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Peregrine Travel Centre

Late Summer in the Mediterranean

Late Summer in the Mediterranean

From GBP £3,445

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Description

Join us aboard the MS Serenissima for this relaxing and informative voyage as we explore the Mediterranean and all its wonders. There is of course no shortage of cruise vessels plying the major ports and cities of the Mediterranean, but few are inclined to focus on just the islands and devote a complete itinerary to them as we have done with this delightful voyage. Our intention has been to design a journey as if it were to be undertaken on a small private sailing ship, staying away from the larger commercial centres and concentrating on some of the most picturesque and interesting places in the region.

Late summer is the perfect time for our voyage, when the crowds of August have dispersed but the weather is perfect for touring and sightseeing. We have created our itinerary to reach the islands of the Mediterranean combining time in Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Malta, all of which are easy to visit individually but difficult to combine independently in an eight night trip. Owing to the fact that our small ship can moor centrally, we have the advantage of being able to access the towns by foot in many ports of call and we have also included time at leisure for individual exploration enabling you to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

We have the added benefit of excellent local guides and our knowledgeable Guest Speaker who will add much to your experience and knowledge of this fascinating region. Enjoy discovering timeless islands with their aura of history, unique island lifestyles and spectacular beauty as we travel a less well-trodden path across the Mediterranean.

Trip Name
Late Summer in the Mediterranean
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 95 Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2018 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. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Nice, France.
Embarkation in Nice. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we sail tonight.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Ile Rousse, Corsica.
Arrive this morning in Corsica and the prosperous Balagne region of the island. A morning tour will take us to Calvi where our guide will lead us through the alleyways and cobbled streets before continuing to the imposing citadel. Built by the Genoese, this 15th century structure has seen off several assaults through the centuries and offers wonderful views from its five bastions. We will also see the Caserne Sampiero and 13th century Cathedral St Jean Baptiste. This afternoon, after lunch on board, there will be an opportunity to explore the flora of Corsica with a visit to the seven hectare Parc de Saleccia where you can explore the range of paths through the gardens and see the tough plants of the maquis, pines, myrtles, figs and over 100 varieties of olive trees.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Bonifacio.
Our second day in Corsica will be in Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour. Well known by Odysseus as the home of the savage and giant laestrygonians, today Bonifacio’s breathtaking cliff-top setting and relaxed pace make it one of the most welcoming ports in the Mediterranean. On our morning tour we will explore the narrow streets and the historical heart of the town. We will discover the Bosco quarter with the St Francis Convent, the 14th century church of St Marie Majeure and take in the views from the cliff top on which the city is built. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon in port to explore further at your own pace. Maybe take a local boat ride to the Lavezzi Islands or a walk in the nearby Marine Park which offers some stunning views.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Alghero, Sardinia.
The Medieval city of Alghero was colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century and today there is still a strong Catalan identity throughout the town and it is often even referred to as “Barceloneta”. We will use the attractive port as our base for a day of exploration in the region. This morning’s panoramic drive takes us to Nuraghe Palmavera. The main tower of the Nuraghe, which still has its dome-shaped ceiling, dates back to 1100 years BC. The complex, which was abandoned in the 5th century BC due to fire, shows the different phases of social life and political organisation of the tribal community. We return to Alghero for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore the town at your own pace before we sail in the early evening. Please note that we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs or local tender.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Cagliari.
Spend the morning exploring the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, an ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. On a walking tour we will stroll around the old town with its narrow streets running along a steep hillside. See the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 14th century Cathedral of St Cecila. Alternatively, drive along the south-western coast to reach Nora which was founded by the Phoenicians but also has Carthaginian and Roman ruins. After a period of Roman prosperity, there was a decline and in the 3rd century AD the city was engulfed by the sea. Still visible today are the remains of Carthaginian warehouse, various Roman buildings, including the baths with splendid mosaics and the theatre. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we cruise towards Sicily.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Palermo, Sicily.
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 either enjoy some time to explore independently or join an excursion to Monreale Cathedral, said to be the most beautiful Norman Church in Italy, designed and completed by William the Good in 1174. With its thick walls and powerful towers, the exterior looks like an austere fortress yet it is the interior of this great cathedral which is its crowning glory. Here the large nave, with its side aisles and grey granite columns set off the exquisite Byzantine mosaics on the walls above the arches.
Day 7 - Day 7 - 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 8 - Day 8 - Syracuse.
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. The afternoon is free to explore independently and we will sail late this evening if anyone wishes to take an after dinner stroll or dine ashore.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Valletta, Malta.
Disembark this morning and continue with onward travel plans.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-09-201924-09-2019GBP £3,445Standard Stateroom
16-09-201924-09-2019GBP £3,645Classic Stateroom
16-09-201924-09-2019GBP £5,545Serenissima Suite
16-09-201924-09-2019GBP £3,845Superior Stateroom
16-09-201924-09-2019GBP £4,245Standard Single
16-09-201924-09-2019GBP £4,245Deluxe Stateroom
16-09-201924-09-2019GBP £4,745Junior Suite
16-09-201924-09-2019GBP £5,545Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Travelling with You
    • Dr Christopher Whitton. Christopher Whitton is a Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge. On receiving his doctorate in 2007, he was appointed to a tenured Faculty position at Cambridge, where he teaches Greek and Latin language and literature; he is also Fellow, Director of Studies in Classics and Director of Music at Emmanuel College. Christopher’s research focuses on Roman literature, history and culture, but his interests and expertise extend across the ancient Mediterranean world.
    • Travelling with You
    • Dr Michael Squire. Michael Squire is Reader in Classical Art at King’s College London, and has held research positions at Cambridge, Cologne, Munich and Stanford; he also held a Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship at Harvard University, and has worked at several Berlin institutes. Michael’s publications straddle the fields of Classics, art history and aesthetics. His first book, Panorama of the Classical World (2004, with Nigel Spivey), has been translated into six languages, and he is the author of three other monographs including The Art of the Body: Antiquity and its Legacy, 2011. Michael is an accredited lecturer for The Art Society and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy;

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