DAY 1 – ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome. On arrival at Rome airport, make your way to the Arrivals Hall, to meet the Aurora Expeditions representative, followed by a transfer to your group hotel. At the hotel, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to meet the team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Rome. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship.
This evening enjoy dinner at one of the local trattorias (own expense), with time to relax in preparation for your day tomorrow.
Accommodation: Rome Hotel
DAY 2 – ROME, ITALY
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. Your 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 to see a slice of Roman life, 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 you gather this evening for a Welcome Event, Roman style.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Included Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Reception (canapes).
DAY 3 – EMBARKATION AT CIVITAVECCHIA
After breakfast, enjoy free time to explore the city independently, return to your favourite sites, or join us for a morning at Vatican City.
We feel the lure of the Catholic church when we tour St Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, this morning on this locally guided tour, before transferring to the coast at Porto Santo Stefano to board the ship.
A former circus where Nero’s barbaric spectacles entertained the masses, the Vatican hill became consecrated ground when Rome’s first Christian emperor, Constantine declared the land to be ‘the hill of the martyrs. This sovereign state, gifted independence from Italy in 1929, encapsulates St Peters Cathedral, the Vatican museums and a labyrinth of corridors, apartments and gardens housing the Pope and the Vatican staff.
Christendom’s largest church, St Peters Basilica, is another Michelangelo masterpiece. At 72 he designed the cupola to cover the sky above the bones of the first apostle, St Peter, and his successors – the Popes. Next door, the 55 gallerias that make up the Vatican Museum, house the Catholic world’s greatest artistic treasure chest. Ranging from the Vatican library with its 65,000 manuscripts including the original love letter from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn, to the sarcophagus of Saint Helen, Constantine’s mother. It is capped off by Michelangelo’s masterful frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. When viewed in real life, The Sistine Chapel will take your breath away. (Time slots may be dictated by the Vatican City without warning. Should this occur, we may be required to amend the sequence of activities during our time in Rome)
Early afternoon we transfer to the port of Civitavecchia to board the Douglas Mawson, where we board late afternoon. This evening, after an important safety briefing, we enjoy a ‘Welcome Aboard’ dinner where we meet our Aurora Expedition team and crew.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 – GAETA
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. Our ‘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 we set sail south to the Bay of Naples.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experience.
DAY 5 – NAPLES
Shrouded by the shadow of a brooding Mount Vesuvius, Naple’s ‘underworld’ reputation has mellowed in recent years providing the perfect culmination of our explorations. Survivors of successive imperial invasions, outbreaks of plagues and infamous natural disasters Neapolitans are well-known for their dramatic 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 enthral us in Naples.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
DAY 6 – SALERNO
The historic city of Salerno 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 harbours of the Amalfi Coast have hosted holiday homes of the rich and revered throughout time. Our excursions offer a hint of the coast’s abundant past and present as we view the excavations of luxurious villas, theatres and bathhouses at Pompeii, or search the beachfront villages of the Amalfi for tantalising tales at the heart of Amalfi life.
Personalise your exploration with the included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
DAY 7 – MESSINA, SICILY
We 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 our gateway to Europe’s highest active volcano and its surrounding coastal gems.
Our experiences this afternoon offer a variety of activities. Scale Mt. Etna, take a seat at an ancient Roman Amphitheatre 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.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
DAY 8 – PALERMO
Once infamous as the centre of the Sicilian Mafia, Sicily’s capital, Palermo, now proudly claims to be ‘a clean city,’ offering travellers the chance to enjoy its ancient sites, colourful 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 civilisations 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 organised 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 travellers seeking to explore Sicilian heritage.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
DAY 9 – AGRIGENTO (PORTO EMPEDOCLES)
Sailing around the western tip of Sicily, we arrive at Porto Empedocles around midday and enjoy lunch onboard.
Our ‘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 leisure.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
DAY 10 – SYRACUSE
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.
Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer a morning and full day option today. For those visiting the sights of Syracuse this morning, you may wish to stroll from the port to the island of Ortigia. 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.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
DAY 11 – DISEMBARK VALLETTA, MALTA
As a matter of Mediterranean real estate, Malta has location, location, location. For fun in the sun and an island lifestyle that may be ideal, but when it comes to defence from invasion it is not. A convivial, family orientated people, the Maltese have fought hard to defend their country against everyone from the Greeks to Napoleon. Their bravery in World War II during the second siege of Malta moved King George VI to award the nation the George Cross which appears in form on the Maltese flag and coat of arms.
Our 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. We join a local guide this morning for a browse through Valletta’s essential sights. We spend time at the Barrakka Gardens to gain a perspective of the city’s harbour from a naval point of view before exploring the Grand Masters Palace and Armoury, where we uncover an impressive collection gathered by The Knights Hospitaller 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 our overnight hotel. This evening, we gather for a Farewell Event where we honour the bravery of the people of this famed island nation, when we hear World War II tales of courage against seemingly insurmountable odds, from a local expert.
Accommodation: Valletta Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Event canapés
DAY 12 – DEPART VALLETTA
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and say farewell to your fellow travellers as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
