Board Seven Seas Mariner in glorious Venice, spread over 117 islands and criss-crossed by canals and tiny bridges. Venice is renowned for its Murano glass and for its exclusive shops. with upmarket boutiques running from Piazza San Marco to the Accademia Bridge and more unusual wares available in Frezzeria.

Strolling through Venice is a rewarding experience, where besides the legendary sites, exploring by waterbus reveals grand palaces and quiet corners. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection at Palazzo Venier dei Leoni houses a notable collection of 20th century art, and taking refreshment at Café Florian on Piazza San Marco is an experience worth the premium price.

The red-tiled roofs of Dubrovnik can be admired from the defensive city walls encircling the city. The marbled main street, the Stradun, is lined with shops and restaurants, leading to the Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Romanesque Monastery with its cloistered interior, housing a pharmacy dating back to 1317.

Medieval Kotor sits on a lovely bay backed by wooded hills, with winding streets, small squares and an Italianate flavour inherited from a period of Venetian rule. The focal point of the town is the handsome Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.

Venetian influences continue on the Ionian island of Corfu, where in Old Corfu Town, the Liston, an arched colonnade with cafés and restaurants, borders the Esplanade. Perhaps visit the Palaia Anaktora, formerly the residence of British Greek royalty, or take a boat trip from the beach to explore the sea caves at Paleokastria.

A visit to the hillside town of Taormina is not complete without a visit to the splendidly situated Greek amphitheatre, with views to Mount Etna. Perhaps seek out the San Domenico Hotel, formerly a Dominican monastery with a stunning terrace overlooking the sea, or take the cable car down to Mazzaró bay.

The Amalfi coast is one of Italy's most scenic areas, dotted with small, chic former fishing villages clinging to the rocky hillsides. The cathedral of Amalfi has an imposing flight of steps leading up from the piazza, and Positano tumbles into the sea from a jumble of cobbled streets housing artisan's workshops and smart boutiques.

There is much to see and do in the Italian capital; Vatican City, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel and the Spanish Steps to name but a few. Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso are the places to go for Italian designer fashion, and good restaurants and bars can be found throughout the city.

Florence is a paradise for art lovers and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Sitting on the River Arno and crossed by the Ponte Vecchio, great architecture is everywhere. See the unique, black and white façade of the Duomo and the treasures in the Uffizi Gallery. Apart from its famous leaning tower, Pisa has fine Tuscan buildings with a Moorish flavour.

This small fishing town on the Levante Riviera has a long history as a hideaway for the rich and famous. Relaxed and unhurried, Portofino is a good place to sip a drink and watch the world go by. There are good views of the coast from Castello Brown.

Disembark Seven Seas Mariner.