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Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily – with Smithsonian Journeys

Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily – with Smithsonian Journeys

From AUD $11,590

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Description

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This 9-day voyage through Southern Italy, Sicily, and Malta visits some of the Mediterranean’s most compelling ancient, medieval, and Renaissance sites while also offering extensive opportunities to sample the local foods and wines that have made this part of the world famous for its cuisine. Because there is so much to see and do, the itinerary is designed to allow for maximum time ashore.
From Civitavecchia, you’ll arrive in Gaeta, where you may choose between visiting the National Archaeological Museum and the remains of Emperor Tiberius’s seaside villa, or making a pilgrimage to the dramatic Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata (“Split Mountain”), perched above the sea.
No visit to Naples is complete without the opportunity to explore Pompeii, destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD and frozen in time. No other site so acutely captures everyday life in the early Roman Empire. Other excursions include Herculaneum, which shared Pompeii’s fate, and a working farm near Sorrento, where you can make your own version of what is perhaps the region’s most famous food, Neapolitan style pizza.
A call at Salerno offers a choice between visiting the magnificent ruins of Paestum, with Doric temples that are among the best-preserved ancient monuments in the Mediterranean, or discovering Salerno’s own layered history, cuisine, and seaside charm.
From the port of Agropoli, about 30 miles south of the Amalfi peninsula, travel again to Paestum, one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites. The region around Agropoli is famous for the production of Campania mozzarella, and you will have the opportunity to see it being made and to sample the end product.
Reggio di Calabria, just across the Strait of Messina from Sicily, is home to the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia and the world-famous Riace Bronzes. The surrounding area, both along the coast and in the interior mountains, boasts a number of intriguing castles and many wineries. During your time here, you may visit the hilltop Norman Castle in Vibo Valentia, the Ruffo Castle overlooking the Messina Strait, or the Aragonese Castle in the village of Pizzo, enjoying a variety of local food specialties whichever excursion you choose, including the native citrus bergamot and the ice cream and fruit delight called tartufo.
The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also your gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.
From Syracuse, you may choose to focus on Ortygia, the ancient center of this once-powerful Greek colony, and on the city’s extensive archaeological park; enjoy a tasting at a nearby winery; or join excursions that combine exploration of historical sites with samplings of Sicilian arancini, cheeses, salamis, breads, and desserts.
Your voyage concludes in Valletta, Malta, where the fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers baroque architecture, winding streets, and sweeping harbor views.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily – with Smithsonian Journeys
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Dumont d’Urville is one of PONANT’s state-of-the-art Explorer-class yachts, designed to combine refined French sophistication with immersive expedition travel. Hosting a maximum of 184 guests across 92 elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate cruising experience defined by comfort, style, and innovation. Expansive lounge areas, a panoramic theatre, and multiple bars create inviting spaces to relax and socialise, while the infinity pool seamlessly blends into the sea views. From the marina platform, guests can easily embark on Zodiac excursions or enjoy water activities in serene surroundings. Every detail aboard Le Dumont d’Urville reflects a celebration of nature and discovery. Guests enjoy world-class gastronomy, a serene spa and fitness area, and advanced technology that supports environmentally responsible exploration. Purpose-built for navigating diverse destinations — from Nordic fjords and Mediterranean coastlines to Caribbean islands and Arctic waterways — this sleek, modern vessel embodies the art of travel at sea: luxurious, sustainable, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Gaeta
Gaeta takes its name from the legend of the nanny of Aeneas. This illustrious relationship can be seen in the nobility of this old town, built on a peninsula, at the end of a headland. In Roman times, Gaeta was already a renowned seaside destination; it fell under Byzantine domination then became an autonomous duchy and an independent republic. The fortifications that surround this ancient fort remind us of this rich history, as does the cathedral bell tower, an elegant building of both Roman and Moor influence, decorated with ceramic in the style of bell-towers of Amalfi.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Naples
More Italian than Italy itself, Naples is the capital of the beautiful region of Campania, and is an unusual city to say the least. Its gulf, dominated by Vesuvius, is one of the world’s marvels. Built by the Greeks and then occupied by the Romans, the city has retained the memory of antiquity, as Castell dell’Ovo illustrates. But Naples has another side to it with its hustle and bustle, narrow streets, clothes hung out to dry at windows, Caravaggio paintings on the walls of a church, and incessant rumour in an sleepless city. This is a head-spinning city to visit and savour: don’t forget to eat a slice of pizza Margherita.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Salerno
Generating a veritable explosion of intense emotions, the province of Salerno fascinates and enchants travellers. Its fascinating history will lead you to the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii, whose sprawling ruins provide a grandiose and moving vision of what a Roman city looked like in Imperial times. The city which was frozen in time under the ashes from the eruption of Mont Vesuvius offers you its peerless historical and cultural wealth, as well as the unique beauty of its location, which has earned it classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Agropoli
Located on the Cilento Coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Agropoli is an Italian town located in the province of Salerno in Campania. You will be seduced by the beauty of its coastline, its pristine nature and its fascinating history dating back to Antiquity. The Apennines (from the Celtic word “pen” meaning rocky summit) form the backbone of the Italian Peninsula and serve as a majestic background to a landscape composed of small bays and coves. The magnificent beaches of Trentova Bay contribute to making this small town a very popular seaside resort.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Reggio di Calabria
At the southern tip of the Italian boot, Reggio di Calabria guards the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. From the lungomare, the sea front promenade, there are magnificent views over Sicily, a little over 3 km away, and Etna. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, Reggio is set out in a grid pattern and has Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture that add to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery. 
Day 7 - Day 7 - Taormina, Sicily
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Syracuse, Sicily
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Valletta
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $13,120Deluxe Stateroom
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $14,520Prestige Deck 4
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $32,880Privilege Suite Deck 6
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $32,880Privilege Suite Deck 5
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $33,890Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $36,080Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $47,070Owner's Suite
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $15,210Prestige Deck 5
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $16,040Prestige Deck 6
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $22,160Deluxe Suite Deck 3
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $22,160Deluxe Suite Deck 5
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $22,160Deluxe Suite Deck 4
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $22,160Deluxe Suite Deck 6
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $29,810Prestige Deck 5 Suite
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $31,350Prestige Deck 6 Suite
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $11,590Deluxe Stateroom
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $12,810Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $13,420Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $14,150Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $19,510Deluxe Suite Deck 3
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $19,510Deluxe Suite Deck 5
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $19,510Deluxe Suite Deck 4
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $19,510Deluxe Suite Deck 6
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $26,210Prestige Suite Deck 5
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $27,540Prestige Suite Deck 6
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $28,880Privilege Suite Deck 5
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $28,880Privilege Suite Deck 6
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $31,680Grand Deluxe Suite
07-10-202715-10-2027AUD $47,060Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
    • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
    • Discover Gaeta’s archaeological treasures or visit the dramatic Sanctuary of the Split Mountain.
    • Explore Naples with excursions to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or a Neapolitan pizza workshop.
    • Visit Paestum’s Doric temples from both Salerno and Agropoli, and sample authentic mozzarella from Campania.
    • Encounter Calabria’s Riace Bronzes, Norman and Aragonese castles, and regional food specialties including bergamot and tartufo.
    • Wander Taormina’s Greek theater and the vineyards on the slopes of Mt. Etna.
    • Experience Syracuse’s Ortygia, archaeological treasures, and Sicilian delicacies.
    • Conclude in Valletta, Malta, with its UNESCO-listed baroque cityscape and harbor views.

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