Yachting Sicily to Elba via the Amalfi Coast

Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

Welcome to Malta and its tiny yet enchanting capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and captivating, with its exquisitely preserved Baroque-era buildings and magnificent fortifications, dating back to the 1500s. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on your wondrous journey cruising the islands and coastlines of magical Italy.

Please book your flight to arrive into Rome prior to 03:00 PM.

Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder to behold. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization, the city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and soon grew to rival, and even surpass, Athens in splendor and power. It became the largest, wealthiest city-state in the West and a bulwark of Greek civilization. Although Siracusa lived under tyranny, rulers such as Dionysius filled their courts with Greeks of the highest cultural stature—among them the playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, and the philosopher Plato. The Athenians, who didn't welcome Siracusa's rise, set out to conquer Sicily, but the natives outsmarted them in what was one of the greatest military campaigns in ancient history (413 BC). The city continued to prosper until it was conquered two centuries later by the Romans.Present-day Siracusa still has some of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture; dramatic Greek and Roman ruins; and a Duomo that's the stuff of legend—a microcosm of the city's entire history in one building. The modern city also has a wonderful, lively, Baroque old town worthy of extensive exploration, as well as pleasant piazzas, outdoor cafés and bars, and a wide assortment of excellent seafood. There are essentially two areas to explore in Siracusa: the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Zone), on the mainland; and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks, which juts out into the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by two small bridges. Ortygia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and is starting to lose its old-fashioned charm in favor of modern boutiques.Siracusa's old nucleus of Ortygia, a compact area, is a pleasure to amble around without getting unduly tired. In contrast, mainland Siracusa is a grid of wider avenues. At the northern end of Corso Gelone, above Viale Paolo Orsi, the orderly grid gives way to the ancient quarter of Neapolis, where the sprawling Parco Archeologico is accessible from Viale Teracati (an extension of Corso Gelone). East of Viale Teracati, about a 10-minute walk from the Parco Archeologico, the district of Tyche holds the archaeological museum and the church and catacombs of San Giovanni, both off Viale Teocrito (drive or take a taxi or city bus from Ortygia). Coming from the train station, it's a 15-minute trudge to Ortygia along Via Francesco Crispi and Corso Umberto. If you're not up for that, take one of the free electric buses leaving every 10 minutes from the bus station around the corner.

Today, you’ll arrive in Italy and Syracuse, a historic city located on the southeastern shores of Sicily, Italy’s largest island. Syracuse is renowned for its ancient ruins, picturesque architecture and stunning waterfront views. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to a well-preserved Greek amphitheatre, Roman amphitheatre and an ancient quarry known as the ‘Ear of Dionysius.’ 

Syracuse's historical centre, Ortygia, is a charming island connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with well-preserved Baroque buildings, visit the stunning Cathedral of Syracuse, and savour freshly-caught seafood at charming waterfront restaurants.

Nestled on Sicily’s eastern shores, the picturesque town of Giardini Naxos offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the fabled active volcano. This seaside town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear aquamarine waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade edged with bustling restaurants, shops and cafés. Giardini Naxos also harbours a rich tapestry of history, with archaeological sites that date back to ancient Greek and Roman times and is nearby the esteemed Taormina Archaeological Park.

The largest and most developed of the Aeolians, Lipari welcomes you with distinctive pastel-color houses. Fields of spiky agaves dot the northernmost tip of the island, Acquacalda, indented with pumice and obsidian quarries. In the west is San Calogero, where you can explore hot springs and mud baths. From the red-lava base of the island rises a plateau crowned with a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.

The largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari presents a volcanic archipelago set off the coast of Sicily, embedded within the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. The gorgeous island scenery is defined by its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches lapped by crystalline turquoise waters and lush vegetation. The island also boasts a charming Old Town, delightful with its narrow streets and traditional houses painted in pastel hues, as well as a 16th century castle, which reveals panoramic views of the surrounding area.

