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Treasures of Sicily

Treasures of Sicily

From $4,330 AUD

Description

Discover the treasures of Sicily, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean, on a new itinerary connecting Malta and Sicily.

During this 8-day cruise around Sicily aboard our new luxury expedition ship Le Champlain, you will be able to explore mythical places at the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilisations.

Valletta, the capital of Malta, will be our departure point. Then, we will head straight to the Sicilian coast. In Palermo, the capital of Sicily, you will be able to visit emblematic landmarks such as the 12th century cathedral and Teatro Massimo, one of the largest theatres in Europe.

Lipari, the capital of the volcanic Aeolian Islands, is renowned for its many natural and architectural treasures. Not far from there, you will be able to contemplate the magnificent show put on by the Stromboli volcano and its regular lava eruptions.

You will then take to the sea once again to discover Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional.

Trip Name
Treasures of Sicily
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series, Le Champlain 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. Through its two restaurants, Le Champlain will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. 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. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Champlain 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 - Valetta
The whole of the Maltese capital Valetta 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, with its splendidly ornate gilding, 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 pleasant green, floral experience.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Porto Empedocle
Huddled on the south-western coast of Sicily, Porto Empedocles bears the name of the philosopher Empedocles, who lived in the region in the 5th century BC. An age-old city offered up to sun and sea, this is your doorway to the exceptional archaeological site of Temple Valley, a high place of Greek civilisation listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can admire the remains of many temples dedicated to Zeus, his wife Hera and Hephaestus. Make sure you take in the magnificent Italian countryside, with its olive orchards that cover the hillsides.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Trapani & Palermo
Bathed in the cobalt waters of the Tyrrhenian sea, Trapani is the former port of the Greek city of Erice, boasting a privileged natural position in western Sicily. As you wander through its little streets, you will discover a secular cultural heritage, bearing witness to the many influences of civilisations that came here: San Lorenzo Cathedral, Maria Santissima Annunziata sanctuary, the fountain of Triton. On the shaded restaurant terraces, savour some fresh fish from the morning’s catch. Or else you can opt for a seafood couscous, a culinary legacy from their Arab neighbours.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Palermo
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Lipari & Sailing in front of Stromboli
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.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 6 - Day 6 - Taormina
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 - Gozo & Valetta
This attractive, secluded island is located in the north-west of the Maltese archipelago. You can admire the Azure Window, a natural arch protruding into the sea among limestone cliffs. At the top of the hills stands Victoria, the capital where you can explore its little streets and old houses. At the top of the historical district, the citadel ramparts offer rural panoramas stretching to the shoreline. To discover character wines, local honey, thyme and fruity Gozo olive oil, drop by in the fine food stores in M?arr harbour. You could also relax on one of the peaceful beaches nearby.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Valetta
Disembarkation
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$11,360Owner's Suite
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$6,830Deluxe Suite Deck 6
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$11,010Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$10,670Privilege Suite Deck 6
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$10,670Privilege Suite Deck 5
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$10,350Prestige Suite Deck 6
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$10,030Prestige Suite Deck 5
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$6,830Deluxe Suite Deck 3
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$4,930Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$4,770Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$6,830Deluxe Suite Deck 5
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$4,620Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$4,330Deluxe Stateroom
04-10-201811-10-2018AUD$11,010Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$11,360Owner's Suite
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$6,830Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$6,830Deluxe Suite Deck 5
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$4,620Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$4,330Deluxe Stateroom
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$11,010Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$11,010Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$10,670Privilege Suite Deck 6
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$10,670Privilege Suite Deck 5
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$10,350Prestige Suite Deck 6
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$10,030Prestige Suite Deck 5
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$6,830Deluxe Suite Deck 3
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$4,930Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
11-10-201818-10-2018AUD$4,770Prestige Stateroom Deck 5

Inclusions

    • A loop around Sicily, from Malta;
    • An overnight stay aboard the ship in Valletta before disembarking, to visit the capital of Malta, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted European Capital of Culture for 2018;
    • Discovering Sicily's most beautiful historic cities and ancient sites: Palermo (overnight stay on the ship and full day to visit), Trapani, Taormina and its theatre;
    • Sailing by the Stromboli volcano.

Map