Italy, Sicily & Malta – Echoes of the Empire

An intriguing tale of historical drama and legendary myths make Rome every trivia buff’s dream. Scandalous and sanguine, Roman lifestyle swung from democratic to autocratic, slavery to liberation, paganism to Christianity. The Roman empire’s public relations machine flaunted its sovereignty with triumphant arches and fluted columns, monolithic mausoleums, statue-ridden stairways and masterfully engineered temples. Enhanced by the wealth of the Catholic Church, the city added to its opulence and grandeur with Baroque fountains, obelisk-centred piazzas and Christendom’s domed cathedrals. The story of ancient Rome’s insurmountable empire, its dramatic demise and the rise of the powerful Catholic Church is one of Europe’s most compelling stories. 

A tour of Rome is a highlight of any visit to Italy, especially for those of us whose homeland is anything other than ancient. Imperial relics rekindle the era when Rome’s population of one million surpassed any other city worldwide. Our local guides merge the city’s past and present through their stories on every street corner, along every alley and in every piazza.   

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Morning experience: Highlights of Rome – walking and driving 

Rome tells its tale as we tour its major sights on this morning experience. We encounter the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus, before viewing them from a nearby terrace while our guide inspires us with stories of Rome’s past. Gifted to the people of Rome as a museum to house the generous number of sculptures and statues left scattered throughout the city, the Capitoline Museum was the brainchild of Pope Sixtus IV. We visit the museum with our art historian guides to piece together the city’s past through its numerous artworks before our journey continues with a drive to our drop off point near the Spanish Steps. We walk to the Trevi fountain to ensure you have the chance return to Rome (do not forget your coin) before strolling to the obelisk centred Piazza Popolo, where we reboard our vehicle and return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.  

Full day experience: Roaming Rome 

Lace up your walking shoes, slip on a hat and slap on sunscreen to join this comprehensive locally guided tour. Established in an era when few Romans owned transportation, the centre of historical Rome is perfect for walking. With every square foot offering a fascinating fact, the list of sites we experience is limitless. Architectural highlights include the chariot stadium of Circus Maximus, the underground excavations of Nero’s golden house* and ancient sites such as the Colosseum, the Forum, Trajan's column, the Arch of Constantine and the engineering marvel; the Pantheon. Artistic gems and political sites include the Trevi fountain, the Piazza Venezia, Vittoria Emanuelle 11 Monument, Spanish Steps, via Condotti and the Piazza Navona, along with the plethora of ‘souvenirs’ housed in the Capitoline Museum with its artworks, statues and oddities collected from across the city. Each site tells a story as we take time to witness its place in the past with our expert guides. *The Domus Aurea has recently changed management. At present we will not be able to visit this site as a result – Oct 24.

This evening, we welcome you with an event of ancient proportions. The only example of a masonry athletics stadium outside of the Greek world, the Stadium of Domitian languished under the relative anonymity of the church of St Agnese until 1936. Hosting 30,000 spectators the stadium held weekly events under the emperor Domitian's rule. One of the empires more controversial rulers, Domitian was known for his harshness, luxurious lifestyle, and scandalous behaviour. We hear tales of this rebellious ruler from the stadium's front seats this evening as we dine amongst the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Starhotels Metropole Rome Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Today we uncover an empire of a different order. As Rome fragmented from a European powerhouse of one million to a town of fewer than 50,000, its people fled, and colonies struggled. Seeking the safety and solace of community, those who stayed chose a new path. That of the church and in particular; Catholicism.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Option 1 - Morning experience: The Vatican City 

We feel the lure of the Catholic church when we tour St Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. A former circus where Nero’s barbaric spectacles entertained the masses, the Vatican hill became consecrated ground when Rome’s first Christian emperor, Constantine declared the land to be ‘the hill of the martyrs. This sovereign state, gifted independence from Italy in 1929, encapsulates St Peters Cathedral, the Vatican museums and a labyrinth of corridors, apartments and gardens housing the Pope and the Vatican staff. 

Christendom s largest church, St Peters Basilica, is another Michelangelo masterpiece. At 72 he designed the cupola to cover the sky above the bones of the first apostle, St Peter, and his successors – the Popes. Next door, the 55 gallerias that make up the Vatican Museum, house the Catholic world's greatest artistic treasure chest. Ranging from the Vatican library with its 65,000 manuscripts including the original love letter from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn, to the sarcophagus of Saint Helen, Constantine’s mother. It is capped off by Michelangelo’s masterful frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. When viewed in real life, The Sistine Chapel will take your breath away.  

