Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Civitavecchia acts as the main terminal for all cruises heading into Rome. From there a shuttle bus takes you to the Service Center of Largo della Pace where you can embark on adventures through the Eternal City. Rome maintains its position in the world as a powerful influence in religion, politics, and art, as it is well known as the site for intellectual and artistic achievements past. From the iconic Roman Coliseum aboveground to the mysterious catacombs of the Capuchin Crypt below ground, the capital of Italy beckons the adventurous to discover its many secrets and stories. The city holds a certain cosmopolitan feel as well with countless rooftop bars that are a prime location for an evening sunset.

Sorrento (Pompeii), Italy

Perched atop soaring cliffs, Sorrento is a coastal town in southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. A lovely stroll through the historic center will take you to the Basilica di Sant’Antonio, dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Sorrento is the gateway to the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, time seems frozen, as you observe the eerie plaster casts of numerous victims who are caught in their final moment of life. Herculaneum, also destroyed by the same eruption, is the smaller sister to Pompeii and offers a closer look at ancient Roman life.

Capri, Italy

The island of Capri is the gem of the Bay of Naples. In Capri you can marvel at the whitewashed homes and villas, fragrant lemon trees and flower-filled courtyards. From the water, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), which is only accessible by boat. Once inside the cave, you can marvel at the water’s sapphire color, which is caused by the light refraction from the hidden opening in the rock. Also from the water, see the Arco Naturale on the east coast of the island. Dating from the Paleolithic age, the limestone arch is the remains of a collapsed grotto.

Positano, Italy

The vertical town of Positano sits on a cliff along the renowned Amalfi Coast. Every adventurer agrees that a view of the horizon from atop the village is a sight to behold. The colors of the houses along the coast mixed with the majestic shades of a sunrise or sunset paint an unparalleled picture that must be seen in person to appreciate its full beauty. Amid the labyrinthine staircases and walkways you may find a local ceramics shop where their wares make the perfect memento to take home. While it may be a small town, Positano is anything but boring with a thriving nightlife in hot spots like Music on the Rocks, a night club on cliff’s edge that takes its name literally.

Positano, Italy

The vertical town of Positano sits on a cliff along the renowned Amalfi Coast. Every adventurer agrees that a view of the horizon from atop the village is a sight to behold. The colors of the houses along the coast mixed with the majestic shades of a sunrise or sunset paint an unparalleled picture that must be seen in person to appreciate its full beauty. Amid the labyrinthine staircases and walkways you may find a local ceramics shop where their wares make the perfect memento to take home. While it may be a small town, Positano is anything but boring with a thriving nightlife in hot spots like Music on the Rocks, a night club on cliff’s edge that takes its name literally.

Ravello, Italy

The small town of Amalfi lies amidst the famous coast, renowned for its exquisite beauty. From the roses of Villa Rufolo to the Mediterranean scenes from a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see how this little village gained a reputation as a picture-perfect destination. Its vantage point upon the cliffs, facing the deep blue of the Salerno Gulf in the Tyrrhenian Sea, makes it the ideal backdrop for that brag-worthy shot to show your friends, new and old.

Along the Amalfi Coast, life may give you lemons, but it is far from sour. The Path of Lemons, a relatively easy climb from Maiori to Minori, takes you through the famous groves. Delicious scents of citrus drift through the air as you pass through the trees cultivated by Amalfi families for generations. Here you can discover the source of Italy’s famed limoncello before you take a shot of the liqueur at a local restaurant.

As you wander through Amalfi’s grand architecture and historical constructs, you will find your way to Ravello. Known as the City of Music, travelers from all around the world come to the small Italian town for the Ravello Festival, a series of musical events with strong ties to composer Richard Wagner.

Ravello’s winding streets and staircases are perfect for travelers who prefer the wanderlust route of getting lost in a city. It’s a great way to stumble upon a local restaurant for authentic cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else. It is a truly immersive experience of life in small-town Italy.The small town of Amalfi lies amid the famous coast, renowned for its exquisite beauty. From the roses of Villa Rufolo to the Mediterranean scenes from a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see how this little village gained a reputation as a picture-perfect destination. Along the Amalfi Coast, life may give you lemons, but it is far from sour as the Path of Lemons takes you through the famous groves from where Italy’s famed limoncello derives.
As you wander through Amalfi’s grand architecture and historical constructs, you will find your way to Ravello. Ravello’s winding streets and staircases are perfect for travelers who prefer the wanderlust route of getting lost in a city.

Stromboli Volcano Circumnavigation

Catch sight of the impressive Stromboli volcano off the northern coast of Sicily. As you sail around it, keep in mind the three small villages along its coasts – San Bartolo, San Vincenzo and Ginostra. It’s surprising to imagine there’s a small population living under one of the most active volcanoes of Italy. Take in its awe-inspiring peak as you witness the land that features in the end of the famous book by Jules Verne, Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Giardini Naxos (Mount Etna),, Italy

The journey from Giardini Naxos on through Taormina holds a diverse landscape that includes white, sandy beaches that call out to you to come and play. Taormina holds a treasure trove, whether it’s the Palazzo Corvaja or Duomo di San Nicola, of ancient atmospheres that entice you to venture deep. As you wander the grounds of the Ancient Greek Theater built directly into the mountains, standing amid such ruins transports you back to ancient live theater. The surrounding peaks of Mount Etna provide an exhilarating environment. Its various foothills and pathways make it the perfect site for hiking.

Syracuse (Sicily), Italy

Syracuse holds many wonders for the venturesome traveler seeking something far from the ordinary. From archaeological parks to World War II battlefield remnants to the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, the vast and diverse environment contains any level of challenge for the explorer at heart. It holds 2,700 years of history with influence from other cultures like Spanish, Greek, Norman, and Arabic that have made a mark on their cuisine. It is also a gateway to various small villages that are perfect for a leisurely stroll through local history. Among the most notable is Noto, the “Baroque Capital” of the world. This UNESCO-protected city holds all the charms of small-town living on the island.

Valletta, Malta

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a treasure trove of architecture and art. The sight of this fortress city immediately astounds the senses. For the pop culture aficionado, Valletta’s scenery served as the backdrop for the Streets of Flea Bottom in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. Along the Grand Harbor travelers can capture spectacular views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. As you walk along its limestone streets gazing at the colorful apartments, it is easy to get lost in wanderlust.