Islands of Italy
Flights from London→Valletta → Syracuse → Taormina → Lipari → Trapani → Cagliari → Oristano → Alghero → Bastia → Portoferraio → Livorno→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £5295
per person
Overview
An exploration of Italy's islands combined with a call in Corsica aboard the MS Monet
This voyage is the perfect choice for those who love Italy and enjoy hopping between islands, providing the opportunity to discover the delightful islands of Sicily, Lipari, Sardinia, and Elba, combined with a day on the beautiful French island of Corsica. These islands feature an array of ancient ruins, attractive towns, and villages; guests will have time on each to visit the main sites whilst also exploring some of the smaller ports and less-visited regions that are perfectly suited for the MS Monet.
Sailing from the historic port of Valletta, guests will first visit Sicily which, with a history of 3000 years, offers a wealth of sites to discover, from magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas. Lying just off the coast of Sicily, the voyage makes the short hop over to the charming Aeolian island of Lipari for a day of exploration. Continuing to Sardinia, from Cagliari guests will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful ruins of Nora, and Noble Caledonia will explore the Medieval city of Alghero as well as the Nuraghe Palmavera archaeological complex. The ship then sails to Corsica which, despite officially being a part of France, has its own identity and benefits from magnificent geographical diversity ranging from stunning natural harbours to picture-perfect hilltop villages and majestic countryside. The final call is the enchanting island of Elba, best known as Napoleon's island of exile, before the voyage concludes in the Tuscan port of Livorno.
Highlights
- Enjoy comfortable accommodation and welcome amenities aboard the MS Monet as you cruise the Mediterranean.
- Discover ancient Greek history in Syracuse with a visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park and the famous 'Ear of Dionysius' grotto.
- Explore the picturesque Baroque architecture of Noto, featuring the 18th-century Palazzo Ducezio and historic churches.
- Experience the stunning views and ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina, located in the shadow of Mount Etna.
- Visit the Aeolian Islands to explore the fortress-walled upper town and Archaeological Museum of Lipari.
- Tour the historic salt pans between Trapani and Marsala and enjoy tastings of authentic Sicilian olive oils and wines.
- Walk through the ancient ruins of Nora, a Phoenician city that was partially engulfed by the sea, featuring Roman baths and mosaics.
- Step back in time at the Tharros archaeological site and explore the 6th-century Church of San Giovanni di Sinis.
- Discover the unique Catalan heritage of Alghero and the ancient Nuraghe Palmavera complex dating back to 1100 BC.
- Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon on Elba with a visit to his summer residence, Villa San Martino, and a wine tasting at the historic La Chiusa estate.
Explore further
Destination guides
More ocean cruises
The ship
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
- 2
Day 2 Syracuse, Sicily, Italy.
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. This morning choose between two excursions. 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. Alternatively, visit the Baroque village of Noto. Built in 1703, Noto is a picturesque city 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. After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to explore Syracuse independently.
- 3
Day 3 Messina for Taormina or Tindari.
From our berth in Messina there will be a choice of excursions. You may travel to the walled town of Taormina, a favoured tourist destination since the 19th century, lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano. Our guided tour will include a walk through the characteristic narrow alleys, a visit to the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja, and the impressive Greek Theatre, from where there are splendid views over the town and coastline. Alternatively, join an excursion to the town of Tindari, founded by Syracusan merchants during the war against Carthage in 396 BC. The ruins of the ancient city are relatively well preserved including the 4th century Greek Theatre which is a marvel of acoustic engineering. However, the foremost attraction is the Sanctuary of the Madonna Nera containing the sculpture of the Virgin and Child, in citron wood, and which is said to have reached Tindari in an attempt by the faithful to keep it safe from the 8th century Byzantine Iconoclast movement. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
- 4
Day 4 Lipari, Aeolian Islands.
We anchor this morning off the picturesque island of Lipari situated in the Aeolian Islands off the north coast of Sicily. We will use local tenders to land at Lipari town, a thriving little place prettily located between two harbours. Our tour will include 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. Please note that we will be at anchor today and use local tenders to go ashore.
- 5
Day 5 Trapani.
This morning we visit the fascinating salt pans 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. 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 can try. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.
- 6
Day 6 Cagliari, Sardinia.
Arrive over breakfast in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari, an ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. From the port we drive along the south-western 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 warehouses and various Roman buildings including the baths with splendid mosaics and the theatre. After lunch on board, there will be a guided walking tour through 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 Mary.
- 7
Day 7 Oristano.
Arrive this morning in Oristano our base for an excursion to Tharros and San Giovanni. The ancient town of Tharros was erected by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC on the ruins of a nuraghic settlement. In the 6th century BC it became a Punic stronghold and trading centre and grew further in importance under the Romans. The site still shows chamber and cremation burial grounds, temples and Roman baths together with buildings belonging to the early Christian period. The Church of San Giovanni di Sinis is a small early Christian structure dating from the 6th century AD, and one of the oldest in Sardinia. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing.
- 8
Day 8 Porto Torres for Alghero.
We spend our final morning in Sardinia in Porto Torres. Here, a panoramic drive takes us to Nuraghe Palmavera with its main tower of the Nuraghe, which still has its dome shaped ceiling that dates back to 1100 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. Continue to the Medieval city of Alghero, which 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'. Enjoy some free time to walk through the Medieval streets and along the city walls. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
- 9
Day 9 Bastia, Corsica, France.
