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Visit the Baroque Cathedral of Syracuse

Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily – with Smithsonian Journeys

Valletta - Livorno - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville
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Join the 9-day Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily with Smithsonian Journeys aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville. Begin in Valletta, Malta, exploring its historic streets and landmarks. Continue to Syracuse, Sicily, for a blend of ancient Greek and cultural influences, and Taormina, known for its views and Greco-Roman theater. Explore Reggio di Calabria's coastal charm and National Archaeological Museum, enjoy Agropoli's pristine beaches, and experience Naples' vibrant culture and historic sites. Visit Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, and conclude in Livorno, Tuscany.
Valletta, MaltaTaormina, SicilyTour the charming city of Valletta, Malta.An abandoned theatre in Taormina, Sicily Wander the ancient stones of Syracuse, one of the most prestigious cities of the Helenistic worldVisit the Baroque Cathedral of Syracuse
Highlights
  • Walk Valletta's UNESCO-listed historic streets and landmarks
  • Visit Syracuse's blend of Greek and cultural influences
  • Admire Taormina's stunning Mediterranean views and ruins
  • Experience Naples' vibrant culture and historic sites
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Valleta | Embark

The entire Maltese capital of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located on a peninsula in the island's northeast. From the Triton Fountain to Fort Saint Elmo, the city is filled with both grand streets and narrow staircases waiting to be explored. The painted loggias and carved corbels on the tall houses add charm to your journey, with little traffic to disturb you. You can visit the Grandmaster's Palace, adorned with coats of arms and frescoes, as well as Saint John's Cathedral and the ramparts that have protected the city since the 16th century. The terraced Barrakka Gardens offer a beautiful, green retreat during your strolls.

Day 2: Syracuse, Sicily

Sicily offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from its rocky coastline and endless sandy beaches to the imposing Mount Etna and the hillside gardens. Cicero once described Syracuse as “the most beautiful city in the world.” It was one of Sicily’s most prestigious cities and a rival to Athens at its peak. As a central city of Ancient Greece, Syracuse was home to many civilizations, each leaving its mark. The city showcases a rich blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine, and Spanish influences, making it extraordinarily vibrant in fragrances, colors, and flavors.

Day 3: 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 center, suspended 300 meters above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past is 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 4: 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 seafront 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 adds to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum is a must. It is one of the most important in Italy and among its collections are the famous Riace Bronzes, the stunning Greek statues dating from the 5th century BC that were found off the coast in 1972.

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'll 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: 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 rumor in a sleepless city. This is a head-spinning city to visit and savor: don’t forget to eat a slice of pizza Margherita.

Day 7: Civitavecchia (Rome)

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 center, suspended 300 meters 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: Livorno

On the Ligurian coast, Livorno invites you to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes, and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan baroque style.

Day 9: Livorno | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today.

Ship/Hotel

Le Dumont-d'Urville

Le Dumont-d'Urville Ship
Le Dumont-d'Urville Restaurant
Le Dumont-d'Urville Paint Gallery

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$12,329 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 6m² private balcony
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
8m² private balcony King-size bed or twin beds
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m² Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin 8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m² Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin 30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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