Stunning scenery, a taste of history and a cruise filled with memories
IMAGINE Cruising is offering a sun-soaked retreat to the Italian Lakes complete with a luxury Cunard cruise on board Queen Victoria. We take a look at exactly what’s on offer across the 12-night holiday...
Day 1: Explore Lake Maggiore
Begin your fabulous Italian Lakes retreat at the secondlargest lake in Italy. Wander through the colourful fishing villages, tuck into local fare at the cafes, and take in the views from your luxury hotel.
Day 2: Lake Maggiore Tour & Exclusive Event
Today you’ll get to visit the Borromean Island of Isola Bella with its Baroquefurnished palace and beautiful gardens.Come evening time, you’ll get to enjoy an exclusive gala dinner at the resplendent Rocca di Angera complete with a four-course dinner accompanied by a live musician.
Day 3: Heading to Lake Como
You’ll be transferred to your four-star hotel stay in Lake Como with plenty of time to take in the epic mountain scenery, or go in search of some of the best Italian food at the upscale waterside restaurants.
Day 4: Explore Lake Como
Lake Como’s shoreline is shaped like an upside-down Yand filled with ancient villages and romantic villas, waterfront walks and lush gardens. You’ll have full-day access to the Como ferries so you can explore at your own leisure.
Day 5: Discover the city of Florence
Havingexplored the Italian Lakes, it’s time for a city break in Florence where you can check out the medieval architecture and art – its city centre is a UNESCO world heritage site, after all.
Day 6: Guided walking tour of Florence
Tread the streets of the medieval side of Florence, encountering iconic sights like the Cathedral, The Giotto Tower and Piazza Della Signoria. You’ll also get to cross the famous Ponte Vecchio to the remarkable Palazzo Pitti (also known as the Pitti Palace) and the beautiful Boboli Gardens, filled with centuries-old oak trees, sculptures and fountains.
Day 7: Embark Queen Victoria
The elegant Cunard cruise ship will be at the port of Civitavecchia (Rome), from which it will set sail for the six-night adventure.Settle into your chic stateroom, and get your bearings as you explore the ship’s plush public rooms.
Day 8: At sea
The Queen Victoria has plenty for you to see and do at sea whether you’re tucking into afternoon tea served by whitebewitching gloved waiters, watching dazzlingentertainment, relaxing poolside or enjoying some gourmet dining at the Britannia restaurant.
Day 9: Take in historysteeped Cartagena
This ‘city of contrasts’ boasts a 17th century walled Old Town and fortress which offer insights into the old legends of the city– it’s no wonder they’re designated as world
heritage sites. comfortable shoes and head to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar for epic views – and you’ll also be able to see some of the destination’s Barbary apes. Expect narrow steep lanes and dramatic cliffs - or head underground to Gibraltar’s impressive caves.
Days 11-12: At sea
Queen Victoria makes for a pretty lavish holiday, whether you’re making the most of the pool, watching the West Endstyle performances, or even dancing the night away at one of Cunard’s iconic gala evenings.
Day 13: Disembark Queen Victoria
Todayyou’ll say goodbye to the beautiful Queen Victoria, your incredible Italian experience complete.