Sicily by Sail Palermo to Valletta Aboard Sea Cloud II
September 24 – October 2, 2021 Syracuse
Some of the world’s most extraordinary Greek temples grace the rugged landscape of Sicily. Please join us to discover these pearls of antiquity as we sail along the coast of the Mediterranean’s largest island aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II. Embark our three-masted sailing yacht in Palermo, where a highlight will be the mesmerizing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Norman Kings. One after the other, marvels follow, from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to the well-preserved vestiges of one of the world’s most important cities of antiquity, Syracuse. Throughout our week together, Sicily will reveal her rich and unique culture as we walk in storied cities that were once centers of the Greco-Roman, Carthaginian, and Byzantine worlds, and are received in the dazzling private palazzi of local nobility. Disembark in Valletta, Malta, where an optional postlude is offered.
HIGHLIGHTS • Experience the thrill of sailing aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II, circumnavigating beautiful Sicily on azure waters, slipping
into rugged green harbors and disembarking at ancient towns that were once centers of the Greco-Roman, Carthaginian, and Byzantine worlds
• Take a private tour of a Baroque palazzo in Syracuse with its owner, a Sicilian baron, and gaze upon this repurposed medieval building’s frescoes, sculptures, and massive crystal chandeliers while enjoying light refreshments
• Discover the 7th-century Cathedral of Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was integrated into the ruins of the 2,500-year-old Temple of Athena, and admire the contrast of its ancient Doric columns and Baroque façade
• Roam ancient Agrigento, one of Sicily’s oldest cities and a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., and marvel at its seven well-preserved Doric structures in the Valley of the Temples, some of the finest Greek ruins in the world
• Behold the opulent golden mosaics of Palermo's 12th-century Palatine Chapel, which Guy de Maupassant called “the most surprising religious jewel ever dreamt of,” a breathtaking example of Arab-Norman-Byzantine style
ITINERARY Friday, September 24 DEPARTURE Depart on an overnight flight to Palermo, Sicily.
Saturday, September 25 PALERMO, SICILY / SEA CLOUD II Arrive this morning in Palermo and gather for lunch. This afternoon, embark on the elegant Sea Cloud II. L,D Sunday, September 26 PALERMO / TRAPANI Step ashore this morning for a visit to the dazzling, 12th-century Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Norman Kings described by Guy de Maupassant as “the most surprising religious jewel ever dreamt of.” Afterwards, stop at Palazzo Abatellis to admire Antonello da Messina’s outstanding Virgin Annunciate. Enjoy a reception at a private palazzo before continuing to Segesta. Explore its splendid Doric temple, strangely unfinished, whose columns are said to produce organ-like tones on windy days. Rejoin Sea Cloud II this evening in Trapani and attend the captain’s welcome dinner. B,R,D Monday, September 27 PORTO EMPEDOCLE Step ashore at Porto Empedocle for a drive to Agrigento, which Pindar called “the most beautiful city built by mortal men.” Tour the Valley of the Temples and marvel at the Temple of Concord, perhaps the best-preserved Greek temple in the world. B,L,D
Tuesday, September 28 POZZALLO / NOTO This morning, arrive in Pozzallo and drive to the exquisitely preserved town of Noto. This Baroque jewel is situated on a plateau surrounded by olive and almond groves. In the beautiful historic center, see Corso Vittorio Emanuele, an elegantly manicured walkway flanked by buildings of golden sandstone, where every facade is embellished with sculptures of gods, mythical beasts, saints, and angels. Spend the afternoon at sea sailing to Syracuse. B,L,D Wednesday, September 29 SYRACUSE Today we explore Syracuse, one of the most important cities in antiquity, touted by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city.” Discover the well-preserved Greek and Roman theaters of the Archeological Zone. On beautiful Ortygia Island, see the cathedral built on the ruins of the Temple of Athena, and in the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, see Caravaggio’s Burial of Saint Lucy. By special invitation, we will visit the Baroque palazzo of a Sicilian baron, who will welcome us for a tour followed by cocktails. B,L,R,D Thuersday, September 30 CATANIA / PIAZZA ARMERINA This morning take a walking tour of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Baroque monuments. Stop in the historic center to see the cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, the nearby market,
Ursino Castle, and the impressive Benedictine monastery. This afternoon, drive to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, for a tour of the historic Benanti Winery followed by a wine tasting. Alternatively, today travel to Piazza Armerina to discover the imperial Roman Villa del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose captivating collection of mosaics is considered the most beautiful and best preserved of its kind. B,L,R,D
Sunday, October 1 DAY AT SEA Experience the thrill of sailing aboard our fine ship, enjoying lectures and delighting in the grace and romance of a bygone era of travel. Tonight the captain hosts a farewell reception and dinner. B,L,R,D
Monday, October 2 VALLETTA, MALTA Disembark in Valletta and transfer to the airport for flights home. An optional postlude in Malta will be offered. B Please note: This proposed itinerary is the property of Arrangements Abroad and may not be duplicated or distributed without written permission. All prices are estimated based on preliminary quotes provided by hotel and service providers, prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect as of the date of this proposal and are subject to change. Reservations are subject to the Terms & Conditions of Arrangements Abroad.
Photos from top left: Sea Cloud II; Junior Suite; Lido Deck; Palermo; Segesta.
The sailing yacht Sea Cloud II is a three-masted barque steeped in the elegance of yesteryear and complemented with the most modern amenities. Sister ship of the legendary Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II has 47 outside cabins and travels under 23 billowing sails trimmed by hand. From her mahogany-paneled library and gracious lounge to the fitness area and water sports platform, no detail has been overlooked. Praised by the world’s most discerning travelers, Sea Cloud II consistently receives high rankings from Condé Nast Traveler. From $8,999
Double Single Cabins Decks Rates Rates
Cabins 204 to 206 Cabin Deck $8,999 $10,999 Upper/lower twin berths, shower. Superior Cabins 207 to 210 Cabin Deck $10,999 $16,499 Twin beds, shower.
Deluxe Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231 Cabin Deck $11,999 $17,999 Twin beds, shower.
Seven nights accommodations aboard Sea Cloud II; meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, R=Reception, D=Dinner); bottled water and coffee/tea with all meals; thoughtfully selected wines and beer with onboard lunches and dinners; complimentary open bar during the cruise; airport/pier/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested flights; escorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees for all included visits; enrichment program of lectures and talks; gratuities to local guides and drivers; customary shipboard gratuities; taxes, service, and porterage charges.
Not Included in Rates International airfare; passport fees; meals not specified; personal items and expenses; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; optional Malta postlude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.
