Day 1 Fly to Verona Airport and transfer by coach to Venice where you board Norwegian Gem. Sail at 17.00. As Venice disappears over the horizon, you decide in which of Gem's 13 restaurants you will dine tonight.

Day 2 8am arrive in Split, Croatia's second largest city. History and natural beauty meet here. Visit Unesco-protected Diocletian's Palace or take a tour to the lovely Krka National Park and experience the waterfalls and protected flora and fauna. Sail 4pm

Day 3 10 am arrive in Corfu. Look around Corfu Town at your own pace or take one of the optional excursions and go further afield. The Timeless Villages tour allows you to visit some of the prettiest, as well as experiencing the island's spectacular coastal views. Sail at 6pm.

Day 4 Enjoy a day on board the ship, perhaps around the pool. Sail into Santorini at 4pm just as the day cools and the bars and tavernas come to life. Maybe an early dinner on board before evening drinks ashore. Sail at 11pm.

Day 5 Arrive Mykonos 8am. Everyone's image of a Greek island; white-washed houses, blue-domed churches and some 20 perfect beaches. Go ashore on the ship's tender and do your own thing or take an excursion, perhaps to Alefkantra to enjoy local hospitality and stunning views of the island's windmills.

Day 6 Arrive Heraklion, Crete at 7am. Visit the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, where the legendary Minotaur was imprisoned, before exploring Heraklion with its massive Venetian walls. Designer clothes on Daedalou St, and lots of small curio shops down the side streets - the last chance to buy your Greek souvenirs. Sail at noon.

Day 7 Cruise the Adriatic today and really get to know your ship. Relax in one of the 6 hot tubs, take the sea air with a brisk stroll on the walking / jogging track, go to a lecture, or just relax with a book by one of the pools.

Day 8 Sail into Venice at 8am. Transfer by coach to Sirmione for a 4 or 7 night stay on Lake Garda.