Get ready for the magic of Christmas on this pre-holiday cruise in Italy and Sicily Naples has historical monuments and archaeological sites, while the Aeolian Islands are in a league of their own. This romantic cruise includes visits to the ancient theater in Taormina, with Mount Etna as the backdrop, Calabria "the toe of the boot" and the Amalfi Coast. And we can't forget the legendary Isle of Capri with its panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples. Italian Christmas traditions are in the spotlight on this cruise! Discover the famous Neapolitan nativity art and magnificent scenes exposed in small boutiques and workshops in the city's older neighborhoods. Each hand-crafted figure is one-of-a-kind. Christmas charm reigns in the shops all year round.
- Exclusive itinerary along the Italian and Sicilian seaboards
- Cruise through the famous Strait of Messina and off the coast of the Aeolian Islands
- Magical Advent traditions in Italy
- The Via San Gregorio Armeno, also known as "Christmas Alley"
- "Luci d'artista" art and decorations in Salerno
- ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
- THE MUSTS:
• Naples and its historic center at the foot
of Mount Vesuvius
• The fascinating ruins in Pompeii and
Herculaneum
• Taormina and its ancient theater
• Mount Etna, the largest active volcano
in Europe
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Boarding at 6:00 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
This morning, excursion proposed:-
Pompeii.
A city frozen in time, which through its tragedy has become one of the most significant resources of information on Roman art, customs, trades, and life.
OR- Herculaneum.
Just like Pompeii, Herculaneum was also destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Discover the wealth of archaeological finds, from ancient advertisements and stylish mosaics to carbonized furniture and inhabitants.
This afternoon, excursion proposed: Naples.
Discover the must-see sites, masterful works, and unexpected treasures in Naples, such as its old town and royal palace. In the oldest section of Naples, enjoy a stroll down the Via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous pedestrian street where you can observe skilled craftsmen actually working on nativity figures as they carve and paint them. During the holidays, the atmosphere here becomes enchanted. We'll visit the Cloister of Santa Chiara to admire the nativity scene with 18th-century figurines.
We’ll spend the morning cruising through the Aeolian Islands.(4) Rising from the cobalt blue sea along the Sicilian coast, the Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi) are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archipelago's name comes from Aeolus, who kept violent winds locked safely on his island, as recounted in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey.
This afternoon, the excursion proposed is: Tindari.
Discover the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna and the site of an ancient Greek town with stunning views of the Sicilian coastline. Enjoy some free time in the charming city of Milazzo, with its medieval citadel perched high above.
Excursion proposed:Full-day excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina(1).
Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, and we’ll take you up to almost 6,400 feet (1950 m) to the Silvestri Craters near the top. The bleak lava wilderness around the summit of Etna is one of the most memorable landscapes you’ll ever see. We’ll then drive to Taormina. Nestled above the stunning Sicilian coastline, Taormina brings to life the legendary beauty of Sicily. Enjoy a tour of the area, including the ruins of its ancient Greek theater.
We’ll spend the morning cruising.
This afternoon, the excursion is: The Calabria.
The Calabria region is at the toe of the boot in Italy, lapped by the splendid crystal-clear Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Its warm climate, beautiful colors, rocky coasts, local food, and vestiges of its ancient origins make it a unique place to be enjoyed in both winter and summer.
We'll discover Tropea, the pearl of the Calabria. Perched on a rocky promontory with a cliff-side view of the sea, this small city is a veritable jewel. We'll also enjoy a tasting of regional products.
We’ll spend the morning cruising.
The excursion this afternoon is: Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
Discover the charming, hillside city of Sorrento, surrounded by orange and lemon orchards and a spectacular panorama of the sea. We'll also enjoy a sampling of limoncello. Afterwards, we’ll continue our trip and visit the villages filled with colorful houses and elegant seaside resorts along the dramatic Amalfi Coast.
Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Excursion proposed: Capri and Anacapri (Lunch included).(1)
We’ll take an airboat to splendid Capri. On arrival, we’ll head to the village of Anacapri and visit the Villa San Michele, built at the turn of the last century by Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe. Anacapri is located at the highest part of the island. From the villa gardens, you’ll have a fantastic view of the city of Capri, the Gulf of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius.
In addition to the amazing backdrop, the gardens themselves possess a rare beauty. Enjoy some time on your own this afternoon or visit the Gardens of Augustus, located on the top of a cliff with a stupendous view of the turquoise sea. We'll return to Naples by airboat.
The theme for this evening is "Neopolitan Songs and Dances."
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.
Itineraries are subject to change.
La Belle de l’Adriatique
| Length: | 110m. |
|---|---|
| Crew: | 47 |
| Cabins | 99 |
Renovated in 2017, the MV La Belle de l’Adriatique features a contemporary and warm setting for exploring the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts. The aqua green and brass interior colours give it an elegant and sunny atmosphere.
This 4-deck intimate-sized ship docks in the heart of cities and accommodates 197 passengers on board. The cabins on the upper and boarding decks have
large windows, and those on the main and lower decks have portholes. The restaurant is located on the main deck, where all your meals are served during the cruise. The main panoramic lounge has a dance floor and bar with lively evenings and is situated on the boarding deck. The large sun deck, ideal for relaxation, provides two jacuzzis and sun loungers.
Includes
- Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final
day - Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists)
- Double occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
- Excursions mentioned in the program
- Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
- Welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner
- Onboard entertainment
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
Excludes
- Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Transfers/travel to and from departure/ arrival points
- Personal expenses
