NEW! Gems of the Mediterranean

Sail along one of the world’s most magnificent coasts en route to exploring the stunning seaside village of Amalfi. Board a motorboat and meet your skipper, who will offer tips on how to spend your time in Amalfi as you cruise across the Gulf of Salerno. Surrounded by steep cliffs and overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a maritime trading power. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Visit its historic center, strolling along the narrow lanes winding their way through the village. Or stop in the main square to admire the facade of the 11th-century Cathedral of St. Andrew, a beautiful mix of Italian Gothic and arabesque architectural elements. Alternatively, investigate the popular shops in search of the perfect memento, or sip on a refreshing beverage in a café. Cap your excursion by boarding your boat and returning to your ship.

Set out to explore Sorrento, famed for its breathtaking views, quaint atmosphere and historic charm. Begin your excursion with a panoramic drive with views over the coastline. Upon arrival in Sorrento you will join a guided walk around the Villa Comunale di Sorrento, a serene park in the heart of the town. Perched on a cliffside, the park offers vistas over the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius and the islands of Capri and Ischia. Stroll amid the manicured gardens and centuries old olive trees, then visit the nearby Cloister of the Church of San Francesco D’Assisi; it was built during the 14th century on the ruins of a 7th-century monastery. After time for photos, return to the main square for a woodwork demonstration and enjoy free time to explore independently. Perhaps browse the stores or sip a refreshing limoncello at a local bar. After, return to your ship.

This unforgettable excursion reveals treasures of Paestum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to around 450 BC. Then, this important settlement of Magna Graecia was known as Poseidonia. We’ll ride from the pier for about 75 minutes to the ancient ruins, which are famous for three remarkably preserved Doric temples dedicated to Hera, Athena and Poseidon, the sea god for whom the city was named. Paestum was overtaken by an Italiote people called the Lucanians, whose unique painted tombs are here for you to explore; and then by the Romans, under whom the city thrived. The site is surrounded by more than 15,000 feet of defensive walls, which are dotted with 24 square and round towers. There is also an amphitheater, the main Via Sacra avenue, and a museum featuring priceless art and artifacts recovered from the site.

Stroll the streets, explore the residences and squares, and glimpse life in this city frozen in time. In 79 AD, when Mt. Vesuvius erupted, Pompeii was buried under 20 feet of ash. Excavation has revealed, with astounding precision, exactly what life was like on that day. During your guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will walk through ancient cobblestone warrens past baths, temples, an amphitheater and the forum—public buildings once teeming with life. Peer into the mansions of the wealthy and the more modest homes of the working class. See remarkable plaster casts of victims, anchored to the moment of catastrophe: a mother protecting her child and a dog tied to its chain. As you explore, your guide will describe a typical day in Pompeii. At tour’s end, you will have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Explore life in modern-day Sorrento and uncover the past in the ancient city of Pompeii. Embark on a scenic drive to Sorrento, enjoying stunning views of the Italian Riviera and traveling along the winding road that hugs the sides of the rocky cliffs. Upon arrival, observe a woodcarving demonstration, then set out for an independent exploration of the narrow streets and open square at the city’s heart. Following lunch on your own, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, a city frozen in time since Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Stroll its cobblestone streets past the mansions of the wealthy and the modest homes of the working class. Pause to see great public buildings that once bustled with crowds. As you explore, your knowledgeable guide will describe a typical day in Pompeii and the eruption that led to its demise.

Admire the beauty of Ravello, a stunning cliffside village along the Amalfi Coast. Perched 1,200 feet above the Tyrrhenian Sea, this charming village is full of breathtaking vistas, elegant villas and idyllic gardens. Board your minibus for a scenic drive along the winding road that hugs the sides of the rocky cliffs and enjoy stunning views of the Italian Riviera. Upon arrival, set out on foot with your local guide and stop in the main square to gaze at the Duomo di Ravello, a 13th-century church, and its bell tower. Continue to the Villa Rufolo, a beautiful medieval villa built in the Arabian-Sicilian style. Enjoy free time to explore, taking in sweeping views of the gulf from the terraces, and strolling through the verdant garden full of cypress and pine trees and exotic plants. Afterward, you will journey back to your ship.

Savor a sample of local wines and olive oil during an intriguing visit to the innovative Casa di Baal. Start your tour in Salerno’s city center, where you will have free time to explore the sights, such as Forte La Carnale, a 16th-century fortress built along the coastline to defend the city from Saracen attacks. Later, embark on a drive outside the city to Casa di Baal, a local farm and winery that combines tradition with modern techniques. Receive an explanation for the farm owners’ philosophy regarding biological farming and the use of biodynamic processes while taking a guided stroll through the vineyards. Then, visit the winery, where the grapes are transformed into wine, then bottled and stored for aging. Cap your tour with a taste of the farm’s wines and olive oil, paired with traditional locally sourced bites. Afterward, you will return to your ship.