Embark in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome and cruise to the beautiful island of Ponza with its rocky coves and soaring cliffs, and on to Sorrento, perched overlooking the Bay of Naples where you can sample some of the locally-produced lemon liquor.
Explore Amalfi with its brightly-painted houses and atmospheric piazza, before continuing to Messina, from where you can take an optional tour of Mt Etna or historic Taormina.
Lipari, the largest of the volcanic Aeolian Islands is the next port of call before visiting Gaeta in Italy (2020 only).
S531 Operated by Star Clippers
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Sicily and the Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Day 1 - Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy)
Embark in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome.
Day 2 - Ponza - Palmarola
The island of Ponza has a beautiful coastline with rocky coves and cliffs which are rich in the precious mineral white betonite, sandy beaches and crystal clear water. It is also home to some excellent restaurants and has its own wine producing region. See the unique the character of the island which has one main road snaking up from the port to the north of the island, giving fantastic panoramic views. Continue to Palmarola, a beautiful island with natural grottos.
Day 3 - Sorrento
Sorrento is perched above the sea overlooking the Bay of Naples. Sample the locally-produced liquor, Limoncello at one of the cafes on Piazza Tasso, or perhaps take the Circumvesuviana train to nearby Pompeii.
Day 4 - Amalfi
Amalfi is chic and picturesque, with narrow lanes winding down to the sea in a cascade of brightly-painted houses. The atmospheric piazza is dominated by an 11th century Duomo and the impressive stairs which climb up to it. Neighbouring Positano is easy to reach by bus, where there are elegant boutiques and artisan's studios
Day 5 - Taormina
Royal Clipper docks in Taormina. Taormina is full of culture, history and shopping opportunities. For pastry shops and upmarket Italian designer boutiques, go to Corso Umberto, or for exquisite views of the sea and Mount Etna, visit the much-photographed Greek amphitheatre. There is a cable car from Taormina down to Mazzaro Bay and the nature reserve of Isola Bella.
Day 6 - Lipari
Lipari is the largest of the volcanic Aeolian Islands. After exploring the cliff-top citadel and taking refreshments along Vittorio Emanuele Street, perhaps hire a bicycle or scooter to discover more of the island. The little fishing town of Porticello and its beach are popular with locals, or for stunning views of the archipelago, follow the trail to Terme di San Calogero. Later, cruise past Stromboli.
Day 7 - At sea or Gaeta
In 2019, enjoy the facilities on board during a day at sea. In 2020, visit Gaeta, a beautiful city home to Monte Orlando Park, an area with incredible Roman ruins including an 11th-century sanctuary. A nearby staircase leads to the Grotta del Turco marine cave.
Day 8 - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Disembark in Civitavecchia.
The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary to suit wind and weather conditions.