At first glance, it's hard to imagine that this resort destination was one of the world's great naval powers, and a sturdy rival of Genoa and Pisa for control of the Mediterranean in the 11th and 12th centuries. Once the seat of the Amalfi Maritime Republic, the town is set in a verdant valley of the Lattari Mountains, with cream-colored and pastel-hued buildings tightly packing a gorge on the Bay of Salerno. The harbor, which once launched the greatest fleet in Italy, now bobs with ferries and blue-and-white fishing boats. The main street, lined with shops and pasticcerie, has replaced a raging mountain torrent, and terraced hills flaunt the green and gold of lemon groves. Bearing testimony to its great trade with Tunis, Tripoli, and Algiers, Amalfi remains honeycombed with Arab-Sicilian cloisters and covered passages. In a way Amalfi has become great again, showing off its medieval glory days with sea pageants, convents-turned-hotels, ancient paper mills, covered streets, and its glimmering cathedral.

Welcome to Amalfi, a delightful coastal town, set on the clifftops of the Amalfi Coast, a stretch of coastline now protected under UNESCO World Heritage-listed status.  Amalfi has long attracted visitors for decades for its stunning views of the azure Tyrrhenian Sea., picturesque streets, and rich history. The town is also famous for its beautiful cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi, which dates back to the 9th century and features intricate Byzantine mosaics. Explore the historic centre of Amalfi, enchanting with its narrow alleys, colourful buildings, and quaint shops selling local artisan ceramics.

Tour description Capri, Italy Popular since Roman times when the emperors built their villas on Capri, this island is surely one of the world's most famous and beautiful spots. Visiting Capri, it is easy to see why the ancient Romans fell in love with this place 2,000 years ago - the craggy mountains, the sea caves and grottos and the brilliantly colored flowers cast a magic spell then and still capture the admiration of today's travelers. There are sleek yachts moored in the deep blue waters of the bays, and beautiful villas and tiny villages cling to steep slopes. An excellent year-round climate and a breathtaking landscape complete the picture of a storybook island. There are two main villages - Capri Town, site of the popular meeting point "Piazzetta," and Anacapri, the upper town, dominated by 1,750-foot-high Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. Both remain the "in" scene for international travelers. By spending millions on comfort and style, the island has ensured its continuing success. After a trip to upper-level Anacapri, visitors enjoy strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of Capri Town, browsing in chic boutiques and spending time in the Piazzetta with a drink in one of the outdoor cafés. There is a funicular from the main port of Marina Grande to Capri Town; from Anacapri, a chair lift whisks visitors to the top of Monte Solaro for a spellbinding view. The magical Blue Grotto can be reached by boat from Marina Grande, but entrance into the grotto depends for the most part on sea conditions. Please Note: For your convenience, the shore excursions offered for this port of call are available to reserve in advance at www.silversea.com until August 8 , as well as offered for purchase on board, unless otherwise noted in the description. Going Ashore in Capri Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off Capri's main port, Marina Grande. Guests will be taken ashore via local tenders, arriving at the pier just a short distance from the funicular to Capri Town. Taxis and minibuses are also available near the pier area. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting out. Shopping Capri is a shopping mecca, though by no means inexpensive. Upscale shops and boutiques offer an array of jewelry, designer fashions, resort wear, straw articles and souvenir items. Start from the Piazzetta and the streets fanning out from the square. Some shops may be closed between 12:30/1:00 p.m. and 4:00/4:30 p.m. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine Capri features plenty of open-air eateries in addition to top rated restaurants. Fresh seafood and delicious pasta dishes make for a nice lunch; for a quick meal there are tempting sandwiches and pizza. You might enjoy a hearty Italian table wine with lunch. Other Sights Capri Town La Piazzetta is the main square of Capri Town located just opposite the upper funicular station. The square is an ideal place from where to start exploring or shopping. Sidewalk cafés around the square provide residents and visitors with a popular pastime - people-watching while sipping a drink or enjoying a coffee.   Anacapri Reaching Capri's second town is via local minibus. In addition to numerous souvenir shops and designer boutiques, attractions include Axel Munthe's Villa San Michele and the chair lift to Monte Solaro. Blue Grotto Boat excursions to the Blue Grotto can be booked locally at Marina Grande. Be aware that it is necessary to transfer into smaller boats in front of the grotto. Also, entrance to the grotto is subject to weather and sea conditions. For this reason, tours to the Blue Grotto are frequently cancelled. Private arrangements are not available in this port.

