When Silversea’s Venetian Society members were asked to design their ideal Mediterranean itinerary, they chose a love letter to Italy. The result is a 12-day voyage departing Nice on June 19, 2026, that reads like a greatest hits collection of Italian coastal gems – from the glamorous curves of Portofino to the volcanic drama of Sicily’s Mount Etna.
The Silver Shadow will trace Italy’s coastline on this reunion voyage, making overnight calls that allow for deeper exploration. Venetian Society president Bert Hernandez will personally host the sailing, which welcomes both loyal guests and newcomers to experience what makes Silversea’s community-driven approach so compelling.
Beyond the usual suspects
While the itinerary includes crowd-pleasers like Rome (via Civitavecchia) and Malta’s honey-colored capital Valletta, it’s the lesser-known ports that reveal Italy’s quieter charms. Porto Santo Stefano, gateway to Tuscany’s Maremma region, offers wine experiences at the Antinori family’s Le Mortelle estate – a sustainably designed winery built into rolling hills where vines have grown since 1385.
On the island of Elba, guests dock at Portoferraio, Napoleon’s former place of exile that now serves as a launching point for exploring crystalline waters and hiking trails with panoramic Mediterranean views. The volcanic island of Ponza, beloved by Romans seeking a summer escape, provides that authentic Italian island experience without the crowds of Capri or the Amalfi Coast.
Culinary immersion at every port
Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program transforms each destination into a feast for the senses. In Tuscany, guests can join food writer Emiko Davies and sommelier Marco Lami for wine and food pairings in the medieval hilltop town of San Miniato, renowned for its white truffles and panoramic Tuscan vistas.
Sicily offers perhaps the most authentic cultural exchange: a cooking class with Chef Monica Consoli in an 18th-century Sicilian home in Viagrande, on Mount Etna’s slopes. Following a morning spent selecting ingredients at Catania’s vibrant markets, guests prepare traditional pasta, vegetables, and cakes before dining al fresco in a garden setting that embodies Sicilian family life.
The Tuscan detour
For guests seeking an even deeper Italian immersion, Silversea offers a three-day mid-voyage land adventure through Tuscany’s heart. Passengers can disembark in Livorno and rejoin the ship in Porto Santo Stefano after exploring Siena’s Palio traditions, the Renaissance beauty of Pienza, and the prestigious wine estates of Montepulciano and Montalcino. It’s an opportunity to experience Tuscany’s rolling hills and hilltop villages at a more leisurely pace than typical shore excursions allow.
The Venetian Society difference
What sets these reunion voyages apart is their emphasis on community. Venetian Society members – Silversea’s loyalty program participants – enjoy perks like five percent cruise fare discounts and commemorative gifts, but the real value lies in the shared experiences. Onboard receptions, enriched entertainment, and thoughtful touches create an atmosphere where solo travelers feel welcomed and couples can easily make new friends.
The reunion concept taps into cruising’s greatest strength: the opportunity to form lasting connections while exploring the world’s most compelling destinations. For those unable to wait until 2026, Silversea’s 2025 Venetian Society Reunion Voyage departs Venice on October 17, exploring highlights of the Adriatic and Greece.
Planning your Italian odyssey
The 2026 voyage returns to Nice on July 1, making it an ideal option for combining with a longer European summer holiday. With over 100 distinct shore experiences offered on this single sailing, guests can craft their own version of Italian discovery – whether that means truffle hunting in Tuscany, volcano hiking in Sicily, or simply savoring Ligurian focaccia with panoramic coastal views.
In a world where authentic travel experiences feel increasingly rare, Silversea’s approach to Italian exploration offers something precious: the chance to go deeper, connect meaningfully, and create memories that extend far beyond the voyage itself.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
