Le Dumont-D'urville sailing on April 24th, 2026

About Rome

About Rome

About Rome

About Amalfi

Located roughly between Salerno and Sorrento, Amalfi was already an important maritime republic in the Middle Ages. In fact, the Amalfi Tables represent the oldest maritime code in the world, which were observed throughout the Mediterranean until the late 16th century. Today, Amalfi is one of the most popular resorts and stopovers along the famed Amalfi Drive, Italy's celebrated corniche that hugs the mountainous coast and carves its way through sheer rock. Opulent villas, cloaked in brilliantly colored bougainvillea, hide behind high walls and wrought-iron gates. Waves pound against the steep shoreline and tortuous bends challenge a steady stream of tourist vehicles. Around every hairpin turn spectacular scenery awaits. Spread across the slope of the steep Lattari hills, the town itself boasts a superb setting and plenty of charm. The small, inviting center features several attractions that should not be missed. Of particular note is the duomo, also known as Cathedral Sant'Andrea, a marvel of ancient Arab-Moorish architecture. The church dominates the lively piazza, full of shops and crowded with residents and tourists at any time of day. Ruggedly beautiful and enchanting Amalfi will guarantee you a delightful introduction to Italy’s famed coastline.

Amalfi Activities

The Duomo, named in honor of St. Andrew (Sant’ Andrea), this splendid cathedral evokes Amalfi's rich past. Reached by climbing a flight of steps, the church is characterized by its black and white façade and mosaics. It dates from the 11th century, although the present structure has been rebuilt. The Duomo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (admission charged). High above Amalfi is the Capuchin Monastery with a beautiful cloister offering superb views. The 12th-century monastic complex now houses the Cappuccini Convento Hotel; it can be reached via a lift from the coastal road. Boasting a superb location at 1,155 feet above sea level, the Rufolo Gardens are famous for their beautiful landscaped grounds, framed by umbrella pines and full of colorful blooms. It was this site that inspired Richard Wagner in his opera Parsifal. The gardens are reached following a 30-minute, winding drive to Ravello and a walk through this charming town perched high above Amalfi. About a two-hour drive from Amalfi lies the archaeological site of Paestum. Its temple ruins are among the finest remains of Greek architecture on the mainland of Italy. Guests interested in visiting the site may want to arrange a trip by private car.

About Trapani (Sicily)

About Palermo

The capital of Sicily is situated on a crescent-shaped bay on the island's north coast. Once the intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo has always been at the crossroads of civilization. Due to its favorable location, Sicily's most interesting city has attracted almost every people and culture touching the Mediterranean world. Its most unique characteristic is a harmonious blend of Arab-Norman cultures mixed with Byzantine and Jewish elements, which created some unforgettable and resplendent works of art.

Palermo Attractions

Today, visitors still enjoy seeing the legacy of Palermo's rich past. Great Arab-Norman buildings include the Cappella Palatina, La Martorana, San Giovanni degli Eremiti and, a few miles outside the city, the Cathedral of Monreale. The Archaeological Museum and the Regional Gallery are both worth a visit. The bustling streets and animated markets give the town an Oriental feel. Palermo's center can be easily explored on foot. The Quattro Canti, or Four Corners, is the monumental crossroads laid out in 1608-1620 at the central intersection of the four longest and straightest streets of the city. North of Piazza Castelnuovo lie the avenues of the new city. Most sights are scattered along three major streets: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Maqueda and Via Roma. A vigorous metropolis with a strong historical profile, Palermo is packed with interest and, approached with an open mind, you will find it an enriching and enjoyable place to explore.

Palermo Activities

Porta Nuova - At the beginning of Corso Vittorio Emanuele stands this impressive monument. With majolica- tiled pinnacle and the enormous busts of four Moors the Porta Nuova presents an imposing sight. La Martorana The church was founded in 1143. It is known for its fine Byzantine mosaics. Palatine Chapel - The famous chapel is located in the former Palace of the Norman’s and dates from the 12th century. While the palace houses the Sicilian Parliament and is not open to tourists, the chapel can be visited. It features lavish Arab- Norman decorations, with glittering mosaics and a splendid Arab honeycomb stalactite wooden ceiling. Because of its great popularity with visitors, admission is strictly regulated and long lines must be anticipated. Cathedral Treasury - On display here are contents of some of the royal tombs, in particular the crown of Constance of Aragon. The crown was made by local craftsmen in the 12th century. Archaeological Museum - The museum houses one of the most interesting collections in Italy, illustrating the history of western Sicily from prehistoric times to the Roman era. The displays are arranged around two 17th- century cloisters. Among the museum’s most important exhibits are the bas- reliefs from Selinunte.

About Taormina

Neighboring villages of Naxos and Taormina are in such harmony with their surroundings they almost seem carved from the hillside. Blooming jacarandas and bougainvillea grow in profusion over balconies and stone buildings built in medieval times. Palm fringed avenues wind through quiet streets and the view from Castle Mola provides a stunning look at the Ionian Sea, the town and Mt Etna.

