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Cruise Italy

Program Overview

Experience the best of the Italian Riviera on this remarkable seven-night cruise, round-trip Rome, aboard a deluxe small ship. Customize your Tuscany experience with included options to visit Florence or Lucca. Enjoy excursions to the cliffside villages of Cinque Terre, Corsica’s fortified town of Bonifacio and the UNESCO-inscribed ruins of Pompeii. Savor the splendor of Amalfi and the Isle of Capri on an incomparable journey that concludes with a visit to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial — led by Guest Speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II.

Program Details

June 20 to 28, 2025 (World Navigator)
From approximately $5,195* plus air View Terms & Conditions
  • Exclusive journey to some of Italy's most iconic destinations, including Tuscany, Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast.
  • Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
  • Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and an included excursion in each port.
  • Specially arranged visit to the World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial.
  • Distinguished guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of late President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
  • Four UNESCO World Heritage sites — the historic city center of Florence; Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre villages of Vernazza and Monterosso; and the ancient ruins of Pompeii — plus the fabled Amalfi Coast.
  • Rome Pre-Tour Extension.

Day 1 - Depart home city

Day 2 - Rome/Embark World Navigator

Day 3 - Livorno

Day 4 - Porto Venere/Cinque Terre

Day 5 - Bonifacio

Day 6 - Sorrento

Day 7 - Sorrento/Amalfi/Isle of Capri

Day 8 - Nettuno

Day 9 - Rome/Disembark ship/Depart home city

World Navigator

This newly constructed small ship, an intimate yacht appointed in retro‑chic elegance, is able to dock in smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships. Each of the 95 suites and staterooms (up to 465 square feet) features a stunning ocean view, and most include a private balcony. All accommodations in your private haven at sea offer a queen-sized bed that can be separated into 2 twin beds, a private bathroom with spa shower, and luxury hotel‑style amenities—including bath products from L’Occitane. Complimentary alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi access are available throughout the cruise. All meals aboard ship are included, featuring culinary adventures that rival your discoveries ashore.

View World Navigator Deckplan >

Learn more about The Atlas Ocean Voyages >

Rome Pre-Tour Extension

Begin your Italian journey with a four-day tour of the UNESCO-designated “Eternal City” of Rome. Visit the legendary Colosseum, the ancient Roman Forum and the opulent Vatican Museums. Enjoy deluxe accommodations at an ideally located hotel.

The Optional Extension is available at additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Professor David Eisenhower Guest Speaker

Professor David Eisenhower

Grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Professor Dwight David Eisenhower II is a noted historian of World War II and the Cold War. His 1986 bestseller, Eisenhower: At War 1943–1945, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. Eisenhower received a B.A.in history cum laude from Amherst College. Following graduation, he served in the United States Naval Reserve for three years as an officer on the USS Albany; shortly afterward, he earned his J.D. cum laude from The George Washington University Law School. Today, Eisenhower is Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a Public Policy Fellow at the Annenberg School of Communication and the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches “Communication and the Presidency.”

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Program Itinerary

Day 1 Depart from Home City

Depart your home city for Rome, Italy.

Day 2 Rome/Embark World Navigator

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 deluxe World Navigator. Those arriving later will transfer directly to the port for embarkation.

Distinguished Guest Speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, a noted historian and grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, will also be embarking at this time.

Settle into your suite or stateroom and attend a Gohagan & Company briefing and lifeboat drill this evening. Enjoy dinner on board as we begin our cruise.

Day 3 Livorno

Savor breakfast on board this morning as the ship arrives in Livorno, where you will disembark for a choice of one of two full-day excursions in Tuscany, each with lunch included.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose one of the following included excursions. 

Florence. Discover the glory of Florence’s historical center, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to masterpieces of unparalleled art, architecture and literature. Admire Filippo Brunelleschi’s iconic Duomo and Lorenzo Ghiberti’s bronze‑cast “Doors of Paradise” — created for the Baptistery of San Giovanni to depict scenes from the Old Testament. See some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. You will also visit the Fine Arts Academy to see Michelangelo’s legendary statue of David.

Lucca & Villa Reale di Marlia. The 16th century walled city of Lucca is rich in Renaissance history, culture and exquisite architecture. Begin your immersion with a walking tour to see its imposing fortress walls and towers, historical churches, medieval palaces and narrow pedestrian streets. Visit the birthplace of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, now a museum. From there, take a short scenic drive to the incomparable Villa Reale di Marlia, where you will visit its splendid interiors and explore the gardens.

Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening.

Day 4 Porto Venere/Cinque Terre

Wake this morning to extraordinary views as the ship arrives in the medieval town of Porto Venere,  a UNESCO World Heritage site. Disembark after breakfast on board for a private boat cruise to the astounding Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre. The five villages that comprise the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre, which translates to “five lands,” date to the 10th century with communities developing amid the fortresses and castles that were built there in the Middle Ages. Clinging to the cliffs over the Mediterranean Sea and connected by small footpaths, these gravity-defying villages and their trademark colorful buildings are now part of the Cinque Terre National Park.

Visit two of Cinque Terre’s iconic villages — Vernazza and Monterosso — with time at leisure to explore at your own pace and peruse the eclectic shops and cafes. Vernazza offers postcard views from its rugged coastline and Monterosso is notable for its fortified old town and the remains of Fieschi Castle.

You will have the option to return to the ship for lunch or remain in Porto Venere for lunch on your own and extra time to enjoy the coastal scenery.

Captain’s Welcome Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board the ship.

Day 5 Bonifacio

Enjoy breakfast on board this morming as the ship arrives in Bonifacio on the French island of Corsica, which you will disembark for an excursion.

Your discovery of this dramatically situated medieval town begins with a tram ride from the harbor to the Haute Ville, or upper town, and around the plateau to enjoy panoramic views. You will then stroll through Bonifacio’s 9th century citadel, perched high on a limestone promontory, to see such historic landmarks as Place Bir Hakeim, St. Jean Baptiste church and Le Grain de Sable — a weathered rock formation that appears to collapse into the sea. Savor the splendor of the Jardin des Vestiges and see where Napoleon stayed in 1793.

Some time will be allowed for shopping before you take the tram back to the port. Enjoy lunch on board and watch for spectacular views as the ship sails from Corsica. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or enjoy the ship’s many amenities.

Day 6 Sorrento

Savor breakfast on board this morning as the ship arrives in Sorrento, an outpost of the ancient Roman Republic and the scenic gateway to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. This seaside town of rose‑flushed buildings was built into picturesque cliffs high above the Tyrrhenian Sea and, as the world’s limoncello capital, is abundant with fragrant lemon and orange groves.

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 wealthy Vetti family estate and the extraordinary amphitheater — the earliest surviving stone amphitheater of the Roman world — and Temple of Jupiter. You will have the option to return to the ship for lunch or stay in Sorrento and find a local café for lunch on your own. Shuttle busses 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 old town that includes a chance to learn the secrets of limoncello and experience a tasting of 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. Later tonight, you will be treated to a traditional tarantella performance with traditional Neapolitan songs and dance. Tarantella translates to “dance of the spider.”

Day 7 Sorrento/Positano/Isle of Capri

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 through its secluded villages, opulent villas and sun‑drenched beaches to the medieval village of Amalfi. 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 board as we sail to Capri.

Disembark this afternoon for a tour of captivating Capri, the island where, legend has it, Homer’s Odysseus resisted the alluring call of the sirens. Visit the Augustus Gardens, a series of serene, flower-filled terraces that afford breathtaking panoramas of the Faraglioni rock formations rising from translucent waters and the craggy peak of Mount Solaro, the highest point on the island. You may also look for the ancient perfumery of the Certosa, Carthusia.

Return to the ship for dinner on board or choose to stay in Capri longer for dinner on your own this evening.

Day 8 Nettuno

The ship arrives in Nettuno this morning as you enjoy breakfast and an early lunch on board before disembarking for a special excursion with Distinguished Guest Speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II to visit the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial.

The 77-acre cemetery is where 7,845 of American military war dead from World War II are buried. The casualties are primarily from the July 10 to August 17, 1943 battles to liberate Sicily, the September 9, 1943 landings in Salerno and in the 1944 landings at Anzio Beach. A chapel wall shows the names of 3,095 who are missing.

Learn more about the history of these critical campaigns as Professor Eisenhower reflects on his grandfather’s World War II legacy and the battles waged here that helped bring the Allies to victory in Europe.

Captain’s Farewell Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board the ship.

Day 9 Rome/Disembark ship/Return to Home City

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport for your return flight home.