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Peregrine Travel Centre

Circumnavigation of Sicily 2018

Circumnavigation of Sicily 2018

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Description

The island of Sicily has an incredible wealth of treasures and a geography which lends itself beautifully to exploration by sea with most points of interest located close to the coast. Owing to its benevolent climate and superb strategic position, Sicily has been coveted, fought over and colonised numerous times with the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Byzantines and Bourbons having all made their mark. With our circumnavigation of the island aboard the MS Serenissima we have the luxury of time allowing us to explore at a relaxing pace Sicily’s rich heritage which is the result of so many invading civilisations.

From magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas, there is so much to explore during our circumnavigation of the islands which we have timed in September when the crowds of summer will have departed and the temperatures will be pleasant for our guided tours. We will visit the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana di Casale, the Valle dei Templi, the superbly well-preserved Greek temples of Segesta and the Norman Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Byzantine Monreale Cathedral and the stunning Greek theatre at Taormina. We have planned some late departures from port, which afford the opportunity to enjoy dining ashore or an after dinner stroll in some towns which are particularly atmospheric in the evening. In addition, local guides and our onboard guest speaker will contribute greatly to your enjoyment and understanding of Sicily.

Trip Name
Circumnavigation of Sicily 2018
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 107 (from Dec 2018 - 95) Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2018 We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and the fact that she is is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her in top form. In December 2018, the vessel will once again undergo a significant refurbishment after which she will accommodate a maximum of just 95 guests. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. AIR-CONDITIONING The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. DAILY PROGRAMME A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service. DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available between 07:00 hours and 23:00 hours at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests in advance. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door and no step into/out of the bathroom and shower area. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift. DOCTOR A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require.  ELECTRICITY The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. GRATUITIES Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday. INTERNET The onboard library has a computer equipped for email/internet access and Wi-Fi access is available in public areas, although you will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 100mb for €15 Euros, or 500mb for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. MONEY The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts: Cash (Euros or British Pounds), Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa). Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted. PUBLIC AREAS • Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 11.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas SNORKELLING Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach.  TELEVISION The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship. ZODIACS Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.  PLEASE NOTE: Deck plan varies for 2019 cruises, no inside cabins.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Serenissima moored in Valletta. Embark and sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Syracuse, Sicily.
Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean and rivalled Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. On leaving the vessel we visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park where we find a well preserved Greek theatre with seats carved from limestone. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone and is the site of the curious ‘Dionysus’ Ear’ - a vast grotto with an amplifying resonance. We will continue to explore the island of Ortigia where we find the Temple of Apollo, considered to be Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple and the Baroque Cathedral, erected over the remains of the Temple of Minerva. After lunch on board enjoy a free afternoon to explore independently.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Licata for Piazza Armerina.
Founded in 280 BC, Licata has grown into an important commercial centre. The main reason for this stop, however, is to drive inland to what is regarded as the finest Roman site on Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale, located close to Piazza Armerina amidst wooded rolling countryside. This huge villa was built in the 3rd century and has some stunning floor mosaics. Our return drive takes us through the province of Caltanissetta, recognised today as one of the best wine making regions in Italy thanks above all to its production of high quality, prestigious red wines including Nero D’Avola. We will break our journey at one of these vineyards and enjoy a chance to sample some wine over a Sicilian lunch. Return to the MS Serenissima in the late afternoon and sail the short distance to Agrigento where we moor overnight.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Agrigento.
Although handsome in its own right and awash with Medieval atmosphere, Agrigento is not our main reason for calling at this southern coast port. Close by is the Valle dei Templi, a series of Doric temples and the most captivating of Sicilian Greek remains and a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in greenery of olive and almond trees, admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concord, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Olympic Jove and the Temple of Hercules. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Agrigento and shuttles will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum where you can explore at your leisure.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Trapani.
