Authentic Mediterranean Shores

Valletta, Malta’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on a peninsula in the northeast of the island. Explore its streets and narrow stairways from the Tritons Fountain to Fort Saint Elmo, with painted loggias and carved corbels visible on many historic buildings. Visit the Grandmaster’s Palace, decorated with coats of arms and frescoes, as well as Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and the city’s 16th-century ramparts. The terraced Barrakka Gardens offer views and landscaped spaces along the waterfront.

Located on Sicily’s western coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Trapani was once the port of the Greek city of Erice. Explore its streets and see sites that reflect the area’s cultural history, including San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata, and the Triton Fountain. Local restaurants serve fresh fish and seafood couscous, a dish influenced by the city’s Arab heritage.

Included excursions:

Erice
From the pier, you drive by coach to Erice, which is about half an hour away by road. Erice is a superb medieval village perched on a hill with spectacular views over the sea and Trapani.
Although this spot was occupied for millennia, it really developed in 831 with the arrival of the Arabs. In the Middle Ages, it reached its peak under the Normans. Called Monte San Giuliano until 1934, in Antiquity this place was dedicated to Venus and there are still traces of the ancient city walls. You step back in time to explore on foot this fascinating medieval city, with its fortress and watchtowers.
Erice still has former residences of Trapani’s wealthy families who would decamp here for the summer. Their influence can be seen in the city’s towers and fortifications and the English gardens.
After seeing the sights, you are free to wander around the streets at your leisure.
And finally, you are given a panoramic tour of the salt flats and Trapani before boarding your ship.

The visit of Erice is on foot and involves about 0.8 mile (1.2 km) of walking on cobblestones streets. You are advised to wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). Note that Erice is 2.300 feet (700 m) above sea level, so it may be cold and windy.

Segesta
From the pier, you are taken by coach for the short drive to the town of Trapani, passing the Ligny Tower on the way, before heading to Segesta, an hour’s drive away (with photo stop) via Saline.
Called Egesta by the Greeks and Segesta by the Romans, it was one of the most advanced cities of the ancient Elymian civilisation along with Eryx (Erice) and Entella. The city was probably built between the 5th and 4th century BC, and lies on a wide plateau in a protected position between the two summits of Mount Barbaro. Today it is an important architectural site dating back to the Elmini people who originally came from Anatoly.
You begin your tour at the Temple of Segesta, a Doric temple built from local limestone on a hill outside the ancient town. Its architecture is typical of the late 5th century. There is evidence to suggest that the temple was not completed, as the columns are unfluted and the substructure still has the bosses or nobs used for transport which should have been removed. You then visit the theater which dates back to the middle of the 3rd century and accommodated up to 3,000 spectators. It is on a slope at an altitude of 440 m overlooking the temple.
You then return to the port at Trapani to board your ship.

As this excursion involves 0.8 mile (1.2 km) of walking to Segesta on uneven ground, it is not recommended for people who have walking difficulty. The transfer to the theater is by local shuttle bus that leaves every half hour. Expect some delay if there are a lot of people.
 

Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendors that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in color, and headily picturesque.

Included excursions:

Palermo & Monreale
Dive into the fascinating history of Palermo and Monreale, two emblematic Sicilian towns, and explore their unique cultural, religious and artistic heritage.
The adventure begins in Palermo. Aboard your bus, you discover its pretty and lively streets as well as its architecture, which lies at the crossroads of Byzantine, Arab and Normand influences, bearing witness to its multicultural past. You visit the famous Palatine Chapel, a 12th-century masterpiece, located in the Norman Palace, today seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. Its golden mosaics, its ornamental candelabra and its finely sculpted ceiling perfectly illustrate the Arab-Norman style that is so emblematic of Sicily.
You then leave for Monreale, 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Palermo, to discover its cathedral, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1174 by William the Good, it is considered to be the most beautiful Norman church in Italy. While the austere exterior is reminiscent of a fortress, the interior reveals splendid Byzantine mosaics, colored marble and granite columns. You then explore the cloister of the former Benedictine Monastery, where a majestic arcade supported by 216 decorated columns surrounds the courtyard. To finish your escapade, you are able to visit Monreale by yourself.

You are advised to wear comfortable shoes and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the religious sites. This excursion, which includes steps and is on foot, is not recommended for persons with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair.

