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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sicily by Sea – A Circumnavigation of Sicily

Sicily by Sea – A Circumnavigation of Sicily

From GBP £6,895

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Description

Join us aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky for this circumnavigation of Sicily and all its wonders in the company of just over 100 fellow guests. This unique island 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 and during our voyage we will explore the island’s rich heritage at a relaxed pace. Our excellent local guides and our onboard Guest Speaker will contribute greatly to your enjoyment and understanding of the rich cultural legacy and fascinating history of the island.
From magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas, there is so much to explore during our circumnavigation of the island which we have timed for October, when the temperatures will be pleasant for our guided tours and the sites will be free of the summer crowds. We will visit the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana di Casale, the Valle dei Templi, the impressive remains of the ancient city of Selinunte, the superbly well-preserved Greek temples of Segesta, Byzantine Monreale Cathedral from Palermo and the stunning Greek theatre at Taormina. In addition we visit the charming fishing town of Cefalu and spend time in Syracuse where we have the benefit of an overnight mooring to attend an exclusive evening performance in one of the palazzos. There will also be opportunities to taste some of the local produce during visits to a vineyard and a farm producing traditional Sicilian produce.

Trip Name
Sicily by Sea - A Circumnavigation of Sicily
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three elegant sister ships—alongside the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky—renowned for their small size, comfort, and service. Built in the same Italian shipyard, this refined vessel underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2016, enhancing its private yacht-like atmosphere. SuitesThe ship offers 59 spacious, outside-facing suites over five decks, with 14 featuring private balconies. Each suite includes a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with rainfall shower, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, dressing table, Molton Brown toiletries, robes, slippers, and individually controlled climate settings. Beds can be configured as twins or doubles, except in suites 601 and 602. The luxurious Hebridean Suite includes a large balcony, sitting room, and complimentary minibar and laundry. Public AreasPublic spaces include a panoramic lounge for talks and briefings, The Club bar with live piano music, a library with books and games, and ample outdoor deck space including a wildlife observation area. A lift serves all decks, and there is a small hair salon and an onboard doctor. Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is available, though signal strength may vary. DiningMeals are served in a single sitting in the elegant dining room or al fresco on the Lido Deck. Cuisine is fresh and varied, often featuring local produce. Enjoy daily afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, and wines with lunch and dinner. Breakfast is buffet-style with cooked-to-order options. Barbecues and live cooking stations are also offered. Special diets can be accommodated with notice. ExperienceDesigned for those who prefer a quiet, enriching cruise, the Hebridean Sky offers a relaxed, yacht-like ambiance without large ship distractions. There’s no organised entertainment or dress codes—just thoughtful service, enriching lectures, and scenic cruising among like-minded travellers. Comfort & SafetyThe vessel is fitted with stabilisers, modern navigation systems, and safety equipment. Guests can visit the Bridge, view route information on suite TVs, and enjoy peace of mind with a fully equipped clinic on board.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 Licata for Piazza Armerina, Sicily.
From the port of Licata we travel inland to what is regarded as the finest Roman site in Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale, which is 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 winemaking 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 the vineyards and enjoy a chance to sample some wine over a Sicilian lunch before returning to the ship.
Day 3 - Day 3 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 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 and shuttles will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum which you can explore at leisure.
Day 4 - Day 4 Mazara del Vallo for Selinunte.
Founded in the 9th century BC by the Phoenicians, Mazara del Vallo was used as a strategic location for their trans- Mediterranean trading interests, before it became part of Magna Graecia when it served as a port for the nearby city of Selinunte. This morning we will visit the impressive remains of the ancient city of Selinunte. Once one of the most eminent cities of Magna Graecia it was ransacked by the Carthaginians, led by Hannibal, who sent 100,000 soldiers to attack in 409 BC, massacring thousands of the inhabitants with the remainder being taken into slavery. The city was destroyed and forgotten until 1823 when excavations began. Situated on a high plain overlooking the sea, it is a lovely place to walk and our guided tour will explore the acropolis, the eastern temples and the ancient city. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax on board or explore independently.
Day 5 - Day 5 Trapani.
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 the fascinating salt pans that are located between Trapani and Marsala. This area, used by the Phoenicians who first understood how favourable the natural conditions were for salt extraction, has been declared a Natural Reserve and is full of colours thanks to the unique flora and fauna. We will visit the Museum of Salt before we continue to a nearby farmhouse which is dedicated to promoting Sicilian produce including olive oils and wines which we will try before returning to the ship.
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 will visit the impressive 12th century cathedral which houses the royal tombs of Henri VI and King Ruggiero. Return to the ship 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 Cefalu.
Enjoy a relaxing morning as we cruise the short distance to reach the port of Termini Imerese from where we drive along the coast to visit the picturesque fishing town of Cefalu. The town exudes typical Sicilian charm and during our guided walk we will see the Gothic-Norman style cathedral and Medieval Wash House before enjoying some free time to stroll among the narrow streets, perhaps tasting the famous Sicilian ice creams and cakes.
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. Those who wish to spend longer here will be able to take lunch independently in one of the local restaurants and enjoy an afternoon exploring at leisure before our coach returns to Messina. Alternatively, return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some free time in Messina before we sail this evening.
Day 9 - Days 9 & 10 Syracuse & Noto.
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. We will spend two days here and offer the chance to 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 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. There will also be the option to visit the Baroque village of Noto, a picturesque city built in 1703 and located on the terraced slopes of Mount Iblei among olive groves and almond trees. A guided walk along the central streets will reveal the 18th century Palazzo Ducezio and some Baroque churches. During our evening ashore we will enjoy a private concert in one of the town’s palazzos accompanied by local food and wine.
Day 10 - Day 11 Valletta 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
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £6,895Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £7,195Byrd Deck Superior Suite
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £7,495Mawson Deck Premium Suite
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £7,795Mawson Deck Corner Suite
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £8,295Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £8,295Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £8,495Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £8,695Byrd Deck Superior Sole
21-10-202631-10-2026GBP £8,995Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Valley of the Temples, Agrigento: Marvel at the captivating Doric temples of this ancient Greek site, set amidst olive and almond trees, a unique treasure outside Greece.
    • Piazza Armerina’s Roman Mosaics: Explore the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale, renowned for its stunning 3rd-century floor mosaics, paired with a Sicilian wine tasting.
    • Syracuse’s Ancient Wonders: Discover the Neapolis Archaeological Park’s Greek theatre and Ortigia’s historic charm, capped by a private palazzo concert with local cuisine.

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