Rome, the Amalfi Coast & Sicily - Southbound
They've been conquered in turn by different invaders, with some, like Malta and Sicily, boasting a history of occupation that dates back thousands of years. Once you see the sensational views from the cliff-top, Maltese city of Mdina, walled since medieval times, you'll discover read more why so many visitors were eager to claim this island gem for their own. Sicily, inhabited since the Ice Age, was a favorite trophy for the Greeks in the 5th and 6th centuries BC, followed in turn by a succession of rulers, including the Romans, the Vandals, the Arabs, the Normans, the Swabians, the House of Aragon and the Bourbons. The landscapes on this large Mediterranean island have proven to be fertile ground for vineyards, citrus groves, almond and cherry trees – and beaches.
While its conquerors had their own reasons for turning Sicily into one of their colonies, travelers today revel in the archaeological treasures they left behind. You'll see an ancient Greek theatre and temple in Siracusa, a Roman renovation in Taormina, an open-air Arab casbah in Palermo, and Punic and Norman fortifications in medieval Erice – mingling with magnificent frescoed duomos, grand piazzas, Baroque balconies and terraced towns that speak volumes about Sicilian life, past and present. And spend two nights in the heart of Rome for the ultimate "Roman Holiday"...
Itinerary
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome or InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino airport to the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome or InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, ideally located in the heart of the city, close to must-see sights. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel tonight.
You have a choice of sightseeing this morning. Travel beyond Rome into the rolling countryside of the Campagna, following the ancient Appian Way through landscapes of farmland, villas, and hill towns. Pause in Castel Gandolfo, the medieval town overlooking Lake Albano that has served as the Popes' summer retreat for centuries, and explore the Papal Palace Gardens by eco-bus, discovering terraced lawns, ancient ruins, and fragrant plantings. Continue to a charming papal farmhouse for a private cooking class, where fresh, seasonal ingredients inspire traditional dishes prepared under the guidance of an expert chef before returning to Rome.
Alternatively, cross the Tiber into Trastevere, one of Rome's most characterful neighborhoods, known for its bohemian spirit, artisan shops, and timeworn streets. After a short transfer, begin a guided walking tour led by a local foodie, stopping at a wine bar for Roman-style artichokes, creamy burrata, and prosecco. Continue through winding lanes to a hidden trattoria for two classic Roman pastas paired with regional wine, then sample a maritozzo from a beloved bakery and finish with traditional gelato and time on your own to explore.
A third choice is a guided visit to one of the world's most iconic sites – the Colosseum – going inside the 50,000-seat ancient amphitheater to see where gladiators battled; as you explore its tiers and underground passages, imagine the roar of the crowd echoing through the stone vaults. Continue on to the Roman Forum for a guided walk past temple ruins and monuments that speak to the glory days of the Roman Empire – where senators once debated, and emperors paraded in triumph.
For everyone, your evening is free to explore as you please.
Depart Rome this morning for Naples, a lively Mediterranean city with a rich history stretching back to ancient Greek and Roman times. Here, a guided visit to the National Archaeological Museum introduces you to one of the world's most remarkable collections of ancient Greek and Roman art and artifacts. Home to extraordinary treasures recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum, the museum offers a fascinating look at daily life in the Roman world, from intricate mosaics and frescoes to sculptures and everyday objects preserved for centuries beneath the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius. Your local guide brings these discoveries to life, revealing the artistry, customs, and history of the ancient cities that once flourished along the Bay of Naples.
After your museum visit, enjoy another Neapolitan tradition – pizza in the city where it originated. Made with simple, fresh ingredients, from San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella to a soft, lightly charred crust, authentic Neapolitan pizza reflects a culinary heritage that has become famous around the world. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the port, where you'll board your ship and settle in for the start of your Mediterranean cruise.
This evening, enjoy dinner onboard as you sail along the coast toward Amalfi.
Wake up to one of the most magnificent shorelines in the Mediterranean Sea in Amalfi; 34 miles along the Amalfi Coast have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a perfect example of a Mediterranean landscape with a scenery of great cultural and natural value.
Ride a tender ashore as you choose the excursion that interests you most. Join a local guide for a walking tour of lemon-scented Amalfi, Italy's oldest maritime republic, that includes a visit to 9th-century St. Andrew's Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo and a scenic cruise along the Amalfi Coast.
Or, board a motorboat for a cruise along the coast to the seaside village of Cetara where a walking tour offers a glimpse of daily life here.
If you want to discover the views of sea and scenery from on high, drive up winding narrow roads on a minibus to Ravello, where a guided walking tour sees the Duomo and visits Villa Rufolo and the beautiful gardens that inspired composer Richard Wagner.
Should an afternoon excursion be more to your liking, you may opt for a drive along the incomparable Amalfi Coast to the mountain town of Tramonti for a wine tasting at historic Apicella Winery. No matter which shore excursion take, you'll have free time to explore Amalfi as you please.
