ITINERARY
ITINERARY

at sea...
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Surf & Turf Steakhouse
As its name suggests, this à la carte eatery specialises in the likes of marbled steaks and meaty lobster tails. You’ve also got other meat and fish options, as well as plenty to satisfy a vegetarian palate. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.
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47°
Marella Discovery 2’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery.
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Gallery 47°
You’ll find this trendy Italian restaurant on the second floor of the ship’s main dining room, 47°. It’s a laid-back place, where bookings aren’t necessary, and its designer look features a colour scheme inspired by the sunset.
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Rome - All In One Day
Similar to the Rome Express, this tour gives you the chance to visit all the major sites in Rome, this time you'll travel there in the comfort of a fully air-conditioned coach. On arrival to the Eternal City you’ll see famous sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Venice Square and of course, the ultimate symbol of Rome - the mighty Colosseum. After some free time to enjoy lunch, you’ll carry on to the Vatican City to see the famous St. Peter’s Square. Created by Bernini, it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world. You’ll also find here the famous Basilica where St. Peter was buried. Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design to create an unparalleled masterpiece. This is an ideal trip for first timers to Rome.
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Rome On Your Own
Been to Rome and know your way around? Good with a map? Then take advantage of this coach transfer into the centre of Rome and explore the city at your own pace. A local escort will accompany you into Rome to a drop-off point in the heart of the city. On the way, they’ll give you a map and point out all the ‘must sees’. They’ll also tell you the meeting point and time for your return journey. With around seven hours free time, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to explore independently.
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Express to Rome
This is a very special tour that gives you chance to visit Rome on the Express to Rome. It’s a fast, private and luxury train, which is a new and exclusive way to discover the Eternal City. Shuttle coaches will be waiting to transport you across to the monument side of the city for the start of your guided walking tour that will take in famous sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Navona Square and of course, the ultimate symbol of Rome - the mighty Colosseum. After a stop for lunch at a typical Italian restaurant, you’ll carry on to the Vatican City to see the famous St. Peter’s Square. Created by Bernini, it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world. You’ll also find here the famous Basilica where St. Peter was buried. Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design to create an unparalleled masterpiece. After some free time here you’ll reach the station, where your exclusive train will take you back to Civitavecchia.
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Pompeii
Explore the historical city of Pompeii, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. This fascinating tour’s the perfect introduction to this ancient city, situated at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. It was destroyed in 79AD, following the famous volcanic eruption that smothered it in 6 to 7 metres of pumice and ash. You’ll walk with your guide around the remains of this impressive - and doomed – city to get a feel for what life was like in Roman times before the city’s destruction. A fascinating tour that is not to be missed!
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Pompeii & Vesuvius
A real history fest, this one ticks off two of Italy’s most impressive sights. First up is Pompeii, the city that was frozen in time, stopped in action and covered in ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. And today, the remains of temples, villas and streets look more or less as they did 2,000 years ago. You’ll even get to see the people who were turned to stone trying to flee the city. From here, it’s on to Mount Vesuvius itself. The mighty fire mountain is up alongside Krakatoa in the notoriety stakes. And it’s the only active volcano on Europe’s mainland. You’ll get off the coach at the 1000m mark, and through national park to its summit. The leg work is well worth it – as you can imagine, the views from the here are phenomenal.
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Sorrento & Pompeii
Sorrento is such a beautiful summer resort, even the Italians can’t resist its charms. On arrival at this chic town, you’ll get some free time to browse around and enjoy lunch on your own. Then you’ll travel to one of the most important and famous archaeological sites in the world - Pompeii. Some 2000 years ago when Mount Vesuvius erupted, the city was covered by a layer of ash measuring 6 to 7 metres deep. Excavations only began in the 18th-century, making a tremendous impact all over Europe. This tour’s a great opportunity for you to discover two great cities in one day.
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Mount Etna
Enjoy a scenic drive to Europe’s largest active volcano, the famous Mount Etna. Upon arrival at the Crateri Silvestri, around 1,950 metres above sea level, you’ll see slopes that soar up to 3,296 metres and mountains covered with cones and craters. From the top of the Silvestri crater, enjoy great views over the Gulf of Catania. However, the real attraction here is the crater itself and the remnants of awe-inspiring lava streams. Etna’s known to have erupted regularly during antiquity. The black lava around the crater dates from recent eruptions, while the grey lava is much older. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most impressive volcanoes in the world.
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Taormina
One of the prettiest towns in Italy, Taormina’s been a holiday resort since Roman times. And here’s your chance to get to know this characterful Medieval town, whose cliff-top setting alone is enough to win you over. Set off on a guided walking tour, passing places like the Gothic Corvaja Palace. Taormina’s star turn though is a Greek amphitheatre, known as 'Teatro Greco'. Work began on the place back in the 3rd-century BC and it owes much of its appearance to the Romans, the Greeks' successors in Sicily. Architecture aside, it’s the backdrop that’ll really take your breath away. Cue sparkling blue waters, jagged peaks and Mount Etna smoking in the distance. After you’ve had a good look around, there’s time for a little souvenir shopping or a stroll down Piazza del Duomo before heading back to your ship.
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Godfather Villages (Savoca & Forza D'Agro)
Set on the southern slopes of the Peloritan Mountains, Savoca was founded in the first half of the 12th-century. Your local guide will show you round this pretty little town and take you the Chiesa Madre and the Church of the Capucines. Afterwards, stop in front of the famous Bar Vitelli made famous by The Godfather film for a photo opportunity. Then walk through the ruins of the Medieval Castle, soaking up the Sicilian atmosphere. Your tour will continue to the gorgeous Medieval village of Forza D'Agro. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, it’s protected by a rock on which the 16th-century castle was built. Walk to the Church of Annunciation, where Michael Corleone's wedding was filmed in The Godfather II, then have some free time for photos before returning to your coach.
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Malta Panoramic
This driving tour takes in some of Malta’s most famous sights – everything from bomb-proof buildings to natural wonders are on the agenda. First up, you’ll set off on the coach and head for the historic city of Vittoriosa, where you’ll get to see the Church of St Lawrence, which is home to the observation tower used by Grand Master La Vallette during the siege of 1565. From here, it’s on to Marsaxlokk, Malta’s largest fishing village, where you’ll have some time to explore before getting back on the coach. Next up, you’ll drive through some tiny villages before reaching the Blue Grotto – a cluster of picturesque sea caverns on the south coast. Then, you’ll pass through the town of Girgenti, home of the Prime Minister’s summer residence, before making tracks for the Dingli Cliffs – Malta’s highest point. From here, you’ll drive through Rabat, and around the edges of Mdina, Malta’s old capital city. Lastly, there’s a stop in the town of Mosta, which is famous for its church, which was hit by a shell bomb in World War II. The bomb went through the property but, miraculously, didn’t explode.
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Highlights of Malta
Your tour kicks off just a short coach ride from the capital with a visit to the ‘Malta Experience’ - a spectacular show bringing to life more than 7,000 years of history, followed by a visit to the Barrakka Gardens, Valletta’s most beautiful garden with a breath-taking view of the Grand Harbour and the old towns of Senglea and Vittoriosa. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to walk the main attractions of Valletta like the exterior of the Grandmaster’s Palace, the House of Parliament and the outside of Castille Palace. You then make your way to Mdina, the ancient capital city, for a wander around the bastions and ramparts. You’ll also get the chance to go inside the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral. Next comes Rabat, a town just outside Mdina, famous for its crafts and local trades. Here, you’ll make one last stop at the ‘Tales of the Silent City’, where you’ll get some free time to shop for take-home trinkets, before re-boarding the ship.
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Harbour Cruise
Set off on a cruise round Valletta’s two natural harbours. This is the ultimate chill-out experience, so just sit back with a drink and watch as you float past Malta’s capital. You’ll drift by historical forts, battlements and creeks that can only be seen from the sea. Back on dry land, you’ll have some free time for retail therapy in Sliema. You can dip in and out of boutiques selling shoes, jewellery and bastketware. Simply sit beneath a parasol and sip a cup of coffee at one of the charming cafeterias dotting the seafront or just enjoy a local ice-cream on the Sliema promenade.
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Ancient caves of Massafra
Massafra looks like a standard Italian town to the untrained eye, but on this tour you’ll see its quirky natural side. Rocky ravines slink around the outskirts, with time-worn caves studded into the craggy cliff faces. You’ll be able to poke around the hidden villages and churches that are polka-dotted along the San Marco and Madonna della Scala gorges. The latter of the two was originally known as the Valley of the Roses, due to its colourful vegetation, and you’ll still see pockets of greenery as you work your way past the cave entrances. When you’ve had your fill of the weather-worn caverns, you’ll have a portion of free time to stroll around the town before heading back to the coach.
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Landmarks of Taranto
This trip’s like a living history lesson, where you’ll get a first-hand look at Taranto’s relics and ruins. Despite its location, on the heel of Italy’s boot, there’s a Greek undercurrent to everything here. You’ll start at the archaeological museum, which is set in a former convent, and showcases ancient Greek and Roman artefacts. From here, your guide will lead you into the head-turning city centre. The Temple of Poseidon, which dates back to the sixth century BC, and the Gothic Church of San Domenico, are among the first stop-offs. You’ll see Romanesque and Baroque styles at Taranto Cathedral, and the tour’s capped off with a visit to the Castello Aragonese – a huge waterside fortress built in the 15th century. Before things wrap up, you’ll get a wedge of free time to explore the city under your own steam.
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Historic Martina Franca
You’ll get off to a tasty start on this trip, as you tuck into local delicacies in Martina Franca. It’s right in the centre of Italy’s stiletto-like heel, and there’s a clear divide between the old and new neighbourhoods. Leaving the apartment-lined avenues of the main town behind, you’ll pass through the grand Porto Santo Stefano gateway into the maze-like Centro Storico. Follow the guide through these narrow alleys and you’ll reach Piazza Roma – a pretty, tree-lined square with a fountain in the centre. One side’s filled by Martina Franca’s most-prized building, the Palazzo Ducale, and the other leads further into the walled old town. Keep an eye out for the ornate Basilica di San Martino as the tour continues, before finishing with a spot of solo sightseeing.