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11 Days Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome - Southbound Tour Package
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Priced From: $6,690 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Aug, Oct 
Explore the ancient history, mythology, and natural beauty on one of our Italy cruises 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. 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! Some of the most intriguing southern Italy 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 and Roman Forum in Rome. Enjoy a "Taste of Palermo" and Naples’ pizza on one of our most popular Italy cruises.
Tour Itinerary
• Indicates day of cruising
Day 1: Buon Giorno Roma – private Vatican Museums visit
One of the most popular Italy cruises begins in Rome. A transfer from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to Hotel Majestic Roma is included. 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
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy
Day 2: The Eternal City of Rome
Get an overview of Rome’s landmark sights with a local guide, then pursue your own interests in the "Eternal City" for the rest of the day, perhaps exploring the many famous museums or dining at a local trattoria. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy
• Day 3: Antiquities in Herculaneum, then Italy cruises embark
The créme de la créme of Italy cruises begins today, but first your Italy tour continues on land. Travel to the coast where you'll 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 embarkation on one of the most memorable Italy cruises or tours aboard our private yacht Le Ponant.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
• Day 4: 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, on one of the most popular Italy cruises. Arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, and visit Villa Rufolo, the former residence of several popes, with lunch ashore.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
• Day 5: 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 tonight, and see if its active volcano will provide a natural show.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
• Day 6: Antiquities of Sicily
From northwest Sicily, drive 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. Drive to ancient Segesta to take in the unfinished temple encircled by 36 massive Doric columns, which was started in 426 BC and is remarkably preserved. Enjoy local entertainment on board Le Ponant tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
• Day 7: Pleasures of Palermo
Spend the day 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 featuring an array of regional specialties, then set sail for Taormina.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
• Day 8: Taormina on Sicily
Admire the views en route to 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
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
• Day 9: See Siracusa, Sicily
Dock 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 can 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 and dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Day 10: Medieval Malta
Your cruise concludes as you disembark in Malta's chief port of Valletta, founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. A guided tour includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, and a drive around St. Julian’s Bay. The walking tour highlight in Valletta is the art treasure-filled Co-Cathedral of St. John, one of the world’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Share fond memories with fellow travelers at a farewell reception followed by dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Phoenicia Malta, Valletta, Malta
Day 11: Ciao, Mediterranean
This Sicily and mainland Italy cruises conclude in Valletta, Malta. A transfer to Malta International Airport from Hotel Phoenicia Malta is included.
Meals: Breakfast
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Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
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