Mediterranean Gems

Discover Civitavecchia, an important seaport serving the Italian capital of Rome. Acting as a key entry point for Mediterranean cruises and ferries crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea, this coastal hub offers a perfect gateway to a variety of destinations across Italy and beyond. Enjoy the convenience of being located just 70 kilometers from Rome and 62 kilometers from Fiumicino Airport.

Arrive in Ponza, the largest of the Pontine Islands, where the pastel houses of Ponza Town climb in terraced rows above a busy harbor. Polished yachts and weathered fishing boats share the moorings, and the town sees relatively few visitors, making it easy to wander its unhurried lanes and waterfront.

Sorrento, whose city walls rise straight out of the sea, is located on the lovely Amalfi Coast and overlooks the Bay of Naples. Optional excursions might include taking a trip back in history to Pompeii, where the ashen remains of ancient Romans lie frozen in time.

Perched above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, Agropoli is a captivating coastal town at the gateway to the Cilento region. Its medieval center, crowned by an ancient castle, overlooks winding lanes, vibrant cafés, and golden beaches below. From here, passengers can join an optional excursion to Paestum (available at an additional cost), one of Italy’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Strolling among the beautifully preserved Greek temples, passengers can imagine life in this ancient colony of Magna Graecia. With its blend of seaside charm, history, and authentic southern Italian warmth, Agropoli is the perfect base for exploring the timeless wonders of Paestum and the surrounding coast.

The Aeolian archipelago is made up of 7 islands of volcanic origin, of which only Stromboli and Vulcano are still active volcanoes. The main island is Lipari, which offers travelers arriving by boat a beautiful panorama of its Acropolis, presided over by the Cathedral. Its marina is bustling with shops, boutiques and stalls... it's an island where life is good.

Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, rising dramatically from the sea in a perfect cone of black lava. As the ship sails in the surrounding waters, passengers gather on deck to watch the island’s smoking summit and the famous Sciara del Fuoco, where glowing ash and stones occasionally tumble down the slope. Its gentle, frequent activity creates a mesmerizing natural spectacle. Whether at sunrise or sunset, sailing near Stromboli is an unforgettable moment of raw beauty and quiet awe.

Syracuse is a city on the Ionian coast of Sicily that's known for its ancient ruins. It was once the largest city in the world, bigger than Athens and Corinth and as you can imagine it's steeped in history. Visit Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites. Relax in one of its stylish little cafes that surround its beautiful baroque piazzas before wandering down its medieval lanes towards the sparkling blue sea.

The charm of Malta's sister island Gozo is immediately apparent. Steeped in myth Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey. It's green, rural and calm relying on fishing and agriculture as well as tourism. It is one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations with an incredible range of shore and boat dives including reefs, caves and wrecks. There are also Knights’ watchtowers, tiny chapels and beautiful peaceful beaches to explore.

Valletta is the tiny capital of the island of Malta. The walled city was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. It has a rich historical past and is a European Art City and a World Heritage City. It has an abundance of museums, palaces and grand churches to visit but be sure not to miss out on exploring one of its beautiful gardens.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.