Day 1: Arrive Malta
A transfer is included from Malta International Airport to the Hotel Phoenicia Malta in the port of Valletta. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. 
Overnight: Hotel Phoenicia Malta, Valletta, Malta
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Discover Malta / Embark Ship
Enjoy an orientation tour of the walled, pedestrian-only city of Mdina and a coastal drive around St. Julian’s Bay. Malta’s capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a virtual open-air museum and is easy to explore on foot. An optional walking tour this afternoon includes a visit inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral to see its stunning interior and art treasures; the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, a masterpiece in oil by the Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio, Flemish tapestries and silver artifacts reward visitors. Embark Le Ponant this afternoon for the start of your 7-night cruise.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Cruise to Sicily and explore Taormina
Go ashore at Giardini-Naxos for a memorable visit to Taormina, clinging to the cliffs above the Ionian Sea. Best known as a popular seaside resort, the island also entices with mesmerizing views of Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, and archaeological wonders chronicling its development from the 2nd century to the Middle Ages. See them on a stroll along the Corso Umberto through Old Town, lined with piazzas, palazzi and duomos, and take a guided tour of the ancient Greek Theatre. Do more sightseeing as you wish or return to the ship to relax or swim (weather permitting).
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Lipari and the fiery lava of Stromboli
The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari’s history as a strategic port dates all the way back to Neolithic times, thousands of years before its centuries under Greek and later Roman rule. Vestiges of these ancient times still reign on its rugged terrain, alongside medieval fortresses and other evidence of centuries of struggle for the island’s control. Drop anchor off Lipari and take a Zodiac ashore for guided exploration of local sights and an optional visit to the archaeological museum. Weather permitting, a swim off the stern of your yacht and a nighttime sail by volcanic Stromboli showcase a few of the pleasurable moments of small ship cruising.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Travel the Amalfi Coast to Ravello
Wake up to spectacular views of the incomparable Amalfi Coast, revered for its natural beauty since before the Middle Ages. Tender to shore for a memorable drive along the magical seascapes and an up-close look at the shoreline villages that call the Mediterranean home. Stop in Amalfi, the “queen of the Costiera,” for a guided walking tour and a visit to the Duomo, dating back to the 9th century. Then it’s off to Villa Rufolo in cliff-top Ravello built in the late 13th century for a prominent local family – the views from the terrace are immortalized in the inspired music of German composer, Richard Wagner. Dine on regional specialties at a restaurant overlooking the sea, followed by free time to explore Ravello on your own.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Ponza and cruising the Mediterranean
Ponza is fringed with dramatic coves and cliffs lined with yellow and pink houses. Fishing boats set out from the 18th-century harbor and vineyards cover the hillsides for a quintessential snapshot of daily life here. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the sights as you please.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Small Ships Only in Bonifacio
Corsica’s fjord-like harbor of Bonifacio is only accessible to small ships – your majestic entrance aboard Le Ponant atop sapphire blue waters is truly a special moment so be sure to have your camera handy! On shore, hop aboard Le Petit Train for a ride to the town’s walled fortress area; explore a maze of medieval lanes, stroll along the bluff above the harbor, and see the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion. Your yacht sails for Elba later today.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Island of Elba
Your first port of call is the secluded harbor of Portoferraio,?Elba, settled by the Greeks in the 10th century BC, and home to an exiled Napoleon Bonaparte. Visit the home he shared with his sister in 1814, the Palazzina dei Mulini. Enjoy free time in Porto Azzurro, where sights include a fortress built in 1603 and the Old Quarter and stop at a family-owned Elba winery – a special Tauck wine tasting experience adds to the fun.
Overnight: Cruising aboard Le Ponant
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Disembark Nice / Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Disembark Le Ponant in Nice this morning, nestled on the French Riviera where the seaside Promenade des Anglais borders beautiful beaches. A walking tour of Nice introduces you to city sights, paving the way for a day spent as you please. If you wish, join us for an optional visit to the palace and gardens in Monaco, schedule permitting. Arrive in Monte-Carlo mid-afternoon. Your hotel is located in the heart of Monte-Carlo, close to the casino. Dine on your own tonight.
Overnight: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Saint-Paul-de-Vence and fabulous Monte-Carlo
Head up into the hills that are perched above the coast to the medieval walled city of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, welcoming with charm and centuries of history along winding cobblestone lanes. Visit the artist Marc Chagall’s grave, the picture of serenity overlooking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Join us tonight for our farewell cocktail reception and dinner.
Overnight: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 11: Journey Home
Tour ends: Nice. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Fairmont Monte Carlo to Nice Cote d’Azur Airport. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast