Flavian Amphiteater, Pozzuoli, Italy Ortigia, Siracusa, Sicily
private boat ride to Salina during which we’ ll enjoy views of nature. After a panoramic bus ride around the island, experience A Day in the Life of a local farm to learn about the island’ s agricultural traditions. Return back to the island for a discovery walk. Later, gather on the Sun Deck for a scenic cruise through the Strait of Messina. Meals: B, L, D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
Special Departures
Culinary Cruise: 6 / 24 / 27 Summer Sailing: 7 / 4 / 27
Indulge in la dolce vita on one of two special departures in 2027— both featuring Exclusive Activities designed to enhance your experience. Savor the flavors of Italy on our culinary departure, or soak up the Mediterranean sun on our summertime voyage.
DAY 12 • Mount Etna hike • Italian geology conversation Discover Mount Etna, Europe’ s tallest active volcano, and embark on a hike along its slope. Explore traces of Etna’ s lava flows before enjoying lunch in a mountain lodge. Later, we’ ll enjoy a conversation onboard with an expert in Italian geology. Meals: B, L, D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
DAY 13 • Siracusa • Controversial Topic: The Sicilian Mafia Discover Siracusa, including its historical heart, Ortigia, and admire architectural splendors. Later, two experts will join us onboard to discuss the Controversial Topic of the Sicilian mafia and hear first-hand accounts of this notorious crime syndicate. Meals: B, L, D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
DAY 14 • Valletta, Malta • Conversation about Maltese journalism Cruise to Valletta, Malta’ s walled capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy an included tour. Later, we’ ll be joined by a local with firsthand knowledge about a journalist who gave her life to expose the corruption within the Maltese government. Meals: B, L, D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
DAY 15 • Disembark ship • Mdina Disembark the ship and journey to Mdina, the former capital of Malta known as the“ Silent City,” for a walking tour. Meals: B, L | Grand Hotel Excelsior or similar
DAY 16 • Valletta • Three Cities • Hagar Qim Continue exploring Malta during a walking tour in one of“ The Three Cities:” Vittoriosa. Then, visit the megalithic temple complex of Hagar Qim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts remains older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids.
Meals: B, D | Grand Hotel Excelsior or similar
DAY 17 • Return to U. S. Transfer to the airport for your return home. Or, begin your Milan, the Lakes & the Piedmont post-trip extension.
Meals: B
See the full deck plan for the M / V Artemis or M / V Athena small ship on page 126.
Want to know more? Find the full itinerary and dates & pricing at www. oattravel. com / rma
72 Cruising Italy’ s Western Coast: The Maltese Archipelago, the Aeolian Islands & More