Our 5-star fleet offers an authentic sailing experience to make your journey unforgettable. While onboard, indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa, or try hot-rock cooking at the onboard restaurant. Then, disembark for an eye-opening visit to a local winery or a walking tour of some of the world’s most iconic cities and undiscovered gems. All the while, enjoy these world-class ship amenities:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Low passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Destination Manager
• Knowledgeable staff by region
• Onboard medical doctor (travelers are responsible for medical fees associated with doctor visit and medications)
• Gift Shop
• Library with over 200 titles
• Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
• Complimentary unlimited WiFi (WiFi on certain segments of trips may not be available)
• Entertainment programming with 100 movie titles
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology

• Enjoy a wine tasting at a private Sicilian winery in Erice
• In Taormina, choose the Mount Etna tour for a winery visit and tasting
• Enjoy opportunities to dine on your own and discover regional wines

Discover the blend of cultures, religions, and cuisines that have melded together to form contemporary Italy and Croatia with Vantage’s curated cultural features, including:

• Discover Erice’s “salt road”
• Circumnavigate Sicily and learn about the unique culture and cuisine of this fascinating island
• Discover the unique trulli homes in the town of Alberobello, localed in Italy’s Puglia region
• Enjoy nights of local onboard entertainment
• Participate in workshops and cooking demos that immerse you in the cultures of Italy and Croatia
• Visit the Vatican Museums in Rome
• Participate in onboard lectures, designed to bring you closer to the history, culture, and cuisine of your destinations

The culinary gems of Italy and Croatia have been well-documented, and foodies have reason to rejoice:

• Enjoy lunch at a local masseria (country estate) in Puglia
• Granita or wine tasting (depending on choice of tour) in Taormina
• Wine tasting at a private Sicilian winery
• Home-hosted lunch with pizza-making demonstration at a local farm outside Pompeii
• Purchase Mediterranean Sea salt in the town of Erice, and see how it’s made
• Enjoy opportunities to dine on your own throughout your journey

This journey includes visits to 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and so much more:

• Visit 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Rome, the Vatican, Pompeii, Aeolian Islands, Valletta, Syracuse, Etna (choice of tours), Alberobello, Diocletian’s Palace, Historic Defensive Walls of Zadar, Venice
• Spend two nights in UNESCO-listed Venice and see its iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica
• Step inside the trulli homes in UNESCO-listed Alberobello
• Circumnavigate Sicily and visit three of its most interesting coastal towns
• Uncover Maltese history in its historic capital, Valletta, and in a 5D movie experience
• Tour the ruins of ancient Pompeii
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace while taking in Split’s spectacular seaside beauty
• Visit the Vatican Museums in Rome’s Vatican City
• Attend lectures throughout your cruise by notable experts in each region

The soul-stirring beauty of the natural world greets you at every turn on this stunning Mediterranean voyage:

• Take in views of Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands as you cruise through the Adriatic Sea
• Enjoy lunch in a masseria (country estate) in Puglia
• Discover different wine varietals and the unique soul and climate that helps them flourish
• Find out how Mediterranean sea salt is made along the salt road in Erice
• Explore the Aeolian Islands
• Visit several volcanic sites, including Etna and Pompeii

The magnificent Mediterranean is a wonder for the senses, from its sprawling sea- and landscapes to those ancient Roman landmarks. Here are a few tips to help you capture beautiful and memorable pictures:

• Take your time to capture an image. Think like a photographer and slow down to compose your shot. Remember: tourists take pictures, while photographers make images
• From the Colosseum in Rome to the vast landscapes on the coastline, you’ll encounter large landmarks on this trip, which might create pressure to fit everything into one shot. Instead, try focusing on a distinctive feature rather than trying to incorporate everything into frame
• Incorporate your surroundings. Don’t try to edge out other tourists from your photos, but use them to enhance the scene. Try tilting the camera at your target, including tourists and the real scene in the background or forefront, and the image instantly is more intriguing than a generic snapshot
• Pursue quirky composition — shooting off-center makes for a more artsy, unique shot

On this small ship ocean cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Onboard Destination Manager to personalize your expedition
• Water-sport opportunities, depending on the location
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, jacuzzis, and a gym

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.