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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sicily: Through 3,000 Years of Cultural History

Sicily: Through 3,000 Years of Cultural History

From EUR €3,595

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Description

Sicily’s many facets
The largest of the Mediterranean islands is a fabulously diverse microcosm in its own right – with rich cultural history dating back 3,000 years, with different monuments marking each era, with Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Mount Etna, and with towns and villages featuring a character and flair all of their own.

A masterwork of mosaics: the Cappella Palatina
The narrow streets of Palermo’s historic centre with their rattling Vespa scooters and vivacious market women lead to the impressive Norman palace. Inside you will find the famous Cappella Palatina. Its richness is simply overwhelming: The erstwhile royal chapel is decorated with elements of both Christian and Islamic style, artistic carvings and marble floors. It contains an inner room which is entirely covered with precious golden mosaics.

Syracuse: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cicero once described Syracuse as “the greatest and most beautiful of the Greek cities”. Up to a million people – three times the population of mighty Athens – are claimed to have lived there in antiquity. This city on the small island of Ortigia was later conquered first by the Romans, then by Arabs, Byzantines and Normans. They have left behind a unique architectural heritage: The UNESCO declared Syracuse a World Heritage Site in 2005 due to its archaeological importance.

A lecturer accompanies the trip
Exciting topics, background information and fascinating facts – our expert offers talks on a whole range of subjects from his specialist field.

Trip Name
Sicily: Through 3,000 Years of Cultural History
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing) Length: 109 metres Passenger Capacity: 64 Built / refurbished: 1931 / 2011 Sea Cloud is a ship with a soul, imbued by the original owners, Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband E.F. Hutton in the 1930’s. The ship has played host to royalty, known service in wartime, and sailed the world over. She is a vessel of incomparable grace that harks back to the golden age of ship travel. Once you’ve been on Sea Cloud under full sail, you’ll begin your own love affair. Welcome aboard a legend Sea Cloud accommodates 58 guests in 28 outside cabins including two original owner’s suites that still feature original marble baths and fireplaces. At 360 feet she is an expansive ship with extensive public spaces on the top deck, where we luxuriate in deck chairs and watch the crew of 18 go aloft in the web of riggings to hand-set her 30 sails. Her dining room is hung with marine oil paintings of the period and accommodates all guests at once for a single seating. We’ll gather in the lounge each evening for Recap. Life aboard is a uniquely pleasing mix of elegance and informality—a return to the golden age of sailing in shorts and deck shoes. You’ll find all shipboard services impeccable.  Discover the romance of tall ship sailingExperience something many people don’t know exists in the 21st century—the romance of life under square sails. Discover the thrill of standing on deck as Sea Cloud gently glides through the water, her crew aloft in the riggings, running out and reefing sails. Settle in to your favorite areas on the top deck and bask in the incomparable experience of traveling aboard the finest tall ship to ever sail the seas. Lose yourself in an adventure that, in this day and age, is almost unimaginable. Please note deck and suite plans are indicative only and may vary slightly.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 La Valletta/Malta
This strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. More than 7,000 years ago, a civilisation existed here, leaving behind enormous temple complexes. Just like proud Valletta, these are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St John, founded a modern fortified city on a rock in 1566, between the two splendid natural ports of Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Long rows of facades made from golden-yellow blocks of chalk stretch along the straight streets. Splendid Renaissance and Baroque buildings are evidence of riches and power, such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the impressive St John's Co-Cathedral.
Day 2 - Day 2 At sea
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Day 3 - Day 3 Trapani/Sicily
The old town and port of Trapani lies on a picturesque crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice. You will discover many little treasures browsing through the beautiful town centre. For the last 1,000 years, fine black and red coral jewellery has been made here. The mountain town of Erice is a real architectural gem. Not far from Tapani, this idyllic little town is tucked away in a picturesque hilltop setting overlooking the countryside and the sea. Protected defiantly by a wall, the town retains its splendid medieval atmosphere.
Day 4 - Day 4 Palermo/Sicily
The character of Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, was mainly forged by the Arabs, Swabian dynasty and Normans. Noble palaces line the magnificent streets, cheerful-looking Art Nouveau houses stand next to Baroque buildings and a little further on you are faced with pure Gothic facades. The medieval quarter towers above the huge Palazzo Reale with its "Capella Palatina", a masterpiece in the Arab-Byzantine-Norman style. The small mountain town of Monreale gives you a breathtaking view over the town and the bay, as well as the 12th century cathedral whose interior combines Romanesque, Byzantine and Arab art with rich gold mosaics.
Day 5 - Day 5 Lipari/Aeolian Islands
Lipari is a tranquil little spot and the largest of the Aeolian Islands, with a cultural heritage stretching back over 6,000 years. Right from first glance you can see its volcanic heritage, with some of the rock formations resembling sculptures, and the entire group of islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Aeolian Museum is set on the castle hill and holds an impressive collection of prehistoric and ancient artefacts from this volcanic group of islands. You will find the southern Italian way of life in this little port infectious.
Day 6 - Day 6 Naxos (Taormina)/Sicily
Taormina is perched on a rock with a majestic view over the sea. In the 19th century, this small town had already developed into a dream destination for well-heeled travellers and artists. The town's fascination lies in its elegance, the many ancient buildings, the stunningly beautiful coastline, the mild climate, and the view over the silhouette of Etna. Europe's largest volcano is over 3,000 metres (9,843 foot) high, has four summit craters and around 400 subsidiary craters, and is covered with snow almost all year round. In ancient times it was considered the seat of the gods, but nowadays large sections of it are a nature reserve.
Day 7 - Day 7 Syracuse/Sicily
The municipal area of Syracuse boasts relics from cultural history going back more than three millennia. In ancient times, the city was the most powerful in the known world and was famed for its splendour. The island of Ortigia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where Syracuse began its rise as an ancient city. The huge cathedral is at the heart of the old town, magnificent palaces line the Piazza and wide promenades invite you to take a stroll. The archaeological park brings Greek and Roman history back to life. Yet Syracuse exudes southern Italian charm, with washing drying outside the windows.
Day 8 - Day 8 La Valletta/Malta
Disembarkation.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €3,595GTY Double Cabin
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €4,095Category 5
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €4,695Category 4
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €5,195GTY Single Cabin
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €5,455Category 3
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €5,855Category 2
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €6,155Category 1
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €7,095Category C
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €7,595Category B
10-10-201917-10-2019EUR €8,095Category A

Inclusions

    • Sicily’s many facets
    • A masterwork of mosaics: the Cappella Palatina
    • Syracuse: UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • A lecturer accompanies the trip

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