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The Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather

Dining
+
Beverages
+
Wi-Fi
+
Shore excursions
£6,429pp
Voyage Code: AURORAITM001D
moon 11 nights
anchor Douglas Mawson
calendar 8 Jul '26

Cruise overview

Welcome to AE Expeditions’ The Godfather For Italy aficionados, no trip to their favourite country is complete without visiting its southern shores, spending time on the cherished island of Sicily and dropping into the Mediterranean gem of Malta. Contested for centuries by Europe’s legendary empires, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Malta are a modern-day traveller’s dream. The coastline is dotted with a colourful array of sun-drenched resorts, picturesque clifftop villages, and impressive ancient cities. Combined with the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle, delicious food and wine, and the region’s intriguing political history, this segment of Europe overflows with tales of family feuds, hidden secrets and dangerous liaisons, making its shores a fascinating find. This journey inspires stories spanning from indulgent emperors to slave uprisings and from buried cities to resort towns brimming with wanton excess. Their stories tell epic tales on this voyage of ‘Godfather proportions’.

Rome
Rome
Porto Santo Stefano
Gaeta
Naples
Castellammare di Stabia
Messina
Palermo
Porto Empedocle
Siracuse, Sicily
Valletta
Valletta

Itinerary

Day 1

Rome

Welcome to Rome. On arrival at Rome airport, make your way to the Arrivals Hall, to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Rome. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening enjoy dinner at one of the local trattorias (own expense), with time to relax in preparation for our day tomorrow. Accommodation: Rome Hotel


Rome, Italy, the Eternal City, is a stunning blend of ancient history and vibrant modern life. Iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon showcase its glorious past. Cobblestone streets lead to charming piazzas, bustling markets, and world-renowned museums. Rome’s culinary scene delights with traditional Italian cuisine and lively cafes. The city’s rich culture, impressive architecture, and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination for travellers.

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Day 2

Rome

Day 3

Porto Santo Stefano

Day 4

Gaeta

Day 5

Naples

Day 6

Castellammare di Stabia

Day 7

Messina

Day 8

Palermo

Day 9

Porto Empedocle

Day 10

Siracuse, Sicily

Day 11

Valletta

Day 12

Valletta

Aurora Stateroom Superiorfrom£6,819pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Cfrom£7,009pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Bfrom£7,339pp
Balcony Stateroom Category Afrom£7,859pp
Balcony Stateroom Superiorfrom£8,639pp
Junior Suitefrom£10,779pp
Captain's Suitefrom£12,799pp
Balcony Stateroom Category A – SoloCall for price
Aurora Stateroom TwinCall for price

Aurora Stateroom Superior

from£6,819pp
Enquire now

Spacious mid-deck rooms with large picture windows offering natural light and ocean views.

Amenities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Lounge Area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Ship features

Douglas Mawson brings expedition capability and boutique comfort together, offering travellers an authentic yet luxurious way to experience the Earth’s wild frontiers.

Overview
Accommodation
Dining
Amenities
Wellness
Entertainment
Families
  • 154-guest expedition vessel
  • Ulstein X-Bow for stability and efficiency
  • 15 Zodiacs with four embarkation points
  • Observation lounge and glass atrium
  • Spacious lecture theatre and science centre
  • Outdoor hot tubs and wellness area
  • Sauna and gym with panoramic views
  • Dedicated mudroom and gear storage
  • Modern restaurant and casual lounge bar
  • Expert-led enrichment and daily briefings
Douglas Mawson Accommodation

Accommodation

Douglas Mawson offers 76 staterooms and suites designed for warmth, comfort, and practicality. Each features an en-suite bathroom, seating area, and flexible twin-or-double configuration. Interconnecting cabins suit families or groups, while Balcony Suites provide private outdoor space and premium amenities ideal for extended voyages.

Douglas Mawson Dining

Dining

The main restaurant offers open-seating dining with menus inspired by fresh regional ingredients. Daily meals include international and locally influenced dishes, complemented by complimentary house wines, beers, and soft drinks at dinner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available throughout the day.

Douglas Mawson Amenities

Amenities

Public spaces include a light-filled observation lounge, library, and science centre. Outdoor decks provide excellent wildlife viewing, while the atrium delivers sweeping forward-facing views. Guests also enjoy a boutique, medical centre, and mudroom for excursion preparation.

Douglas Mawson Wellness

Wellness

After a day of adventure, unwind in the wellness area featuring a sauna, gym, and outdoor hot tubs. Spa treatments and yoga sessions are offered during sea days, ensuring balance between exploration and relaxation.

Douglas Mawson Entertainment

Entertainment

Rather than traditional shows, Douglas Mawson focuses on enrichment. Daily presentations by expedition leaders and guest experts cover geology, wildlife, and polar history. Evenings are relaxed, with social gatherings in the lounge and informal recaps of the day’s discoveries.

Douglas Mawson Families

Families

Although primarily tailored for adult travellers, families with older children are welcome. Interconnecting cabins and engaging educational activities make the Douglas Mawson ideal for multi-generational adventure.