Icons of Italy & Mediterranean Treasures - Cruise & Land Journey: 20 days Milan to Lisbon

Welcome to Italy and to Milan. As the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan has been a seat of power since the Roman era and today stands as Italy’s creative and commercial heartland, as celebrated for its Baroque palaces and Gothic cathedral as for the fashion houses and design studios that have shaped global culture for generations. You will enjoy a three-night stay here, with time to settle in and begin absorbing this endlessly rewarding city.

This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow guests over a welcome dinner – the perfect introduction to the warmth of northern Italian hospitality and the discoveries that lie ahead.

An hour north of Milan, Lake Como reveals an entirely different Italy. Cradled between steep forested mountains and reflecting the light of the southern Alps, this glacial lake has been a place of retreat for aristocrats, artists, and statesmen since Roman times – Pliny the Younger owned two villas on its shores in the 1st century AD. 

Scenic Enrich
Your Scenic Enrich experience brings you across the lake by private cruise to visit Villa del Balbianello, set on a dramatic wooded promontory above the water. Built in 1787 by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini on the site of a 13th-century Franciscan monastery, the villa passed through remarkable hands before being bequeathed to the Italian Environment Fund – among its last private owners was Guido Monzino, the explorer who led the first Italian expedition to summit Everest in 1973, whose art collection and expedition memorabilia still fill the interiors.

Milan reveals its depth today in three of the world’s most extraordinary cultural sites. The Duomo Cathedral, begun in 1386 under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, took nearly six centuries to complete – its roofline of 135 spires and 3,400 statues the work of craftspeople across 25 generations. Nearby, Teatro alla Scala, opened in 1778, remains the defining stage of Italian opera – it was here that Verdi’s Nabucco premiered in 1842, its chorus becoming an anthem of Italian unification.

The day’s most intimate encounter awaits at Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (1495–1498) captures the moment Christ declares one of his Apostles will betray him – twelve expressions of shock and grief frozen in a composition of enduring psychological power. The afternoon is yours to explore Milan freely.

Departing Milan this morning, your journey west into Piedmont begins at Casa Martini in Pessione – the historic headquarters of Martini & Rossi, founded in 1863 when Alessandro Martini and master winemaker Luigi Rossi set out to create a vermouth unlike any other. Your guided visit traces the history of vermouth from its origins through to the production process, concluding with a tasting of selected Martini expressions.

You’ll spend the next two nights is in Turin, the elegant former capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Baroque boulevards lined with 18 kilometres of covered porticoes, stately Savoy palaces, and some of the finest café culture in Europe make Turin one of Italy’s most rewarding and often underestimated cities.

Today you’ll begin your day at Museo Egizio, founded in 1824 around the extraordinary Drovetti Collection and today considered the second most important collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world after Cairo, with more than 40,000 artefacts spanning 4,000 years of history. A guided visit to the Royal Palace of Turin then traces the history of the House of Savoy across chambers that formed the centre of Italian royal power for more than three centuries, within a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ensemble of Savoy residences.

Your city walking tour leads through Piazza Castello and past the façades of Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale, along the arcaded Via Po, and into the aristocratic grandeur of Piazza San Carlo – known for its twin Baroque churches and the historic cafés that have served the city’s intellectuals and aristocracy since the 18th century. 

The road south leads to Bologna, the food capital of Italy – a reputation earned through centuries of genuine culinary achievement in a region that gave the world Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, mortadella, fresh egg pasta, and balsamic vinegar. On arrival you check in to your hotel for a two-night stay, in a city whose medieval towers, arcaded streets, and vibrant market culture make it one of Italy’s most characterful and rewarding destinations. 

Scenic Enrich
Your Scenic Enrich experience takes you behind the scenes of one of Italy’s most revered traditions. At an authentic prosciutto producer, you discover a process requiring up to 24 months of salting, air-drying, and patient maturation – a craft that connects every slice to centuries of accumulated knowledge and pride.

This morning you venture just outside Bologna to Maranello, home of the Museo Ferrari. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1947, Ferrari has pursued a singular vision across eight decades – to build the finest and most emotionally compelling cars in the world. The museum brings that story to life through championship Formula 1 machines, legendary road cars, and archival film and photography tracing the brand from its origins to the present day. 

Scenic Freechoice: Back in Bologna this afternoon, choose the discovery that suits you best:

An authentic Italian cooking class mastering fresh pasta and regional Bolognese traditions with a local instructor.

A street food journey through the Quadrilatero – Bologna’s medieval market district, its lanes lined with traditional salumeria, cheese shops, and delicatessens that have been nourishing the city for centuries.

Travelling like a local today, you’ll board a high-speed train from Bologna to Rome. Covering 350 kilometres in under three hours, you’ll see Tuscany’s rolling hills give way to the ancient volcanic landscape of Lazio before Rome announces itself on the horizon.  
Known as the Eternal City, Rome is a place where 28 centuries of continuous habitation have produced the greatest concentration of Western cultural heritage on earth – ancient forums, Renaissance churches, and Baroque fountains coexisting with designer boutiques and the easy rhythm of modern Italian life.

