Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily: Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights

Arrive in Valletta and discover its World Heritage-listed baroque architecture on your own before boarding the ship. Settle into your cabin in the late afternoon and take in the views as you cruise out of the city’s spectacular harbor. (D)

Sail north to Syracuse, a city that rose to great power in the fourth and fifth centuries BC, even ruling over parts of southern Italy at its height. Delve into ancient history or local culture on your choice of excursion. Visit the archaeological park of Ancient Syracuse, a World Heritage site that harbors a 15,000-seat Greek theater as well as a famous Roman amphitheater. See the Altar of Hieron and enter the  Ear of Dionysius  cave, where the fine acoustics allowed Emperor Dionysius to eavesdrop on his prisoners. Then browse the extraordinary collections of the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum or head to a family-owned agriturismo for a delightful lunch of traditional Sicilian dishes. Alternatively, spend a relaxing day sampling wines and local snacks at a family winery set amid gardens on a 12th-century property; explore the temples, piazzas, and local markets of historic Ortigia on a walking tour; or visit the World Heritage site of Noto, a gem of Sicilian baroque architecture and 18th-century urban planning. (B,L,D)

Nestled on the seaside between rugged headlands and backed by the silhouette of Mount Etna, Taormina’s bougainvillea-filled lanes have long enchanted writers and philosophers. 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 travel to Mount Etna, another World Heritage site, passing through historic towns and villages. See Etna’s inactive volcanic craters before heading to a mountainside winery with extraordinary coastal views for a tasting tour and a typical Sicilian lunch. Alternatively, choose to embark on a foodie tour of Catania, delving into local markets and sampling Sicilian specialties, including arancino and cannoli. (B,L,D)

Your first stop on the mainland is Reggio Calabria, poised on the tip of Italy’s "toe" just across the Strait of Messina from Sicily. Choose from a variety of ways to discover the Calabria region. At the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Græcia, admire the Riace Bronzes, rare fifth-century bronze warriors sculpted in magnificent detail. Visit ancient Scilla, made famous by Homer, and the seaside fishing community of Chianalea, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Or tour the Museum of Bergamotto to learn about the cultural significance of the fragrant bergamot, a citrus native to the region, and participate in a cooking workshop. Alternatively, head to the town of Vibo Valentina, on the edge of Mount Poro, to explore its castle and enjoy a tasting of wines and Calabrian specialties. Or venture to Pizzo for a tour of the town's historic sites and a sampling of its world-famous tartufo. (B,L,D)

Sail north to Agropoli and travel inland through fertile farmland to the World Heritage site of Paestum. Here, three well-preserved Greek temples stand on the plains, a testament to the former glory of the sixth-century city of Poseidonia. Discover the fascinating history of the city, which was later settled by the Romans and occupied by foreign armies from the Lucanians to the Normans. Explore the site and its wonderful museum in depth, or combine a tour of the temples with a visit to a traditional dairy farm where mozzarella is made exclusively with the milk of the farm’s buffalo. Witness artisans using age-old cheese-making techniques and sample the farm’s world-renowned mozzarella. (B,L,D)

Drop anchor in Naples and immerse yourself in the region’s history and cuisine. Discover the haunting ruins of Pompeii, buried under some 20 feet of ash and pumice when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Picture life as it was 2,000 years ago as you explore city streets and art-filled homes frozen in time. Continue your tour at Herculaneum, where opulent villas—and their stunning mosaics—were well preserved in mud and ash. Or ascend the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to a scenic vineyard for a tour and a lunch of local dishes paired with the vineyard’s volcanic wines. Alternatively, stay in Naples for a walking tour of its historic center. You may also choose an excursion to the picturesque Amalfi Coast or a street food tour of Naples, where you can try local favorites such as cuoppo, pizza a libretto, and sfogliatella. (B,L,D)

Spend a full day exploring the Eternal City, beginning with a panoramic tour of important sites such as the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla, luxurious public baths that have inspired architects into the modern era. Then head out on foot to experience the iconic sites of Rome, from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps to the Piazza Navona. See the Roman Forum and enjoy a visit to the Colosseum, descending to the floor where gladiators and beasts battled to the death before some 50,000 spectators. You may instead choose to begin the day with a pasta-making workshop at a local farmhouse or a food tour of Rome. Alternatively, encounter the artistic gems of the Vatican—including the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling was famously painted by Michelangelo, and St. Peter’s Square. Learn about Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the “architect of St. Peter's” as you examine the extraordinary façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. (B,L,D)

Immerse yourself in the spectacular Renaissance city of Florence, encountering some of its most iconic artistic treasures, from Brunelleschi’s dome to Michelangelo’s David. Tour the city’s piazzas and churches, and learn how the city of the de Medicis shaped art history. Alternatively, ascend to hilltop Volterra and visit Roman ruins and the Etruscan Museum, where an impressive collection of artifacts traces the rich legacy of this ancient civilization. (B,L,D)

Disembark after breakfast in the Tuscan port city of Livorno and continue your journey with a stay in Tuscany or transfer to the airport in Pisa or Florence for your flight home. (B)