Day 1 – Valletta, Malta

Arrive in the World Heritage site of Valletta and board the ship. Take in the views as you cruise out of the city’s spectacular harbor. (D)

Day 2 – Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

Cruise north to Sicily, where your first port of call is Syracuse, founded in 732 B.C. by the Corinthians and an important Mediterranean city for some 500 years. Follow in the steps of Aeschylus and Archimedes as you explore the archaeological park, which includes a Greek theater and one of the world’s largest Roman amphitheaters. Venture into the Ear of Dionysius, a cave that allowed the tyrant Dionysus to eavesdrop on his prisoners, and see Greco-Roman artifacts at the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, visit the World Heritage site of Noto, an excellent example of Sicilian baroque architecture and 18th-century urban planning. Stop for a gelato or a granita before returning to the ship. In the afternoon, visit the World Heritage-listed island of Ortigia, and delve into its mythology and history as you explore its Duomo and the legend-infused Fountain of Arethusa.  (B,L,D)

Day 3 –Taormina

Tucked into the rugged coast with Mount Etna as a backdrop, charming Taormina was once the capital of Byzantine Sicily. Discover the town’s cathedral and the Palazzo Corvaja on a guided walking tour and visit the Greek Theater, where live performances still take place today.  Or journey to Mount Etna, a World Heritage site, passing through traditional towns and villages.  Take a look inside Etna’s inactive volcanic craters before heading to a mountainside winery for a tasting tour and a typical Sicilian lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Palermo

Anchor off Palermo and spend the day discovering the city’s eclectic cultural heritage, which blends influences of the Carthagians, the Romans, the Arabs, and the Normans. Learn about its unique Arab-Norman architecture, which flourished at the height of the city’s prosperity in the 12th century and is recognized as a World Heritage site. Admire the mosaics in the Norman cathedral, visit the Capella Palatina in the Norman Palace, then travel into the countryside to see the spectacular Norman cathedral of Monreale. Or visit the Arab-Norman Palazzo Conte Federico and take a stroll through the open-air market to soak up the ambiance of everyday life. You may instead choose an excursion to the medieval port town of Cefalù where a walking tour includes the Cathedral, covered in splendid painting and gold mosaics, and the excavations of Osterio Magno. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

Sail into the harbor at Cagliari at midday and set out to tour Sardinia’s rose-colored capital city. Stroll through wide piazzas bordered by baroque palazzi and churches, and ascend to the impressive hilltop fortress. Take in views from Monte Urpino, then journey to ancient Nora, once a thriving port under the Carthaginians and the Romans. On a tour of the remarkable ruins here, some of which are now submerged, learn about the innovative waterworks and drainage system designed thousands of years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Bonifacio, Corsica, France

At the southern tip of Corsica lies the fortress town of Bonifacio, perched on cliffs high above the sea. Take an overview tour of the historic center by private mini-train. Then set off on foot into the labyrinthine streets of the medieval Citadel, visiting historic landmarks along the way. Stop at the old market where a viewpoint atop 230-foot-high cliffs offers panoramic views. Or choose to ride a local boat along the coast to Lavezzi Island, exploring magnificent grottos and coves that draw the turquoise seas deep into dramatically eroded limestone cliffs. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Elba, Italy

Trace European history from the Renaissance to Napoleon on the rugged island of Elba, just over six miles off the Tuscan coast. Dock in Portoferraio and visit Villa San Martino, Napolean's summer residence during his brief exile on the island.  Continue to the charming fishing village, Porto Azzurro.  Then travel through stunning scenery to a traditional wine farm to sample local wines, cheeses, and charcuteries. Alternatively, take a beautiful drive across Elba to visit Ottone Botanical Garden. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Nice, France

Disembark in Nice and extend your stay in the south of France or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Day 1 – Nice, France

Arrive in Nice, France and board the ship. Take in the views as you cruise out of the city’s harbor. (D)

Day 2 – Elba, Italy

Trace European history from the Renaissance to Napoleon on the rugged island of Elba, just over six miles off the Tuscan coast. Dock in Portoferraio and visit Villa San Martino, Napolean's summer residence during his brief exile on the island.  Continue to the charming fishing village, Porto Azzurro.  Then travel through stunning scenery to a traditional wine farm to sample local wines, cheeses, and charcuteries. Alternatively, take a beautiful drive across Elba to visit Ottone Botanical Garden. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Bonifacio, Corsica, France

At the southern tip of Corsica lies the fortress town of Bonifacio, perched on cliffs high above the sea. Take an overview tour of the historic center by private mini-train. Then set off on foot into the labyrinthine streets of the medieval Citadel, visiting historic landmarks along the way. Stop at the old market where a viewpoint atop 230-foot-high cliffs offers panoramic views. Or choose to ride a local boat along the coast to Lavezzi Island, exploring magnificent grottos and coves that draw the turquoise seas deep into dramatically eroded limestone cliffs. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

Sail into the harbor at Cagliari this morning and set out to tour Sardinia’s rose-colored capital city. Stroll through wide piazzas bordered by baroque palazzi and churches, and ascend to the impressive hilltop fortress. Take in views from Monte Urpino, then journey to ancient Nora, once a thriving port under the Carthaginians and the Romans. On a tour of the remarkable ruins here, some of which are now submerged, learn about the innovative waterworks and drainage system designed thousands of years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Dock in Palermo and spend the day discovering the city’s eclectic cultural heritage, which blends influences of the Carthagians, the Romans, the Arabs, and the Normans. Learn about its unique Arab-Norman architecture, which flourished at the height of the city’s prosperity in the 12th century and is recognized as a World Heritage site. Admire the mosaics in the Norman cathedral, visit the Capella Palatina in the Norman Palace, then travel into the countryside to see the spectacular Norman cathedral of Monreale. Or visit the Arab-Norman Palazzo Conte Federico and take a stroll through the open-air market to soak up the ambiance of everyday life. You may instead choose an excursion to the medieval port town of Cefalù where a walking tour includes the Cathedral, covered in splendid painting and gold mosaics, and the excavations of Osterio Magno. (B,L,D)

Day 6 –Taormina

Tucked into the rugged coast with Mount Etna as a backdrop, charming Taormina was once the capital of Byzantine Sicily. Discover the town’s cathedral and the Palazzo Corvaja on a guided walking tour and visit the Greek Theater, where live performances still take place today. Or journey to Mount Etna, a World Heritage site, passing through traditional towns and villages.  Take a look inside Etna’s inactive volcanic craters before heading to a mountainside winery for a tasting tour and a typical Sicilian lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Syracuse

Cruise south to Syracuse, founded in 732 B.C. by the Corinthians and an important Mediterranean city for some 500 years. Follow in the steps of Aeschylus and Archimedes as you explore the archaeological park, which includes a Greek theater and one of the world’s largest Roman amphitheaters. Venture into the Ear of Dionysius, a cave that allowed the tyrant Dionysus to eavesdrop on his prisoners, and see Greco-Roman artifacts at the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, visit the World Heritage site of Noto, an excellent example of Sicilian baroque architecture and 18th-century urban planning. Stop for a gelato or a granita before returning to the ship. In the afternoon, visit the World Heritage-listed island of Ortigia, and delve into its mythology and history as you explore its Duomo and the legend-infused Fountain of Arethusa.  (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Valletta, Malta

Disembark in the World Heritage site of Valletta and extend your stay in Malta or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)