This evening, you’ll gather with your fellow guest for a farewell dinner, celebrating the journey and the remarkable discoveries shared along the way.

This morning, travel to Civitavecchia, where your Scenic Discovery Yacht awaits. As you step on board, the next chapter of your journey begins, shifting from Italy’s cultural heartlands to the open horizons of the Mediterranean.

Your first stop is Sorrento, a gorgeous resort town overlooking the Bay of Naples. Known as the land of lemons and orange groves, Sorrento’s natural assets have been put to good use; it’s the birthplace of limoncello liqueur. Sorrento is also the gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast, which stretches away along the rocky shoreline of the deep blue Mediterranean. Spend your day wandering Sorrento’s peaceful alleyways and discover its historic pastel buildings, grand villas, luxury hotels and picturesque cafes. 

In the early morning, Scenic Eclipse will set sail towards Capri. Enjoy spectacular views from the open deck as the island’s iconic cliffs and shimmering waters come into view, setting the stage for a magical day. 

Capri’s mythical charm has captured hearts for more than 2,000 years. Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus fell in love with the island in 29BC, building villas, temples and gardens for his own private paradise. Today, its jaw-dropping beauty still draws royalty, celebrities and fashionable travelers from across the world. 

Wander through the Piazzetta and listen to the melodious chiming of the clock tower, admire the impossibly blue ocean as it crashes onto the cliffs, and taste its famous flourless chocolate cake or a fresh caprese salad. 

This morning, you’ll sail through the Strait of Messina, which separates the Italian mainland from Sicily. The passage offers stunning views of rugged coastlines and distant mountains on the way to Giardini Naxos. This popular and picturesque seaside resort stands on the site of Sicily’s earliest Greek colony, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient past. 

Known as the Jewel of Sicily, Taormina was once a stop on the famed Grand Tour of the 19th century. Today it’s packed with luxury hotels, exceptional restaurants and designer boutiques. It’s also the gateway to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.  

Imposing protective walls and towering bastions announce the Maltese capital of Valletta as you approach by sea. Situated on a narrow peninsula, Valletta was founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John and remains a living testament to their vision and glory. Today, the town is a compact historical gem brimming with Baroque masterpieces and captivating stories. 

A fascinating crossroads of cultures, Tunis has at its heart the UNESCO-listed Medina, a maze of winding alleyways filled with bustling souks, historic mosques, and ornate palaces. Just beyond the city, the legendary ruins of Carthage stand as a testament to one of history’s greatest civilizations, offering a glimpse into the power and grandeur of the ancient Phoenician and Roman empires. 

Discover Annaba, Algeria’s vibrant eastern coastal gem and its fourth-largest city, brimming with rich history and cultural significance. Once known as Hippo Regius, it was an important centre of the Roman Empire and the home of Saint Augustine, one of Christianity’s most influential figures. Beyond its archaeological wonders, Annaba boasts a scenic coastline, lively markets, and elegant French colonial architecture, blending European and North African influences. 

After days of exploration, enjoy some much-needed relaxation on board your Discovery Yacht. Join your new friends over a relaxed meal at the Azure Bar & Café. Graze the day away with included beverages as Scenic’s culinary team goes to the Nth Degree to ensure every dining experience is personalised.  

Enjoy tonight's entertainment at the state-of-the-art theatre before you retreat to your ultra-luxury suite. Alternatively choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by your own butler, choosing from a premium collection of wines, beers and spirits.   

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Almería, where the majestic La Alcazaba fortress stands as a powerful symbol of Spain's Moorish heritage. Built in the mid-10th century, it was once one of the country's mightiest fortresses, second only to the iconic Alhambra. As your ship sails into port, enjoy the breathtaking coastal views before stepping ashore to explore Almería’s lively streets and historic treasures. With its perfect mix of culture, history, and stunning landscapes, Almería offers an unforgettable experience that will captivate you at every turn. 

Known for luxury cars, expensive shops and impressive yachts, Puerto Banús sets the standard in exclusivity. This small town was developed in the 1970s to be the perfect combination of Andalusian culture; part fishing village, part stylish port town with sophistication and elegance. 

Set against a backdrop of immense mountains, wind your way through the town’s narrow streets lined with flower boxes. Or experience one of the excellent golf courses that dot the hills behind the town. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of the glamorous bars before returning onboard for an evening of relaxation and luxury. 

On the western Algarve, Portimão is a small port with a bustling historic centre. Spend the day exploring this former fishing town, where architectural masterpieces from the 19th and 20th century seamlessly blend with colourful contemporary structures, fronted by a breathtaking promenade. Visit the shops selling traditional lace, ceramics and leather goods, and experience one of the many fantastic restaurants. Admire the steep limestone cliffs that surround its sandy beach of Praia da Rocha and swim in its turquoise waters. 

Welcome to Lisbon, the colourful capital of Portugal and a city with a proud history of seafaring dating back more than 600 years. Your journey into wonder ends here after one last sumptuous breakfast on board your Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your new friends as you depart, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey.   

Please book your flight to depart out of Lisbon after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Helicopter and submersible excursions at additional cost and subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Submersible not operational on this voyage.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.