Option 2- Morning experience: Learn to cook Roman style 

For those travellers who love Italian food this morning’s excursion is a real treat as what better place to experience true Italian ‘cucina’ than a Roman cooking class. A European art form, Italian cuisine focuses on fresh, seasonal produce purchased from the market daily, and uses techniques passed from generation to generation. Our chef uses their inherited talents and passion for their hometown cooking during a ‘hands-on’ lesson at a private cooking school. Of course, when in Rome we will do as the Romans do and feast on our efforts like emperors*. 

Afternoon experience: The Christian Catacombs  

As followers of an ‘alternative’ religion in 1st century Rome, Christian’s were forbidden to bury their dead within the city walls, the followers of Jesus Christ looked further afield for suitable sites outside of the city. Digging vast subterranean passageways, they formed labyrinths several kilometres long. These hidden, below ground cemeteries constituted the perfect refuge in which the Christians could freely worship and use their Christian symbols without fear of retribution. As modern-day pilgrims we visit the catacombs with expert guides whose stories immerse us in the early days of Rome, when life as a Christian was fraught with danger, and only extreme measures offered safety. 

The rest of evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. You may want to explore Rome at night, dine at a local restaurant or simply relax at the hotel.  

Accommodation: Starhotels Metropole Rome Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, *lunch for those joining our Rome cooking class

This morning there is time for you to explore Rome independently, to enjoy some retail therapy or relax at the hotel. If you have chosen to explore independently, please ensure you return to our hotel by 12:00pm as it is a two hour drive to the port of Civitavecchia. 

Early afternoon we transfer to the port of Civitavecchia to board Sylvia Earle and sail south to the Bay of Naples. This evening we enjoy a ‘welcome aboard’ dinner where we meet our Exploration Team. 

Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naple's ‘underworld’ reputation has mellowed in recent years, making it the perfect starting point for our explorations. Survivors of successive invasions, outbreaks of plagues and infamous natural disasters, Neapolitans are well known for their dramatic, larger-than-life personalities. A dedication to family and their ancestral roots makes them natural storytellers, with a passion to share their stoic city and its intrinsic tales with all they encounter. 

We explore Naples with a stroll through the lively streets that still follow the decumani, or ancient Roman roads, originally laid out 2000 years ago. Underneath the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore, we encounter the decumanus maximus. Here we see traces of the past, as we descend underground and explore the cities former self. Back above ground we encounter its infamous political and social history, from its Greek origins to its more recent notorious ‘Mafia fed’ reputation.  

Our time in Naples ends today at Sylvia Earle when we enjoy lunch as we sail the Bay of Naples to the legendary island of Capri. A birthday-cake of an island rising from the bay of Naples, Capri has attracted tourists since ancient times. Rome’s notorious emperors built no less than 12 villas here, declaring it by edict to be an imperial retreat. 

On arrival, we tender ashore and board our transfer vehicles that zigzag their way up the slopes of Capri to the island's capital of Anacapri. This ‘hip’ town offers dramatic clifftop views of the Amalfi Coast and the Mediterranean Sea, with modern-day celebrities flocking to its trendy restaurants and luxury hotels. We enjoy a sunset for which the island is famous before literally sailing off into the sunset as we reboard our own luxury ship and sail to the stunning Amalfi Coast. (Note: As this excursion is part of our enrichment program, you are welcome to participate in both options today. If you wish to join both, please ensure you select both options in your booking portal.)

The port town of Salerno plays gateway to one of Europe’s most famous coastlines; the Amalfi Coast. A magnet to both ancient and modern visitors its interspersed villages appear to almost grow from the rockface on which they are built. The dramatic cliffs and natural harbours of the Amalfi Coast have hosted holiday homes of the rich and revered throughout time. Our excursions offer a hint of the coast’s abundant past and present as we view the excavations of luxurious villas, theatres and bathhouses at Pompeii, or search the beachfront villages of the Amalfi for tantalising tales at the heart of Amalfi life.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Option 1 - Full day experience: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius 

Known to the Neapolitans simply as ‘him’, Mount Vesuvius towers over the surrounding fertile plains at 13,779 feet (4,200 metres). He has been quiet of late, but it was a different story in 79 BCE, when lava and ash vomited forth engulfing the city of Pompeii. Albeit a tragedy, the excavation of these extensive sites reveals treasure for travellers. Physical evidence of the city’s final dramatic moments, preserved forever amongst the volcanic ash, speak louder than words. Each tells a tale of intrigue, returned to life by the ruins and remains, of these Roman cities. Our guided tour is amongst one of the most intriguing in world history.  

