Explore the ancient history, mythology, and natural beauty of southern Italy on a private southern Italy cruise aboard Le Ponant, a sleek motor-sailing yacht that accommodates just 60 passengers, with additional days to see historic sights in Rome and Malta. One highlight of your days in Rome will be Our exclusive after-hours private visit to the Vatican Museums – no crowds, no hassles, you travel at your own pace for an intensely personal experience! Your ports of call include Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and remote Aeolian Isles. In Sicily, see the Greek Theater in Siracusa, the charming pedestrian market in Taormina, the medieval town of Erice, and the impressive Doric temple in Segesta. Take in castles, cathedrals, and fortresses in Valletta and Lipari. Drive along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, and visit the Vatican in Rome. Enjoy a "Taste of Palermo" and a traditional Neopolitan pizza lunch on our Italy cruise.
Day 1: Malta to mainland Italy cruise begins
A transfer is included from Malta International Airport to Hotel Phoenicia Malta. Valletta is rich in historic treasures as it was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. Your Sicily / Italy cruise begins at 6:00 PM at Hotel Phoenicia Malta. Meet fellow travelers at tonight's welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
• Day 2: Let the southern Italy cruise begin
A guided tour of Malta includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, and a drive around St. Julian’s Bay. A highlight of your Valletta walking tour is the treasure trove of art found in the Co-Cathedral of St. John, one of the world’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Begin your Italy cruise aboard our sporty yacht, Le Ponant, in Grand Harbour and set sail for Sicily.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 3: Antiquities in Siracusa, Sicily
Your Italy cruise docks at Siracusa, an ancient Greek stronghold. Visit the Neapolis Parco Archeologico highlighted by a 15,000-seat, rock-hewn Greek theater. Discover Latomia del Paradiso to see what you hear through the Ear of Dionysius. Meander around Ortigia on your own, and don’t miss the Doric Temple of Apollo. Enjoy the Captain’s reception this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 4: Taormina on Sicily
Admire the view as you sail into Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily with Mt. Etna towering in the distance. Survey the Teatro Greco and stroll the Corso Umberto, Old Town’s main pedestrian street lined with cafés and pasticcerie.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 5: Palermo
Dock in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. See the Cathedral, with its mix of architectural styles, and Porto Nuovo. Experience a "Taste of Palermo" during lunch today as you sample an array of regional specialties and enjoy local entertainment on board your luxury yacht tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 6: Antiquities of Sicily
Drive to northwest Sicily to ancient Segesta. Take in the unfinished temple encircled by 36 massive Doric columns, which was started in 426 BC and is remarkably preserved. Continue on to the medieval town of Erice, the mythological seat of the Roman goddess Venus, where you'll see the Castello di Venere, a Norman castle, with free time to explore on your own. Join Le Ponant in Castellammare.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 7: Sailing the Aeolian Isles
The next port of call is Lipari, the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands, noted for its colorful houses, 17th-century cathedral and 16th-century castle; see them on a sightseeing excursion. Sail by the island of Stromboli tonight, where its active volcano will provide an unforgettable show.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 8: The Amalfi Coast to Ravello
Visit the town of Amalfi. Then set out on the mountainous route along the Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Visit Villa Rufolo, the former residence of several popes, offering outstanding coastal views and savor a wonderful lunch. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Antiquities in Herculaneum / private Vatican Museums visit
Your Italy cruise ends in Naples, but your Italy tour continues on land. Disembark the ship, then embark on a fascinating excursion to the ruins of Herculaneum. The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD is infamous – and while the ruins of Pompeii are well known, the upscale city of Herculaneum, buried under ash that same day, is better preserved. An informative guided tour of the antiquities precedes your journey to Rome where you'll spend two nights in the heart of the city. A guaranteed highlight of Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome is actually an Exclusive – a private after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums! Tour the Vatican Museums without crowds, without rushing, without pushing your way past a massive amount of people, and without people blocking your view of what you want to see most. Explore the Candelabra Gallery, the Map Gallery and the Tapestries, and the Sistine Chapel and see them as you have them pictured in your mind's eye. Look up at Michelangelo's amazing Sistine Chapel ceiling, made even more amazing by the relative silence without the noisy crowds – and then you'll find out that the floor is just as impressive as the ceiling! You'll be able to contemplate the inspirational art treasures, think about the stories behind the famous paintings, and truly appreciate the exquisite architecture. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! Note: day of the visit to the Vatican Museums may vary.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 10: All roads lead to Rome
Get a good overview of some of Rome’s landmark sights on a sightseeing drive with a local guide, then spend time pursuing your own interests in the "Eternal City." Share tour highlights with companions at tonight's farewell reception and dinner that marks the end of your Malta to Italy cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 11: Arrivederci Italy cruise
Your Mediterranean Italy cruise ends in Rome, Italy. A transfer to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino is included. You should allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
This tour is also offered Southbound
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