The Godfather Cruise: Amalfi, Sicily & Malta

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. Local guides merge the city’s past and present through their stories on every street corner, along every alley and in every piazza. Choose a shorter, comprehensive tour or lace up your walking shoes and experience Rome from street level on a locally guided walking tour. In the afternoon, enjoy some time for independent exploration before gathering for a farewell event, roman style.

You can choose from a selection of morning or half-day+ shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the morning Highlights of Rome-Walking & Driving Tour, experience the city’s major sites with a local guide, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Capitoline Museum and Trevi Fountain; the afternoon is at your leisure. On the half-day+ Roaming Rome Walking Tour, enjoy a comprehensive, locally guided walking tour that builds on the highlights tour, adding stops such as the Pantheon.

After breakfast, enjoy free time to explore the city independently, return to your favorite sites, or join for a morning at Vatican City.

The Vatican City morning shore excursion option tours St Peters Basilica (Christendom’s largest church and a Michelangelo masterpiece), the 55-galleria Vatican Museums, and Michelangelo’s masterful frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. (For additional tour details, ask your Adventure Specialist.)

After, transfer (2-hour drive) to the coast at Porto Santo Stefano to board the ship. Porto Santo Stefano, originally named Domiziana by its wealthy Roman inhabitants, is a marina-fronting town that rebuilt many of its colorful terraced homes after 95% of the town was destroyed by Allied forces’ heavy bombing in World War II. Today, the gentle waters of the Mediterranean lap at a popular promenade and a harbor of leisure craft, providing a calmer atmosphere. Board late afternoon. This evening, after an important safety briefing, enjoy a welcome aboard dinner where you’ll meet your guide team and crew.

Jutting into the Gulf of Gaeta, the town of the same name has a rich history featuring everyone from the Romans to Saracens, emperors to pirates and popes to kings. This authentic medieval town, dominated by its fortress castle and framed by a protected marina, can be explored independently. Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences provide a morning to reflect on the bravery of those who fought at Monte Cassino, or to explore an extraordinary Roman achievement at nearby Formia. You will have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy Gaeta before setting sail south to the Bay of Naples.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Battle for Monte Cassino tour, honor the soldiers and innocent residents involved in a battle at a monastery that broke out over false information, by visiting their graves and the monastery’s remains. Or go underground on the What Did the Romans Ever Do for Us tour at the coastal town of Formia, to view a cistern that was once the largest urban water reservoir in the world, plus visit Formia’s archaeological museum.

Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naples’ underworld reputation has mellowed in recent years, making it the perfect starting point for your explorations. Survivors of successive imperial invasions, outbreaks of plague 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.

Visit the magnificent Palace of Caserta, hear tales from the city’s dubious past on a locally guided historical walking tour, or if you prefer to stay above ground, join a guide for a foodie tour in the home of Neapolitan pizza, Sfogliatella and Polpette. There’s always plenty to enthrall you in Naples.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). For Napoli on a Plate, visit a local pizzeria to sample two varieties of pizza plus indulge in one of Naples’ iconic pastries. On the Naples; Yesterday-Today tour, walk the streets, visit important buildings and enjoy a visit to the city’s underground archaeological complex. Or opt for the Palace of Caserta for its Baroque architecture, with over five floors, 1,200 rooms, 11 acres of gardens, pools, fountains and cascades, and almost 300 acres of parklands that feature hundreds of rare and precious plants from around the world.

The marina-fronted village of Castellammare di Stabia, on the broad stretch of the Bay of Naples, acts as a 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 harbors of the Amalfi Coast have hosted holiday homes of the rich and revered throughout time. Today’s excursions offer a hint of the coast’s abundant past and present as you view the excavations of luxurious villas, theaters and bathhouses at Pompeii, or seek the beachfront villages of the Amalfi for tantalizing tales at the heart of this celebrated coast.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). For a morning tour, join a guide through the buried city of Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius. Also in the morning, the Amalfi Coast Drive offers postcard-perfect vistas, hairpin turns along stunning cliffs and charming coastal villages, with time in the celebrity mecca of Positano and also Amalfi town. For a half-day option, the Amalfi Coast & Lemon Walk tour to Sorrento offers insights from a local expert into the region’s terraced lemon groves, capped off by a Limoncello tasting.

Follow the coastline to the ‘boot’ of Italy, arriving around midday at the gateway to the island of Sicily: Messina.

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 your gateway to Europe’s highest active volcano and its surrounding coastal gems.

Your experiences this afternoon offer a variety of activities. Scale Mt. Etna, take a seat at an ancient Roman Amphitheater for one of the best views in Sicily, or follow Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic trilogy on a Godfather tour. As always, it is ‘Your Choice.’

