Icons of Italy, Greece & Croatia - Cruise & Land Journey: 17 days Milan to Dubrovnik

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 journey shifts from Italy’s cultural heartlands to the island-dotted waters of the Mediterranean. Settle into your suite, take in the views from the deck, and raise a glass as a new chapter begins—one shaped by coastal beauty, unhurried days and memorable arrivals.

Ponza is home to a captivating historic centre, with narrow streets, vibrant buildings and a lively atmosphere. Renowned for its exquisite seafood dishes and breathtaking natural beauty, the island is a paradise for food enthusiasts and boasts stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a true gem of the Mediterranean.

After an active morning, take some time to unwind before arriving in Capri this evening. This might also be the perfect opportunity to visit the Captain and their crew. Make the most of the open bridge policy to learn about the cutting-edge technology that makes your Discovery Yacht one of the smoothest ships on the seas.

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 travellers from all over 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.

The World Heritage-listed Aeolian Islands are seven volcanic outcrops set off the north coast of Sicily with a rich history dating back to 5000BC. As you sail into the islands this morning, look out for the huge rock formations that rise dramatically from the water. Lipari is the largest and most populated of the islands, known for its pebbled beaches, hiking trails and historic harbour. From its panoramic position, a castle overlooks the seafront of pastel-coloured townhouses, with windswept highlands and steep cliffs in the distance.

After the excitement of the past three days' discoveries, it’s time to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. Ask the butler to bring your morning coffee, then treat yourself to a laid-back day of connection and camaraderie with newfound friends at the vibrant Azure Bar & Café.

Upon reaching Corfu in the evening, enjoy a serene afternoon in one of the cabanas on Deck 10. Take in the panoramic sea views with your complimentary binoculars, provided for your convenience in your suite.

This ruggedly beautiful Greek island is dotted with whitewashed houses and olive trees and is edged with shimmering turquoise waters. The World Heritage-listed Old Town of Corfu has a rich history and magnificent architecture displaying Renaissance and Baroque influences. Explore quaint fishing villages, relax on the many idyllic beaches and coves and stroll through the largest square in Greece, the Spianada.

For relaxation and wellbeing at sea, the indulgent Senses Spa# awaits on Deck 6. Inside this luxurious retreat you can be pampered with a range of holistic ESPA treatments#, including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is visually stunning and rich with culture, history and architecture.  Take a stroll along the Riva past beautiful terraces, palm trees and busy eateries with harbour views. Diocletian's Palace, built in the 4th century AD, dominates the city centre and houses a myriad of buzzing bars and cafes.

For early risers, experience a scenic passage between Brac and Solta Islands, where crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes create a truly unforgettable journey. This stunning route offers captivating views of rugged coastlines, hidden coves, and the serene beauty of the Adriatic Sea.

Hvar, the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands, known for its sunshine, the pebbly coves of its coastline and medieval history. The Town Square in Hvar is among the most beautiful and the largest in Croatia, and the medieval streets of Hvar Town are a treat to wander on this dreamy island.

Your journey concludes in the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik, where ancient stone walls meet the shimmering Adriatic. Enjoy a final breakfast on board, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and luxurious moments shared. As you disembark your Discovery Yacht, you’ll be seamlessly transferred to the airport or your next destination, taking with you cherished memories of this remarkable voyage.

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

#Senses Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +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.  ^Experiences on board our two helicopters are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, tide and ice conditions.

Submersible not operational in Europe.

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.