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Peregrine Travel Centre

Islands of Italy with Serenissima

Islands of Italy with Serenissima

From GBP £4,195

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Description

This is a voyage that will appeal to those who love Italy and enjoy hopping between islands combining as it does the opportunity to explore the delightful islands of Elba, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. The islands feature an array of ancient ruins and attractive towns and villages which we will discover during our included, guided excursions whilst we have also allowed for ample time to explore independently.

Sailing from the Tuscan port of Livorno we first visit the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile from where we sail to Corsica. Despite officially being a part of France, the island of Corsica has its own identity and benefits from magnificent geographical diversity ranging from stunning natural harbours to picture perfect hilltop villages and majestic countryside. Continuing to Sardinia we explore the Medieval city of Alghero, the Nuraghe Palmavera archaeological complex, and from Cagliari will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful ruins of Nora. Our last days are spent on Sicily which, with a history of 3000 years has a wealth of sites to discover from magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas.

In addition to our fascinating itinerary we have the pleasure of cruising aboard the charming 95-passenger MS Serenissima which, due to her size, is able to visit atmospheric ports and villages that the big ships cannot access. Local guides and our onboard Guest Speaker will contribute greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of these island gems and you will find yourself wanting to return time and time again.

Trip Name
Islands of Italy with Serenissima
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 95 Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2019 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 London to Pisa, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight to Pisa. On arrival transfer to the port of Livorno to embark the MS Serenissima. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail tonight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Portoferraio, Elba.
After breakfast we will explore the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile from 1814 to 1815. Departing from the island’s busy capital Portoferraio, we set out for a delightful drive exploring the southern region of this charming island with superb views over the coastline. The first stop will be Villa San Martino which was the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and has been transformed into a museum. Later enjoy some time at leisure in Porto Azzurro to explore this delightful town which is dominated by an ancient Spanish fortress and a picturesque harbour. Our drive continues along the coast to the 17th century country wine farm, La Chiusa, which is beautifully nestled in a vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the ocean. As with every self-respecting mansion on Elba, La Chiusa claims to have once housed Napoleon during his exile here. Experience the estate’s interesting cellar to learn how the wine is produced and enjoy a delicious sampling of the local wine. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Portoferraio.
Day 3 - Day 3 Bonifacio, Corsica.
Be on deck this morning as we arrive in Corsica at Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour. 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 clifftop on which the city is built. Afterwards maybe take a walk in the nearby Marine Park which offers some stunning views back to the town. We will sail late this evening allowing time for an after-dinner stroll.
Day 4 - Day 4 Porto Torres & Alghero, Sardinia.
Arrive in Sardinia and the port of Porto Torres this morning. A panoramic drive takes us to Nuraghe Palmavera with its main tower of the Nuraghe, which still has its dome shaped ceiling that dates back to 1100 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. Continue to the Medieval city of Alghero, which was colonised by the Catalans in the 14th century and where today there is still a strong Catalan identity throughout the town, and it is often even referred to as “Barceloneta”. There will be some free time to walk through the Medieval streets or maybe visit the archaeological museum. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board as we sail towards Cagliari.
Day 5 - Day 5 Cagliari.
After a morning cruising we arrive in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, an ancient city that dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. Choose to join an afternoon walking tour around the old town with its narrow streets running along a steep hillside and see the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 14th century Cathedral of St Cecila. Alternatively drive along the southwestern coast to reach Nora which was founded by the Phoenicians but also has Carthaginian and Roman ruins. Still visible today are the remains of a Carthaginian warehouse and various Roman buildings.
Day 6 - Day 6 Trapani, Sicily.
Trapani was the landing point for Peter of Aragon in 1282 to start the Spanish occupation of Sicily. This morning there is the option to 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 where you can enjoy excellent views of the countryside and distant coastline. Alternatively visit Erice, famed in antiquity for its temple dedicated to the goddess of love, the Phoenician Astarte, Greek Aphrodite or Roman Venus. A tour via cable car will take us to this stunning site high above the sea and to the beautifully preserved Medieval town characterised by its winding cobblestone streets and beautiful courtyards. Both tours will then enjoy a Sicilian lunch at a nearby olive oil farm.
Day 7 - Day 7 Agrigento for Valley of the Temples.
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, a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in the greenery of olive and almond trees, admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Olympic Jove and the Temple of Hercules. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Agrigento at leisure and shuttles will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum.
Day 8 - Day 8 Catania & Taormina.
This morning we arrive into Catania where the architecture is particularly impressive but a little forbidding being mainly constructed from black lava stone from Mount Etna. On a walking tour we will see the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, a World Heritage Site, St Agatha’s Cathedral and the imposing 13th century Castello Ursino. Alternatively drive up the coast to Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna where our guided tour will include walking the characteristic alleys, the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theatre from where there are marvellous views over the town and coast. This afternoon we sail the short distance to Syracuse arriving in the early evening. Maybe take an after dinner stroll from our central berth as we moor overnight.
Day 9 - Day 9 Syracuse.
Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean which 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 will 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 ‘Ear of Dionysius’, a vast grotto with an amplifying resonance. We will continue to explore the island of Ortigia where we will 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. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore independently.
Day 10 - Day 10 Valletta, Malta to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-09-202307-10-2023GBP £4,195Standard Stateroom
28-09-202307-10-2023GBP £4,495Classic Stateroom
28-09-202307-10-2023GBP £4,795Superior Stateroom
28-09-202307-10-2023GBP £5,195Deluxe Stateroom
28-09-202307-10-2023GBP £5,395Standard Single
28-09-202307-10-2023GBP £5,695Junior Suite
28-09-202307-10-2023GBP £6,095Owner’s Suite
28-09-202307-10-2023GBP £6,295Serenissima Suite

Inclusions

    • Portoferraio
    • Bonifacio
    • Porto Torres & Alghero
    • Cagliari
    • Valley of the Temples
    • Catania & Taormina
    • Syracuse

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