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Mediterranean Nature and Culture

Mediterranean Nature and Culture

From AUD $3,310

Description

Discover an exclusive itinerary in the Mediterranean: step aboard the Le Lyrial for an unforgettable 8-day cruise between Greece and Italy.

Your voyage starts with a stop at Hydra. Located to the east of the Peloponnese, Hydra is an island without cars which offers a rugged charm and some spectacular scenes. This port of call will allow you to enjoy a leisurely walk through Hydra’s little alleys and impressive stone houses.

Lipari is the capital of the Aeolian volcanic archipelago and is particularly known for its many natural and architectural gems. Not far from there, you will discover the amazing sight of the Stromboli volcano, an active volcano whose crater regularly erupts with lava flows.

Before returning to the aptly-named Isle of Beauty, you will visit Amalfi and its coastline. Perched between sky and sea, Amalfi and the little villages hidden nearby are true treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Trip Name
Mediterranean Nature and Culture
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the  luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in  Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 ATHENS
The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. Don’t miss anything of the city’s cultural past. Pay a visit to the National Archaeological museum, or the Cycladic Art Museum.
Day 2 - Day 2 HYDRA & CROSSING THE CORINTH CANAL
This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbour town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-coloured caïquesalong the quays. Further along the shore, within the walls of the “Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary” is a museum of Byzantine art. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience !
Day 3 - Day 3 FISKARDO
We know you’ll be won over by the charm of this fishing village located north-east of the island of Cephalonia. A best kept secret of the Ionian archipelago, Fiskardo gives onto the coasts of Ithaca, home of legendary king Odysseus. To see the coasts, just walk out onto the jetty. While you’re there, look back at the colourful houses along the quaysides: they have surprising architecture with evidence of Italian influence. Unwind at the café terraces along the water’s edge, in the shade of gazebos. While you watch the boats in the harbour, you can savour some local specialities like kreatopita, small meat pastries.
Day 4 - Day 4 TAORMINA, SICILY & SAILING IN FRONT OF STROMBOLI
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.Like Ulysses during his Odyssey, you will have the opportunity to admire the Stromboli, the capricious volcano that looms over the Aeolian Islands. Its activity, uninterrupted for thousands of years, has earned it the nickname the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”.
Day 5 - Day 5 LIPARI, AEOLIAN ISLANDS
Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvellous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the centre, you’ll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.
Day 6 - Day 6 AMALFI & SAILING BY CAPRI
The little town of Campania gives its name to the region containing the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage listed, Amalfi coast. And for good reason. Located at the foot of Mount Cerreto, against a rock face of a gorge that opens onto the sea, Amalfi’s absolutely splendid natural scenery alone is enough to feast your eyes on before making for the medieval streets to explore some of its history. The mix of cultural influences from the Mediterranean Rim is omnipresent here. Don’t miss the dome of Saint André the Apostle and its beautiful cloister, before sipping a delicious lemon juice made from locally grown lemons at a terrace bar.Known as ”the Blue Island”, Capri has always been a magnet for the great of this world, who came to enjoy the beauty of this white rocky jewel, covered in vineyards and pine trees and delicately placed on the intense blue of the Mediterranean. Indented with azure marine caves, its narrow streets adorned with wisteria, the island first attracted romantic aesthetes before becoming the glamourous playground of the gilded youth.
Day 7 - Day 7 BONIFACIO, CORSICA
The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.
Day 8 - Day 8 CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $3,310Superior Stateroom
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $5,150DeLuxe Stateroom
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $20,180Owner’s Suite
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $5,840Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $6,150Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $6,480Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $9,290Deluxe Suite
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $12,830Prestige Suite - Deck 5
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $13,500Privilege Suite
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $15,600Grand Deluxe Suite
12-08-201919-08-2019AUD $19,980Grand Privilege Suite

Inclusions

    • A kid-friendly, family cruise, with specific entertainment.
    • The Amalfi Coast, listed with UNESCO as world heritage.
    • Charming port of call: Hydra, the St Tropez of Athenians.
    • The marvellous Greek theatre of Taormina, overlooking the waves.
    • An unforgettable crossing of the Corinth Canal.
    • Sailing by the Stromboli volcano.
    • The possibility of visiting Athens and Rome, before and after your cruise.

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