Visit the Aeolian island of Lipari, perched on red volcanic rock
4. EXPLORE HISTORIC TAORMINA,SICILY 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. Meals BLD
5. CRUISE TO PALERMO,SICILY Spend a delightful morning at sea en route to Palermo, 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. See the Teatro Massimo, the Cathedral, Porto Nuovo, the Palazzo dei Normani and Fontana Pretoria. The ship overnights in the heart of the city’s pedestrian area. Meals BLD
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. Meals BLD
7. LIPARI / VIEW THE ISLAND 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
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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! Meals BLD
Explore the Temple of Segesta, dating back to 426 BC, and sample regional culinary specialties in island towns
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