Islands of the Mediterranean (Serenissima)

Description

There are of course no shortages 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 from Mallorca to Malta aboard the MS Serenissima. Our intention has been to design a voyage as if it were to be undertaken on a small private yacht, 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 island hopping itinerary to combine time in the Balearics, Sardinia, Corsica, Elba and Sicily, all of which are easy to visit individually but difficult to combine independently in a nine night trip. We will have time on each island to see the main sites but also explore some of the smaller ports and less visited destinations. We have ensured that each day has an enjoyable mix of culture with some time at leisure to explore under your own steam or time relaxing at sea.

Added to our fascinating itinerary we have the pleasure of cruising aboard the MS Serenissima. From time to time we may pass a huge cruise liner and at times like this we can be thankful that with just 95 passengers, we are able to visit atmospheric ports and villages which the big ships cannot access. We will discover timeless islands with their aura of history, unique island lifestyles and spectacular beauty which will capture our hearts as we travel a less well trodden path across the Mediterranean.

Trip Name

Islands of the Mediterranean (Serenissima)

Days

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 Palma, Mallorca.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival, transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

Day 2 - Day 2 Port Mahon, Menorca.

Over breakfast we arrive in Menorca, the most northerly of the Balearics and the least dedicated to tourism. The island offers pastoral countryside, historic towns and superb beaches. On our morning tour we will see the mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic stone monuments which were erected some 4,000 years ago before making our way to aristocratic Ciudadella, the architectural showpiece of Menorca. Situated at the head of a long channel from the sea, the city has had its share of disputes over sovereignty, and its character reflects the influence of Moorish, Turkish and Spanish rule. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing.

Day 3 - Day 3 L’ile Rousse, Corsica.

Enjoy a morning at sea and this afternoon we arrive at Calvi, the capital of the prosperous Balagne region of the island. Enjoy the vista of the surrounding green hills that form a natural amphitheatre and is known as the ‘Garden of Corsica’. A guided tour 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.

Day 4 - Day 4 Portoferraio, Elba.

Today we call into 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 browse around and shop among the many local boutiques of 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 any 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 handled and produced and, in the garden facing the sea, we will enjoy a delicious sampling of the local wine. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Portoferraio.

Day 5 - Day 5 Bonifacio, Corsica.

Today we return to Corsica and berth 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 MS Serenissima for lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Day 6 - Day 6 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 to transfer ashore.

Day 7 - Day 7 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 southwestern 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.

Day 8 - Day 8 Agrigento & Valley of the Temples, Sicily.

After a morning at sea we arrive to Agrigento in the early afternoon. 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 and a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in greenery of olive and almond trees, admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concord, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Olympic Jove and the Temple of Hercules.

Day 9 - Day 9 Licata for Piazza Armerina.

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. Return to the MS Serenissima in the late afternoon and sail tonight.

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

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Visit Port Mahon, Menorca.
Discover L’ile Rousse, Corsica.
Travel to Portoferraio, Elba.
Sail to Bonifacio, Corsica.
Enjoy Agrigento & Valley of the Temples, Sicily.