Compare Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome - Northbound 2020 by Tauck vs Great Italian Cities (Summer) by Trafalgar

Day 1 Welcome to Malta

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Phoenicia Malta. A transfer is included from Malta International Airport to The Phoenicia Malta. Rich in historic treasures, Valletta was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century.  Join us tonight for a Tauck Exclusive welcome reception and dinner at your historic hotel overlooking Valletta's Grand Harbour.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Phoenicia Malta

PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta

Day 2 Explore Malta and embark Le Ponant

A guided tour of Malta includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, perched atop a cliff; a drive around St. Julian’s Bay, a favorite setting for the colorful Maltese boats that are often photographed here for worldwide enjoyment; and a walking tour of Valletta and The Malta Experience, an audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of Malta's 7,000-year history. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a virtual open-air museum of Baroque architecture; visit the splendid St. John's Co-Cathedral to see its silver and gold-leafed interior and rare art treasures, including the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Italian painter Caravaggio. Your newly refurbished small ship, Le Ponant, awaits in the Grand Harbour; set sail for Sicily tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta

Day 3 Antiquities at Siracusa & on Ortigia Island

Le Ponant docks at Ortigia Island this morning, lined with 18th- and 19th-century townhouses, for a visit to Siracusa on the Sicilian mainland. Drive to Neapolis Parco Archeologico to see the Teatro Greco, an ancient 15,000 seat theatre hewn out of rock, and Latomia del Paradiso, featuring the Ear of Dionysius, with your local guide. Crossing back to the Island of Ortigia, a walking tour includes the 6th-century Temple of Apollo – transformed over the centuries as a Byzantine church, a Muslim mosque and then a Norman church – and the Baroque Duomo. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon. This evening, join us onboard for the captain's welcome reception and dinner; sail tonight for Giardini-Naxos and Taormina. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

PORTOFCALL : Siracusa, Italy

Day 4 Cliff-top Taormina on Sicily

With Le Ponant docked in Giardini-Naxos, ride a Zodiac ashore to Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily, with Mt. Etna – the largest volcano in Europe, and still active – towering in the distance. A tour with a local guide takes you to the Teatro Greco, featuring both Greek and Roman elements, and for a stroll along the Corso Umberto, Old Town Taormina’s main pedestrian street lined with cafés and pasticcerie. After returning to the ship for lunch (or staying in Taormina to have lunch as you please), enjoy some free time in the afternoon before Le Ponant departs, bound for Palermo.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

Day 5 Palermo, a private palazzo & more

Enjoy a pleasant morning's cruise aboard Le Ponant en route to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, once considered among Europe's grandest cities; your yacht will be docked in the heart of the city's pedestrian area. Join us for Palermo sightseeing that includes visits to a private residence, Palazzo Gangi di Valguarnera, and Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, the largest Opera House in Italy, as well as some time for exploring on your own. Return to Le Ponant at the end of the day for dinner; this evening, continue your cruise to Trapani.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

PORTOFCALL : Palermo, Italy

Day 6 Salt, wine & a private home

Anchor dockside in Trapani for a journey to nearby Spagnola, situated on the coast connecting Trapani and Marsala, to learn about the spectacular "Salt Route" – flanked by glittering ponds and salt mountains, where they still extract salt from the sea as the Arabs did centuries ago. Tour the small salt museum and enjoy its multimedia program about the culture of salt through the ages. You'll also visit a local well-known winery in Marsala for a cellar tour and tasting. On your way back to the ship in Trapani, stop at an 18th-century villa – the private home of the Baronessa Viva and her husband Peppe – to enjoy coffee and homemade sweets in their lovely garden. Rejoin Le Ponant in Trapani and cruise to the Aeolian Islands.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

Day 7 Lipari and a sail past Stromboli

The largest of the Aeolian Islands and noted for its colorful houses, Lipari sits on red volcanic rock and resembles “a wall of bronze,” according to the Greek poet Homer. Archaeological remains found have yielded clues to civilizations which date to 1700 BC, including the Neolithic stones that sit alongside ancient tombstones, and ruins of Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century, building the castello (castle) and the 17th-century cathedral that is perched above the harbor. Join us for a guided walking tour of Lipari, then explore its renowned Archaeological Museum on your own. Return to the ship for lunch, or if you wish, spend some free time exploring and enjoy lunch as you please in town. Back aboard ship, as you head to the Amalfi Coast, experience a different view of these volcanic islands when you sail by the island of Stromboli, home to one of the world’s few constantly active volcanoes – it has continuously erupted for 2,000 years. The view is unforgettable.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

Day 8 The spectacular Amalfi Coast

Today, Le Ponant calls on mainland Italy and the picturesque towns of Amalfi and Ravello on the fabled Amalfi Coast. Go ashore via Zodiac and explore the region on a guided walking tour of the town of Amalfi, and a drive along the dramatic Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, for a visit to Villa Rufolo. This beautifully restored castle boasts amazing architecture, a rich history dating back to a wealthy 13th-century merchant family, and outstanding coastal views; enjoy a lunch of seasonal specialties in Ravello, and time to explore on your own. During your final night aboard ship, join us for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner as Le Ponant heads for Naples.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Ponant

