Italian Mediterranean Cruise

SORRENTO

Pompei: By air-conditioned motor-coach and by foot. Duration - 4 hours / Cost - Euro 59
The Site: Ancient Pompei was a prosperous provincial center with an estimated population of 20,000. Much of the town had been destroyed by an earthquake in 63 AD, and the rebuilding was still in process when the volcano Vesuvio erupted 16 years later. The whole town was buried beneath more than 20 feet of ash and pumice stone. The eruption on August 24, 79 A.D., not only preserved structures, but also evidence of the ancient way of life. Admire the luxurious mansions and fabulous art of wealthy patricians who came to Pompei to escape the turmoil in Rome. Their houses were designed around an inner garden with few windows on the exteriors, so residents could forget the outside world and get sunlight from their own court yards. Visit some of the more modest homes, and also explore ancient baths, temples, theaters, markets and huge forum.
The Tour:
- The drive to Pompei takes about 1hr.
- We suggest comfortable shoes, as walking on cobblestone streets is involved.
- A late lunch is served onboard the ship upon return.

Vesuvio: By air-conditioned motor coach and by foot. Duration - 3h30 / Cost - Euro 46
The Site: Since the first recorded eruption in 79 AD, when it buried the towns and inhabitants of Pompei and Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius has dominated the lives of those who live on the Bay of Naples. It’s a still considered an active volcano, the only one on the mainland of Europe. Departing from Sorrento by coach, you will drive along the bay of Naples to reach the feet of the awesome mount Vesuvio. While driving up to the summit you will be able to see where the last lava flow. From the village of Torre del Greco, you will reach the only way to lead up the slopes of the volcanic complex; the bus and our local guide will drive you up till approx. 1000meters. From the parking area you will proceed independently up to the crater for a breathtaking view of the all bay of Naples and the crater itself. When you get to the summit, at 1277 m., you will be looking down into a cone with a flat barren bottom.
The Tour:
- The local guides are not allowed to guide on the crater, there are alpine guide that will direct you.
- The tour involves climbing, comfortable shoes are suggested due to uneven surfaces.
- A sunhat is recommended during summer; also suggest bring a bottle of mineral water.
- There is approx. a 45 minute drive to Vesuvio, subject to traffic conditions.
- You will spend approx 1h30 climbing up and down and visiting the crater (the summit is 280 meters).

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AMALFI

Ravello: By air-conditioned motor coach (some walking). Duration - 3h30 / Cost - Euro 49
You will enjoy a pretty and panoramic drive climbing up from the harbor in Amalfi to Ravello, one of the most famous and popular spots along the Amalfi coast. You’ll see the Duomo as you enter the main square of Ravello. On the right hand side of the church stands the bell tower, built in the 13th century. Inside the Duomo you can see the majestic marble pulpit, richly cased with mosaics, friezes and columns, supported by six slim spiral posts resting on marble lions. You’ll visit the Villa Rufolo, a spectacular complex formed by the main palazzo, built in the second half of the 13th century, and various buildings in Arabian- Sicilian style on a wide terrace facing the gulf. Having entered the smaller 14th century tower, the tour continues along a small avenue flanked by cypresses until reaching the Moorish courtyard decorated with friezes and arabesques in front of the palazzo.

Positano and Amalfi coast: By air-conditioned motor coach and public boat. Duration - 3h30 / Cost - Euro 39
The Tour: You will first enjoy an extremely pretty and panoramic drive climbing up from the harbor to Positano. Once there, you will stop along this stretch of coast in Positano and will walk from the coach park to the village. You will admire white, Moorish-style houses clinging to the slopes around a small sparkling bay. Spend some time browsing in some of Positano’s 200 boutiques, which sell the casual, locally-made cotton clothing the town is famous for. You will have some time at leisure to discover the village, then you will meet your guide and board together the public boat for a ride back to the village of Amalfi. Once back in Amalfi you will be offered an introduction by the local guide and then you will be free to continue visiting the Amalfi Cathedral and village on your own or walk to the landing pier to return to the ship.
The Tour:
- Comfortable shoes are suggested as sometimes surfaces are uneven and steep.
- The drive to Positano is approx. 40 minutes
- Once arrived in Positano you will need to walk from the parking area to the village (20 minutes).
- Time at leisure and free discovery in Positano.
- Then meet your guide and board the public board to ride back to Amalfi (30minutes).
- This boat tour segment is subject to weather conditions.

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SICILY

Taormina: By air-conditioned motor-coach. Duration 7hrs / Cost - Euro 80
Leaving the pier by motor coach you will motor on the freeway to the south for Mount Etna joining the scenic road which winds around the slopes of the mountain passing the town of Giarre and the village of Santa Venerina, motoring across vineyards and woods. You will arrive to the estate belonging to the Barons di Villagrande and once there you will be welcomed by the baroness. This charming lady will guide you in a tour of the cellar and the winery explaining the qualities of the Mount Etna wine and the secrets of a real expert. You will enjoy a magnificent view over the fertile valley and the fields covered with vines which produce the certified Etna wine, which is produced from local vines, and made special by the lava, which has entered the soil during the centuries. The visit completed you will proceed to enjoy a Sicilian brunch with local products and taste the different qualities of wine produced in the estate. After brunch and leaving the winery you will be taken for free time in Taormina. The town is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval character. There will be time for a stroll in Corso Umberto. Just off this pedestrian street there are many small streets and shops in addition you may with to visit the Roman amphitheater.
The Tour:
- 45 minutes drive from the pier to the Barone di Villagrande Estate.
- 45 minutes drive back to Taormina.
- Wine and water are included at brunch.
- Leisure time in Taormina.

