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Peregrine Travel Centre

Mid-Summer in Sicily

Mid-Summer in Sicily

From £2,895 GBP

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Description

We have the perfect vessel and ideal time of year for our exploration of the wonderful island of Sicily and her archaeological treasures. With its benevolent climate and superb strategic position, the island has been coveted, fought over and colonised throughout the ages. Sicily is a celebration of the greatest achievements of Mediterranean cultures and with such a wealth of ancient sites, it is certainly not somewhere which should be visited in a hurry. With seven days spent exploring the island, we have the luxury of time and are able to visit the stunning Greek theatre at Taormina, the superbly well-preserved Greek temples at the Valle dei Templi, the Norman Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel in Palermo, the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana di Casale as well as the beautiful Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa. Local guides will contribute greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of Sicily and once visited it is a place you will never forget and will wish to return to time and time again.

Trip Name
Mid-Summer in Sicily
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Sail Cruiser Length: 54 metres Passenger Capacity: 49 Built / refurbished: 1993 / 2008 / 2012 / 2015 Launched in 2004, fully renovated in 2012 and upgraded again in 2015,  the two-masted Panorama II is a 164 foot motor sailer accommodating just 49 guests. If you find large resort style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers attractive then of course this isn’t the vessel for you. However, if you prefer an informal and warm atmosphere more akin to a private yacht combined with an itinerary dedicated to both discovery and relaxation then you need look no further.  All the cabins on board Panorama II are designed for comfort and have a nautical feel with light fabrics and wood trimmings. Cabins range in size from 97 to 173 square feet and those located on the Upper and Main Decks are equipped with windows, while those on the Lower Deck have portholes. Cabins either have twin beds or fixed double beds. (Cabins  A1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17). Facilities include en suite bathrooms with showers, cabin TV (for DVD only), mini-fridge, safety deposit box and hairdryer. The public areas include a main lounge and bar with comfortable sofas, a restaurant located on the Lower Deck and the Upper Deck al fresco dining area where meals can be enjoyed when weather permits. There is also a swimming platform enabling guests to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit and the Upper Deck provides a generous semi covered or sun exposed space with sun loungers and chairs, ideal for relaxation and fantastic views.  Located on the Lower Deck, the indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single, unassigned seating and offers generous buffet space. The aft area on the Upper Deck provides a generous semicovered area where guests can enjoy meals al fresco with wonderful views, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the hot and cold buffets stands. The menu is Greek and international, with a focus on local specialties. On each itinerary, we have included the opportunity for you to dine ashore independently allowing you to experience the local flavours.  During the day, life on board focuses around the indoor lounge area, and the indoor dining room, as well as the open and inviting deck areas. These are natural gathering places and perfect for enjoying your meals al fresco, settling into a comfortable chair with a good book or socialising with your fellow passengers and enjoying the views. The swimming platform on Panorama II’s stern enables you to swim off the yacht when weather and anchorage conditions permit. (only applicable for voyages around Greece).  Deck plans vary depending on cruise operator, please check for details.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. Transfer to the Panorama II and enjoy Welcome Dinner and Drinks on board as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Ragusa & Noto, Sicily.
Our first call in Sicily is the southern coast port of Pozzallo from where we will explore the Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa. Our morning tour will visit charming Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Baroque palaces, churches, squares, stairways and winding narrow streets, all of which create an evocative and ancient atmosphere. Here we visit the Duomo and Baroque palaces in Ibla before visiting the upper town, San Giovanni Cathedral and Church of Santa Maria delle Scale. We return to the vessel for lunch and this afternoon you can either choose to relax on board in Pozzallo or join a tour to the beautiful antique town of Noto which was built in 1703. Here we will see numerous 18th century palaces of incredible architectural value including the Duomo, the Museo Civico and the Convento dei Francescani. Return to the ship for dinner and sail this evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Piazza Armerina.
From the port of Licata we travel inland to what is regarded as the finest Roman site on 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 wine making 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 these vineyards and enjoy a chance to sample some wine over a Sicilian lunch. Return to the Panorama II in the late afternoon and sail tonight.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Agrigento.
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. 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 where you can explore at your leisure.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Mazara del Vallo.
Founded in the 9th century BC by the Phoenicians, Mazara del Vallo was used as a strategic location for their trans-Mediterranean trading interests. Mazara soon became part of Magna Graecia, when it served as a port for the nearby city of Selinunte and by the 9th century was the island’s second city behind Palermo. It is the impressive remains of the ancient city of Selinunte which is our destination this morning. 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. Return to the vessel for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore Mazara del Vallo at leisure.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Palermo.
This morning we arrive in the Sicilian capital of Palermo. 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. Enjoy lunch independently in the city and this afternoon is at leisure to explore further or relax on board.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Taormina.
Spend a leisurely morning at sea arriving at our anchorage at Giardini Naxos at lunchtime. From here 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. Enjoy dinner on board and 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. Take the chance to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before having a free afternoon to explore independently. Enjoy dinner on board this evening.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Catania to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-06-201822-06-2018£3,695Main Deck Cabin Sole
14-06-201822-06-2018£3,095Lower Deck Forward Cabin Sole
14-06-201822-06-2018£3,295Main Deck Cabin
14-06-201822-06-2018£3,095Lower Deck Cabin
14-06-201822-06-2018£2,895Lower Deck Forward Cabin
14-06-201822-06-2018£3,795Upper Deck Cabin

Inclusions

    • Explore the Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa
    • Discover the finest Roman site on Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale
    • Enjoy Mazara del Vallo, founded in the 9th century BC by the Phoenicians
    • Visit the Sicilian capital of Palermo

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