Mdina , Malta Mount Etna , Sicily
DAY 16 • Explore Mdina Stroll along the winding medieval streets of Mdina , the former capital of Malta , known as “ the Silent City .”
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 17 • Siracusa , Sicily • Visit a Sicilian farm Arrive in the Sicilian city of Siracusa and visit a local farm in the Sicilian countryside for lunch .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 18 • Siracusa • Ortygia Set off on a walking tour of Ortygia , Siracusa ’ s Old Town , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Later , begin cruising to Otranto .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 19 • Otranto • Conversation about Southern Italy ’ s economy
Enjoy a walking tour of Otranto , including its Aragonese Castle and Romanesque cathedral , before sitting down for a conversation about southern Italy ’ s economy .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 20 • Monopoli • Alberobello • Home- Hosted Dinner
After docking in Monopoli , depart for Alberobello to see its conical-roofed homes , or trulli , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Then , enjoy a Home-Hosted Dinner with a family in Monopoli .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 21 • Monopoli • Optional Matera Troglodyte City tour
Explore Monopoli on your own , or join our optional Matera Troglodyte City tour to visit the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera — a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 22 • Tremiti Islands Discoveries in the Tremiti Islands include a walking tour of San Nicola and a boat ride to San Domino , where we ’ ll have lunch .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 23 • Ortona in World War II conversation • A Day in the Life of an Ortona farmstead
After a walking tour of the fishing village of Ortona to learn about its role in World War II , head into the countryside to experience A Day in the Life of an Ortona farmstead .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 24 • San Marino • Pesaro Transfer to the independent Republic of San Marino , one of the world ’ s smallest states , and explore Pesaro during a discovery walk .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 25 • Ravenna Explore Ravenna on a walking tour featuring Dante ’ s tomb and the Basilica di San Vitale .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Athena
DAY 26 • Disembark ship • Explore Burano • Controversial Topic : The MOSE Dam
Disembark your ship in Venice and visit the Venetian island of Burano , renowned for its lacemaking traditions . You ’ ll also sit down to discuss a Controversial Topic : the MOSE Dam .
Meals : B | Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli or similar
DAY 27 • Explore Venice Embark on a walking tour of Venice , including visits to a bustling fish market , a local glass factory , and the famous Piazza San Marco ( St . Mark ’ s Square ).
Meals : B , D | Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli or similar
DAY 28 • Venice • Gondola ride Enjoy a ride aboard a gondola , the iconic symbol of Venice . This afternoon , you ’ ll have free time , followed by a Farewell Dinner .
Meals : B , L | Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli or similar
DAY 29 • Return to U . S . Fly home or begin your Ljubljana & Trieste : World War II to the Present post-trip extension .
Meals : B
See the full deck plan for our 50-passenger M / V Athena on page 122 .
For full itinerary details , visit www . oattravel . com / rvm
44 Italian Coastal Odyssey : Hidden Italy , Sicily & Malta