Cefalu
From the pier, embark your coach and start your panoramic drive through the historical center of Palermo, before reaching the coastal highway which brings you to the charming fishing village of Cefalù.
Cefalù is a haven of tranquillity, a refuge and a sanctuary of religious inspiration. A city of facets, levels, and epochs. The name, which translated means "head", probably referring to the shape of the hill and huge rock crowned with an ancient castle, rising above the town, was given to the town by the Greeks. Cefalù's origins are surrounded in mystery.
Legend tells that Roger II, the well-known Norman sovereign of Sicily, in gratitude to God for sparing his life in a violent storm at sea, commissioned the building of a Cathedral at Cefalù, where he landed after the tempest.
Its characteristics, as well as its position, so close to the sea, make it something of a fortress from the outside as much as it is a church on the inside. The Cathedral was begun on a site in which Roman buildings had already existed. However, after unforeseen circumstances, and changes in construction plans, the original building was never finished. The remains of this building project are three roofs which testify to past ages and building techniques. Inside the cathedral, you see the paintings and gold Byzantine mosaics the Cathedral is known for.
Continue your walking tour with a photo-stop at the medieval wash-house and the Osterio Magno. Per the tradition, it was built by Roger II as his mansion, but it probably dates from the 14th century. Traces of the medieval tower and decoration can be seen. Excavations held in the interior have showed the presence of ancient edifices and ceramics.
Before returning to the ship, a refreshment is served, and you have some free time to explore Cefalù on your own and browse the quaint boutiques.

This excursion involves approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) of walking mostly over cobble-stone streets with some steps. You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvellous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the center, you’ll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.

Included excursion:

Panorama of the Aeolian Islands
Set off to discover the natural treasures of Lipari with a visit of the island by coach, followed by an immersion into its history and heritage.
Your adventure begins with a 90-minute coach tour of the island, during which your guide helps you discover the famous pumice stone and obsidian quarries, the sources of Lipari’s wealth. Throughout your journey, you are able to admire very beautiful panoramas over the Aeolian Islands.
You then continue on foot towards the castle district, where you visit the remarkable San Bartolomeo Cathedral, before discovering the Aeolian Archaeological Museum of Lipari. This museum has five sections (prehistoric, classic, epigraphic, minor islands and volcanological), housing a vast collection of precious artifacts discovered in the islands since 1946.

This excursion involves walking for around 60 minutes, with flat sections and steps to reach the museum. You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. It is not suitable for persons in a wheelchair. Please note that due to new rules and the change in the embarkation pier indicated by the local authorities, participants have to walk 20 to 30 minutes after disembarkation through the main street to get to the coach. Appropriate attire is required when visiting religious sites: knees and shoulders must be covered.

At the southern tip of the Italian boot, Reggio di Calabria guards the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. From the lungomare, the sea front promenade, there are magnificent views over Sicily, a little over 3 km away, and Etna. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, Reggio is set out in a grid pattern and has Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture that add to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery.

Included excursions:

Village of Pizzo and Tartufo Tasting
From the pier, board your coach for a 1-hour scenic drive to Pizzo Calabro. This medieval town and fishing center is known for the production of ice cream.
Starting from the Piazzetta, you continue the tour in the town center until the Aragonese Castle, where Gioacchino Murat was executed. Finally, you visit the Church of San Giorgio where Murat is buried. 
You visit one of the workshops of a historic ice cream shop where they produce the “Truffle” of Pizzo, a famous ice cream labelled “Protected geographical indication” for its sweetness and genuineness. After enjoying a tasting of tartufo and some free time for shopping, you rejoin your ship.

This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.5 miles) of walking over uneven ground with several steps. You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).

Reggio and Scilla: The Heart of Calabria
Immerse yourself in the soul of Calabria and marvel at the magnificent Reggio Calabria Cathedral and the charming village of Scilla, before tasting some local products in an enchanting setting.
Your adventure begins in Reggio Calabria, on the south-western tip of the Italian peninsula. The city lies along the slopes of the Aspromonte, a rugged mountain range that runs through the heart of the region. The panorama surrounding Reggio Calabria is majestic, as is the city’s cathedral. This imposing monument combines fervor, history and artistic beauty, offering visitors a unique experience. You take time to explore this impressive building, where the cultural and spiritual heritage of Calabria intersect.
Then you discover the unique and charming Scilla, at the mouth of the Strait of Messina, a village considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. You stroll through the Chianalea district, known as "Little Venice" for its houses built directly on the rocks, separated by narrow streets overlooking the sea. As you wander through its picturesque streets, you discover ancient fountains, charming churches and palaces steeped in history.
You conclude this excursion with a delicious tasting of local products in a spectacular setting: a panoramic terrace that promises a moment of unadulterated dolce vita.

This excursion involves walking a distance of 2 to 3 km (1.2 to 1.9 miles) on sometimes uneven ground, with some steps. The order of visits may change. You are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as well as sun protection.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval center, suspended 300 meters above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past is the ruins of the Greco-Roman theater. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area, which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Included excursions:

Mount Etna Drive
Discover Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, on a scenic tour that takes you through breathtaking landscapes.
You travel to Mount Etna in a luxury coach with an expert local guide. On the way, you pass through the small historic town of Naxos, founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, before taking the winding road that runs along the slopes of the volcano. You pass through the charming villages of Giarre, Santa Venerina and Zafferana before reaching the Silvestri Crater, which dominates the valley at an altitude of around 1,950 meters. There, you marvel at the impressive remains of lava flows and the spectacular views of the volcano's slopes, dotted with cones and craters. You also have the opportunity to enjoy exceptional views of the Bay of Catania and the surrounding forests, flower-filled meadows and vineyards.
At the end of the tour, you have some free time to purchase local handicrafts as souvenirs before returning to the coach for the journey back to your ship.

