Family Summer in Europe: 16 Days on the Mediterranean

Prepare for your journey on an overnight flight. Wear comfy clothes, pack essentials in your carry-on and sleep as much as you can.

After a long flight, a private transfer to the hotel from Mozio offers a warm welcome upon arrival. Check into Hotel Napoleon, store your luggage and explore the area. The hotel staff recommends Il Tulipano Nero for the first Italian meal, a short walk through the charming Roman streets. Delight in Italian cuisine with pasta, pizza and wine. Once the room is ready, take a refreshing nap. In the evening, walk to the Roman Coliseum to marvel at this wonder illuminated at night. Enjoy a local music festival and end the night with authentic gelato.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or venture out for fresh pastries next door. A later afternoon tour at the Colosseum allows for a leisurely morning exploring nearby shops and cafes. At the Colosseum, your tour guide is easy to find — just remember to bring your passports for entry. Liv Tours provides a semi-private tour of the Colosseum, including access to the gladiator floor. Enhance the experience and reserve the Tour with Underground, Arena & Gladiator Gate. The tour is fascinating, informative and an incredible experience for history lovers.

For dinner, take a ride-share to the famous Osteria da Fortunata for fresh pasta made before your eyes. Before heading to the sea, enjoy a Roman night exploring churches and visiting the Trevi Fountain for another gelato treat.

A private transfer by Mozio provides a convenient and comfortable ride directly to the cruise port terminal for check-in. Spend the afternoon exploring the ship and unpacking, just in time for dinner at one of Norwegian's specialty dining restaurants.

Norwegian provides a shuttle from the ship to the center of Livorno, Italy. Explore the plaza or enjoy some gelato before meeting the tour guide for the Pisa and Leaning Tower tour. A bus transports the group to Pisa. There is plenty of free time to explore the Miracle Square. It is known for its vendor shopping, a unique McDonald's experience unlike those in the States and stunning architecture, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tour includes tickets to climb the tower, offering breathtaking views of the mountains. The climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Once onboard, shop the art installations or grab a drink and relax in the comfortable observatory lounge for amazing views.

There are many sights to see while in port at Naples. The best way to spend the day is to book a Private Amalfi and Pompeii Tour, which provides a private driver to craft the perfect day. A beautiful drive along the coast, with views that will make you want to stop for photos at every turn, comes upon the breathtaking sights of the Amalfi Coast. Spend a few hours in Positano, enjoying the fresh scent of lemons and shopping at luxury boutiques. Continue to Sorrento, known for its limoncello and chocolate shops. Sorrento is an ideal place for affordable shopping, enjoying Margherita pizza and sipping a glass of wine. The final leg of the day is spent exploring the tragic and beautiful remains of Pompeii, with views of Mt. Vesuvius in the distance. Return to the ship full of new memories, and wind down by catching a comedy show or Broadway play aboard the Viva.

Add a new country to the list with a visit to the small island of Malta, known for its rocky coastline. Plan to spend the day in the water but resist avoiding popular spots like St. Peter's swimming hole. Beautiful and amazing but crowded. Instead, research and find a local spot with few visitors for a rejuvenating swim in the Mediterranean Sea. An early all-aboard time allows for a night full of entertainment, games and gourmet dinners on the ship. As the ship leaves port, catch a glimpse of the impressive ruins used as a film set for Game of Thrones.

The journey continues back in Italy. There are many day trips available from this port, such as a sightseeing trip to Taormina Day Tour to see its ancient landmarks. Alternatively, get adventurous and climb Mt. Etna during a Half-Day Tour.

A short distance away lies the beautiful port town of Siracuse. Access the city with a short walk from the port to visit magnificent churches, explore the maze of streets around Sicily and enjoy classic Italian alleyways and street cafes. Treat yourself to another gelato.

End the night dancing in the club or chatting with new friends in a lounge, while the kids enjoy their activities in the Splash Academy or the Entourage Teen Lounge.

The third country on the trip, Greece, offers the island of Corfu, which has it all — shops, eats, drinks, ancient ruins and swimming. Take a short public bus ride to Old Town to shop for unique handmade garments and gifts. Take a walk towards the seaside to explore ruins, gardens and active harbors. After walking many steps, cool off with a dip in the sea. Grab a table at Imbari, Corfu for Grecian snacks and drinks, with access to the refreshing Mediterranean Sea for a swim. Back aboard, try your luck at a bingo game or in the casino.

The fourth country on the trip, Croatia, offers sights straight out of a movie, with views that seem like a dream. Hire a taxi driver for a ride to the top of the mountain, where sights Bosnian villages on the right and breathtaking views of the sea on the left. End the taxi ride at Old Town. There is plenty of time to explore the halls of the fort, walk The City Walls or visit the nearby beach for cliff jumping and swimming. A Norwegian shuttle is available back to the ship, where another great meal awaits.

Before departure, find a spot on the ship to lounge facing the bridge and watch the thrilling adventures of bungee jumping unfold! If adventure is inspired, try the drop slide or race go-karts on board.

Take a rickshaw ride to the center of town and spend the day strolling through the crowded but charming Diocletian Palace. Enjoy a 90-Minute Walking Tour to learn the full history of the palace. Duck down an alleyway to discover quiet galleries, gardens and cafés. Stop by Galerija Food to enjoy a delicious croissant sandwich followed by a delightful lavender cocktail. If time allows, take a taxi ride through the nearby National Park or a boat ride to one of the islands for a swim. Alternatively, return to the ship for a restful afternoon at the Mandarin Spa,

The fifth country on the trip is a hidden gem. Few cruise liners port here, so enjoy every moment of the clean, kind and small country. Reserving the Tour to Piran takes you to the peninsula town of Piran. There, you can walk the alleyways until the smell of pizza stops you for lunch. Shop for Piran Salt, and Slovenian chocolate made with Piran salt. It is a delicious treat not likely to make it home. Find the path to the church on the hill for amazing 360-degree views of the town.

Upon returning to Koper, immediate access to the ship allows for a rest before heading back out to the streets of Koper. Many cafés are nearby for a leisurely and late lunch. Walk along the seaside through the public park as the day comes to an end.

The second part of the day starts aboard the Via, with late-night drinks in the pub while watching local futbol games.

An early and smooth disembarkation provides time to take the two-hour train journey to Venice, Italy, the start of the last leg of the trip. Upon arriving at the train station, avoid the long lines by reserving a private water taxi. Check into a hotel in the heart of the city to unpack, unwind and prepare for two days filled with Venetian food and Aperol Spritz. Enjoy a meal at any café on any corner while shopping for luxury brands or visiting St. Mark's Plaza.

Over the canals and through the alleyways, walk to the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute. Sometimes live pipe organs are being delicately played. Explore churches and art museums. Grab a gondola ride or catch a live evening concert to experience music echoing through centuries-old churches.

Venice is not the easiest city to get in and out of. For the most convenient transfer to the airport, reserve a private water taxi, which arrives at the private docks of the airport. Grab some fresh pastries on the way out for a last taste of Italy before the journey home begins.