Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily – With Smithsonian Journeys (9 Days)
Cruise Line
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Ship
Le Dumont d'Urville
27 Aug 2025 - 04 Sep 2025
Virtuoso Benefits
Promotion(s)
For availability and pricing:
Itinerary
Day 1 27 Aug 2025
Valletta, Malta
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 Triton to Saint Elmo 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 Grandmaster's 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 2 28 Aug 2025
Syracuse, Italy
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 3 29 Aug 2025
Taormina, Italy
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 4 30 Aug 2025
Reggio Calabria, Italy
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 kilometers away, and Mount 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. 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 31 Aug 2025
Agropoli, Italy
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. Listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, the magnificent beaches of Trentova Bay contribute to making this small town a very popular seaside resort.
Day 6 01 Sep 2025
Naples, Italy
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 Castel 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 a sleepless city. This is a head-spinning city to visit and savour: don't forget to eat a slice of pizza Margherita.
Day 7 02 Sep 2025
Civitavecchia, Italy
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 8 03 Sep 2025
Livorno, Italy
On the Ligurian coast, Livorno invites us to Tuscany, a charming region offering archeological 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, Venezia Nuova 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 04 Sep 2025
Livorno, Italy
Cruise Benefits
Virtuoso Voyages offer exclusive benefits and experiences you can only get by booking with a Virtuoso Advisor.
Virtuoso Benefits on Your Sailing
Guests may also be entitled to the following complimentary benefits.
Please consult your Virtuoso travel advisor for restrictions that may apply.
$100 USD Shipboard Credit Per Person
PONANT Yacht Cruises & Expeditions: Virtuoso Guests will enjoy $100 USD shipboard credit per person; limit $200 USD per stateroom on all voyages. Onboard credit will be applied to your shipboard account. Restrictions apply; please see Terms & Conditions for details.
Promotion(s)
To secure a promotion, contact your travel advisor.
Enjoy Fares Inclusive of Up to 30% PONANT Bonus Savings!
Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Dec 2027
Enjoy fares inclusive of the up to 30% PONANT Bonus Savings. Based on availability at the time of booking.
Themed Cruises: Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Dec 2026
Discover your Inner Explorer on Expert-led voyages curated for you!
Engage with the world on special educational experiences. In addition to PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ usual all-inclusive amenities, these voyages also include transfers to and from the ship, onboard talks and discussions by world-class experts, and a shore excursion in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of the local environment and culture.
Fares are inclusive of Up to 30% Bonus Savings!
PONANT EXPLORATIONS Voyages in Alliance with Smithsonian Journeys
Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Dec 2027
PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys have put together a collection of unparalleled travel experiences, focused on culture, history, the natural world, and exploration. On each departure, two Smithsonian Journeys Experts host a series of engaging lectures and discussions on board. A specially designed shore excursion or activity is included in each port of call, providing ease and enrichment to every program. While traditional PONANT EXPLORATIONS voyages are offered in both French and English, these special voyages are curated for English-speaking travelers while showcasing PONANT’s signature French flair in onboard delivery and service. Transfers from the airport to the ship on embarkation day, and from the ship to the airport on disembarkation day are included on these sailings.
