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Sicilian Interlude Luxury Cruise

Sicilian Interlude Luxury Cruise

From AUD $5,090

Description

Fall under the spell of the treasures of Sicily, an island with a thousand faces, and get a taste of its gentle insular way of life in late spring. Steep cliffs, turquoise waters, golden beaches, verdant hills, lands sculpted by olive groves and vineyards form stunning landscapes. Lipari rises out of the waves like volcanic pearls while Mount Etna dominates the Ionian Sea with its majestic silhouette. From one port of call to the next, ancient sites, cathedrals and palaces all tell an age-old history. An unforgettable escapade, featuring nature and culture, promising wonderment in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Trip Name
Sicilian Interlude Luxury Cruise
Days
6
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 meters Passenger Capacity: 264 (in twin cabins, 200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 Le Boréal, along with her sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial, embodies PONANT’s signature blend of luxury, intimacy, and serene well-being. Designed with both conviviality and tranquillity in mind, she offers inviting shared spaces alongside peaceful retreats for moments of quiet escape. Her sleek exterior and refined interiors reflect the careful thought and craftsmanship that define the fleet, with a décor that captures the spirit of a private yacht. Featuring 132 staterooms and suites, she welcomes up to 264 guests in an atmosphere that feels both elegant and personal. Built in 2010 by Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, Le Boréal measures 466 ft in length, with a beam of 59 ft, an ice-class 1C hull, and eco-design innovations continually updated to improve her environmental performance. With six passenger decks, 11 Zodiacs for exploration, and attentive French-flag service, she is equally at home navigating icy polar waters or warm, sunlit coasts. Life on board combines refined gastronomy, engaging social activities, and immersive excursions, creating a travel experience where elegance meets adventure.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Palermo, Sicily
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 2 - Day 2 - Trapani, Sicily
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 3 - Day 3 - Lipari, Aeolian Islands
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 - 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 5 - Day 5 - 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 6 - Day 6 - 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. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Day 7 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $5,090Superior Stateroom
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $5,370Deluxe Stateroom
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $5,650Prestige Deck 4
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $5,930Prestige Deck 5
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $6,270Prestige Deck 6
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $10,130Deluxe Suite
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $11,260Prestige Deck 5 Suite
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $11,540Prestige Deck 6 Suite
01-06-202706-06-2027AUD $17,840Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A break in Sicily, featuring passionate thousand-year history and breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes.
    • Discovering emblematic UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Mount Etna, the Greek theatre in Taormina, Palermo, Lipari, Syracuse, Valletta).
    • A few of your included excursions: visiting Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque from Syracuse; climbing Mount Etna from Taormina; the ancient site of Erice from Trapani, etc.

Map