Taormina Attractions

From the Greek Amphitheater, Taormina's most visited monument, you can see the active volcano Mount Etna, and beautiful views of the coastline. The amphitheater was built sometime during the third century B.C. by the Greeks and expanded later by the Romans who added their own structural characteristics. It's also the site of the Taormina Film Festival held every summer.

Taormina Activities

Explore the Roman Odeon, a small theatre next to the Church of St. Catherine. The theatre was built around 21 A.D., however, it was discovered by accident in 1892, by a local blacksmith Stroll along the city's main street, Corso Umberto I, and through the Piazza del Duomo, where you'll find Taormina's main cathedral, which was built in the 1400s Visit the most famous palace in Taormina, the Palazzo Corvaja, and the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions, located in the Piazza Santa Catarina. The palace also houses the tourist office Spend the day relaxing in Villa Comunale, a small park built by Lady Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century. Another favorite garden in the city is the Public Garden, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea

About Taormina

Neighboring villages of Naxos and Taormina are in such harmony with their surroundings they almost seem carved from the hillside. Blooming jacarandas and bougainvillea grow in profusion over balconies and stone buildings built in medieval times. Palm fringed avenues wind through quiet streets and the view from Castle Mola provides a stunning look at the Ionian Sea, the town and Mt Etna.

Taormina Attractions

From the Greek Amphitheater, Taormina's most visited monument, you can see the active volcano Mount Etna, and beautiful views of the coastline. The amphitheater was built sometime during the third century B.C. by the Greeks and expanded later by the Romans who added their own structural characteristics. It's also the site of the Taormina Film Festival held every summer.

Taormina Activities

Explore the Roman Odeon, a small theatre next to the Church of St. Catherine. The theatre was built around 21 A.D., however, it was discovered by accident in 1892, by a local blacksmith Stroll along the city's main street, Corso Umberto I, and through the Piazza del Duomo, where you'll find Taormina's main cathedral, which was built in the 1400s Visit the most famous palace in Taormina, the Palazzo Corvaja, and the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions, located in the Piazza Santa Catarina. The palace also houses the tourist office Spend the day relaxing in Villa Comunale, a small park built by Lady Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century. Another favorite garden in the city is the Public Garden, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea

About Gozo Island

Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago that consists of three islands known as Gozo, comino and mainland Malta. Millions of years ago the Maltese island were the elevated regions on a mass of land extending southwards from nearby Sicily. This continental shelf was submerged when the sea level rose during the interglacials leaving those land tips exposed in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea.

About Valletta

In 1530, Charles V of Spain granted the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John. Many impressive 16th-century limestone buildings and fortifications from the Knights have endured, helping make the city of Valetta simply magnificent to experience today.

Valletta Attractions

Explore the city's main square and pass many of its ancient buildings. Then head to St. John's Cathedral, founded by the Knights of the Order of St. John during the 16th century. Today the cathedral is the final resting place for many of the knights - their headstones line the cathedral floor.

Valletta Activities

Visit the Armory, St, John's Co-Cathedral, and the 18th century Manoel Theater for some more spectacular sights. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology. It houses collections of pottery, sculpture, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments recovered from the Maltese megalithic temples and other prehistoric sites. Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters, completed in 1574. It contains portraits of the Grand Masters of the Order and European monarchs, interesting furniture and other works of art. Stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Grand Harbour.

About Valletta

In 1530, Charles V of Spain granted the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John. Many impressive 16th-century limestone buildings and fortifications from the Knights have endured, helping make the city of Valetta simply magnificent to experience today.

Valletta Attractions

Explore the city's main square and pass many of its ancient buildings. Then head to St. John's Cathedral, founded by the Knights of the Order of St. John during the 16th century. Today the cathedral is the final resting place for many of the knights - their headstones line the cathedral floor.

Valletta Activities

Visit the Armory, St, John's Co-Cathedral, and the 18th century Manoel Theater for some more spectacular sights. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology. It houses collections of pottery, sculpture, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments recovered from the Maltese megalithic temples and other prehistoric sites. Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters, completed in 1574. It contains portraits of the Grand Masters of the Order and European monarchs, interesting furniture and other works of art. Stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Grand Harbour.

About Valletta

In 1530, Charles V of Spain granted the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John. Many impressive 16th-century limestone buildings and fortifications from the Knights have endured, helping make the city of Valetta simply magnificent to experience today.

Valletta Attractions

Explore the city's main square and pass many of its ancient buildings. Then head to St. John's Cathedral, founded by the Knights of the Order of St. John during the 16th century. Today the cathedral is the final resting place for many of the knights - their headstones line the cathedral floor.

Valletta Activities

Visit the Armory, St, John's Co-Cathedral, and the 18th century Manoel Theater for some more spectacular sights. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology. It houses collections of pottery, sculpture, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments recovered from the Maltese megalithic temples and other prehistoric sites. Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters, completed in 1574. It contains portraits of the Grand Masters of the Order and European monarchs, interesting furniture and other works of art. Stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Grand Harbour.