Dock in Trapani on the west coast of Sicily, where its historic old town, once an important trade center and today a fishing and ferry port, hugs the crescent-shaped shoreline with a maze of medieval streets and squares.
Enjoy a choice of shore excursions today. You can embark on a guided tour of the archaeological ruins at nearby Segesta, a walking tour of medieval Erice with a taste of traditional almond pastries and lunch in the village before returning to Trapani. Or, you may wish to tour Erice, highlighted by a fish couscous cooking class to learn the secrets of Trapani's most famous dish.
Choose to explore the region's salt pans and the town of Marsala, where salt and wine tastings celebrate local specialties, and natural wonders include beautiful birds and migrating flamingoes. Or, drive to Marsala for a guided walking tour, a museum visit to see an ancient Roman ship, a unique fish tasting lunch hosted by a fish monger and a Marsala wine tasting at a local winery.
Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and chart a course for Palermo tonight.
Dock in Palermo, the cultural capital of Sicily, for a choice of three excursions that provide in-depth insights into the anti-Mafia movement, its noble residences, cathedrals and historic squares.
Our no-mafia themed walking tour is guided by locals who enlighten with expert knowledge about the notorious Sicilian mob beyond the "Godfather" myths. See the exterior of Teatro Massimo, the open-air market Il Capo, the Cathedral, City Hall and Piazza Pretoria. View shops and taste Sicilian specialties along the way.
Your other walking excursion choices are culturally inspired with guided exploration of landmark sites along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, splendid piazzas, the Cathedral and Capo Market, including special visits to either sumptuous Palazzo Gangi, made famous in 1963 by the Burt Lancaster / Alain Delon film, The Leopard, and still owned by the Valguarnera family, or lavish Palazzo Mazzarino, still inhabited by its aristocratic owners. Both palaces are privately owned, exquisitely decorated and opened exclusively for Tauck.
Spend time at leisure and have dinner onboard. Your ship sets sail for Taormina this evening.
Tender ashore in Giardini Naxos for a choice of three excursions exploring the historic town of Taormina and the volcanic landscapes of Mt. Etna.
Your first choice takes you to Taormina, perched high above the Ionian Sea, for a guided walk along its cobblestone streets to the courtyard of 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja and the ancient Teatro Greco, built by the Greeks and later remodeled by the Romans. Enjoy time to stroll along the lively Corso Umberto before continuing to a family-owned winery on the slopes of Mt. Etna, where you'll visit the cellar, learn about local winemaking traditions, and enjoy a Sicilian family-style lunch accompanied by wines from the estate and views of the surrounding countryside.
Alternatively, discover Taormina with a local guide on a short orientation walk, followed by ample free time to browse its shops, explore its picturesque streets, and enjoy the town as you wish.
Your third choice takes you to the northern slopes of Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, for a closer look at its extraordinary volcanic landscape. Travel by specially equipped 4x4 vehicles to the mountain's higher elevations, where experienced alpine guides lead a walk across rugged volcanic terrain, with opportunities to learn about the eruptions and lava flows that have shaped this ever-changing landscape. Lunch is included on this excursion.
Back aboard your ship, enjoy a presentation by a volcanologist, offering further insight into the powerful forces at work beneath Mt. Etna, followed by dinner at your leisure. Later this evening, sail for Siracusa.
Arrive in Siracusa this morning for a day of sightseeing choices that indulge your interests in history, palace life, wine tasting and more. With its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheaters, architecture, and renown as the birthplace and home of Archimedes, Siracusa is a delight to explore.
Join an expert guide for a tour of the Archaeological Park. Visit the Greek Theatre and the Latomia del Paradiso before a walking tour in Ortigia to see the 6th-century Temple of Apollo and the Baroque-style Duomo.
Or, drive through the countryside, passing villages and almond groves as you make your way to Noto, home to the best examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture on the island. This UNESCO designated World Heritage Site features handsome palaces, churches and other Baroque monuments which line the streets.
Wine aficionados may want to take an excursion to Pupillo Winery near the town of Noto for a tour and tasting of locally produced wines. For a more active adventure, join our local guide for a sightseeing bicycle ride in and around Ortigia, seeing the Temple of Apollo, Palazzo Greco, Cathedral Square and more.
After spending the afternoon at leisure in Ortigia, return to the ship for dinner and set sail for the island of Gozo in Malta.
Steeped in myth and immersed in natural beauty, the island of Gozo is a hidden gem of the Mediterranean with historic towns and a striking coastline. Experience its treasures on a guided visit to the Ggantija Temples, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the world's oldest free-standing structures, they date back 5,000 years, predating the Egyptian pyramids and England's Stonehenge.
Sightseeing continues with a choice of shore excursions that you let you explore the island's gems your way. Embark on a panoramic drive around the island, stopping to learn about the importance of the salt pans to the locals before a cruise aboard a small wooden motorboat through a sea cave and along the crystal blue waters of the coast, weather permitting, with lunch in a local restaurant.
Or, venture to the nearby island of Comino aboard a gulet to view the Blue Lagoon then stop for a swim in a quieter crystal lagoon; lunch is served onboard.
Everyone enjoys time at leisure in the rural village of Mgarr before returning to the ship for the captain's farewell dinner.
Disembark ship in Valletta, the tiny capital of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta. The walled city was established in the 1500s by the Knights of St. John and today is known for its museums, lavish palaces and grand churches. Enjoy a filmed introduction to this historic city during a visit to the Malta Experience, before a guided walking tour. Step inside the Baroque-style St. John's Co-Cathedral, whose opulent interior is home to the Caravaggio masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John, and meet a knight of Malta on a tour of his family's elegant private residence, Casa Rocca Piccola, built in the 16th century.
Travel to your hotel in St. Julian's this afternoon, where the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please.
Discover more of Malta's fascinating history today, beginning with a locally guided walking tour of Mdina, the island's ancient capital. Known as the "Silent City," Mdina has a history stretching back thousands of years, with roots in the Phoenician and Roman periods. Enclosed within imposing medieval walls, its narrow, winding streets reveal an extraordinary collection of noble residences, historic palaces, and beautifully preserved Baroque architecture. As you explore this atmospheric hilltop city, discover how centuries of different cultures have left their mark on Malta's history and traditions.
Continue to nearby Mosta for a visit to the impressive Mosta Rotunda, renowned for its enormous dome and an extraordinary event during World War II. In 1942, a bomb pierced the church's dome during a service, landing inside without exploding – an event remembered as the "Miracle of Mosta," as the hundreds of worshippers gathered inside escaped unharmed. Enjoy a family-style lunch of traditional Maltese favorites at a local restaurant in Mdina, then return for an afternoon at leisure.
This evening, gather for a memorable farewell reception and dinner at La Sacra Infermeria in Valletta, privatized exclusively for Tauck guests. Built in the 16th century as the hospital of the Knights of St. John, this remarkable historic building was once among Europe's most advanced medical institutions, reflecting the order's longstanding commitment to caring for the sick and injured.
Tonight, the historic setting provides a fitting close to your journey through Malta and the Mediterranean.
Tour ends: Malta. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Marriott Malta Hotel & Spa or Westin Dragonara Malta to Malta's Luqa International Airport; you should allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.
Trip Inclusions
- Tauck Exclusive - Private farewell reception and dinner in Rome at 18th-century Palazzo Brancaccio, where scenes from the movie Roman Holiday were filmed.
- Tauck Exclusive - Exclusively for Tauck guests, visits to privately owned palaces in Palermo, sumptuous Palazzo Gangi, made famous in the film The Leopard (and still owned by the Valguarnera family), or lavish Palazzo Mazzarino, still inhabited by its aristocratic owners
- A choice of tours to either Roman Forum and the Colosseum, Papal Farm and a Cooking Class or a Foodie Walking Tour
- A choice of included shore excursions along the incomparable Amalfi Coast, with a wine tasting, small boat cruises and tuna tasting for an authentic look at daily life
- An opportunity to take a cooking class in Trapani featuring a local specialty, fish couscous, along with tastings of Marsala wine, almond pastries and more
- A guided visit to the Ggantija Temples on the island of Gozo, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the world's oldest free-standing structures, predating the Egyptian pyramids and England's Stonehenge
- A 7-night cruise plus 2-night stays at premier hotels in Rome and Malta
- All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff and local guides
- Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Service charges, applicable fuel surcharges, taxes and porterage
- 29 included meals (11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners)
- Aboard ship – alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day aboard ship including house wines and spirits; premium spirits and wines are available at extra cost
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Cruise Line
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV. A bathroom with shower. A private 4 m² balcony read more with two armchairs. A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window. Additional services provided include 24-hour room service, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). One chaise longue. A bathroom with shower. A private 4 read more m² balcony with two armchairs. A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door. Additional services provided include 24-hour room service, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm). A bathroom with shower. read more A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs. A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window. Additional services provided include 24-hour room service, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size read more bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door. Two bathrooms with shower. A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs. Additional services provided include priority boarding, butler service, champagne and fruit basket on arrival, an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair. A bathroom read more with shower. A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs. A panoramic sliding bay window. Additional services provided include priority boarding, butler service, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm). A lounge with sofa convetible to a double read more bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV. A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub. A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table. 2 panoramic sliding bay windows. Additional services provided include priority boarding, butler service, champagne and fruit basket on arrival, an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV. A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two read more single beds (90 x 200 cm). A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror. A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair. Two panoramic sliding bay windows. Additional services provided include concierge service from your reservation until you return from your trip, priority boarding, butler service, a one-hour spa treatment per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer, premium drinks at the bar, champagne and fruit basket on arrival, an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day, inclusive Wifi internet access, individually-controlled air conditioning, dressing room with shelves and closet, dressing table and hairdryer, Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Bose Bluetooth speaker and Flat screen TV.
Dates & Pricing
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Tauck. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