PORTOFCALL : Amalfi, Italy

Day 9 Herculaneum, Rome & the Vatican Museums

After disembarking Le Ponant in Naples, 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 your journey to Rome, where you'll spend two nights on the Via Veneto in the heart of the city. After settling into your hotel in the "Eternal City," depart for a special Tauck Exclusive – and a guaranteed highlight of your Italy cruise – an after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums! With a guide – and without the usual daytime crowds – you can explore the Candelabra Gallery, the Map Gallery, the Tapestries, and the iconic Sistine Chapel, seeing them leisurely... a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Hotel Majestic Roma

PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy

Day 10 Glories of Rome

Join our guide for an overview of Rome’s landmark sights, including St. Peter’s Basilica and various sites from Rome's ancient Imperial days; keep your cameras handy. Spend the afternoon exploring Rome as you please, then share highlights of your extraordinary trip at tonight's farewell reception and dinner.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hotel Majestic Roma

PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy

Day 11 Journey home

Tour ends: Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer from Hotel Majestic Roma to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino is included. You should allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Rome, Italy

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

You're in for a bellissimo journey through the spectacular cities of Italy, which kicks off in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Join your travel companions and Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner. Your introduction to la dolce vita begins with an orientation drive past Rome's most magnificent sights.

Grand Palatino

Dinner

Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture

This morning we join our Local Specialist for a very special experience as we Dive Into Culture in the smallest nation on earth - Vatican City. Explore the extraordinary collections of the Vatican Museums and stand beneath Michelangelo’s sublime ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, admiring the artistry of great masters and walking in the footsteps of popes who have found peace within the walls of this enclave for centuries. Visit the expansive St Peter’s Basilica before continuing to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the lush gardens and lunch in its beautiful surrounds before returning to Rome.

Grand Palatino

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Rome Your Way

Enjoy a full free day to explore Rome your way, or consider an Optional Experience delving into the tragic history of Pompeii - the Roman city frozen in time by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient story of this city to life before you return to Rome, passing by the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War.

Grand Palatino

Breakfast

Day 4: Admire Assisi and on to Florence

Journey north through the rolling hills of Umbria to the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Here your Local Specialist will reveal the story of this most venerated figure on a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of this famous saint and home to a wonderful series of frescoes by Giotto. Later we continue our journey through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Florence. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Be My Guest experience against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Discover Renaissance Florence

Enjoy a leisurely encounter with the artistic and architectural marvels of Florence during your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Visit the striking Piazza della Signoria with its impressive sculptures and palazzi. Amble through the charming cobblestone lanes to the multi-colored marble Duomo and Baptistery, before admiring the scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Spend the rest of the afternoon sauntering through the historic center of Florence, shopping for high-quality leather for which the city is famous, or admiring the artistic contribution of the Medici at every turn.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast

Day 6: Uncover Pisa’s Treasures Connect with Locals

After a morning at leisure in Florence, cross the fertile Arno Valley to Pisa and join a Local Specialist to visit the Square of Miracles, home to the incredible Leaning Tower and the iconic marble Cathedral. See the ornate Baptistery and the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery built on sacred soil brought back from the Holy Land during the Crusades.

Grand Mediterraneo

Breakfast

Day 7: Journey to Bologna and Venice

Travel north, through the Apennines, to the medieval city of Bologna, perhaps best known for the delicious pasta sauce that bears its name. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers which lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. Then it's off to the romantic island city of Venice with its rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend time at leisure gliding along its enchanting canals in a gondola or wander through the city's labyrinthine lanes, over bridges and into quiet campi.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast

Day 8: Cruise Venice’s Canals Make Travel Matter

Savor the iconic and unexpected highlights of Venice as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian churches, Customs House, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon, your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will see you enjoy one of the city’s last remaining studios where you’ll gain insights into the delicate Venetian art of glassblowing. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure admiring this city on water or consider an Optional Experience to the island of Burano where colorful fishermen’s homes line the canals.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast

Day 9: Experience Venice’s Food Market

Sites made famous in poetry, song and prose are explored today when we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour from our hotel along the canals to the famous Rialto Bridge, where all the flavors of Italy come to life at a centuries-old food market. Amble through the narrow calli of Venice and admire the beautiful architecture, walking over the Rialto Bridge before spending the rest of the day visiting the sights of your choice. Our love affair with Italy's great Italian cities comes to an end this evening as we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Amadeus, Principe

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Farewell Venice

For now, it's time to say a fond arrivederci to Italy and newfound friends who have shared in the memorable sights, sounds and flavors.

Breakfast