A legendary island set off the Sorrento Peninsula amid the breathtaking Bay of Naples, Capri is synonymous with stunning natural beauty and an air of luxury.  Pretty coves lapped by aquamarine waters dot the dramatic, rugged coastline, while high-end hotels, designer boutiques and gastronomic restaurants attract the rich and famous, many of whom dock their yachts at the island’s glitzy Marina Grande. Later, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay on Capri.

Sorrento may have become a jumping-off point for visitors to Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi, but you can find countless reasons to love it for itself. The Sorrentine people are fair-minded and hardworking, bubbling with life and warmth. The tuff cliff on which the town rests is spread over the bay, absorbing sunlight, while orange and lemon trees waft their perfume in spring. Winding along a cliff above a small beach and two harbors, the town is split in two by a narrow ravine formed by a former mountain stream. To the east, dozens of hotels line busy Via Correale along the cliff—many have "grand" included in their names, and some indeed still are. To the west, however, is the historic sector, which still enchants. It's a relatively flat area, with winding, stone-paved lanes bordered by balconied buildings, some joined by medieval stone arches. The central piazza is named after the poet Torquato Tasso, born here in 1544. This part of town is a delightful place to walk through. Craftspeople are often at work in their stalls and shops and are happy to let you watch; in fact, that's the point. Music spots and bars cluster in the side streets near Piazza Tasso.

Another gem to discover along the stunning Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is a much-loved resort town, best known for its breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and imposing Mount Vesuvius across the water. Sorrento is also a popular destination for those seeking a mix of magnificent scenery, delicious cuisine and ancient sites.  The town's historic centre is a delight to explore, with its atmospheric narrow streets lined with quaint shops selling traditional products; these may include hand-made ceramics and limoncello, a traditional liqueur produced in southern Italy, made from locally-grown lemons.

Today, you’ll discover Gaeta, a charming coastal town nestled amid the Lazio region of southern Italy between the grand cities of Rome and Naples. Offering stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Gaeta is renowned for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear, turquoise waters. This port town however is also drenched in history, with ancient Roman ruins and medieval churches peppered along the picturesque streets. Gaeta is also celebrated for its seafood, with many restaurants serving fresh fish caught daily by the local fishermen and distinctive olives and olive oil, which are sold in markets and shops throughout the region.

Amid Italy’s romantic and world-famous Tuscany region, you’ll find Porto Ercole, a laid-back harbour town with a scenic bay dotted with luxury yachts and bobbing fishing boats. This stunning historic town is worth exploring for its maze of narrow laneways, stone houses and several important landmarks, which include a series of old fortresses, Forte Filippo, Forte Stella, and La Rocca – built during an era of Spanish domination in the 16th century.

Elba is the Tuscan archipelago's largest island, but it resembles nearby verdant Corsica more than it does its rocky Italian sisters, thanks to a network of underground springs that keep it lush and green. It's this combination of semitropical vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery—unusual in the Mediterranean—that has made Elba so prized for so long, and the island's uniqueness continues to draw boatloads of visitors throughout the warm months. A car is very useful for getting around the island, but public buses stop at most towns several times a day; the tourist office has timetables.

One of the oldest towns on Elba Island, Portoferraio oozes Tuscan charm. A favourite among beach lovers and history buffs alike, the main port of Elba is popular for its enticing sandy shores and distinctive Medici Fortresses, which date back to the 16th century. This magnificent hilltop complex, built to defend the city, can be explored via a pathway that reveals enchanting views of the sea.

Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Civitavecchia, an ancient seaport and gateway to the Italian capital, Rome, the ‘Eternal City.’ From the yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 01:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.