Historic Cities and Mediterranean Shores

Palermo is a cultural feast, a fascinating combination of East and West, Arab and Norman that is quite unlike any other European city on the Mediterranean. Stacked markets spill out onto souk-like streets, while grand piazzas host elaborate fountains and sculptures, below the watch of baroque church domes.

Top Things to Do in Palermo:

• take a scenic drive up Mt. Pellegrino
• visit the Capuchin Catacombs
• explore the ruins of Segesta
• wander through the busy Mercato del Capo
• visit the medieval town of Erice

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 centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Located just to the north of Sicily, and to the west of Italy’s mainland, Lipari Island is one of UNESCO's marvellous World Heritage sites and the largest of the Aeolian's archipelago.

The island's 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. Its florally-painted buildings line cobbled, plant-pot decorated streets - and glow attractively in the ever-present sunshine.

The sunny coastal city of Gaeta sits on a promontory that juts out to sea in a spectacular setting. It is a land of legends, history and nature, with origins going back to the Greeks and Romans, and myths that mingle with historical facts.  

The fortifications that surround this ancient fort are a reminder of its rich history, as is the cathedral bell tower, an elegant building decorated with ceramic. The city is home to Monte Orlando Park, a protected area with Roman ruins, Mediterranean vegetation and dive sites.

Nestled between majestic cliffs, and surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, lies the unique hilltop fortress town of Bonifacio. Here the citadel seems to have grown right out of the limestone cliffs, and medieval houses perch precariously on the edge. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Bonifacio:

• tour the old streets on the Petit Train
• cruise the Lavezzi-Cavallo archipelago
• hike up Montée Rostello to St Roch Chapel
• take a scenic drive to Bavella

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.