Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily – with Smithsonian Journeys
From $10,300 per person
9 days
1 countries
Ship: Le Dumont-d'urville
9 days, 8 nights.
Journey summary
- Day 1 - Sep. 6, 2026, Sun. - Valletta
- Day 2 - Sep. 7, 2026, Mon. - Syracuse, Sicily
- Day 3 - Sep. 8, 2026, Tue. - Taormina, Sicily
- Day 4 - Sep. 9, 2026, Wed. - Reggio di Calabria
- Day 5 - Sep. 10, 2026, Thu. - Agropoli
- Day 6 - Sep. 11, 2026, Fri. - Naples
- Day 7 - Sep. 12, 2026, Sat. - Civitavecchia (Roma)
- Day 8 - Sep. 13, 2026, Sun. - Livorno
- Day 9 - Sep. 14, 2026, Mon. - Livorno
Itinerary highlights
- Explore Valletta, Malta, and board your small ship, beginning a nine-night voyage along the southern Italian and Sicilian coastlines, rich with history, culture, and cuisine
- Discover Syracuse, Sicily, and wander the ancient Greek and Roman ruins, stroll the charming streets of Ortigia, and savor the flavors of traditional Sicilian cuisine
- Visit Taormina, admire the dramatic Greek Theatre with sweeping views of Mount Etna, and enjoy optional excursions to local vineyards for tasting Sicilian wines
- Explore Reggio di Calabria, home to the world-famous Riace Bronzes, and enjoy a walk along the picturesque seafront with opportunities to sample local citrus and culinary specialties
- Stop in Agropoli and venture inland to the UNESCO-listed site of Paestum, exploring its well-preserved Greek temples and experiencing a mozzarella-making demonstration at a nearby farm
- Anchor in Naples with options to tour the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, ascend Mount Vesuvius, or enjoy a guided street-food tasting through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods
- Spend time in Rome, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican, or take part in a cooking class to learn traditional Italian pasta and sauces
- Explore Florence, wandering Renaissance piazzas, museums, and cathedrals, with optional excursions to nearby Tuscan towns to experience Etruscan ruins and local culinary delights
- Enjoy expert-led talks and immersive guided excursions at each port of call, providing in-depth insight into history, art, and local culture
- Travel aboard the elegant Le Dumont d’Urville, offering luxurious accommodations, refined dining, and curated cultural experiences throughout your voyage
- Private airport transfers are available when travel aligns with scheduled departure dates and times
Your journey, ashore & afloat.
Fourteen days. Open any day for the full narrative and that day's highlights.
Keep this itinerary
Email this itinerary to yourself
We'll send a link so you can revisit the day-by-day plan, dates, and pricing whenever you're ready.
Why Book With Us
Booking Direct or Booking by Small Ship Travel
The cruise fare is identical whether you book direct with Ponant or by Small Ship Travel. Cruise lines set their fares, and they do not discount them for direct bookings. Loyalty Program members earn 2% to 5% credit per booking, in addition to any rewards from the cruise line, and points carry across every cruise line we book.
| Book Direct | Book by Small Ship Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| The cruise fare | From $10,300 per person | From $10,300 per person. The fare is the fare. |
| Loyalty credit | The line's own program | 2–5% credit earned per booking for members, in addition to any rewards you receive from the cruise line* |
| Advice | Ponant's ships, known well | We compare across Viking, AmaWaterways, Silversea, and the rest, then put you on the right one |
| Cabin selection | Brochure categories | Which cabins to target on this ship, and which look equivalent on paper but run smaller in practice |
| If plans change | The line's call center | An advocate who knows you, your booking, and people at the line |
* Credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking. $250 credit for new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel. Loyalty Program details
or call 1-888-318-3110 before you finalize anything
Pick your departure. (per person*)
Cabin categories
* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.
** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication
The Le Dumont-d'urville.
Sail the world in unparalleled luxury aboard the Le Dumont-d'urville, a masterpiece of design and comfort.
Le Dumont-d’Urville is one of Ponant’s Explorer-class yachts, designed for immersive small-ship journeys with just 184 guests. Named after the French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville, the ship combines modern French elegance with advanced technology, offering access to remote destinations in comfort and style. Its compact size allows it to navigate hidden harbors and pristine coastlines that larger vessels cannot reach.
The ship’s interiors feature a clean, nautical design with natural materials and a calming palette inspired by the sea. Panoramic windows flood public spaces with light, including a lounge, spa, fitness area, theater, and a sundeck with an infinity pool. A standout feature is the Blue Eye Lounge—an underwater salon that offers guests a multisensory marine experience with underwater views and soundscapes.
All staterooms are ocean-facing, with most offering private balconies. Rooms are outfitted with fine linens, rainfall showers, espresso machines, and modern entertainment systems. Dining includes a main restaurant serving French and international cuisine, and a casual grill for al fresco meals by the pool, both complemented by a curated wine selection.
Equipped with eco-conscious technologies like dynamic positioning and advanced waste systems, Le Dumont-d’Urville reflects Ponant’s sustainability focus. On expedition sailings, expert naturalists lead Zodiac outings and guided excursions, offering deeper insight into each region. Whether sailing in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, or the tropics, Le Dumont-d’Urville delivers a refined and immersive cruise experience.
consultation
Need information to make a decision?
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.