Sicily, the Amalfi Coast and Rome - Northbound

Explore the ancient history, mythology, and natural beauty of Southern Italy cruising aboard Le Ponant, a sleek motor-sailing yacht that accommodates just 60 passengers. The tour includes additional days to see historic sights in Rome and Malta. Your ports-of-call include Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Naples, 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, Lipari, and Naples. Drive along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, and visit the Vatican and Roman Forum in Rome. Enjoy Palermo’s nightlife and Naples’ pizza on this Italy cruise tour.
 

Day-by-Day Itinerary

 

Northbound

• Indicates day of cruising

Day 1: Arrive in Malta
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Valletta, Malta, founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. Tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at the hotel. Meet fellow travelers at the welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Meridien Phoenicia, Valletta, Malta

• Day 2: Medieval Malta
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 art treasure-filled Co-Cathedral of St. John, one of the world’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Board your yacht, Le Ponant, in Grand Harbour and set sail for Sicily.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

• Day 3: See 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. Then see artifacts revealing the layers of civilizations at Museo Archeologico Regionale. 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
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

• 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 pasticceries.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

• Day 5: Palermo by day and night
Dock in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. See the Cathedral, with its mix of architectural styles, and Porto Nuovo. Le Ponant overnights in port so you can enjoy Palermo’s lively nightlife, a highlight of this Italy cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

• Day 6: Antiquities of Sicily
Drive to northwest Sicily to the medieval town of Erice, the mythological seat of the Roman goddess Venus; see the Castello di Venere, a Norman castle, with free time to explore on your own. In the ancient town of Segesta, take in the unfinished temple encircled by 36 massive Doric columns, which was started in 426 BC and is remarkably preserved.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

• 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. Sail by the island of Stromboli, and see if its active volcano will provide a natural show.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

• Day 8: The Amalfi Coast to Ravello
Go ashore at Salerno, and 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. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 9: Castles and pizza in Naples
Your Italy cruise ends in Naples, but your Italy tour continues on land. Disembark the ship, then take a guided tour including Castel dell’Ovo, a military fortress in the Santa Lucia district; Teatro San Carlo, and Castel Nuovo. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale showcasing one of the world’s best collections of Greco-Roman artifacts. Savor authentic Neapolitan pizza before traveling to Rome.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Parco Dei Principi, Rome, Italy

Day 10: All roads lead to Rome
See Rome’s landmark sights with a local guide, including Vatican City, and the Roman Forum with temples, monuments, and the Senate House. Pursue your own interests in Rome in the afternoon. Share tour highlights with companions at the farewell reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Parco Dei Principi, Rome, Italy

Day 11: Arrivederci Italy
Tour ends in Rome, Italy. A transfer to the airport is included.
Meals: Breakfast

 

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Prices
11 Day Land / Cruise from $5,690 plus airfare

 

Double $5690

Single $9220

Triple $4690

Special departure where the single price is $6590: June 4 (northbound) and July 10 (southbound)

28 meals included.


Land / Cruise Price includes private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant, and gratuities to ship staff.

International Airfare is additional. Tauck can book your international air for travel originating in the United States, subject to availability; inquire upon booking for special airfares that may be available.
 

 

 

 

 

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