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NEW YORK
Wednesday, September 10
Depart New York on an
overnight flight to Rome.
ROME
Thursday, September 11
Arrive in Rome and transfer to
the historic Hotel Majestic on the Via Veneto for lunch prior
to check-in. In the Eternal City, twenty-five-hundred years
of masterpieces vie for our attention. This evening we are
invited for a private viewing of the exquisite collection at
the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, which includes works by
Caravaggio, Bernini, Algardi and Velázquez. Enjoy cocktails
and dinner in the palace.
ROME
Friday, September 12
The morning is unscheduled for
individual pursuits. Following lunch visit the superb
antiquities of the National Archaeological Museum and the
Ara Pacis Museum, designed by architect Richard Meier.
Continue to the Vatican for a private after-hours visit to the
Sistine Chapel (above). See the collections of antique sculpture,
including the Belvedere Apollo and Laocoön, as well as
Raphael frescoes. The evening is at leisure.
 ROME / SEA CLOUD II
Saturday, September 13
This morning visit the private
collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese at the recently
restored Borghese Gallery (right), a veritable shrine of the High
Renaissance and early baroque, featuring works by Titian,
Caravaggio and Canova, as well as Bernini masterpieces. In
the early afternoon, drive to Civitavecchia to embark the
awaiting Sea Cloud II. Dinner is on board.
AT SEA
Sunday, September 14
Discover the thrill of sailing aboard
the legendary Sea Cloud II. As she carries us through
gentle waters under a full set of billowing white sails, the
day is ours to experience the grace and romance of a bygone
era of travel. Attend lectures and enjoy the amenities of this
fine ship. Tonight the captain hosts a welcome dinner.
TRAPANI (SICILY)
Monday, September 15
Step ashore this morning in
Trapani and drive to Erice (left), a medieval “perched” village
with breathtaking views. Visit its impressive churches, the
Pepoli Castle of Saracen origin and Venus Castle, dating
from the Norman era. Lunch is arranged in this charming
town before we continue eastward to Segesta to see its Greek
theater and hilltop temple, one of the finest examples of
Doric architecture in Sicily. Set sail late this evening.
PALERMO (SICILY)
Tuesday, September 16
Today we arrive in the Sicilian
capital of Palermo to visit the Palantine Chapel in the
Palace of the Norman Kings. Described by Guy de
Maupassant as “the most surprising religious jewel ever
dreamt of,” the chapel is known for its extraordinary
mosaics. In the National Gallery see Ant onella da Messina’s
L’Annuciata and other works. We are invited to a hosted
lunch at the Palazzo Raffadali. Then drive to Monreale
to tour the magnificent Norman cathedral, whose brilliantly
colored mosaics depict scenes from the Old and New
Testaments (right). Sea Cloud II remains in Palermo overnight.
PALERMO / CEFALU (SICILY)
Wednesday, September 17
This morning we view the
Sicilian baroque style in the Oratorio del Rosario di San
Domenico, with an altarpiece by V an Dyck. Continue
to the Oratorio del Santa Zita, with elegant stuccoes by
Giacomo Serpotta. Then see the Church of San Giuseppe in
Teatini and
the nearby Pretoria Fountain (left). Following lunch
drive to Cefalú to view the splendid Norman cathedral, begun
in 1131, with a mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. In the Museo
Mandralisca, see another masterpiece of Antonello da
Messina. Reboard Sea Cloud II in Cefalú in the early evening.
LIPARI
Thursday, September 18
Sail this morning among the
Aeolian Islands. After lunch on board visit Lipari, which has
known uninterrupted occupation since the Neolithic Age.
Tour the Archaeological Museum, located within the fortress
walls, with its superb collection of artifacts such as extraordinary
masks from Lipari and other islands. As we sail this
evening, admire the glow of the volcanic island of Stromboli.
AGROPOLI
Friday, September 19
Relax this morning as we cruise
along the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Drive from the port of
Agropoli to the archaeological site of Paestum (right), founded by
the Greeks in the 6th century B.C.E. Today, its three
temples are among the best preserved monuments of the
ancient Greek world. Return to the ship for dinner.
CAPRI 1 NAPLES
Saturday, September 20
Arrive at the lovely island of Capri
and ride the funicular into town. Enjoy a morning stroll along
the piazza at the Church of Santo Stefano and the Palazzo
Cerio. Return to the ship for lunch as we sail to Naples. Visit
the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, with its
mosaics, wall paintings and erotica from Pompeii, as well as
the renowned Gallery of the Farnese Bull. Celebrate our cruise
this evening at the captain’s farewell reception.
NAPLES / NEW YORK
Sunday, September 21
Disembark this morning and
transfer to the airport for the flights home.
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SORRENTO
Sunday, September 21
Visit the 18th-century royal palace of Capodimonte in
Naples, which houses the Farnese collections of the National
Gallery. These impressive works include masterpieces by
Piero della Francesca, Titian, Bellini and Raphael. Transfer to
Sorrento for lunch and accommodation at the Grand Hotel
Cocumella. Dinner and the evening are at leisure.
Monday, September 22
Drive this morning to Pompeii (right) and see the ruins of the
Roman town buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in
79 C.E. The extensive site provides a rare glimpse of
Roman life. We will visit some of the recently opened areas
which are currently under restoration. Following lunch
return to Sorrento for the remainder of the day at leisure.
Tuesday, September 23
Admire the dramatic cliffs and spectacular coastal views on
a morning drive along the Amalfi Coast. Stop to see Amalfi’s
11th-century duomo; the romantic cloister, decorated with
delicate Moorish arches; the 13th-century bell tower, built
partially in the Romanesque style, and the baroque
Fountain of Sant’ Andrea. Continue to the hillside village
of Positano, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, for lunch and
the afternoon at leisure. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Wednesday, September 24
Transfer to the Naples Airport for the flight to Rome where
we connect with the flights home.
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Photos (used with kind permission): Monreale mosaics/Tim Murphy; Pompeii ceiling relief/David Williamson |
