Compare Treasures of the Mediterranean - Southbound 2020 by Tauck vs Paris to Rome: Picnics & Pizza by G Adventures
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Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 11 days | 7 days |
Price From | $ 8,990 | $ 1,614 |
Price Per Day | $ 817 | $ 231 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Basic |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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N/A |
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A | 1 lunch |
Description |
Sail aboard Le Ponant through the Mediterranean on one of our most popular small ship cruises – a weeklong voyage to Corsica, Sicily, Malta and the Amalfi Coast, plus the islands of Lipari, Ponza, and Stromboli – and take in the Côte d'Azur, Provence and Monte-Carlo on a two-night land stay. |
Crisscrossing three countries, this whirlwind tour between two of Europe’s most celebrated capitals squeezes unique culture, delectable food and drink, stunning scenery, wild nightlife, and centuries of thrilling history into seven days without ever feeling rushed. Browse the galleries and museums of Paris and gape at the Swiss Alps' natural beauty, all for less than you’d ever dreamed possible. |
Day 1 Arrive Nice / Monte-Carlo
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Fairmont Monte Carlo. A transfer is included from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco. Your hotel is in the heart of Monte-Carlo, where the Principality is right at your doorstep. Meet your traveling companions this evening at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Fairmont Monte Carlo
PORTOFCALL : Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Day 2 A day in magical Monte-Carlo
You’ll discover much more about Monaco this morning when you get a taste of what life is like on the chic French Riviera during a walking tour of Monte-Carlo and a visit to the royal palace and gardens in Monaco-Ville. The remainder of the day is free to spend as you wish; your hotel is steps from the Monte-Carlo Casino, where lady luck favors the fortunate few! Your hotel is nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Fairmont Monte Carlo
PORTOFCALL : Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Day 3 Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence & embark Le Ponant
Depart Monte-Carlo and travel along the French Riviera to Nice, where you’ll take a walking tour; see landmarks that recall the days when Czarist aristocrats and British royals wintered here, including the Promenade des Anglais along the seafront and the flower market in Cours Saleya. Next, visit picturesque, walled Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a Provençal hilltop town that was built in the 13th century; you'll be taken with its medieval look and easily understand why it became an artists' enclave. Artist Marc Chagall was inspired by Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a place he called home for the last 19 years of his life; a walking tour of the town includes a visit to his grave, a picture of serenity overlooking panoramic views of the countryside. Enjoy some free time, then return to Nice to embark the extensively refurbished Le Ponant for the start of your 7-night cruise along the Mediterranean Sea.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
Day 4 Exploring Napoleon's island of Elba
Le Ponant calls this morning on the secluded harbor of Portoferraio on the island of Elba. Here you'll learn about the isolated life of Napoleon Bonaparte on Elba, who spent a brief exile here in 1814 prior to his daring escape. Visit Villa San Martino, where the erstwhile Emperor of France lived for a time; spend some free time in the quaint harborside village of Porto Azzurro; and go to a wine tasting at Elba's family-owned La Chiusa Winery before reboarding the ship for lunch, or spending some time exploring and lunching in Portoferraio on your own. Return to the ship mid-afternoon; relax, or go for a swim off the marina, weather permitting. Join us this evening for the captain's welcome reception followed by dinner onboard.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Elba, Italy
Day 5 Corsica's hidden harbor of Bonifacio
Sail into the nearly hidden Corsican port of Bonifacio with a deep, narrow harbor sitting at the base of sheer limestone cliffs; your entrance into the harbor aboard Le Ponant will be remembered forever... keep your camera at the ready! The fortified 12th-century town is built on the top of the cliffs with great views of the sea. Take Le Petit Train for a ride to the town's walled fortress area where you'll explore medieval lanes, stroll along the bluff above the harbor, and see the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion. Have lunch aboard ship or in town as you please. Make an afternoon return to Le Ponant, and set sail once again, bound for Ponza.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Bonifacio, Corsica
Day 6 Ponza and cruising the Mediterranean
Arrive on Ponza, the largest island in Italy’s Pontine Archipelago. Some of the island's most recognizable sights include dramatic coves and cliffs, while the main town features yellow and pink houses, and a harbor full of fishing boats. Spend the morning exploring before an afternoon sail to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Cast anchor in the Gulf of Salerno overnight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
Day 7 Spectacular Amalfi Coast & Ravello or Positano
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 history rich with cultural legacies, and outstanding coastal views; enjoy a wonderful lunch of seasonal specialties in Ravello. Rejoin Le Ponant and cruise to the Aeolian Islands.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Amalfi, Italy
Day 8 Lipari and the fiery lava of 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 this evening, experience a different view of these volcanic islands when you sail by the island of Stromboli tonight, 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
PORTOFCALL : Lipari, Sicily
Day 9 Cliff-top Taormina on Sicily
With Le Ponant anchored at Giardini-Naxos, transfer ashore by Zodiac for sightseeing in Sicily. Begin with a visit to Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily with Mt. Etna towering in the distance sightseeing. A guided tour takes you to 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. You can return to the ship for lunch, or stay in Taormina for lunch as you please and some afternoon free time. Enjoy some afternoon free time in Taormina or Giardini-Naxos before Le Ponant departs for Malta.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Le Ponant
PORTOFCALL : Taormina, Italy
Day 10 A day well spent on Malta
Early this morning Le Ponant docks in the Grand Harbour (Port of Valletta) where you’ll disembark. Rich in historic treasures, Valletta was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. A guided tour of Malta includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, perched atop a cliff, and a drive around St. Julian’s Bay, a favorite setting for the colorful Maltese boats that are often photographed here for worldwide enjoyment. Return to Valletta for a walking tour 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. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon, then join us tonight for a Tauck Exclusive farewell reception and dinner at the hotel overlooking the Grand Harbour.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : The Phoenicia Malta
PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta
Day 11 Journey Home
Tour ends: Valletta, Malta. A transfer from The Phoenicia Malta to Malta International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for flight check-in.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Valletta, Malta
Day 1 Paris
Arrive at any time. Tonight, you won’t need to go far for Paris to sweep you off your feet, because after all, it is the City of Love. Head to your hostel’s bar with your CEO and group to kick back and grab drinks in celebration of the first day of your grand adventure.
Day 2 Paris
Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower; opt to visit Notre Dame Cathedral or explore Montmartre.
Explore and discover the “je ne sais quoi” of the City of Lights. Paris has something for everyone and you can use your day here to picnic under the Eiffel Tower, explore the outstanding museums and churches, float down the Seine on a river cruise or people watch at one of the charming cafés.
Day 3 Paris/Interlaken
Travel from Paris to Interlaken, a small city in the Swiss Alps with breathtaking scenery.
Day 4 Interlaken
Enjoy an orientation walk of Interlaken. Opt to get the adrenaline pumping with some canyoning or whitewater rafting. Explore a nearby glacier or go swimming in a crystal clear lake. Don't miss the nightlife on your Big Night Out!
Day 5 Interlaken
Take a full free day to enjoy all the adventures you'll find on this side of the Alps.
Day 6 Interlaken/Rome
Travel to Rome by bus and train via Milan. Upon arrival, enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Rome. Opt for an evening out with the group.
Opt to check out the famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Opt to wander the cobblestone streets, or relax in a piazza with an espresso. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife. We recommend pre-purchasing advance entry tickets for popular attractions such as the Sistine Chapel, Villa Borghese, and the Colosseum to avoid waiting in long queues on the day of your visit.
Day 7 Rome
Depart at any time.