Sicily, the Amalfi Coast and Rome

•   All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff and local guides

Day 1: Arrive Rome
A transfer is included from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to Hotel Majestic Roma. Your hotel is located on Via Veneto, near the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and the Trevi Fountain. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Overnight: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Inside Rome and the Vatican
Join our insider guide for an overview of Rome’s landmark sights, beginning with St. Peter’s Basilica. Pre-reserved tickets bypass the wait at the Colosseum, making admission to this amazing amphitheater hassle free. Your city orientation tour includes the Roman Forum so keep your cameras handy. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore as you wish. This evening join us for an after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. This is a very special opportunity to experience its treasures and frescoes without crowds or long lines.
Overnight: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Herculaneum / Embark Le Ponant
Depart for Naples stopping en route for a visit to Herculaneum to see the ash-covered ruins of this once prosperous city. Like Pompeii, it was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, but is better preserved. Enjoy a traditional Neapolitan lunch at a local restaurant and a sightseeing tour of Naples, before embarking on your 7-night cruise aboard Le Ponant.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Travel the Incomparable Amalfi Coast
Few coastlines are as inspiring in scenic beauty as the Amalfi Coast. Cast anchor and venture ashore in the seaside town of Amalfi for a guided walk. Its strategic location on a natural harbor made it a maritime republic in ancient Roman times, but today it is Amalfi’s pretty picture-book setting that brings worldwide visitors to its shores. Breathtaking sights continue on your drive along the Amalfi Coast to cliff-top Ravello, “a terrace over the sea,” for a visit to historic Villa Rufolo, resplendent with gardens, statues and columned loggias. Enjoy lunch and free time this afternoon before setting sail for the Aeolian Islands.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Lipari and the fiery lava of Stromboli
The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari sits on red volcanic rock and looks like “a wall of bronze” according to the Greek poet Homer. Archaeological remains found here have yielded clues to civilizations which date to 1700 BC, including the Neolithic stones that sit alongside ancient tombstones, and ruins of Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century, building the castello (castle) and the 17th-century cathedral that is perched above the harbor; see them on a sightseeing excursion. Back aboard ship, experience a different view of these volcanic islands when you sail by the island of Stromboli tonight, home to one of the world’s few constantly active volcanoes – it has continuously erupted for 2,000 years. The view is unforgettable!
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Antiquities and Artifacts of Sicily
Wake up in Castellammare for a drive to Segesta. A major city in its heyday, this ancient Sicilian stronghold was the site of many conflicts between conquering powers of the earliest centuries and few ancient vestiges remain intact – with the exception of the Tempio (Temple) of Segesta. Dating back to 426 BC, the full-size temple boasts 36 remarkably preserved Doric columns which still support the structure; the interior was never completed presumably because of the almost constant conflicts the town endured in ancient times. Continue on to the enchanting medieval city of Erice, suspended above the sea and surrounded by Punic and Norman fortifications – Baroque balconies and flowering vines line its narrow streets. Ride a cable car to nearby Trapani as you make your way back to Le Ponant.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Discover Palermo
Explore Palermo today, the capital of Sicily. In 1768, the German Romantic poet Goethe remarked that the best way to appreciate Palermo for the first time is by an arrival at sea. We think you’ll agree. Set in a natural amphitheatre at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, Palermo was once Europe’s grandest city. The port is located in the pedestrian center so you can walk right off the ship into the heart of history. See the Teatro Massimo, the Cathedral, Porto Nuovo, the Palazzo dei Normani and Fontana Pretoria. Le Ponant departs for Taormina this evening.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Explore Historic Taormina
The views of mighty Mt. Etna astound as Le Ponant approaches the terraced town of Taormina, built on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. Ride a Zodiac to shore for a guided visit to town and the Teatro Greco. Dating from the 2nd century, it was built by the Greeks and remodeled by the Romans. Stroll along the Corso Umberto through Old Town before returning to the ship.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Savor the Day at Siracusa, Sicily
Le Ponant docks at Ortigia Island this morning, lined with 18th- and 19th-century townhouses, for a visit to Siracusa, an important stronghold of ancient Greece. Drive to Neapolis Parco Archeologico to see the Teatro Greco, an ancient 15,000 seat theatre hewn out of rock, and Latomia del Paradiso featuring the Ear of Dionysius. Enjoy a sweet taste of granita, a refreshingly cold Sicilian speciality, before spending the afternoon at your leisure in Ortigia. Easy to explore sights include the ancient Doric 6th-century Temple of Apollo – transformed over the centuries as a Byzantine church, a Muslim mosque and then a Norman church – and the Baroque-inspired Duomo. Leave time to experience the Piazza del Duomo, one of the most elegant squares in Sicily. Set sail for Malta this evening.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Disembark Le Ponant / Malta
Disembark Le Ponant for a guided tour of Malta that includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, perched atop a cliff, and a drive around St. Julian’s Bay, a favorite year-round setting for the colorful Maltese boats that are often photographed here for worldwide enjoyment. Continue to Valletta for a walking tour – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a virtual open-air museum of Baroque architecture – and go inside the elaborate Co-Cathedral of St. John where priceless art and silver artifacts are housed. Your accommodations tonight are at the historic Hotel Phoenicia Malta, located within walking distance of city sights. Join us tonight for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Phoenicia Malta, Valletta, Malta
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: Journey Home
Tour ends: Valletta, Malta. Fly home anytime. A transfer from Hotel Phoenicia Malta to Malta International Airport is included. You should allow 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. If you wish to spend more time on Malta, inquire at the time of booking about additional nights at the hotel.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Tauck Tour Special Offer Whether you choose to explore Europe on a Tauck "Yellow Roads of Europe" land journey, sail away on our award-winning European river cruises, find yourself someplace new on a Tauck Culturious trip or share the joy of European travel with your family on a Tauck Bridges adventure, your Tauck travel experience is built around these "cornerstones": Personalized Service We take care of every detail on your Tauck European vacation so you connect with the destination and experience the genuine emotion, the camaraderie, the little things that comprise day-to-day European life.   Quality Experience Tauck's expertise and local access provide guests with the best possible travel experience in Europe, including exclusive cultural events, fine hotels in the best locations and dining featuring authentic regional cuisine. Inclusive Value One up-front price with virtually everything included – no hidden costs, no surprises, no options sold on tour.   Peace of Mind Purchasing clarity – you know the quality of Tauck's travel experiences and full cost before you leave home. TAKE OFF WITH TAUCK makes flying to Europe easy with one flat up-front air price of $1,290 per person economy or $3,290 per person business and other benefits!* Call us today for more information!
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/13/2012 - 9/24/2012	$7,890
9/27/2012 - 10/8/2012	$7,890
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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