it was completed after 1680. The building looked out onto the courtyard of the Palazzo dei Conservatori while its interior included two gardens – (the Caffarelli Garden and that known as the Roman Garden ); the large portal on the Via delle Tre Pile was the main entrance to the property. Over the centuries the palazzo has undergone a number of alterations which have substantially modified its original appearance. Some remaining parts of the frescoed vaulted ceiling are now housed in the Museum of Rome. From the beginning of the 19th century till the end of the First World War the building was occupied by the Prussian Embassy . In 1918 it was taken back by the Rome City Council and partially demolished and a large terrace, (the Caffarelli Terrace ) took the place of the upper floors in the Eastern wing.
Enjoy a glass of Champagne and breathtaking view over Rome for your first evening in Rome.
Includes private transfer round trip from/to the hotel.
Dinner at Mater Terrae (Raphael)
Dinner at Mater Terrae Iseasonal menu) is included. Enjoy your “The Pleasure of Tradition” Menu. Your prepaid menu includes Dessert “a la carte”, a glass of organic Prosecco and water.
Mater Terrae Dinner in Rome 
Mater Terrae Dinner in Rome
Rome, Italy: Nov 11, 2022
Morning private tour of the Vatican
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel for a tour of the Vatican: St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, Vatican Museum.
The visit starts from Vatican Museums: we enter the Pinecone Courtyard, crossing the collection of Greek and roman sculpture, admiring the famous statue of Apollus, the Laocoon and the Belvedere Torso, the statues of animals, the Coffins of St. Helen and St. Constance, the Galleries of Tapestries and the frescoed Maps of all Italy painted in 1585. The rooms painted by Raphael and his pupils, ending with the amazing Michelangelo’s Sixtine Chapel.
Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. More than a simple church the Basilica, originally build by Emperor Constantine over the tomb of the very first pope, the apostle Peter, was designed by the best Italian architects. Its building took more than 150 years, and under a certain point of view is still a “work in progress”. The Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, the staircase enlightened by eternal lamps leading to the tomb of Saint Peter designed by Carlo Maderno, the tombs of the Popes made by Bernini, Della Porta, Canova, Thorwaldsen and many others, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more masterpieces will overwhelm you.
Ending with a quick view of Saint Angel Castle, and the secret wall connecting with the papal apartment, will give you the complete picture of the headquarter of Roman Catholic Church.
St Peters Basilica in Rome, Italy 
The Vatican in Rome, Italy
Afternoon on own
Enjoy your last afternoon at leisure on own in Rome. Go shopping, have a glass of wine in a piazza or visit a site you may have missed.
Late afternoon: Cooking class-Pizza class and dinner (Included)
For your last evening in Italy, enjoy a pizza making class. Make authentic pizza from scratch. You will be transfered by private driver to a restaurant “La Carovana” for your pizza party!!
Return to hotel is included.
Pizza Making Class in Italy 
Pizza Making Class in Italy 
Pizza Making Class in Italy
Arrivedecchi Roma: Nov 12, 2022
Check out of your Rome hotel and enjoy private transfer to Rome FCO International Airport for your flight back home.
Trip Prices & Inclusions
Option #1:
Dates: Nov 2, 2022 to Nov 9, 2022
7 nights cruise starting at $7,599 USD per person double occupancy and including Business Class Air* on All Intercontinental Flights
Option #2: A 14 day luxury European adventure, including 7 nights of cruising and 7 days in Italy
Dates: Oct 30, 2022 to Nov 12, 2022
14 days/ 13 nights averaging $15,460 per person double occupancy and including Business Class Air* on All Intercontinental Flights
Option #3: Custom Pre and Post
Along with Option#1, let our Preferred Provider of Travel Services customize a pre and post trip for you, whether it’s one night in Venice or Rome, an excursion to Croatia or Greece or something different.
* Daily inclusions listed below. Prices are subject cabin choice and to fluctuations due to exchange rates at time of payment. Prices and reservations are not guaranteed until a deposit is placed.
Cruise details- Choose your cabin
Your cruise details and cabin options with prices
Embarkation Date: 02NOV2021-Venice, Italy Disembarkation Date: 09NOV2021-Rome Civitavecchia), Italy Voyage Nights: 7
Darley Vacations package includes (Based on 2 sharing):
1.You cruise onboard SS Splendor for this specific cruise
- Price is based on accommodation in a Delux Veranda Suite (G2).
- *Please note that other cabin categories are available at additional cost.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS CRUISE?
ALL FARES INCLUDE:
- 7 nights onboard SS Splendor
- 2-FOR-1 All-Inclusive Fares,
- FREE Business Class Air* on All Intercontinental Flights
*A savings of $2,500 per person is available when arranging your own flights and transfers.
- FREE Transfers Between Airport and Ship,
- FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions,
- FREE Unlimited Beverages Including
- Fine Wines and Premium Spirits,
- FREE Open Bars and Lounges Plus In-Suite Mini-Bar Replenished Daily,
- FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities,
- FREE Specialty Restaurants,
- FREE Unlimited WiFi
For more details about your cruise inclusions, see here
For more information about your cruise Terms&Conditions, see here
2. Pre and post stays and activities
- 6 nights at luxury hotels (1 additional night is included for your early check inin Rome)
- All private activities and transfers per itinerary
- Daily breakfast
- Meals per itinerary
Not included:
- Gratuities for your pre and post days
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Change of package items and routing
- Private excursions for each port of call can be arranged by Gourmet Voyages at additional cost.