On this excursion, you walk 500 meters (0.3 miles) on ground that may be slippery. You are advised to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and sun protection. This excursion is not recommended for wheelchair users. As the wind can be strong on Mount Etna, it is a good idea to bring a warm jumper and a windbreaker with you.

Taormina and its Ancient Greek Theater
On a guided tour, discover Palazzo Corvaja and the Greco-Roman Theater, two of Taormina's most emblematic monuments, before enjoying some free time on Corso Umberto.
 
A maze of narrow streets, stairways and small squares, Taormina is set between the blue of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. During a visit, discover its rich history, marked by the passage of many civilisations.
 
First stop: the exterior of Palazzo Corvaja, a magnificent 15th-century building adorned with mullioned windows, a witness to Sicily's rich past. Then, you move on to the impressive Greco-Roman Theater, dating from the 3rd century B.C. To this day, its vast structure and exceptional acoustics make it a popular venue for summer performances.
 
After, enjoy some free time to stroll along Corso Umberto, a charming pedestrian street lined with shops and small alleyways featuring local handicrafts.
 
The tour ends with a coach ride back to Naxos pier, your head full of memories of this Sicilian gem.
 
This excursion involves walking a distance of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) on uneven ground with some steps. You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Appropriate clothing must be worn when entering religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

Ascent of Mount Etna
Leave the landing pier by coach for the drive to Rifugio Sapienza, about 6,000 ft above sea level, on Mount Etna.
Mt. Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, the slopes soar up to over 9,800 ft and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters. From there you are able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids and vineyards from the vantage point. But, of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava.
From there and with the assistance of a professional alpine guide, you continue by cable car to 7,500 ft and then by special 4x4 minibuses to reach the basis of the main crater at about 8,800 ft above sea level. Up there and still accompanied with your guide, you are able to go nearer to see last lava flows.

Since this excursion involves walking at high altitude (9,800 ft – 2 900 m), participants should be in excellent physical condition. Bring a sweater or a jacket as it can be very chilly and windy, and wear sturdy walking shoes. A supplement of €10 per person is applied if less than 10 persons want to realize the tour. This tour is conducted by an English-speaking photographer-guide. This tour is limited to 80 participants.

Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside. Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colors and flavors.

Included excursions:

Archaeological site & Ortygia
Depart the pier by coach and drive to the archaeological area, which you reach after a short drive.
Visit the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus, used for fights between gladiators and wild beasts, the Altar of Hieron, constructed in the 2nd century BC to celebrate the "Eleutherian Feast", the Latomie of Paradise, huge caverns once used as prisons, the Ear of Dionysius, an enormous grotto with extraordinary echo and the Greek Theater, one of the largest in the Hellenic World, constructed in the 5th century BC and successively enlarged.
Upon completion of the visit, re-board your coach for the short drive to Ortygia, which you visit on foot. On Ortygia Island discover the Piazza Pancali (the ruins of the Temple of Apollo of the 6th century BC), Corso Matteotti, Archimede's Place, Piazza Duomo. Visit the Cathedral in Baroque style, erected over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva: in the interiors, see the undamaged twelve Doric columns. Then visit the fountain of Arethusa, the nymph praised by Pindar and Virgilio in one of the most touching and fine myths. Several nobility palaces - majority of them originating in the 15th and 16th centuries - are seen from outside during the walking tour.
Then, return to the port and your ship.

This excursion involves approximately 3.1 miles (5 km) of walking over uneven terrain and cobble stones as well as steps. You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). This tour is not recommended for passengers with reduced mobility.

Noto, Baroque Town
Depart by coach from the port through the countryside, passing through villages and almond groves as you make your way to Noto, the second largest town in Syracuse province and the best example of Sicilian Baroque architecture on the island.
You cross on foot the Public Gardens, where it is possible to admire the busts of the artists who contributed to Noto’s urban culture and style.
Besides the 18th century Cathedral, restored after damage suffered during 1990 earthquake, other impressive buildings are the Churches of St Domenico and of St Charles (del Colleggio), the “Ducezio” Palace and “Villadorata” Palace.
Noto has been declared a Heritage site by UNESCO, who also provides financial support for the reconstruction of monuments destroyed during 1990 earthquake.
A refreshment is offered at a local bar and then you enjoy some free time to browse around before commencing the return drive to Syracuse.

This excursion involves approximately 1.2 mile (2 km) of walking mostly over easy terrain, except for steps to enter churches. You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). The palace visits are only outside visits. This tour is not recommended for guest with limited mobility.

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.