Name: Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily - with Smithsonian Journeys
Brand: PONANT EXPLORATIONS

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.

From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Valletta

Day 2

Siracuse, Sicily

Day 3

Taormina

Day 4

Reggio di Calabria

Day 5

Agropoli

Day 6

Salerno

Salerno beckons with tales of maritime glory, its shores echoing with the echoes of ancient seafaring civilizations. Nestled along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, Salerno boasts a Mediterranean climate, where warm sea breezes kiss sun-kissed shores year-round. Cruise lines navigate these crystalline waters, offering a glimpse into Italy's authentic soul beyond the well-trodden paths. Visitors are treated to the region's culinary delights, from freshly caught seafood to fragrant lemon-infused dishes. As the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, Salerno invites exploration of its rugged cliffs and charming coastal villages, revealing the true essence of Italian coastal living.

Day 7

Naples

Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.

Day 8

Gaeta

Gaeta, with its storied maritime past, whispers tales of ancient seafaring glory. Its sheltered harbor, framed by rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, basks in the Mediterranean sun, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist hubs. The mild climate blesses travelers with pleasant temperatures year-round, ideal for leisurely strolls along the cobblestone streets or relaxing on the picturesque waterfront promenade. Away from the crowds, Gaeta reveals its authentic Italian charm through quaint cafes serving freshly caught seafood and family-run trattorias dishing up traditional recipes passed down through generations. Don't miss the iconic Gaeta olives, prized for their unique flavor and centuries-old cultivation techniques.

Day 9

Civitavecchia

Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.

Day 1

Valletta

Day 2

Siracuse, Sicily

Day 3

Taormina

Day 4

Reggio di Calabria

Day 5

Agropoli

Day 6

Salerno

Salerno beckons with tales of maritime glory, its shores echoing with the echoes of ancient seafaring civilizations. Nestled along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, Salerno boasts a Mediterranean climate, where warm sea breezes kiss sun-kissed shores year-round. Cruise lines navigate these crystalline waters, offering a glimpse into Italy's authentic soul beyond the well-trodden paths. Visitors are treated to the region's culinary delights, from freshly caught seafood to fragrant lemon-infused dishes. As the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, Salerno invites exploration of its rugged cliffs and charming coastal villages, revealing the true essence of Italian coastal living.

Day 7

Naples

Amidst the captivating backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, Naples beckons with a tapestry of ancient allure. Its fabled past, steeped in mythology and legend, whispers tales of emperors and poets, of Pompeii's tragic fate and the birth of pizza. The Mediterranean climate blesses Naples with warm, sun-drenched days, perfect for savoring gelato on cobblestone streets or basking in the glow of historic piazzas. This vibrant city pulsates with an energy that ignites the senses, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in authentic Neapolitan life. And did you know? Naples boasts the world's oldest continuously operating pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, dating back to 1738.

Day 8

Gaeta

Gaeta, with its storied maritime past, whispers tales of ancient seafaring glory. Its sheltered harbor, framed by rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, basks in the Mediterranean sun, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist hubs. The mild climate blesses travelers with pleasant temperatures year-round, ideal for leisurely strolls along the cobblestone streets or relaxing on the picturesque waterfront promenade. Away from the crowds, Gaeta reveals its authentic Italian charm through quaint cafes serving freshly caught seafood and family-run trattorias dishing up traditional recipes passed down through generations. Don't miss the iconic Gaeta olives, prized for their unique flavor and centuries-old cultivation techniques.

Day 9

Civitavecchia

Perched on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia boasts a storied past intertwined with maritime adventures. As the gateway to Rome, its harbor has welcomed seafarers for centuries, echoing with tales of ancient civilizations and grand conquests. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with balmy breezes and sun-drenched days, creating an idyllic atmosphere for exploration. Away from the bustling metropolis, Civitavecchia offers an authentic Italian experience, where cobblestone streets wind through charming piazzas and trattorias serve up delectable seafood caught fresh from the sea. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the historic harbor walls, built to protect against marauding pirates centuries ago.