Mount Etna: By air-conditioned motor-coach. Duration - 5 h30 / Cost - Euro 85
The Site: Majestic Mount Etna is Europe's largest active volcano, rising 11,000 feet (3340 meters). Her slopes soar up to over 3,296 meters and the flanks are spotted with cones and craters. From the peaks, you can gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids and vineyards. The main attraction is Etna’s crater and the awe-inspiring petrified remnants of lava flows. The tour will start with a drive through the small town of Naxos. Driving to Mount Etna along the motorway, you’ll enjoy the journey along a scenic road that winds around the slopes of the mountain, passing the town of Giarre and the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana. You’ll delight at the ever changing scenery of lemon groves, orchards, vineyards, and chestnut and pine woods that blend with the hardened lava and endless volcanic cones. The Silvestri crater is located about 1950 meters above sea level. Once there, you will then transfer to 4x4 minibuses or cable car to reach at approx 2500 meters ad then go further up to the base of the main crater at about 2950 meters above sea level by 4x4 minibuses. A professional alpine guide will lead a 30 to 45 minute hike to see the last lava flow and walk around one of the craters ( Depending on volcano activity).
The Tour:
- Comfortable shoes are suggested, and even a jacket or sweater is necessary on Mount Etna.
- It is a 1h15 drive each way to reach Mount Etna.
- You will reach approx. 2950 meters above sea level.
- Excursion depends on weather conditions and local authorizations.

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AEOLIAN ISLANDS

There are seven small main islands off the Aeolian archipelago: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea and Stromboli. The hill isles are the product of volcanic phenomena and offer an inexhaustible source of fascinating scenery and wonderful countryside. The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times. King Ausone’s son, Liparo, founded the first settlement on the Lipari coast. Lipari boasts endless beaches, bays, grottoes and a rich seabed as well as geological and volcanic formations. The archeological museum of Lipari is among the most important in Europe. It highlights many aspects of history, including prehistoric villages from seven thousand years ago.

Island Tour and Archeological museum: By air-conditioned motor-coach and by foot. Duration - 3h30 / Cost - Euro 35
The sightseeing tour around Lipari Island starts from the landing pier after disembarkation by ship's tenders. There will be stops at the Oxidian and Pumice Quarries and at the most panoramic points, perfect for viewing the seven Aeolian islands. At the end of the coach tour, you’ll walk to the castle area to have a look at the outside of San Bartolomeo Church. You’ll also visit the Aeolian Museum made up of five exhibitions (prehistoric, classic, epigraphic, minor islands and volcanic) and a large collection of the most valuable materials excavated on the island since 1946.
The Tour:
- Half of the tour is by bus, the other half is on foot.
- At the end of the tour you will have time to walk around the city or get back on board.

Vulcano: By boat. Duration - 3h30 / Cost - Euro 47
Disembarking by tender you will reach Marina Lunga, in the port of Lipari, where you will meet your guide and get on board the private motorboat. Departing from Lipari you will head towards Vulcano where you shall arrive after a short sailing. Vulcano is a small volcanic island in the archipelago of the Eolie. The island has three volcanoes. One is ancient and has been dormant since the Prehistoric Era. It forms the main mass of the island, with the points of highest elevation being Monte Saraceno at 481 meters, Monte Aria at 500 meters, and Gran Cratere (or Fossa di Vulcano) at 386 meters. Gran Cratere, which is still active, dominates the northern part of the island. It is characterized by its form and strange coloration, especially near the summit. Upon the arrival in Vulcano you will have the opportunity to either walk towards the base of the volcano, enjoy a short visit of the village or go to the thermals wells. The wells, from which sulphurous steam rises, are composed of salt water and clay mud with a very high content of sulphur that prohibits the growth of pathogens. The renowned therapeutic complex can treat principally 3 groups of health problems: those of the joints, skin, and respiratory system. The tour continues to the hot sea waters (you can swim in there if you wish), the fumaroles. Return to the boat and sail back to Lipari on a scenic cruise passing by the west coast of Vulcano, Vulcanello, Spiaggia di Ponente, Grotta del Cavallo, I Faraglioni, and Lipari.
The Tour:
- The ride from Lipari to Vulcano is 20 to 30’.
- On the way back you will enjoy a scenic sailing of approx. 1hr.
- If you plan on taking a mud bath, wear dark colored swim wear, do not wear jewelry.
- A guide will take you to the thermals wells, or feel free to explore on your own.

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