Flavian Amphiteater, Pozzuoli, Italy Ortigia, Siracusa, Sicily 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
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
SPECIAL DEPARTURES
Culinary Cruise Departure 6 / 29 / 26— 4 Exclusive Activities
Indulge in la dolce vita during exclusive activities that include a pizza-making class, a wine tasting on Mount Etna, and more.
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 on page 362.
Summer Cruise Departure 8 / 1 / 26— 3 Exclusive Activities
Delight in the summer season in Italy and Malta with exclusive activities including a beach day on the island of Lipari, a fishing boat cruise, and more.
Want to know more? Find the full itinerary and dates & pricing at www. oattravel. com / rma
292 Italy’ s Western Coast & Islands: A Voyage from Rome to Valletta