Treasures of the Mediterranean

•   All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff and local guides

Day 1: Arrive Malta
A transfer is included from Malta International Airport to the Hotel Phoenicia Malta in the port of Valletta. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. 
Overnight: Hotel Phoenicia Malta, Valletta, Malta
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Discover Malta / Embark Ship
Enjoy an orientation tour of the walled, pedestrian-only city of Mdina and a coastal drive around St. Julian’s Bay. Malta’s capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a virtual open-air museum and is easy to explore on foot. An optional walking tour this afternoon includes a visit inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral to see its stunning interior and art treasures; the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, a masterpiece in oil by the Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio, Flemish tapestries and silver artifacts reward visitors. Embark Le Ponant this afternoon for the start of your 7-night cruise.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Cruise to Sicily and explore Taormina
Go ashore at Giardini-Naxos for a memorable visit to Taormina, clinging to the cliffs above the Ionian Sea. Best known as a popular seaside resort, the island also entices with mesmerizing views of Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, and archaeological wonders chronicling its development from the 2nd century to the Middle Ages. See them on a stroll along the Corso Umberto through Old Town, lined with piazzas, palazzi and duomos, and take a guided tour of the ancient Greek Theatre. Do more sightseeing as you wish or return to the ship to relax or swim (weather permitting).
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Lipari and the fiery lava of Stromboli
The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari’s history as a strategic port dates all the way back to Neolithic times, thousands of years before its centuries under Greek and later Roman rule. Vestiges of these ancient times still reign on its rugged terrain, alongside medieval fortresses and other evidence of centuries of struggle for the island’s control. Drop anchor off Lipari and take a Zodiac ashore for guided exploration of local sights and an optional visit to the archaeological museum. Weather permitting, a swim off the stern of your yacht and a nighttime sail by volcanic Stromboli showcase a few of the pleasurable moments of small ship cruising.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Travel the Amalfi Coast to Ravello
Wake up to spectacular views of the incomparable Amalfi Coast, revered for its natural beauty since before the Middle Ages. Tender to shore for a memorable drive along the magical seascapes and an up-close look at the shoreline villages that call the Mediterranean home. Stop in Amalfi, the “queen of the Costiera,” for a guided walking tour and a visit to the Duomo, dating back to the 9th century. Then it’s off to Villa Rufolo in cliff-top Ravello built in the late 13th century for a prominent local family – the views from the terrace are immortalized in the inspired music of German composer, Richard Wagner. Dine on regional specialties at a restaurant overlooking the sea, followed by free time to explore Ravello on your own.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Ponza and cruising the Mediterranean
Ponza is fringed with dramatic coves and cliffs lined with yellow and pink houses. Fishing boats set out from the 18th-century harbor and vineyards cover the hillsides for a quintessential snapshot of daily life here. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the sights as you please.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Small Ships Only in Bonifacio
Corsica’s fjord-like harbor of Bonifacio is only accessible to small ships – your majestic entrance aboard Le Ponant atop sapphire blue waters is truly a special moment so be sure to have your camera handy! On shore, hop aboard Le Petit Train for a ride to the town’s walled fortress area; explore a maze of medieval lanes, stroll along the bluff above the harbor, and see the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion. Your yacht sails for Elba later today.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Island of Elba
Your first port of call is the secluded harbor of Portoferraio,?Elba, settled by the Greeks in the 10th century BC, and home to an exiled Napoleon Bonaparte. Visit the home he shared with his sister in 1814, the Palazzina dei Mulini. Enjoy free time in Porto Azzurro, where sights include a fortress built in 1603 and the Old Quarter and stop at a family-owned Elba winery – a special Tauck wine tasting experience adds to the fun.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Disembark Nice / Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Disembark Le Ponant in Nice this morning, nestled on the French Riviera where the seaside Promenade des Anglais borders beautiful beaches. A walking tour of Nice introduces you to city sights, paving the way for a day spent as you please. If you wish, join us for an optional visit to the palace and gardens in Monaco, schedule permitting. Arrive in Monte-Carlo mid-afternoon. Your hotel is located in the heart of Monte-Carlo, close to the casino. Dine on your own tonight.
Overnight: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Saint-Paul-de-Vence and fabulous Monte-Carlo
Head up into the hills that are perched above the coast to the medieval walled city of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, welcoming with charm and centuries of history along winding cobblestone lanes. Visit the artist Marc Chagall’s grave, the picture of serenity overlooking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Join us tonight for our farewell cocktail reception and dinner.
Overnight: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 11: Journey Home
Tour ends: Nice. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Fairmont Monte Carlo to Nice Cote d’Azur Airport. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Tauck Tour Special Offer Whether you choose to explore Europe on a Tauck "Yellow Roads of Europe" land journey, sail away on our award-winning European river cruises, find yourself someplace new on a Tauck Culturious trip or share the joy of European travel with your family on a Tauck Bridges adventure, your Tauck travel experience is built around these "cornerstones": Personalized Service We take care of every detail on your Tauck European vacation so you connect with the destination and experience the genuine emotion, the camaraderie, the little things that comprise day-to-day European life.   Quality Experience Tauck's expertise and local access provide guests with the best possible travel experience in Europe, including exclusive cultural events, fine hotels in the best locations and dining featuring authentic regional cuisine. Inclusive Value One up-front price with virtually everything included – no hidden costs, no surprises, no options sold on tour.   Peace of Mind Purchasing clarity – you know the quality of Tauck's travel experiences and full cost before you leave home. TAKE OFF WITH TAUCK makes flying to Europe easy with one flat up-front air price of $1,290 per person economy or $3,290 per person business and other benefits!* Call us today for more information!
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
6/8/2012 - 6/19/2012	$7,690
6/22/2012 - 7/3/2012	$7,690
8/24/2012 - 9/4/2012	$7,490
10/5/2012 - 10/16/2012	$6,990
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Tauck Tour Special Offer

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(5 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) Write a review.

 

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L O'Hegen rated this tour a 5 on 1/21/2011 9:39:50 AM and says:

"This trip was a wonderful experience. The itinerary was perfect and our tour director was amazing. Everything was taken care, so all we had to do was enjoy. I won't travel with another tour operator. Thanks to my agent at Atlas for recommending this over a Princess or Holland America cruise."

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