Trapani was the landing point for Peter of Aragon in 1282 to start the Spanish occupation of Sicily and is our base for the day. From the port choose to either travel to the nearby town of Erice, famed in antiquity for its temple dedicated to the goddess of love, the Phoenician Astarte, Greek Aphrodite or Roman Venus. A tour will take us to this stunning site high above the sea and to the beautifully preserved Medieval town characterized by its winding cobblestone streets and beautiful courtyards. Alternatively, travel inland to explore Segesta, one of the grandest Doric monuments to survive. See the unfinished temple dating from 424 BC as well as the theatre from which you can enjoy excellent views of the countryside and distant coastline. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon to explore Trapani at your own pace.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Palermo.
Arrive this morning in the Sicilian capital of Palermo. After breakfast we will explore the city, famous for its jumbled and picturesque streets punctuated with ornate Baroque churches, domed Arab mosques and the glittering Byzantine mosaics that reveal a unique and diverse heritage. We visit the impressive 12th century cathedral which houses the royal tombs of Henri VI and King Ruggiero. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and this afternoon choose to see the remarkable Medieval mosaics in the cathedral at Monreale or join a tour to Cefalu. The town is of Greek origin; its name, meaning “head,” derives from its perch on a precipitous rocky headland. A walking tour will include the splendid Norman-Arab Cathedral, begun in 1131 and famous for its mosaics including a superb image of Christ Pantocrator. We also visit a Medieval wash-house and the Osterio Magno, the 11th century residence of King Ruggiero II. Enjoy some free time to explore this photogenic town before we return to Palermo.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Lipari.
We will spend the day at the picturesque island of Lipari situated in the Aeolian Islands off the north coast of Sicily. Here we will find an amazing collection of ruins from the prehistoric through to the Roman period. Lipari town is a thriving little place prettily located between two harbours. Our morning tour includes a visit to the upper town set within fortress walls and a drive around the volcano followed by a visit to the Archaeological Museum with its impressive relics from nearby excavations. The afternoon is free to soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque island before we sail this evening.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Messina for Taormina.
From the nearby port of Messina we will visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. The town has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and our guided tour will include walking the characteristic alleys before visiting the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theatre from where there are marvellous views over the town and coast. For those who wish to enjoy longer here you will be able to take lunch independently in one of the local restaurants and spend an afternoon exploring at leisure before our coach returns to Messina. Alternatively, return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy free time in Messina before we sail this evening.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Agropoli for Paestum, Italy.
Spend a relaxing morning at sea as we make our way to the Italian mainland; maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to watch the world go by. During lunch we arrive at the small port of Agropoli which is a convenient location for our afternoon excursion to Paestum. Founded by Greeks in 600 BC, this well preserved and fascinating site was rediscovered in 1752. On our half day tour we will see the impressive Temple Poseidon, the Basilica, Amphitheatre and Aethenian before spending some time in the museum, adjacent to the site.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Naples.
Arrive this morning in Naples and see the Norman castle that protects the port and the backdrop of Vesuvius in the distance. There will be a choice of excursions today and you may choose to take the ferry and spend the day on the garden island of Ischia. A tour of the island will focus on La Mortella, a wonderful garden designed by architect Russell Page for Lord and Lady William Walton. Divided into two parts called the Valley and Upper Garden, the areas are linked by a network of paths and inviting walks from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bay of Forio. Spread over two hectares there are fountains, ponds, streams and scattered everywhere are water loving plants. We will have lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying free time to explore the main town. Alternatively, enjoy a day in Naples where a morning tour will take us to Herculaneum. This wealthy Roman town was completely submerged by volcanic mud following the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius. Since its rediscovery in 1709, excavations have revealed beautiful public baths, villas and gardens of noble families, decorated with murals and floor mosaics, and the remains of a theatre. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Naples.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Naples to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-09-201802-10-2018£5,595Deluxe Stateroom
22-09-201802-10-2018£5,195Superior Stateroom
22-09-201802-10-2018£5,795Standard Stateroom Plus Sole
22-09-201802-10-2018£5,695Standard Stateroom Sole
22-09-201802-10-2018£6,195Junior Suite
22-09-201802-10-2018£4,495Inside Cabin
22-09-201802-10-2018£4,495Inside Single
22-09-201802-10-2018£4,695Standard Stateroom
22-09-201802-10-2018£4,895Standard Single
22-09-201802-10-2018£6,595Owners Suite
22-09-201802-10-2018£6,595Executive Suite
22-09-201802-10-2018£4,795Standard Stateroom Plus

Inclusions

    • Visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park where we find a well preserved Greek theatre with seats carved from limestone.
    • Discover the finest Roman site on Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale.
    • Explore the Sicilian capital of Palermo. This city is famous for its jumbled and picturesque streets punctuated with ornate Baroque churches, domed Arab mosques and the glittering Byzantine mosaics that reveal a unique and diverse heritage.
    • Visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano.

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