a refreshing Sicilian speciality, before spending time at leisure in Ortigia but leave time to experience the Piazza del Duomo, one of the most elegant squares in Sicily. Meals BLD
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 the Teatro Greco, built by the Greeks and remodeled by the Romans, and a stroll along Taormina’s main street, Corso Umberto. Meals BLD
5. CRUISE TO PALERMO,SICILY
Spend a morning at sea en route to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. In 1768, the Romantic poet Goethe remarked that the best way to appreciate Palermo was to arrive by sea; we think you’ll agree. Set at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, Palermo was once Europe’s grandest city. City sightseeing includes the Palermo cathedral, the treasure-trove of the Palazzo dei Normani with its impressive mosaic-filled Cappella Palatina, and Fontana Pretoria – an elaborately sculpted fountain, at the center of one of Palermo’s squares, that caused outrage when unveiled in 1575. The ship overnights conveniently near the pedestrian area. Meals BLD
6. ANTIQUITIES AND ARTIFACTS OF SICILY Wake up in Castellammare for a drive to Segesta. This ancient Sicilian stronghold was the site of many conflicts between conquering powers of the earliest centuries. Few ancient vestiges remain intact, with the exception of the Tempio of Segesta. Dating back to 426 BC, the temple boasts 36 preserved Doric columns which still support the structure; the interior was never completed presumably because of the almost constant conflicts endured by the town. Continue on to the 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 have yielded clues to civilizations
Seeing Rome, from the Basilica of St. Peter to a private, after-hours viewing of the Vatican Museums, is an experience not to be missed.
“We celebrated our 25th anniversary on this cruise and it was well beyond our expectations. Your
wonderful Tauck Directors made sure everything ran smoothly; it was so nice to have everything included. We felt like the King and Queen for the entire trip! – Peggy and Mark Quiniff, IL
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