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Epicurean Delights of Southern Italy & Sicily

Epicurean Delights of Southern Italy & Sicily

From AUD $6,630

Description

Created specially for like-minded travelers.

Join New York Times experts Eric Asimov and Arthur Schwartz on this very special exploration of the foods and wines of southern Italy and Sicily.

Food—its cultivation, preparation, and consumption—has always been central to the Italian way of life. This one-of-a-kind program is an extraordinary opportunity both to study and to experience the various roles food and wine play in our lives and its relation to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Immerse yourself in the bounty of Sicily and Southern Italy’s regional cuisines as we sample the pastas of Syracuse and the wines of Mt. Etna, the artisanal meats and cheese of Calabria, mozzarella from Agropoli and pizza from Naples. Taking advantage of rich volcanic soils and a variety of splendid grapes, wonderful reds and whites and sparkling wines characteristic of each region abound. We will taste them all.

In addition to these culinary-tailored activities, we will have the opportunity to see the temples of the ancient Greeks at Syracuse, Taormina, and Paestum; to discover the iconic Roman sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as those in the Eternal City itself; and to discover inviting medieval towns, including Noto and Tropea. Seldom is there such an opportunity to enjoy such a rich feast.

Trip Name
Epicurean Delights of Southern Italy & Sicily
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS  Le Jacques Cartier has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 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 2 - Day 2 GAETA
Gaeta takes its name from the legend of the nanny of Aeneas. This illustrious relationship can be seen in the nobility of this old town, built on a peninsula, at the end of a headland. In Roman times, Gaeta was already a renowned seaside destination; it fell under Byzantine domination then became an autonomous duchy and an independent republic. The fortifications that surround this ancient fort remind us of this rich history, as does the cathedral bell tower, an elegant building of both Roman and Moor influence, decorated with ceramic in the style of bell-towers of Amalfi.
Day 3 - Day 3 NAPLES
More Italian than Italy itself, Naples is the capital of the beautiful region of Campania, and is an unusual city to say the least. Its gulf, dominated by Vesuvius, is one of the world’s marvels. Built by the Greeks and then occupied by the Romans, the city has retained the memory of antiquity, as Castell dell’Ovo illustrates. But Naples has another side to it with its hustle and bustle, narrow streets, clothes hung out to dry at windows, Caravaggio paintings on the walls of a church, and incessant rumour in an sleepless city. This is a head-spinning city to visit and savour: don’t forget to eat a slice of pizza Margherita.
Day 4 - Day 4 AGROPOLI
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Day 5 - Day 5 VIBO VALENTIA
Nestling in the heart of Calabria, a region of white rock at the toe of Italy’s boot, Vibo Valentia harbour town offers laid-back charm in the heart of pristine nature. You can wander through its historical centre, exploring its medieval past of the which the Norman castle is the most beautiful illustration. Now a museum, this castle houses a selection of precious pieces from Antiquity. The region is brimming with medieval villages as well as fine sandy beaches along the Costa degli Dei, a perfect setting to unwind.
Day 6 - Day 6 TAORMINA, SICILY
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.
Day 7 - Day 7 SYRACUSE, SICILY
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
Day 8 - Day 8 VALLETTA
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. Among the city’s countless monuments, you can visit Saint-John’s cathedral, the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes, not to mention the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $6,630DELUXE STATEROOM
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $7,010PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $7,210PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $7,430PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $9,970DELUXE SUITE
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $14,270PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $14,700PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $15,140PRIVILEGE SUITE
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $15,580GRAND DELUXE SUITE
18-10-202025-10-2020AUD $16,050OWNER'S SUITE

Inclusions

    • Series of lectures and discussions with New York Times experts on food and wine, Eric Asimov and Arthur Schwartz
    • An included exclusive private dinner at the Michelin-starred Palazzo Petrucci in Naples
    • Optional excursions to iconic ancient sites: Syracuse, Taormina, Paestum, Pompeii and Herculaneum
    • Optional excursions to agriturismo sites and wineries in every port of call

Map