Treasures of the Mediterranean

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.

Welcome to the Eternal City, where ancient monuments and elaborate churches sit alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques. Your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht will be waiting at Civitavecchia, a Roman port dating back to the second century.  

When you arrive, be warmly welcomed on board by the Captain and crew. Settle in your 6-star suite and ask the butler to help you choose from the pillow menu. Head to the Sky Bar on Deck 10 and toast the beginning of an unforgettable voyage as you watch the city’s twinkling lights. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Rome prior to 02:00 PM.

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.

Your first stop is Sorrento, a gorgeous resort town overlooking the Bay of Naples. Known as the land of lemons and orange groves, Sorrento’s natural assets have been put to good use; it’s the birthplace of limoncello liqueur. Sorrento is also the gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast, which stretches away along the rocky shoreline of the deep blue Mediterranean. Spend your day wandering Sorrento’s peaceful alleyways and discover its historic pastel buildings, grand villas, luxury hotels and picturesque cafes. 

In the early morning, Scenic Eclipse will set sail towards Capri. Enjoy spectacular views from the open deck as the island’s iconic cliffs and shimmering waters come into view, setting the stage for a magical day. 

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.

Capri’s mythical charm has captured hearts for more than 2,000 years. Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus fell in love with the island in 29BC, building villas, temples and gardens for his own private paradise. Today, its jaw-dropping beauty still draws royalty, celebrities and fashionable travelers from across the world. 

Wander through the Piazzetta and listen to the melodious chiming of the clock tower, admire the impossibly blue ocean as it crashes onto the cliffs, and taste its famous flourless chocolate cake or a fresh caprese salad. 

The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with tourists, yet its natural beauty is still hard to dispute. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get—especially on clear days, when the snowcapped volcano's white puffs of smoke rise against the blue sky. Writers have extolled Taormina's beauty almost since it was founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks from nearby Naxos; Goethe and D. H. Lawrence were among its well-known enthusiasts. The town's boutique-lined main streets get old pretty quickly, but the many hiking paths that wind through the beautiful hills surrounding Taormina promise a timeless alternative. A trip up to stunning Castelmola (whether on foot or by car) should also be on your itinerary.

This morning, you’ll sail through the Strait of Messina, which separates the Italian mainland from Sicily. The passage offers stunning views of rugged coastlines and distant mountains on the way to Giardini Naxos. This popular and picturesque seaside resort stands on the site of Sicily’s earliest Greek colony, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient past. 

Known as the Jewel of Sicily, Taormina was once a stop on the famed Grand Tour of the 19th century. Today it’s packed with luxury hotels, exceptional restaurants and designer boutiques. It’s also the gateway to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.  

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.

Imposing protective walls and towering bastions announce the Maltese capital of Valletta as you approach by sea. Situated on a narrow peninsula, Valletta was founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John and remains a living testament to their vision and glory. Today, the town is a compact historical gem brimming with Baroque masterpieces and captivating stories. 

South of the Tunisian capital Tunis, Sousse is an ancient city filled with culture and beauty that has become a lively resort for travellers. Take a walk down one of the expansive sandy beaches, explore the catacombs and shop at a traditional souq. The city mixes tradition with contemporary style to create a wonderful destination for visitors.

A fascinating crossroads of cultures, Tunis has at its heart the UNESCO-listed Medina, a maze of winding alleyways filled with bustling souks, historic mosques, and ornate palaces. Just beyond the city, the legendary ruins of Carthage stand as a testament to one of history’s greatest civilizations, offering a glimpse into the power and grandeur of the ancient Phoenician and Roman empires. 

Discover Annaba, Algeria’s vibrant eastern coastal gem and its fourth-largest city, brimming with rich history and cultural significance. Once known as Hippo Regius, it was an important centre of the Roman Empire and the home of Saint Augustine, one of Christianity’s most influential figures. Beyond its archaeological wonders, Annaba boasts a scenic coastline, lively markets, and elegant French colonial architecture, blending European and North African influences. 

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Almería, where the majestic La Alcazaba fortress stands as a powerful symbol of Spain's Moorish heritage. Built in the mid-10th century, it was once one of the country's mightiest fortresses, second only to the iconic Alhambra. As your ship sails into port, enjoy the breathtaking coastal views before stepping ashore to explore Almería’s lively streets and historic treasures. With its perfect mix of culture, history, and stunning landscapes, Almería offers an unforgettable experience that will captivate you at every turn. 

Known for luxury cars, expensive shops and impressive yachts, Puerto Banús sets the standard in exclusivity. This small town was developed in the 1970s to be the perfect combination of Andalusian culture; part fishing village, part stylish port town with sophistication and elegance. 

Set against a backdrop of immense mountains, wind your way through the town’s narrow streets lined with flower boxes. Or experience one of the excellent golf courses that dot the hills behind the town. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of the glamorous bars before returning onboard for an evening of relaxation and luxury. 

Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive cruise port as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets—though sadly many of the more traditional retailers have closed in the wake of the global economic crisis. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled (lots of the coastal cruises depart from here). Don’t leave without stopping for an alfresco lunch at the Doca da Sardinha ("sardine dock") between the old bridge and the railway bridge. You can sit at one of many inexpensive establishments, eating charcoal-grilled sardines (a local specialty) accompanied by chewy fresh bread, simple salads, and local wine.

On the western Algarve, Portimão is a small port with a bustling historic centre. Spend the day exploring this former fishing town, where architectural masterpieces from the 19th and 20th century seamlessly blend with colourful contemporary structures, fronted by a breathtaking promenade. Visit the shops selling traditional lace, ceramics and leather goods, and experience one of the many fantastic restaurants. Admire the steep limestone cliffs that surround its sandy beach of Praia da Rocha and swim in its turquoise waters. 

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Welcome to Lisbon, the colourful capital of Portugal and a city with a proud history of seafaring dating back more than 600 years. Your journey into wonder ends here after one last sumptuous breakfast on board your Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your new friends as you depart, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey.   

Please book your flight to depart out of Lisbon after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Helicopter and submersible excursions at additional cost and subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Submersible not operational in Europe.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.