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Sicily, the Amalfi Coast and Rome
2009 Itinerary featuring 11 days from $6,690     Ocean Cruising  Small Ship Cruising  Single  Two Week  
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Explore the ancient history, mythology, and natural beauty on one of Tauck's 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. 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 Tauck's most popular Italy cruises.
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2009 Itinerary


Southbound

Click here for Northbound itinerary, starting in Malta.

• Indicates day of cruising

Day 1: Buon Giorno Rome
A transfer from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to Hotel Majestic Roma is included. One of Tauck's most popular Italy cruises begins at 6:00 PM at Hotel Majestic Roma. Meet fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
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, and take a walk through the Vatican. 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.
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 Tauck's 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 Tauck's 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
Tauck's Sicily and mainland Italy cruises conclude in Valletta, Malta. A transfer to Malta International Airport from Hotel Phoenicia Malta is included.
Meals: Breakfast

Tauck's Italy cruises are among the best ways to see the

Greek, Roman, and medieval sights of

Southern Italy – book now for the best dates!


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