Mediterranean: Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily's Mysterious History

Upon arrival in Athens you will transfer to the hotel.

Today you will have the opportunity to explore the captivating site of the Greek Acropolis, the most significant site of Athens which stands majestically on the summit of the ‘Sacred Rock’. Learn about the tremendous history of the site before spending the afternoon of the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily travelling around the rest of the city of Athens. The enchanting Greek capital is embraced by a backdrop of towering mountains and Neo-classical architecture, and the National Gardens are an idyllic retreat.

Perhaps spend the morning on the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily ambling around the stylish shops, visit the National Archaeological Museum or discover the vibrant streets of Plaka. This ancient village charms visitors with its sugar cube houses that nuzzle against the hill on which the Acropolis stands. Later in the day you will transfer to Piraeus where you will embark the Aegean Odyssey for your journey to Nauplia.

After a night time journey on the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily you will spend the morning at the archaeological site of Mycenae where you can discover the historic Mycenaean culture. In the afternoon you can choose to visit the ancient and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus and the immaculately preserved amphitheatre which was built over 2500 years ago. Alternatively, you can see independent Greece’s first capital city, Nauplia, as you meander along the narrow streets of the Old Town admiring Venetian, Ottoman and Neo-classical buildings. After a day sightseeing, prepare yourself for the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily officers’ on-board cocktail party in the evening.

Relax on board and take advantage of the ship’s facilities or simply soak up the sunshine on the outside deck as you cruise over the colourful Mediterranean to Sicily.

Begin a new exploration today as the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily continues in the delightful town of Taormina which boasts epic views of Mount Etna. The morning can be enjoyed with a trip to a Roman Theatre before sampling some of the delicious local cuisine in one of the many delightful restaurants or if you would rather, you can return to the ship. On the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily there is an optional excursion to the prominent volcano, Mount Etna, during the afternoon. The ship will set sail for Syracuse in the evening.

During the morning at Syracuse, we visit the Greek theatre which is a stunning example of historic architecture. On the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily you can also admire the Tomb of Archimedes and take a tour of the Archaeological Museum. Later in the day, absorb the charming ambience of Ortygia which is at the heart of Syracuse. Before departing for Malta in the evening, witness the temple ruins of Apollo, the cathedral and the ramparts of Castello Eurialo. On your return to the ship, we sail to Valletta.

Valletta, capital city of Malta, has been referred to as a ‘city of palaces’ and in the morning of the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily you can take a trip to the Baroque cathedral of St John and marvel at the Palace of the Grand Masters. Explore the medieval walled town of Mdina which is known as the ‘silent city’ owing to the maze of peaceful alleyways and minimal traffic pollution. In the afternoon of the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily there will be chance for more independent sightseeing of exquisite palaces, lush gardens and interesting museums or visit the Tarxien temples and 16th century St Elmo’s fort. The ship departs for Agrigento late in the evening.

After the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily continues sailing throughout the night, we reach Agrigento which is one of the most impressive sites in the Mediterranean. In the morning we visit the magnificent Valle dei Templi which is home to several hallowed buildings and two Doric temples. At midday the tour cruises along Sicily’s dramatic coastline, past the picturesque Eghadi Islands to Trapani.

Walk around the ancient city of Segesta and marvel at the remarkable temple and Greek theatre. Later, we head towards Selinunte to see the eight temples and fortification system. As the tour continues, we will stop for some wine tasting in Marsala. The full day tour is optional and travellers can choose an alternative morning excursion to Segesta followed by an afternoon trip to Erice, a charming medieval hilltop town. If you prefer to spend your time on the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily exploring more independently, why not discover the heavenly port of Trapani on foot?

The beautiful historic city of Palermo is the capital of Sicily and on this morning’s the magical tour of Pompeii and Sicily we will amble through its delightful centre and visit a 17th century monastery which houses the Museum of Regional Archaeology. Here you can admire the fascinating Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Carthaginian collections before we head for the Piazza Marina and Palazzo Abetellis amongst other striking buildings. The afternoon of the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily will be spent on a tour of Palermo’s bustling square, Piazza della Vittoria, where a wealth of incredible architecture lines the streets. See amazing structures such as the Norman Royal Palace, Palermo Cathedral, Palatine Chapel and the exquisite San Giovanni degli Eremiti.

On this morning’s Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily you will be in awe of the ornate 12th century mosaics which adorn the walls of the Monreale Cathedral. At midday we board the ship and set sail for Agropoli, passing the mighty Stromboli volcano and the eye-catching Lipari Islands.

Witness legendary Paestum and three of the best preserved Doric temples in the world. The Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily begins a lunchtime journey along the outstanding coastline of Amalfi where colourful villages cling to the cliff sides. Enjoy a cruise around the Isle of Capri as we aim to arrive in Sorrento in the evening.

Today we will be based in Sorrento. Firstly, we discover the historic city of Pompeii which was once buried under the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Today however, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become one of Italy’s most visited attractions, exposing truths about life during the Roman Empire. On the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily you have the option of combining the Pompeii excursion with either a trip to Naples’ National Archaeological Museum or the Herculaneum. Overnight we sail to Civitavecchia.

You will disembark the ship at Civitavecchia and travel to Rome for your return flight as the Magical Tour of Pompeii and Sicily concludes.