Embark Royal Clipper in Civitavecchia.

The island of Ponza is a well-kept secret, beloved by the Italians for its tranquillity and unspoilt natural beauty. Perhaps join them in their daily trips by boat to secluded coves, or discover the island's small villages and Roman ruins by bus. Nearby is the island nature reserve of Zannone.

Capri is a heady mix of glamour, natural beauty and uncomplicated island life. Enjoy a drink in the lovely Piazzetta in Capri Town and watch the world go by, or take the bus to cliff-top Anacapri and visit the famous Villa San Michele and its gorgeous classical gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.

This lovely Sicilian town is idyllically situated above the sea on Monte Tauro. Its many charms seduced D H Lawrence, Wagner, Oscar Wilde and Greta Garbo, and include the spectacular Greek Amphitheatre, the 14th-century Palazzo Corvaja and the bay at Mazzaró. For boutiques, antiques, restaurants and high quality Italian crafts, stroll the area aournd Corso Umberto.

En route to Corfu, enjoy the elegant surroundings aboard Royal Clipper.

Charming Corfu Old Town has many restaurants and shops, radiating out from Kapodistra and the elegant colonnade of the Liston. See St Spiridon's church and Georgian mansions nearby. Paleokastritsa has lovely beaches and rocky coves, and the village of Gastouri is where the neo-classical palace of Achilleion was built for the Empress of Austria.

Medieval Kotor sits at the end of a lovely fjord, backed by wooded hills, with winding lanes, picturesque little squares and an Italianate flavour inherited from a period of Venetian rule. Dominating the town is the handsome Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.

Dubrovnik is a treasure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, stroll the 10th-century city walls for views of the city and the sea. The graceful Stradun leads to the Franciscan Monastery, restaurants, shops and the Sponza Palace.

(Omitted on the 10-night cruise) The walled city of Korcula on Korcula island has elegant Venetian and Renaissance palaces, galleries, cafés and restaurants. To explore further afield, take the bus to Zrnovo, graced with cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves, or perhaps Pupnat, the oldest village on the island with one of the best pebble beaches.

The popular island of Hvar has something for everyone; a lively nightlife, seafood restaurants, good bathing beaches, excellent local wines, and the peaceful villages of Vrvoska and Jelsa. For swimming, perhaps cross to the sandy beaches on the little island of Scedro.

Approaching Rovinj, admire the much-photographed Riva waterfront, with its brightly painted houses reflected in the sea. Climbing to the top of the bell-tower of Saint Eufemia's Church, there are wonderful views of the town and bay. Nearby, the coastline is dotted with holm oak forests and nineteen picturesque islands.

Disembark Royal Clipper in Venice.