Italy Intensive Cruise: Siracusa, Amalfi Coast & Rome

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. If your schedule is tight, savor traditional Greek coffee at a café with a view of the city's iconic ruins, soaking in the historic ambiance before your cruise departs. If you've got time to explore the Acropolis stands as a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.

Piraeus is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center and it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach by taxi or train. A taxi ride from the airport to Piraeus port will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative only) is around 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00).

Your boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Onward® is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded, and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for - plus some unexpected extras. Seven restaurants, cafes, and lounges, a refreshing pool, sun-drenched decks, a revitalizing spa…the list goes on.

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 will 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 will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.

Honey-coloured Siracusa is a staggering UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an extraordinary Sicilian city of immense ancient history. It is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean, with a wonderful collection of historical sites from both the ancient Greek and Roman time periods. 

Top Things to Do in Siracusa:

• explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park
• stroll through Ortigia, the historic centre
• visit the baroque town of Noto
• explore Catania and Mt. Etna
• sample some wine at Pupillo Winery

Between the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna lies the picturesque city of Catania. Destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century, Catania has been beautifully restored and offers ancient churches, castles and amphitheaters, lush gardens and lovely palazzos to explore. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Catania:

• take the scenic drive up Mt. Etna
• explore Taormina’s medieval streets
• enjoy a tasting at a local winery
• visit the cliff top town of Castelmola
• tour the ancient ruins of Syracuse

The lively seaport of Salerno is a thriving modern metropolis with ancient origins. Its elegant lungomare, a shoreside promenade, offers far-reaching views of the sea and the mountains beyond. The city boasts an ideal location with both the ruins of Roman cities and the stunning Amalfi Coast in easy reach. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Salerno:

• explore the ruins of Pompeii
• enjoy a scenic drive to Ravello
• visit the post-card worthy Positano
• cruise the Amalfi Coast in a boat

The ancient capital of the Western World and the centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast of historical and cultural landmarks to explore. Visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, view the splendours of the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.

Don't forget to treat your taste buds to the delights of authentic Roman cuisine, which is as captivating as the city's ancient wonders. Indulge in creamy gelato, savour the perfection of al dente pasta, and relish the thin, crispy crust of Roman-style pizza. Buon Appetito!

Serving as Rome’s seaport since the 13th century, Civitavecchia is located about an hour (80km/50mi) from the centre of Rome. For guests arriving and departing from the airport in Rome, a transfer to Civitavecchia port should be organised ahead of time with your cruise line. Details will be provided in your travel documentation after booking. The port area itself offers diverse dining options, and inside, facilities include accessible bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a spacious waiting area. The port also offers complimentary shuttle buses to transfer guests between the ship and the port terminal.