Alberobello , Italy Monopoli , Italy
DAY 11 • Monopoli • Optional Matera Troglodyte City tour
Enjoy a day of independent discoveries in Monopoli . Or , perhaps you ’ d like to explore Matera Troglodyte City on an optional tour , where you ’ ll discover the cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
DAY 12 • Otranto • Afternoon at sea Visit the port city of Otranto , and take a walking tour of this town known for its white-sand beaches , famed Aragonese Castle , and Romanesque cathedral . Enjoy the afternoon aboard ship as you set sail for Siracusa .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 10 , join a family for a Home-Hosted Lunch in the village of Monopoli to sample eastern Italy ’ s rustic cuisine and learn firsthand about life here
DAY 13 • Siracusa , Sicily • Sicilian folk music performance
Arrive in the Sicilian city of Siracusa and embark on a walking tour of Old Town , where modern life blends with the timelessness of southern Italy . This evening aboard the ship , enjoy dinner followed by a performance of Sicilian folk music .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
DAY 14 • Siracusa • Visit the Roman amphitheater
• Visit Siracusa War Cemetery
This morning we visit the Roman amphitheater in Siracusa — the third largest and one of the best preserved in Italy . Later , we ’ ll pay our respects at the Siracusa War Cemetery , the final resting place of the men who lost their lives as part of the early stages of the campaign to capture the island ( Operation Husky ).
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
DAY 15 • Valletta , Malta • Conversation on anti-corruption activism in Malta
Cruise into Valletta , Malta ’ s capital city . Explore the serene Barracca Gardens , and learn about the mysterious Sovereign Military Order of Malta . After , engage in a conversation about anti-corruption activism . Return to the ship this evening for the Captain ’ s Farewell Dinner .
Meals : B , L , D | M / V Artemis or M / V Athena
DAY 16 • Disembark ship • Mdina Disembark your ship and journey to Mdina — the “ Silent City .” Stroll along the peaceful winding streets , lined with Baroque buildings made of Malta ’ s characteristic yellow limestone .
Meals : B | Grand Hotel Excelsior or similar
DAY 17 • Hagar Qim • The Three Cities Explore the megalithic temple complex of Hagar Qim . Then , embark on a walking tour of Vittoriosa , dating back to the time of the Phoenicians . After , join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Drink and dinner at a local restaurant .
Meals : B , D | Grand Hotel Excelsior or similar
DAY 18 • Return to U . S . Fly home or extend your discoveries on our post-trip extension to Rome : Ancient Sites & Hidden City Gems .
Meals : B
See the full deck plan for the M / V Artemis or M / V Athena on page 324 .
For more details , visit www . oattravel . com / vma
238 Undiscovered Adriatic : Eastern Italy , Venice , Puglia & Malta