Home > Cruises > Mediterranean Cruises > Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome - Southbound

Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome - Southbound

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Our Price From 18,170 Per Person
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Rome
 Trip Finishes
Valletta
12 Day Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome - Southbound Itinerary (Tauck)
Countries Explored: Italy, Sicily, Malta
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Cruise
Departures
Trip Code
SIS
Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Ship Class
Ponant Explorers
Passengers
184
Crew
118
Launched
2019

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Tauck's 12 Day Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome - Southbound. Cruise aboard the yacht Le Ponant with a land stay in Rome featuring a Tauck Exclusive – an after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums! See the historic sights of Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Malta, Rome and the remote Aeolian Isles on this 11-day trip.

Itinerary

Tour begins: 6 PM, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome or Sina Bernini Bristol Rome. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino airport to the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome or Sina Bernini Bristol Rome, 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. Stay Two Nights: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel (D)

Join a local guide this morning for a guided walking tour of Rome's famous squares, including 18th-century Trevi Fountain, erected on the site of an ancient Roman water source; the Pantheon, dating to 27 BC; and Piazza Navona, built on the site of the 1st century Stadium of Domitian, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is free for you to experience Rome as you like. (B/L)

Enjoy a guided visit to the Colosseum this morning, going inside the 50,000 seat ancient amphitheater to see where gladiators battled and condemned prisoners fought off wild beasts in front of cheering or jeering crowds.

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, followed by lnch at a typical trattoria. It's all aboard a high-speed train this afternoon bound for Naples, where your ship awaits your arrival. Have dinner onboard at your leisure as your ship sets sail for the Amalfi Coast. Stay Seven Nights: Le Dumont d'Urville / Le Bougainville (B/L/D)

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 and tuna tasting offer 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. (B/L/D)

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 and a cable car ride back to Trapani. Or, you may wish to take a cable car ride and tour of 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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Tender ashore in Giardini Naxos for a choice of three excursions today. Choose to ride up to Taormina on a mini bus for a guided walk to the along its cobblestone streets to visit the courtyard of 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja and the 2nd-century Teatro Greco, built by the Greeks and remodeled by the Romans. Enjoy time to stroll along the famous Corso Umberto before driving to a family-owned winery on the slopes of volcanic Mt. Etna for lunch, wine tasting and breathtaking views.

Alternately, experience a closer look at Mt. Etna on an adventurous excursion that passes through local villages near the slopes of the volcano to the Sapienza Refuge for a cable car ride, before boarding specially built UNIMOG vehicles driven by expert mountaineer guides up to the top of the volcano, 9,500 feet above sea level. Learn more about this hot-headed crater and its historic lava flows when you view them up close with guides who lead the way, before lunch at a local restaurant near the crater.

Or, choose to visit Schiavi Castle, the private villa that was used as the setting for Michael Corleone's exile to Sicily in the epic film, The Godfather, and enjoy personal stories about the movie filming by the Baron himself. A boat ride follows for a scenic cruise along the coast to Isola Bella, with a prosecco and cannoli tasting onboard. Everyone returns to the ship for a presentation by a volcanologist and dinner onboard at leisure. (B/L/D)

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.

Upon arrival, head for the private Palazzo Castelluccio where you'll enjoy a tour of this historic home before spending free time in town. 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. (B/L/D)

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 two-masted sailboat to the Blue Lagoon, where brilliant turquoise waters invite you in for a swim and 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. (B/L/D)

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.

After lunch at a local restaurant serving Maltese favorites, drive to your hotel in St. Julian's to experience the sights and dine as you like. Stay Two Nights: Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa (B/L)

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing today, beginning with a locally guided walking tour of Malta's old capital of Mdina, richly preserved and chronicling a history that dates back some 4,000 years. Step back in time within its medieval walls as you view its stunning Baroque architecture, passing nobles' homes and palaces lining its narrow streets.

Visit nearby Mosta Rotunda, topped by the fourth largest dome in the world, to learn more about the miracle that occurred here during World War II when a bomb pierced the dome, landed on the church floor and slid across the floor without exploding. The "Miracle Church" was crowded when the bomb hit and all inside were spared.

Drive back to Valletta this afternoon for time at leisure and join us tonight for a very special farewell dinner at the historic La Sacra Infermeria, once the hospital of the Order of the Knights of St. John, where views of the harbor and a history of hospitality await. (B/D)

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. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Private farewell reception and dinner in Rome at 18th-century Palazzo Brancaccio, where scenes from the movie Roman Holiday were filmed.
  • Exclusively for Tauck guests, visits to privately owned palaces in Palermo, 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
  • Meet a knight of Malta in Valletta on a tour of his family's elegant private residence, Casa Rocca Piccola, built in the 16th century
  • Guided visits to the Colosseum and Roman Forum with lunch at a typical trattoria
  • 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

  • All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff and local guides
  • Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $4,925

  • 29 included meals (11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners)

  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
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Deck Plans

DEL
Deluxe Stateroom
DS3
Deluxe Suite
Deck 3
DS4
Deluxe Suite
PR4
Prestige Stateroom
Deck 4
PR5
Prestige Stateroom
DS5
Deluxe Suite
PS5
Prestige Suite
PV5
Privilege Suite
SA
Owner's Suite
Deck 5
PR6
Prestige Stateroom
DS6
Deluxe Suite
PS6
Prestige Suite
PV6
Privilege Suite
GD6
Grand Deluxe Suite
Deck 6
Deck 7

Cabins

Balcony

Deluxe Stateroom

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 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.

Balcony

Prestige Stateroom

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 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.

Suite

Deluxe Suite

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. 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.

Suite

Prestige Suite

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 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.

Suite

Privilege Suite

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 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.

Suite

Grand Deluxe Suite

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 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.

Suite

Owner's Suite

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 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.

Availability

Exclusive Savings
Friday 06 Jun 2025
Tuesday 17 Jun 2025
Status
From: $18,170
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Exclusive Savings
Thursday 25 Sep 2025
Monday 06 Oct 2025
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From: $18,940
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Exclusive Savings
Thursday 09 Oct 2025
Monday 20 Oct 2025
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From: $18,940
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Exclusive Savings
Friday 06 Jun 2025
Tuesday 17 Jun 2025
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From: $26,886
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Exclusive Savings
Thursday 25 Sep 2025
Monday 06 Oct 2025
Status
From: $28,008
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Exclusive Savings
Thursday 09 Oct 2025
Monday 20 Oct 2025
Status
From: $28,008
  Enquire
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Deluxe Stateroom   (Prices Shown) $ 0
Prestige Stateroom $ 1,060 - $ 1,810
Deluxe Suite $ 4,540
Prestige Suite $ 9,090 - $ 9,850
Privilege Suite $ 10,600
Grand Deluxe Suite $ 12,880
Owner's Suite $ 18,180

Deluxe Stateroom   (Prices Shown) $ 0
Prestige Stateroom $ 1,060 - $ 1,810
Deluxe Suite $ 4,540
Prestige Suite $ 9,090 - $ 9,850
Privilege Suite $ 10,600
Grand Deluxe Suite $ 12,880
Owner's Suite $ 18,180
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Upgrade prices can vary depending on the departure date & the month of travel. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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 Tauck. These 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.

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