Embark your ship this afternoon and sail to Capri, arriving in the early evening. Join a walking tour around the city to the Gardens of Augustus. Late in the evening leave Capri for an overnight at sea to Sicily.

Early in the morning reach Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Lipari sits on red volcanic rock and looks like "a wall of bronze," according to the Greek poet Homer. Archaeological remains found here have yielded clues about civilizations dating back to 1700 BC, including the Neolithic stones that sit alongside ruins of Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century, building the Castello (castle) and the 17th century cathedral perched above the harbor. Take in all these sights on your optional morning sightseeing excursion. After lunch, leave Lipari for Taormina, arriving this afternoon. Overnight at anchor.

This morning go ashore for a memorable visit to Taormina, which clings to the cliffs over the sea. With endlessly winding medieval streets and secluded gardens hidden by stone walls, Taormina enchants visitors with its history and beauty. An optional excursion take you on a stroll along the Corso Umberto through the Old Town, lined with piazza, duomos and palazzi such as the Palazzo Santo Stefano. Later join a guided tour of the ancient Greek Theater, hewn out of a rocky mountain slope during the Hellenistic period, remodeled by the Romans. The amphitheater offers magnificent views of the sea and is one of Sicily's largest. The afternoon is at leisure to see more of the city or even visit the Etna Volcano. Late in the evening sail to Syracuse. Overnight at sea.

Today arrive in Syracuse, one of the most prestigious cities of the Hellenistic World, and a rival of Athens. The morning an optional excursion brings you to the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theater, among the most impressive to survive from antiquity, and the elliptical Roman amphitheater, one of the largest of its kind. After a visit to the Archaeological Museum, walk the winding lanes of Syracuse's Old Town, situated on the island of Ortygia, and explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa, and the Cathedral, which incorporates the remains of the famed Temple of Athena. After lunch you can take an afternoon excursion inland to Sicily's southeast region, known for its Baroque towns. Here, visit exquisitely-preserved Noto, a jewel of a town situated on a plateau and surrounded by olive and almond groves. In the evening, leave Syracuse for an overnight sailing to Malta.

Malta was home to a rich prehistoric culture that created megalithic structures that are among the world's most impressive. The structures at the Tarxien and elsewhere on the island were built before Egypt’s Great Pyramids. The island was later occupied by Phoenicians and Carthaginians, followed by the Romans. The morning and afternoon optional tours allow you to these prehistoric sites as well the historic sites of Valletta, the island's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. The walking tour in the afternoon includes a visit inside St. John's Cathedral to see its stunning interior and art treasures such as the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, a masterpiece in oil by the Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio, Flemish tapestries and silver artifacts. In the evening leave Malta behind to cross back to Sicily to reach Licata / Agrigento.

Today, leave Licata to drive North and discover one of the most breathtaking sites in the Mediterranean, the majestic Valle dei Templi (Valley of Temples). This is a collection of sacred buildings, including two virtually intact the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Hera of the mid 5th century BC.

This morning anchor in Cefalu, a quaint Sicilian city which still retains its medieval character. Your morning walking excursion brings you to the famous Norman cathedral. It;s apse is home to an incredible 12th century mosaic of Christ. Later in the afternoon leave for Salerno and cruise by the Stromboli Volcano, home to one of the world's few constantly-active volcanoes; it has continuously erupted for 2000 years. The view is unforgettable.

Arrive in Salerno this morning. Disembark following breakfast and continue your homeward travels.