You can choose from a selection of afternoon shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Visit the hilltop enclave of Taormina to take in views of its luxurious hotels, restaurants and tile-terraced piazzas. Follow in the footsteps of Marlin Brando and Al Pacino on The Godfather tour to Savoca for its memorabilia-stuffed Bar Vitelli, Catacombs and Capuchin Convent, followed by the hilltop village of Forza D’Agro, where many scenes were filmed. Or experience Mt Etna with a local guide in an all-terrain vehicle, to reach charming villages and skirt extinct craters on the highest active volcano in Europe.

Once infamous as the center of the Sicilian Mafia, Sicily’s capital, Palermo, now proudly claims to be a clean city, offering travelers the chance to enjoy its ancient sites, colorful markets and vibrant Sicilian lifestyle, once more. Steeped in history, culture and Mediterranean charm, Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians as early as the 8th century BCE. Its strategic location at the crossroads of civilizations has seen it influenced by Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman and Spanish cultures, making it a fascinating city to explore. Its diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, from ancient ruins and Norman palaces to baroque churches and Arab-Norman art, while the city’s famous street markets, such as the bustling Ballarò Market, offer a glimpse into Sicily’s famous culinary traditions.

Palermo’s recent history includes a challenging period with the Sicilian Mafia or Cosa Nostra, most notably, the courageous actions of two anti-Mafia judges, Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, who dedicated their lives to combating organized crime, and subsequently, became symbols of resistance to Mafia influence. Tragically, both judges were assassinated in 1992, but their legacy spurred significant anti-Mafia efforts, which have transformed Palermo’s social and political landscape. Beyond its historical and architectural treasures, Palermo is known for its lively atmosphere, with bustling piazzas, a vibrant street food scene and sun-soaked beaches. The city’s resilience, rich history and diverse cultural mix make Palermo a captivating destination for travelers seeking to explore Sicilian heritage.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Real Godfathers of Palermo tour, join a local guide to explore sites and events tied to Cosa Nostra’s history and the city’s fight against organized crime. Or discover Palermo’s Private Palaces on a walking tour with a local guide to learn how Palermo’s opulent oratories and their stunning stucco art reveal the city’s intricate social and political fabric. Or opt to experience the Ancient City of Segesta with a local guide, for well-preserved ruins, an ancient theater and glimpses into life in antiquity.

Return to the ship for lunch followed by an afternoon to explore Palermo independently. Set sail in the early evening.

Sailing around the western tip of Sicily, arrive at Porto Empedocles around midday and enjoy lunch on board.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer a choice of two engaging options this afternoon. Choose to join a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, where you will explore the rich history and fascinating lifestyles of Sicily’s ancient residents. Alternatively, head inland to a family-owned winery to discover the centuries-old significance of wine production on the island and enjoy a tasting of local wines. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can spend time exploring Porto Empedocles independently, soaking in the local charm and attractions at your own pace.

You can choose from a selection of afternoon shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Agrigento—The Valley of the Temples tour, visit the archaeological gem known as “one of the wealthiest colonies in Greece.” Or opt for a Sicilian Wine Tasting for a tour to learn about traditional winemaking methods followed by a tasting of wines paired with local snacks. On the Operation Husky tour, join a local guide in Licata, an Allied landing point during the invasion of Sicily in WWII which was the first city to be freed from the Nazi-Fascist regime, to visit museums plus an air raid shelter and coastal bunkers, and hear stories from elderly locals who were children during the war.

Syracuse’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, a plethora of stories waiting to be heard.

Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer a morning and full day option today. For those visiting the sights of Syracuse this morning, a shuttle to the island of Ortigia will be provided this afternoon. The small Baroque Island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, has been inhabited for over 3,000 years and is celebrated for its Greek heritage. As a UNESCO landmark, Ortigia features stunning church facades, vibrant outdoor restaurants and elegant piazzas. Surrounded by sea, it offers a pleasant afternoon visit, blending historical charm with a coastal vibe.

You can choose from a selection of morning and full-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, join a local guide on a tour of Syracuse & the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site with its historic Greek Theater and limestone quarries. Or join the full-day tour of the Medieval Towns of Noto & Ragusa for architectural elegance and WWII history.

As a matter of Mediterranean real estate, Malta has location, location, location. Its sunny charm and island lifestyle have made it a modern-day summer holiday destination, but historically, its strategic position has made it a target for invaders. The Maltese people, known for their convivial and family-oriented nature, have a long history of defending their homeland, from ancient Greek sieges to Napoleon’s forces. Their remarkable bravery during World War II, particularly during the Second Siege of Malta, earned the nation the George Cross from King George VI. This honor is proudly displayed on the Maltese flag and coat of arms.

Your 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. Your local guide tells tales of the past and present at the Barrakka Gardens where you’ll gain a perspective of the city’s harbor from a naval point of view before exploring the Grand Masters Palace and Armory, where you’ll 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.

This afternoon you will have time to explore further independently, before transferring to your overnight hotel. This evening, gather for a farewell event where you’ll honor the bravery of the people of this famed island nation, when you hear World War II tales of courage against seemingly insurmountable odds from a local expert.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and say farewell to your fellow travelers as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight.