Road Scholar : Home
South Italy and Malta Aboard the Voyager

Program Number: 20730RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/13/2012 - 9/22/2012;
Duration: 9 nights
Location: Italy/Malta
Price starting at: $5,074.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising
Meals: 23; 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

The extraordinary monuments, cliffside villages and ancient ruins of southern Italy and the islands emanate beauty and mystery while providing a window into historical epochs that, though grand, nonetheless faded long ago. Join Road Scholar on a voyage to this special corner of the world as local experts both onboard and in port lead a discovery like no other in this region. From the stark, volcanically preserved remains of once-great Pompeii to medieval Sicily and the impossibly old temples of Malta, forge new trails of learning while retracing those blazed for us by the ancients.




Activity Particulars

Walking on uneven terrain including many hills and stairs without railings.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Salerno 1 night; aboard Variety Voyager, 7 nights.



Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Day 2–3: Arrival Salerno / embark Variety Voyager

Explore the magnificent ruins at Pompeii, then embark the vessel and sail to Capri to ride the island’s funicular and walk to Augustus Gardens and La Piazzetta.



Day 4: Lipari

Discover the towns of Quattrocchi and Quattropani, then return to the port and walk through the old village to the castle, built on the site of an ancient necropolis and today a museum of pre-historic artifacts.



Day 4: Lipari

Discover the towns of Quattrocchi and Quattropani, then return to the port and walk through the old village to the castle, built on the site of an ancient necropolis and today a museum of pre-historic artifacts.



Day 5: Taormina, Sicily

In the cliffside village of Taormina, walk winding medieval streets and secluded gardens on a terrace overlooking the sea. Take in the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theater.



Day 6: Syracuse

Explore one of the most prestigious cities of the ancient world, including the 15,000-seat Greek Theater, the elliptical Roman amphitheater and other monuments of the Necropolis Archaeological Park, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Noto.



Day 7: Malta

On Malta, get acquainted with the archaeology of temples thought to be the oldest free-standing monuments on Earth. At the capital, Valetta, navigate busy streets to St. John’s Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s “Beheading of St. John.”



Day 8: Agrigento

In the Valley of the Temples, admire the Temple of Olympic Jove, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Juno and the Tomb of Hero.



Day 9: Cefalu

Walk enchanting Cefalu, an old fishing village where most of the old houses still retain their typical traditional charm. Take in the cathedral built in the typical Gothic-Norman style, as well as the medieval Wash House.



Day 10: Salerno / disembark / departure


M/Y Variety Voyager

The Variety Voyager is a state of the art, 4-deck Mega Yacht. At 220’ long by 36’ wide and cruising at 14 knots, she can accommodate 72 passengers. All cabins have individually controlled A/C and ventilation, minibars, flat screen TV’s, DVD players and all the amenities of a luxury ship. Bathrooms are finished with warm marble and Corian materials and feature power showers.
Meals and Lodgings
   Mediterranea Hotel Salerno
  Salerno, Italy 1 night
   Voyager
  Study Cruise, Greece 7 nights
 Mediterranea Hotel Salerno
Type: Hotel
  Description: The 60 rooms offer to the guests a typical Mediterranean relaxing atmosphere. The Mediterranea Hotel is located in Salerno between the Amalfi Coast and Cilento, few steps from the sea and not far from the tourist port, the shopping center and the historic center of the city. Cared in every detail, the Mediterranea Hotel offers privacy, elegance, comfort, quality services and an enchanting panorama over the Salerno Gulf, creating a magical and memorable atmosphere ideal for guests who wishing to spend a pleasant and relaxing sea holiday
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: Via Salvatore Allende
Salerno,   84131 Italy
phone: +011 39 089 3066111
web: http://www.mediterraneahotel.it/en/index.php
  Room amenities: Rooms include air conditioning, hair dryer, room service, Mini Bar, Cable / Satellite TV and in room safe
  Facility amenities: Hotel amenities include bar, restaurants, roof garden and beach
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Voyager
Type: Cruise Ship
  Ship Information: The Variety Voyager is a state of the art, 4-deck Mega Yacht. At 220’ long by 36’ wide and cruising at 14 knots, she can accommodate 72 passengers.
  Contact info: n/a
n/a,   Greece
phone: + n/a
  Room amenities: Room amenities: All outside cabins have a double or 2 lower beds, air conditioning, windows or portholes, and private bathrooms; limited singles are available.
  Facility amenities: Facility amenities: Public areas include indoor and outdoor restaurant, lounge, library, mini spa, gym, and sun deck lounge bar. Free time provides the perfect opportunity to relax, read or chat with friends on the vessel’s sundeck.
  Smoking allowed: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Orientation begins at 6:30 pm in the hotel You will be staying at Mediterranea Hotel Salerno that night.
  End of Program:
Disembarkation is after breakfast about 9am You will be staying at Voyager the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Each traveler must be in possession of a valid, signed passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond completion of the entire trip. At this time visas are not required for US citizens traveling to Italy. Participants holding all other passports should check with the consulate for regulations and instructions.
  Parking availability:
n/a
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Salerno
  Transportation to site: by taxi; price: around € 50,00 - 70,00 per taxi.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Study Cruise
  Transportation from site: Taxi transfer from port to Naples airport is readily available. Public transport is also available but is more difficult for participants carrying luggage.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart USA
(Thursday, September 13)
   
 Afternoon: Depart USA on an overnight flight

Day 2: Arrival and transfer to Sorrento
(Friday, September 14)
   
 Afternoon: After having met our guide, we transfer to the hotel Following a few hours to rest and refresh, regroup for a get-together with our fellow participants, and take part in an introductory orientation.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner
   
Accommodations: Mediterranea Hotel Salerno
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Embarkation/Capri
(Saturday, September 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: We begin the day with a visit to the magnificent ruins at Pompeii.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Transfer with your group leader to Salerno to meet our ship. Enjoy some free time to stroll before embarkation. .Sail to the magical isle of Capri. Ride the island’s famed funicular and enjoy an expert led walking to Augusto’s Gardens and Piazzetta, Capri’s main square. After some free time to explore on your own we make our way back to the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board
   
Accommodations: Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lipari
(Sunday, September 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board
 Morning: Early in the morning we reach Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Lipari sits on red volcanic rock and looks like ''a wall of bronze'' according to the Greek poet Homer. We depart the pier for the towns of Quattrocchi, with time to take in the panoramic views, and Quattropani across from the Island of Salina, before returning to the port of Lipari. A short walk across the picturesque streets of the old village will bring us to the Castle, built by the Spanish on the site of an ancient necropolis. Inside the walls we explore the Cathedral and the Museum where important collections of materials dating back to the pre-historic times can be seen.
 Lunch: Lunch on board
 Afternoon: After lunch we leave Lipari for Taormina. An onboard lecture orients us to regional history. .
 Dinner: Dinner on board
   
Accommodations: Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Taormina
(Monday, September 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board
 Morning: This morning we go ashore to the Cliffside village of Taormina. With endlessly winding medieval streets and secluded gardens.. Taormina, with her delightful medieval character is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea. We walk through the characteristic alleys admire the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja, and the impressive Greek Theatre, famed for its extraordinary acoustics.
 Lunch: Lunch on board
 Afternoon: This afternoon is free to explore on your own. Return to the ship for a late afternoon lecture introducing the mix of civilizations that have called Sicily home.
 Dinner: Dinner on board
   
Accommodations: Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Syracuse
(Tuesday, September 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board
 Morning: Today we arrive in Syracuse, one of the most and prestigious cities of the ancient world. Explore the Necropolis Archaeological Park, with its altar of Hieron, the famous “Orecchio di Dionysso” (the ear of Dionysus) the “Cave of the Cordari”, an artificial cave with a particular echo, the spectacular 15000-seat Greek Theatre, among the most impressive to survive from antiquity, and the elliptical Roman amphitheatre, one of the largest of its kind. After a stop at the Archaeological Museum, walk the winding lanes of Syracuse’s Old Town, situated on the island of Ortygia, and explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa, and the baroque Cathedral, which incorporates the remains of the famed Temple of Athena.
 Lunch: Lunch on board
 Afternoon: Drive towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Noto located among olive groves and almond trees on the slopes of Mount Iblei. The current town rebuilt after the earthquake on the left bank of River Asinaro, was planned on a grid system and was the work of Rosario Gagliardi and Francesco Sortino. Here we admire the 18th century Palazzo Communale, the main baroque churches and the imposing Palazzo Nicolaci di Villa Dorata, built in 1737, whose balconies are a masterpiece of sculpture mixed to architecture.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard. In the evening, we leave Syracuse for an overnight sailing to Malta
   
Accommodations: Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Malta
(Wednesday, September 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board
 Morning: Today we get acquainted with the archaeology of Malta – long associated with structures that date back 6000 years. The Megalithic Temples include five pre-historic temples situated on the islands of Malta and Gozo. These temples are known as “the oldest free-standing monuments in the world” and are amongst the most ancient religious sites on Earth. First visit Hagar Qim’s shrines to Mother Earth. From here we can see the Mnajdra Temples. We will then proceed to visit the Tarxien Temples. En route, we drive to Zurrieq, to view the Blue Grotto from a belvedere, and return to the pier.
 Lunch: Lunch on board
 Afternoon: Our afternoon starts with a drive up to the island’s capital city of Valetta. Our first stop is at the Upper Barracca Gardens, from where we can admire a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour and the Three-Cities on the opposite side. We continue our excursion through the bustling streets of Valletta and admire the various structures built by the Knights. We discover St. John’s Cathedral which is adorned in riches including Caravaggio’s masterpiece “Beheading of St. John”.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard. In the evening we leave Malta behind to cross back to Sicily to reach Licata / Agrigento.
   
Accommodations: Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Agrigento
(Thursday, September 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board
 Morning: Set out for the wonderful Valley of the Temples, where our local expert details the archeological significance of this celebrated valley. Surrounded in greenery of olive and almond trees we admire the Temple of Olympic Jove, one of the biggest temples in antiquity, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Juno and the Tomb of Hero.
 Lunch: Lunch on board
 Afternoon: Free time onboard. Return for a late afternoon lecture on the archeology in the Mediterranean
 Dinner: Dinner on board
   
Accommodations: Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Cefalu
(Friday, September 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board
 Morning: This morning meet a local expert for our walking discovery of this enchanting village. Cefalu is an old, fishermen village, where most of the old houses still retain their typical traditional charm even if they have been turned into commercial shops or ateliers. We take in the Cathedral built in the typical Gothic-Norman style as well as the medieval Wash House. At the end of our walking tour we have some free time for a stroll along the beautiful narrow streets.
 Lunch: Lunch on board
 Afternoon: Afternoon at sea. Our lecturer offers a wrap up discussion on the region yesterday and today.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner onboard
   
Accommodations: Voyager
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Disembarkation/Homebound flights
(Saturday, September 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board
 Morning: Disembark and transfer to the airport for your homebound flights.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768