Small Ship Cruising

Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles

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Direction and Year

Select the cruise direction, and the year, you would like to travel.

Days
12
From (per Person)
$11,990 USD
Journey Type
Small Ship
Time of Year
May, Sep - Oct
Cities & Landmarks
Valletta, Taormina, Mt. Etna, Palermo, Marseille
Taormina

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Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

Explore the Corsican citadel of Bonifacio, perched on soaring sea-cliffs, with its medieval fortress, maze of streets, churches, mausoleums, and unique history

 

Visit the prehistoric temple complex at Hagar Qim on Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site older than Stonehenge 

 

Discover Ortigia, a small island-city within the city of Siracusa – a romantic enclave of ancient temples and baroque architecture

 

Explore the summit of Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, with an experienced mountaineer-guide, and savor some of the most dramatic panoramic views of Sicily and the Mediterranean

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

 

Private Tauck Shore Excursions – $4,979 value!

 

Visit private villas and art museums in Palermo, drinks and canapés included

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

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On some days, walking extends to 2–3.5 miles (~4,000–7,000 steps), with occasional stairs, hills, or uneven surfaces. Standing periods may last up to 90 minutes, but this level still includes breaks and lower-effort days.

Pace

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A steady daily tempo with 2–3 guided activities. Most days include early departures balanced with rest periods or scenic downtime. Transitions between cities occur every 2–3 days.

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Cultural journeys and expeditions

Sail the Mediterranean to fabled islands of antiquity and romance... to turquoise seas, archipelagos, and out-of-the-way places where Jason searched for the Golden Fleece and Odysseus pursued Destiny. From the South of France to the island of Malta, enjoy world-renowned wine, local delicacies, and the cultural treasures of historic empires.

Cruise on an elegant small ship  to the islands of Corsica, Sicily, Elba, Sardinia, and Malta, on a 12-day odyssey to medieval towns and baroque cities – including Catania, Noto, Valletta, Siracusa, Olbia, and Taormina – where Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians have all left their mark. Discover ancient ruins and ornate cathedrals, palaces, monasteries, hidden gardens, coastal villages, and outstanding wineries. Admire the view from Napoleon's hillside villa in Portoferraio; immerse in the breathtaking panoramas at the top of Mount Etna; explore Bonifacio, a labyrinthine citadel perched on sea-cliffs above the dramatic Corsican coast; lose yourself in the rich Baroque art of Sicily, the intimate classical charm of Ortigia, and the  charming village of Aix-en-Provence. You'll also spend four nights on land, in luxury hotels in Marseilles and the island of Malta. Local guides and expert lecturers offer insights along the way, and your ship is designed to access small harbors and remote destinations where large ships can't go. Read Less

Discover Malta

Bonifacio: Where the Cliffs Meet Sea

Corsica, France

Fire and Sky of Mt. Etna

Ortigia, the magical little island within the island of Sicily

Discover a hidden city...

Cicero called Ortigia the most beautiful of Grecian cities, but that was then. Today, it's typically called the most beautiful of Italian cities, tucked away in the heart of Siracusa, on a romantic urban island of labyrinthine alleys, Greek temples, Baroque churches, palazzos of honey-hued stone, elegant piazzas, fountains, outdoor cafes, sea walls and promenades, and 3,000 years of history. From the Temple of Apollo to the Arab marketplace, the Byzantine church, the harborside medieval castle, and the anomalous statue of Athena atop the Duomo, the faded glories of past empires blend in this lively, enchanting place, a step outside of time.

The Mysterious Megalithic Temples of Malta

Legend says they were built by giants, a reasonable assumption since the Megalithic Temples on Malta are typically made of 50-ton stone blocks, piled 15 feet high. But more likely the prehistoric people who built them were normal sized, with technical skills beyond our expectations, which is why the temple complexes at Hagar Qim and Mnajdra in Qrendi, older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids, are UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural monuments where you can delve into ancient mysteries and the building blocks of civilization.

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Deck Plans

Welcome Aboard

Deck 7

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Deck 6

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Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms)

Prestige Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Privilege Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite

Deck 5

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Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms)

Prestige Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Privilege Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite

Owner's Suite

Deck 4

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Prestige Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Deck 3

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Deluxe Stateroom

Deluxe Suite

Deck 2

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Find your tour

Pricing & Availability

About Booking This Tour

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Covid Travel Requirements

The below provides an overview of Tauck's requirements and those of the countries we visit, along with our supplier partners who have implemented their own Covid policies that may go beyond Tauck's requirements. The trip-specific guidelines are for U.S. travelers.

Up-to-date destination entry requirements will be posted 60 days prior to the first seasonal departure for each tour or cruise series. For journeys not yet posted below, please visit our Travel Requirements page. As entry requirement change frequently, please check often.

 

Tauck 2024 Covid Policy

For 2024 tours and cruises, Tauck has no remaining Covid requirements. There is no vaccination requirement or travel pledge to be signed. This 2024 policy could change if there is a surge in infection rates or other factors that could impact the safety of our guests and employees.

Tauck 2023 Covid Policy

  • Vaccination Requirement: All Tauck guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated. Additionally, you must have had at least one booster dose and/or have proof of recovery from Covid.
  • Requirements for Minors: Though highly recommended, vaccination for minors age 11 and under is not required by Tauck. However, if unvaccinated they must present a negative result from either a PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of departing for their Tauck trip. If a child age 11 or under is vaccinated but not boosted, they must also present a negative test prior to their Tauck trip.
  • Tauck Travel Agreement: Tauck requires all guests to sign our Travel Well Pledge. Your Tauck Director will provide this document for your signature on the first day of your trip, and will check your proof of vaccination and booster/or proof of recovery. Additional information can be found at here.

To ensure the safety of your fellow travelers and the communities we visit, all guests must follow health and safety protocols when necessitated by local health guidance or our supplier partners. Your Tauck Director will keep you informed of these local requirements.

Although not required by Tauck, some countries may require a pre-travel Covid test. It is important that you carefully check the most recent entry requirements (listed below) for your tour or cruise. 

Additional Destination Requirements

Your health and safety remain our number one priority while you are traveling with us on Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles - Northbound.The below travel requirements are mandated by the countries of France, Italy and Malta, and our cruise partner Ponant, and are applicable to all Tauck guests without exception:

  • For all 2023 travel, all Tauck guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated. Additionally, you must have had at least one booster dose and/or have proof of recovery from Covid. Although highly recommended, vaccination for minors age 11 and under is not required by Tauck. However, if unvaccinated they must present a negative result from either a PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of departing for their Tauck trip. If a child age 11 or under is vaccinated but not boosted, they must also present a negative test prior to their Tauck trip.
  • We strongly encourage guests to check the requirements for any transit/layover destinations that will be part of your journey.

To embark your Ponant ship:

  • Ponant no longer has any vaccination requirement nor masking policy.

For entry into Italy, France and Malta:

  • There are no specific Covid entry requirements for travelers arriving from the US.

For return to the United States:

  • The US no longer has any specific Covid entry requirements.

The final entry requirements will be clearly outlined in your Personal Travel Documents.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person

119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person

59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: $1500 per person

119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office. 

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein.

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Trip Prep & Essentials

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The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Leave Your Worries At Home

One Upfront Price – No Hidden Costs

Tauck Directors – Simply The Best

Never Settle For Ordinary

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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