Cruise Sicily, Malta & Amalfi Coast

• Exclusive journey to richly historic, celebrated cities around the Mediterranean, featuring an overnight in Sorrento for additional time to savor the beautiful Amalfi Coast's scenery and ambience.
• Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
• Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and included excursions throughout your program.
• Six UNESCO World Heritage sites — Archaeological Area of Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Syracuse, Arab-Norman Palermo and Cathedral Church of Monreale and Aeolian Islands, Italy, and City of Valletta, Malta.
• Rome Pre-Tour Extension.

Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome.

Those arriving early will transfer to a group hospitality room at a local hotel. After lunch on your own at the hotel or nearby, you will then travel with the group to embark the first-class Wind Surf. Those arriving later will transfer directly to the port for embarkation.

Enjoy dinner on board as we begin our cruise.

Be on deck for breakfast as the ship arrives at Gozo, the second largest of the Maltese archipelago of islands that lie between Sicily and North Africa.

Disembark for a tour of the island that includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Ġgantija Archaeological Park complex, which includes megalithic temples that were built during the Neolithic era, between 3600 and 2500 B.C. — making them older than the Great Pyramids of Giza. Marvel at their gigantic Bronze Age sculptures as you walk through the complex.

From there, you will visit the famous salt pans of Xwejni and meet a local family who will explain the history of traditional salt harvesting. Then, you will continue to a local cheese cottage for a Maltese cheese-making experience, which includes lunch.

This afternoon you will explore Gozo’s capital city of Victoria on a tour that includes a visit to its ancient citadel, known as the Castello. Fortifed during the Bronze Age, it is situated at a unique vantage point that offers amazing views of the island. End the day with free time to explore the local shops & cafes around Independence Square in Victoria, the capital of Gozo. Be sure to look for Gozo lace, pottery or some Luzzu (miniature Maltese fishing boats). Or try some local specialties such as kunserva (vegetable pickles), Galletti, honey and wines.

Return to the ship for dinner on board as we cruise to Valletta on Gozo’s sister island of Malta.

This morning the ship arrives in Valletta, Malta, for a day of discovery. After breakfast on board the ship, you will disembark to begin your tour.

Founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s earliest planned cities. Malta has been strongly connected to Italy and Sicily since 60 A.D., when a shipwrecked Saint Paul the Apostle brought Christianity to the tiny archipelago. Today, it showcases incredible high baroque, neoclassical and modern architecture.

Explore the 16th‑century Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the vistas of Valletta’s Grand Harbor. Step inside the Grandmaster’s Palace, the former residence of the Order of the Knights of St. John and the seat of Malta’s parliament until 2015, before continuing on a special tour of the 430-year‑old Casa Rocca Piccola. This petite palazzo is home to the Marquis De Piro family and one of the last private unconverted Valletta palaces that still serves as living quarters.

From there, you will visit St. John’s Co‑Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1578, exemplifying baroque architecture with two large bell towers. Admire its lavishly ornamented interior and see Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s only signed work, the dramatic “Beheading of John the Baptist.”

Return to the ship for lunch on board, followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Savor breakfast on board this morning as the ship arrives in Sorrento, where you will disembark for an excursion to visit Pompeii.

Pompeii. Engulfed by the tephra of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., the ancient city of Pompeii was frozen in time for centuries. Excavated 17 centuries after petrification, the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated ruins intimately reveal Roman daily rituals during Emperor Titus’ reign.

Explore Pompeii on foot to see the basilica, forum, central baths, large and small theater, merchant stores and the Temple of Jupiter. You will have the option to return to the ship for lunch or stay in town and find a local café for lunch on your own. Shuttle buses will provide transportation from the port to the Sorrento city center.

Later this afternoon, immerse yourself in Sorrento’s local traditions and curiosities on a walking tour through the historical city center. The tour includes a chance to learn the secrets of limoncello and taste the popular Italian liqueur. Those who prefer to continue exploring Sorrento at leisure may opt to do that instead of the tour.

Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening.

This morning you will disembark after breakfast for a morning excursion to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. 

Admire the natural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Mediterranean seascape on a panoramic drive that takes you past its opulent villas and sun‑drenched beaches to the iconic cliffside village of Positano. Enjoy a short orientation tour and some time on your own to explore the charming local boutiques and cafes. Return to the ship for lunch on bCaptain’s Farewell Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board the ship.