Tauck Value Includes:
• All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff and local guides • Private Tauck Shore Excursions – $960 Value!
• After-hours visit to the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel – without crowds – during a memorable two-night stay in Rome at the Hotel Majestic Roma, located on the famous Via Veneto
• Special Tauck Experiences include traditional Sicilian entertainment, a night sail by the volcanic island of Stromboli and a visit to the well-preserved ruins of Herculaneum
• Aboard ship – daily cocktail hour, all-day soft drinks and wine with dinner, with evenings of local cultural entertainment
• Meals ashore – a welcome cocktail reception and dinner in Rome, traditional Neapolitan lunch in Naples, a luncheon of local specialties in Ravello and a farewell dinner in Valletta
famous of the cities destroyed by an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, the ruins of upscale Herculaneum, buried that same day, are better preserved. Enjoy a traditional Neapolitan lunch at a local restaurant and a sightseeing tour of Naples, before embarking your luxury yacht, Le Ponant. Meals BLD
4. THE INCOMPARABLE AMALFI COAST The whitewashed villas and astounding sea views along the Amalfi Coast are the stuff of picture books. Venture ashore in Amalfi on the Bay of Salerno for a guided walk through town and a visit to its cathedral. Take a winding drive past villa- and vine-draped hills to cliff-top Ravello; explore the Alhambra-inspired Villa Rufolo before enjoying a lunch of local seasonal specialties in Ravello! After free time, return to Le Ponant and set sail for the Aeolian Islands. Meals BLD
5. ENJOY THE PLEASURES OF LIPARI Largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari sits on red volcanic rock; archaeological remains found here include Neolithic stones, Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards built the castello and cathedral above the harbor; see them today. Tonight, sail by the constantly active volcanic island of Stromboli – its fiery nighttime show is a truly unforgettable sight! Meals BLD
6. ANTIQUITIES AND ARTIFACTS OF SICILY Dock 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. When you see the views from here, it
46 • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• 27 meals (10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners); service charges, applicable fuel surcharges, taxes and porterage
is easier to understand why so many powers wanted to control this place! 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 en route back to Le Ponant. Dock in Palermo tonight. Meals BLD
7. DISCOVER PALERMO
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. Go ashore for a sightseeing tour that takes you to see the Cathedral, Porto Nuovo, the Palazzo dei Normani and Fontana Pretoria. Local entertainment aboard Le Ponant showcases Sicilian traditions before sailing for Taormina on Sicily’s northeastern coast. Meals BLD
8. EXPLORE HISTORIC TAORMINA Views of Mt. Etna astound as you approach Taormina, clinging to the cliffs high above the sea. A delight to visit, Taormina boasts white-sand beaches and fascinating relics of centuries past. Anchor at Giardini-Naxos and ride a tender boat to shore. Enjoy a guided visit to the third-century Teatro Greco, begun by the Greeks and completed by the Romans. Visit the old town and take a stroll along Corso Umberto, Taormina’s beautiful main walkway lined with sidewalk restaurants and boutiques. Time at leisure invites independent exploration of this wonderful town. Have dinner at sea, bound for Siracusa. Meals BLD
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