La Dolce Vita along the Italian Coastline

We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Optional excursions proposed: - CLASSIC: Pompeii. A city frozen in time, which through its tragedy has become one of the most significant resources of information on Roman art, customs, trades, and life. - DISCOVERY: Herculaneum. Just like Pompeii, Herculaneum was also destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Discover the wealth of archaeological finds, from ancient advertisements and stylish mosaics to carbonized furniture and inhabitants. - CLASSIC: Naples. Discover the must-see sites, masterful works, and unexpected treasures in Naples, such as its old town and royal palace. In the oldest section of Naples, enjoy a stroll down the Via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous pedestrian street where you can observe skilled craftsmen actually working on nativity figures as they carve and paint them. During the holidays, the atmosphere here becomes enchanted. We'll visit the Cloister of Santa Chiara to admire the nativity scene with 18th-century figurines. 

We’ll spend the morning cruising through the Aeolian Islands. Rising from the cobalt blue sea along the Sicilian coast, the Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi) are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archipelago's name comes from Aeolus, who kept violent winds locked safely on his island, as recounted in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. This afternoon, the optional AUTHENTIQUE/EXPERIENCE excursion is: Tindari. Discover the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna and the site of an ancient Greek town with stunning views of the Sicilian coastline. Enjoy some free time in the charming city of Milazzo, with its medieval citadel perched high above.

Optional excursions proposed: - CLASSIC: Full-day excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina. Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, and we’ll take you up to almost 6,400 feet (1950 m) to the Silvestri Craters near the top. The bleak lava wilderness around the summit of Etna is one of the most memorable landscapes you’ll ever see. We’ll then drive to Taormina. Nestled above the stunning Sicilian coastline, Taormina brings to life the legendary beauty of Sicily. Enjoy a tour of the area, including the ruins of its ancient Greek theater. 

We’ll spend the morning cruising. This afternoon, the optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion is: The Calabria. The Calabria region is at the toe of the boot in Italy, lapped by the splendid crystal-clear Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Its warm climate, beautiful colors, rocky coasts, local food, and vestiges of its ancient origins make it a unique place to be enjoyed in both winter and summer. We'll discover Tropea, the pearl of the Calabria. Perched on a rocky promontory with a cliff-side view of the sea, this small city is a veritable jewel. We'll also enjoy a tasting of regional products.

We’ll spend the morning cruising. The optional excursion this afternoon is: - CLASSIC: Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Discover the charming, hillside city of Sorrento, surrounded by orange and lemon orchards and a spectacular panorama of the sea. Enjoy an Italian aperitivo and lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, we’ll continue our trip and visit the villages filled with colorful houses and elegant seaside resorts along the dramatic Amalfi Coast.  Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion: Capri and Anacapri (Lunch included). We’ll take an airboat to splendid Capri. On arrival, we’ll head to the village of Anacapri and visit the Villa San Michele, built at the turn of the last century by Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe. Anacapri is located at the highest part of the island. From the villa gardens, you’ll have a fantastic view of the city of Capri, the Gulf of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius. In addition to the amazing backdrop, the gardens themselves possess a rare beauty. Enjoy some time on your own this afternoon or visit the Gardens of Augustus, located on the top of a cliff with a stupendous view of the turquoise sea. We'll return to Naples by airboat. The theme for this evening is "Neopolitan Songs and Dances."

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.