Option 2 - Full day experience: The Amalfi coast and the lemon walk 

A magnet for ‘privileged’ visitors the Amalfi coast is a modern-day mecca for the rich and famous. We search for signs of previous imperial guests and conquering entrepreneurs, both private and political, amongst the streets, alleys and sun-umbrellaed waterfronts of its colourful villages and shop fronted towns as we tour the Amalfi. Driving its coastal roads, we cannot help but wonder about its acres of steep terraced lemon groves. This much maligned fruit has for centuries been at the centre of all things in towns like Ravello, Sorrento and Positano. We join a local expert as they tell the ‘sweet’ story of the lemon and its place in every Italians heart. Sipped as an aperitif, sales of Limoncello are second only to Campari in Italy. Our guide entertains us with mythical legends and tales of intrigue and of course our stroll through the lemon groves is rewarded with a tasting of Limoncello, making this the perfect Amalfi experience. 

Scattered off the north-east tip of Sicily, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aeolian Islands offer an insight into Italy’s island life. 

Coveted by the ancient Greeks for being the home to Aeolius, the wind God, the islands have an eruptive nature. This volcanic archipelago is known to light up the sky from time to time with their own fiery display. Black beaches, bubbling mud baths and ocean-crafted grottoes feed the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean offering a range of both land and water-based activities. 

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Option 1 - Full day experience: The volcanic Aeolian Islands 

A necklace at Sicily’s throat, the Aeolian islands have been honoured by UNESCO for their scientific insights in the field of vulcanology. We get up close and personal with them today, as we trade the Sylvia Earle for a smaller craft and sail to Vulcano. En route we explore the magical Grotta del Cavallo, or horse cave, and stop at black sand beaches – a leftover from volcanic eruptions. On Vulcano we walk amongst steam rising from the island’s fumaroles. A visit to a village is a highlight gifting us an insight into life on an ancient Sicilian Island. 

Option 2 - Full day experience: Lipari 

This locally guided tour takes us to the islands interior where we view its villages and ancient wonders gathered at its archaeological museum. Inland from its craggy coastline, Lipari is scattered with villages such as the seaside Canneto and Acquacalda. At Lipari town we explore the Aeolian Archaeological Museum’s exhibits, which brings the island’s history alive with a range of ancient relics telling a tale of a life connected to the volcanoes which dominate this region. 

We sail south to Sicily to discover the land that gave the world The Godfather, Italian cinema and true Italian food. Considered by many mainland Italians to be ‘the poorer cousin’, Sicilian life encompasses a wealth worth more than any bank account - one of dedication to family, faith and food. Governed over centuries by an enviable list of European powerhouses, Sicily established a stoic personality early. Its determined, steadfast people are Sicilian first, and Italian second. Proud and passionate, they speak of their island's history as if it happened only yesterday. The ancient port town of Trapani acts as a gateway to two exceptional experiences. The choice, as always, is yours. 

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Morning experience: The Medieval gem of Erice. 

The fortified settlement of Erice is one of Sicily’s gems. Despite dating back to the time of the Phoenicians, it was the Romans who made Erice a place of pilgrimage, as they believed the hilltop to be the home of the Goddess Venus. Enclosed by city walls, Erice has the appeal of a medieval town. With our guide we step into the past as we stroll the narrow alleyways of its town centre, browse its traditional shop fronts and explore its streets. Our afternoon is free to explore the old town of Trapani, which is surrounded by its 16th century walls, or enjoy some relaxation shipside. 

Full day experience: The ancient wonders of Mozia and Segesta 

We return to the sea this morning, with a short ferry ride to the island of Mozia. We may consider salt to be a seasoning sprinkled on chips, but in ancient times salt was known as ‘liquid gold’. Exploration was only possible due to salt, with cured foods being a main stay for any vessel at sea. Whilst on the island we tour a salt farm where we learn about the traditional processes still used today and the importance of this resource to the ancient world. 

In the afternoon, we visit the well-preserved ruins of Segesta. We step back in time as we learn about how Segesta passed from empire to empire – each leaving their indomitable mark. Segesta’s Doric temple, dedicated to an unknown deity, faces north towards the Acropolis, while the city’s theatre offers stunning views reaching as far as the Trapani Gulf. The ruins here remain in good condition, affording us an insight into the lives of all those who once called this city home. 

The aptly named Porto Empedocles offers access to two of Sicily’s major sites today, both affording us insight into Sicily’s former residents and their intriguing lifestyles. Choose to spend the morning on a guided tour of 'The Valley of the Temples', with time this afternoon to enjoy Porto Empedocles independently, or head inland to Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale, to experience a more personal side of life as an early Roman.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Morning experience: Agrigento – The Valley of the Temples 

A highlight of any visit to Sicily, Agrigento, or the Valley of the Temples as it is known, is an archaeological gem. The site brings to life the stories of the people who lived, loved and died here, dating as far back as the 6th century BCE. ‘One of the wealthiest colonies in Greece’, the city thrived around 2,500 years ago, with an economy based on produce from the rich surrounding land and the trade routes from Greece. Its impressive remains attract travellers from throughout the world. 

Full day experience: Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale 

More than simply the ruins of a Roman villa, the Villa Romana Casale offers an insight into the lifestyle of the family that called it home. Their story is told through the artwork housed in the villa which is thought to be the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world. This elaborate estate is decorated with over 3,000 square metres of mosaics, each telling a tale of Roman heroics, Gods and everyday life. We walk in its rooms and gardens, and become acquainted with its residents through the souvenirs, art and personal items that filled their home. 

As a matter of Mediterranean real estate, Malta has location, location, location. For fun in the sun and an island lifestyle that may be ideal, but when it comes to defence from invasion it is not. A convivial, family orientated people, the Maltese have fought hard to defend their country against everyone from the Greeks to Napoleon. Their bravery in World War 2 during the second siege of Malta moved King George VI to award the nation the George Cross which appears in form on the Maltese flag and coat of arms. 

Our day is spent in Maltas’ convivial capital, Valletta, which remains a historical city with streets of fascinating sites telling more than their fair share of stories. We spend time at the Barrakka Gardens to gain a perspective of the city’s harbour from a naval point of view before exploring the Grand Masters Palace and Armoury, where we uncover an impressive collection gathered by The Knights of St John, while the multimedia show, Malta Experience, places thousands of years of Malta into perspective.  

There’s time to explore Valletta at your leisure before we gather for an evening event. We honour the bravery of the Maltese people with an event onshore, where we hear war time tales of courage against unsurmountable odds from a local expert. 

Siracusa's delightful jumble of Greek, Roman, medieval, and Baroque layers make every street corner and every ancient site a story unto itself. Greek ruins rise from citrus orchards, Baroque churches stand stoic and medieval streets lead down to the sea. They meet as a plethora of stories waiting to be heard. 

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Morning experience: Siracusa and the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. 

Once a rival to Athens, Siracusa is home to one of Sicily’s greatest archaeological sites – the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. Our local guides tell tales of past realms as we view the 16,000 capacity Greek Theatre and the 2nd-century Anfiteatro Romano, originally used for gladiatorial combats and horse races, before standing at the foot of the monolithic Altar to Hieron II where up to 400 oxen would be sacrificed in one ritual. Beside the theatre, and just as fascinating we find the limestone quarries which supplied stone for the ancient city. Honeycombed with catacombs and citrus trees, it is also where the 7000 survivors of the 5th century war between Siracuse and Athens were imprisoned. 

Full day experience: The Medieval towns of Noto and Ragusa 

An architectural poster-girl, Noto and Ragusa are two of Italy’s most elegant towns. Completely destroyed by the 1693 earthquake, they were rebuilt on a new site under the scrutiny of the Duke of Camastra whose passion for all things baroque is evident at every turn. Flanked by baroque palazzi and churches, their main squares became the symbol of the "Risorgimento", the Italian unification movement of the 1860s.  

The 17th century Ragusa Ibla is a magical mass of tangled alleys lined with grey stoned houses and handsome squares surrounded by baroque palaces, all leading to Ragusa's classic central square - Piazza Duomo. As Operation Husky stormed Sicily in World War II, British and American forces linked up in Ragusa. The local population welcomed them with ‘unbridled enthusiasm,’ as one of the first liberated towns in Italy.

