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Peregrine Travel Centre

Voyage to Valletta

Voyage to Valletta

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Description

Sicily’s cultural treasures are unsurpassed. With a history of some 3000 years, this gem of an island has witnessed wave after wave of invasions bringing new cultures and ideas. This has resulted in some lofty and noble architecture from magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas. The geography of the island lends itself beautifully to exploration by ship, as most points of interest are close to the sea. With just 49 fellow passengers, we will explore Sicily’s spectacular sights in small groups and our ship will dock in ports that are not accessible to the large cruise liners. We will avoid tiresome road journeys and be able to appreciate in comfort the rich artistic legacy of so many invading civilisations. In addition, we have planned some late departures from port, which afford the opportunity to enjoy dining ashore or an after dinner stroll in some towns which are particularly atmospheric in the evening. After eight days of exploring Sicily’s wonders, we sail for the lovely island of Gozo where we have a day to explore before our final port of call, the grand harbour of Valletta.

Trip Name
Voyage to Valletta
Days
10
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 Cagliari, Sardinia.
Fly by scheduled flight. Transfer to the Panorama II and embark. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Trapani, Sicily.
Spend a relaxing morning at sea as we sail towards Sicily arriving in Trapani at lunchtime, our base for an afternoon tour to the nearby town of Erice, famed in antiquity for its temple dedicated to the goddess of love, the Phoenician Astarte, Greek Aphrodite or Roman Venus. Our tour 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. Return to Trapani and enjoy free time this evening to wander the streets dine independently in one of the local restaurants before we sail later tonight.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Palermo.
This morning we arrive 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 visit the impressive 12th century cathedral which houses the royal tombs of Henri VI and King Ruggiero. Return to the Panorama II for lunch and this afternoon choose to see the remarkable Medieval mosaics in the cathedral at Monreale or take time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Aeolian Islands.
Arrive today at the picturesque island of Lipari situated in the Aeolian Islands off the north coast of Sicily. Here we will find an amazing collection of ruins from the prehistoric through to the Roman period. Lipari town is a thriving little place prettily located between two harbours. Our morning tour includes a visit to the upper town set within fortress walls and a drive around the volcano followed by a visit to the Archaeological Museum with its impressive relics from nearby excavations. Return to the pretty harbour and choose somewhere to enjoy an independent lunch before we return to the ship in the early afternoon. After a couple of hours at sea we will arrive at the island of Stromboli, the ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean’ where we enjoy dinner on board and, if weather permits, we hope to view the eruptions from island’s active volcano.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Taormina.
From the nearby port of Giardini Naxos 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. Take the opportunity to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and some free time to explore independently before returning to the ship this afternoon. Maybe enjoy an early evening swim from the local beach before we enjoy dinner on board.
Day 6 - Day 6 - 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. After lunch on board enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore independently and tonight dine independently in one of the nearby restaurants.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Ragusa & Noto.
Our final call in Sicily is the southern coast port of Pozzallo from where we will explore the Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa. This morning we will visit charming Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will see 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 8 - Day 8 - Gozo, Malta.
Arrive this morning at the Maltese island of Gozo, thought to be the Calypso Isles of Homer’s Odyssey and a lovely place to spend a day. On a morning drive we will visit the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra. Dating back to 3,600 BC, the temples, which are now recognised as a World Heritage Site, are one of the most significant archaeological finds in Malta. Continue to Our Lady of Victories Church, one of the most richly embellished places of worship on the island which was elevated to the rank of a minor Basilica in 1967. We return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to the capital of Victoria where you can take your time to walk the walls or through the narrow streets of this small picturesque city or perhaps enjoy time in the local market as the island is renowned for its woollen goods and hand-made lace. Return to the ship for dinner as we anchor overnight.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Valletta.
Over breakfast we will sail into the grand harbour of Valletta and enjoy a city tour of this 16th century ‘Fortress City’ built by the Knights of St John. Our morning tour will include the highlights of Valletta with its stunning views across the harbour from the Barakka Gardens. We will explore Merchants Street containing the surviving auberges built by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, together with the palace where Napoleon Bonaparte is believed to have stayed in 1798. Our final stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is free to return to Valletta and explore independently or spend time in Mdina, originally given the name of “Citta Nobile” and now known as the “Silent City”, at the heart of the island. Mdina is Phoenician in origin and was the fortified capital of the Island, before the arrival of the Knights. Return to the ship for dinner and moor overnight.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Valletta to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-06-201814-06-2018£3,995Main Deck Cabin Sole
05-06-201814-06-2018£3,395Lower Deck Forward Cabin Sole
05-06-201814-06-2018£4,095Upper Deck Cabin
05-06-201814-06-2018£3,095Lower Deck Forward Cabin
05-06-201814-06-2018£3,395Lower Deck Cabin
05-06-201814-06-2018£3,595Main Deck Cabin

Inclusions

    • Discover the Sicilian capital of Palermo
    • Arrive at the picturesque island of Lipari and find an amazing collection of ruins from the prehistoric through to the Roman period
    • Visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano
    • Enjoy Syracuse that was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC
    • Sail into the grand harbour of Valletta and enjoy a city tour of this 16th century ‘Fortress City’

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