Genoa, Italy 24 August 2023
Genoa was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, but the city's proud history predates that explorer by hundreds of years. Genoa was already an important trading station by the 3rd century BC, when the Romans conquered Liguria. The Middle Ages and the Renaissance saw it rise to become a jumping-off place for the Crusaders, a commercial center of tremendous wealth and prestige, and a strategic bone of international contention. A network of fortresses defending the city connected by a wall second only in length to the Great Wall of China was constructed in the hills above, and Genoa's bankers, merchants, and princes adorned the city with palaces, churches, and impressive art collections.
Crammed into a thin crescent of land between sea and mountains, Genoa expanded up rather than out, taking on the form of a multilayer wedding cake, with churches, streets, and entire residential neighborhoods built on others' rooftops. Public elevators and funiculars are as common as buses and trains.
With its impressive palaces and museums, the largest medieval city center in Europe, and an elaborate network of ancient hilltop fortresses, Genoa may be just the dose of culture people are looking for. Fine restaurants are abundant, and classical dance and music are richly represented.
The ship arrives Genoa at 07:00AM
Breakfast onboard ship at the Marketplace buffet.
PRINCESS TOUR: MILAN HIGHLIGHTS & TIME ON MY OWN
Board your motorcoach in Genoa for a scenic drive to Milan. Your route takes you through the Scrivia Valley, where you'll enjoy hillside views of the Apennines. A prized summer retreat for many Genoese families, the area is beautifully covered with lush Mediterranean vegetation. Your local tour guide will point out historic landmarks as you continue through Milan's commercial and residential regions. Castello Sforzesco is the dedicated motorcoach parking area, and a short walk brings you to Piazza del Duomo, where you will commence your tour.
A knowledgeable guide will take you through the streets of this historic city, highlighting history, architecture, and fashionable boutiques. You'll see world-famous landmarks and magnificent piazzas and discover why Milan, the second largest city in Italy, holds such a special place in the hearts of those who visit. Your walking tour centers on the heart of the city, known as the Piazza del Duomo.
The Piazza del Duomo is one of the main landmarks in Milan and a fitting showcase for the world's largest gothic cathedral. Construction on the church began in 1386 and took five centuries to complete. This incredible building is the third largest church of Christianity, and is spectacularly ornate. Inside you will find the golden statue La Madonnina, one of the main attractions. The exterior of the Duomo is a splendid display of gothic spires in white Candoglia marble.Continue on to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a covered and elegant gallery with shops and restaurants. This breathtaking structure was built in the 1870s and was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni. It is most famous for its towering glass ceiling.
To the side of the building you will find Piazza della Scala, a pretty square that is home to the popular opera house Teatro alla Scala. In the center of Piazza della Scala stands a monument to the great artist Leonardo da Vinci. Here you will also find the La Scala Theatre and a museum that offers an exclusive collection of paintings, statues, costumes, drafts, and other documents regarding La Scala's history and opera. On the opposite side of the Piazza you will see the Palazzo Marino, today serving as Milan's City Hall.
Following your guided walking tour, you are free to seek out a trattoria for lunch and to browse the elegant art galleries and museums. You may choose to visit to the Royal Palace which offers two of Milan's most noted museums, the Contemporary Art Museum and the Duomo Cathedral Museum, and a visit to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is an opportunity to see Leonardo da Vinci's magnificent Last Supper.
After the "Mona Lisa" in the Louvre in Paris, "The Last Supper" by Leonardo DaVinci is one of the most famous paintings in the world. Seeing this magnificent painting in real life is one of my main reasons for coming to Milan. I can't wait!!
No visit to Milan is complete without a walk along Via Spiga. Some of your free time can be spent here viewing where famous clothing designers have their showrooms and you can glimpse into the world of Italian high fashion couture. t the completion of your tour, return to the motorcoach for a relaxing drive back to port.
The ship sails at 7:00PM
Dinner at 7:30PM in the Capri diningroom
After dinner there is a show in the main show lounge.
The perfect end to a cruise day is a stop at the casino.
Overnight onboard enchanted Princess