The city of Messina guards the mouth of the straits of the same name – a mere 15-minute ferry crossing from the Italian mainland. The recipient of more than its fair share of disasters, Messina has faced many invasions. However, it is the city’s notorious bad luck - two major earthquakes and a tsunami, that destroyed the entire town. Famous as the finish line for Monty and Eisenhower on their wager as to who would reach Messina first, this stoic city acts today as our gateway to Europe’s highest active volcano and its surrounding coastal gems. Our experiences today offer a variety of activities. Scale Mt.Etna, follow in the footsteps of Saracen invaders or take a seat at an ancient Roman Ampitheatre for one of the best views in Sicily. As always it is Your Choice.  

Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences 

Morning experience: Taormina 

Topped by an ancient Greco-Roman theatre, with spectacular views of Mt Etna, the hilltop enclave of Taormina is at the top of the list when it comes to visiting Sicily. Once a holiday resort for Greeks and Romans, it attracted numerous foes, however today it fights a different form of invasion with the town performing solidly on the Hollywood A-lister bucket list. Its luxurious hotels, restaurants and tile-terraced piazzas appear on the front page of Vogue, and with views across the Mediterranean, no wonder it is a ‘must see’ for all travellers to Italy.  

Full day experience: Mt Etna  

At 10,900 feet Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. Her constant state of irritation is monitored by vulcanologists worldwide, yet it is the people who live in her shadow who know her best. We join a local guide and take a cable car up her slopes, before joining a 4WD tour. We will drive through charming villages imbued with history and tradition before finding the winding dirt roads which take us along the edge of extinct craters where we experience the life cycle of an eruption, while we view Etna in all her glory with a deeper understanding of her eruptive power.  

Option 2- Full day experience: The Saracen walk and Taormina 

We hike the Path of the Saracens as a trazzera – or ‘dirt road’ in Sicilian dialect. An ancient route used by the Saracens to sack Taormina, the path connects the towns of Castelmola and Taormina. Its story is one of myths, legends and curiosities which our guide weaves into our walk. At our path's end, the hilltop enclave of Taormina offers dramatic historical sites combined with panoramic views and five-star wonders. It is no wonder that this cliffside town, supported by sea forming coves and sandy beaches at its base performed solidly on the Grand Tour itinerary, and in recent years Hollywood ‘discovering’ the town with its ‘dolce vita’ lifestyle

The Sylvia Earle sails to the mainland of Italy today where we find the surprising treasures of Paestum. As a sun induced glow catches the fluted columns of three of the world's best-preserved Greek temples, we reflect on the power of ancient Greece and its former colony of Magna Grecia. Founded over 2,500 years ago, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paestum houses not only Greek ruins, but the remains of the conquering Roman metropolis that replaced it. We access the site across the plains from the sea, in the footsteps of the Allied forces from September 1943, when the 36th Infantry Division of the US army landed here during Operation Avalanche. Graffiti can still be viewed on the ruins that provided a place of protection for the soldiers. Rediscovered in the 1970s this uniquely preserved site, which attracts lesser numbers of visitors, offers travellers a chance to slow down and linger amongst its’ ruins.

Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naple's ‘underworld’ reputation has mellowed in recent years providing the perfect culmination of our explorations. Survivors of successive imperial invasions, outbreaks of plagues and infamous natural disasters Neapolitans are well-known for their dramatic personalities. Developed by Romes elite as a series of holiday resorts and prosperous towns, the southern coastline of the Bay of Naples offers a wealth of insights into the ancient world, while the modern city of Naples is an eclectic mix of winding lanes, underground channels and glass fronted high-rises, making it a town with more than its share of tall tales. 

We finish our journey by visiting two of the Naples’ most popular wonders. Heading north, we visit the ancient site of Pozzuoli. Built by the same architects as Rome’s Colosseum, the rarely visited Flavio Amphitheatre of Pozzuoli is Italy’s third largest and one of the few arenas that afford visitors an insight into the arena’s underworld. Accommodating up to 40,000 spectators, the spaces beneath the floor of the arena remain in excellent condition, and visitors can see complicated mechanisms, cages and stalls used by gladiators, wild animals and the administration staff who operated the grand games for which the Roman Empire is renowned.  

In the afternoon, we visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum to view many of the relics, mosaics, artworks and engineering feats which make this space the most important archaeological museum in Italy. Its collections showcase many of the cultures, peoples and civilisations we have encountered during our voyage, making it a fitting tribute upon which to end our time in Italy. 

Our farewell dinner this evening is in true Neapolitan style.  

Accommodation: Royal Continental Naples Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast