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.
2008 Itinerary
Northbound * Southbound itinerary is the reverse of Northbound
• Indicates day of cruising
Day 1: Arrive in Medieval Malta A transfer is included from Malta International Airport to Le Méridien Phoenicia in Valletta, Malta. Valletta is rich in historic treasures as it was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. Tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at Le Méridien Phoenicia. Meet fellow travelers at tonight's welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner Lodging: Le Méridien Phoenicia, Valletta, Malta
• 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 Tauck's sporty yacht, Le Ponant, in Grand Harbour and set sail for Sicily. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
• 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 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 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 Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
• 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; have lunch and see the Castello di Venere, a Norman castle, with free time to explore on your own. Join Le Ponant in Trapani. 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 tonight, where its active volcano will provide an unforgettable show. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant • 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 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, 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 pursue your own interests in the "Eternal City" in the afternoon. Share tour highlights with companions at tonight's 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 from Grand Hotel Parco Dei Principi is included. Meals: Breakfast
Tauck's Italy cruise explores Greek, Roman, and medieval historic sights by yacht – book now for the best dates!
Dates & Prices
Northbound Apr 27 Sep 21 Oct 5
Southbound May 3 Sep 27 Oct 11
11 Day Land / Cruise from $6,390
Double
Single
Triple
2008 Price per Person
$6390
$10,220
$5690
28 meals included.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Land / Cruise Price includes private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, wine with dinner aboard Le Ponant, and gratuities to ship staff.
Travel North or South – Cruise operates North from Malta and Southbound from Rome. Sightseeing is identical.
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Plan.
All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.
Price:
$5,990 USD Rates and availability are subject to change without notice.
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.