Situated on the north of the island of Corsica, Bastia was the old Genoese capital and is now a busy port. Its setting is handsome, the classic Mediterranean allure of pale, sunlit streets flanked by tall colourful buildings. Our walking tour of the historic quarter will include the 15th century cathedral, chapels, and Baroque buildings such as the Oratoire St Roch, Oratoire de l'Immaculee Conception and the Roccoco church, St Jean Baptiste, famous for its twin campaniles. After lunch on board you can spend some free time in Bastia or alternatively join an excursion to the small fishing port of St Florent. Our drive will take us through the Nebbio which takes its name from the thick mist that sweeps over the region and is now reputed for its fine wines from Patrimonio. On arrival in St Florent we will have time to wander the maze of narrow streets and to enjoy a coffee in one of the waterfront cafes whilst watching the yachts in the marina.
- 10
Day 10 Portoferraio, Elba, Italy.
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 with its 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. Like many of the island's historic villas, La Chiusa claims to have once housed Napoleon during his exile here. We will tour the estate's interesting cellar and learn how the wine is handled and produced and in the estate garden, which faces the sea, we will enjoy a delicious sampling of the local wine. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Portoferraio.
- 11
Day 11 Livorno to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Pisa Airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Meet your Experts
A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.
David Stuttard
With a degree in Classics from St Andrews University followed by three years of postgraduate research, David taught for eleven years in Edinburgh, St Andrews and York. To date he has written 19 books on classical history and literature including A History of Ancient Greece in 50 Lives (Thames and Hudson) and Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens (Harvard University Press), and his translations of Greek drama are published in Bloomsbury Press' Looking at series, for which he is series editor. David also has a long background in drama, having toured his own productions of Greek plays throughout the UK as well as to Graeco-Roman theatres including Ephesus and Butrint. His Women and Troy (with Dame Siân Phillips and Rachel Donovan) and It's All Greek (with Dame Siân Phillips, Robert Powell and Alex Jennings) are currently being staged in London and the South of England. Davi
David Stuttard will be on the following tour dates: 5 to 15 June 2028
Dr Steve Kershaw
Dr Steve Kershaw is a tutor in Classics for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society (ex- NADFAS), and lectures for the Victoria and Albert Museum's Early Medieval: 300 - 1250 and The Classical World and Classical Revivals courses. His publications include The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths, A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, A Brief History of Atlantis: Plato's Ideal State, Barbarians: Rebellion and Resistance to Rome, and Mythologica (a children's book on the Greek myths). Steve is the author and tutor for Oxford University's online courses in Greek Mythology, The Fall of Rome, and Minoans and Mycenaeans. In 2016 he appeared as an Expert Contributor to The History Channel's Barbarians Rising series, and he has travelled widely in the wo
Dr Steve Kershaw will be on the following tour dates: 15 to 25 June 2028
The Ship
Monet
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Monet, a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Originally built in 1970, MS Monet was converted and launched as a passenger ship in 1998, fully renovated in 2016 and upgraded again in 2018. 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.
Deck plan
Life aboard Monet
The MS Monet is a boutique motor yacht offering an intimate, informal experience for up to 50 guests. It is perfectly suited for travellers who prefer the relaxed atmosphere of a private vessel over large-scale resort-style cruise ships.
Quick facts
Guest Capacity
50
Length
68 metres
Refurbished
2018
Crew
29
Currency
Euros
Suites
Cabins are designed for comfort with wood trimmings and light fabrics, ranging from 9 to 22 square metres. Choose from four categories, with some cabins featuring windows and others equipped with portholes.
- •Category A (21-22 sqm) and B (17 sqm) cabins feature windows and double beds.
- •Category C (12-14 sqm) cabins feature windows; some have twin beds.
- •Category D (9-14 sqm) cabins feature two portholes; some have twin beds.
- •All cabins include en-suite bathroom, television, minifridge, safe, and hairdryer.
- •Twin bed cabins: 104-107, 112, 119, 205, and 210-215.
Life on board
Life aboard the MS Monet centers on a relaxed, social atmosphere with inviting public spaces. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from the open sun deck or unwind in the lounge.
- •Main lounge and bar area with comfortable seating.
- •Sun deck featuring loungers and a Jacuzzi.
- •Small library located in the lounge.
- •Outdoor deck spaces perfect for socialising or reading.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi is available (subject to connection stability).
Dining
Meals are served in a glass-enclosed dining room with unassigned seating, offering an informal environment. Menus feature international cuisine with an emphasis on local specialities.
- •Single-sitting dining with unassigned tables.
- •Al fresco dining available on the Lumiere Deck, weather permitting.
- •House wine, beer, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner.
- •Self-serve tea and coffee station available in the lounge.
- •Notify the reservations department of dietary requirements in advance.
Practical information
The atmosphere on board is consistently casual, with no formal dress requirements. Please note that the ship does not have a lift and requires guests to be mobile.
- •Informal dress code; no jackets or ties required.
- •Voltage is 220V (European standard); two-pin adaptors recommended.
- •Smoking is permitted only on open decks.
- •No lift on board.
- •Laundry service available for an additional charge.
- •Gratuities are included in the holiday price.
- •On-board payments accepted in Euros (cash) or by Visa/Mastercard.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 15 to 25 June 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck | £5595 | £5295 |
| C Twin/Double with windows on Parisian/Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck for sole use | — | — |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO050628/SCMO150628
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 5 to 15 June 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck | £5595 | £5295 |
| C Twin/Double with windows on Parisian/Lumiere Deck | £5995 | £5695 |
| B Superior Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| A Deluxe Double with windows on Lumiere Deck | — | — |
| D Twin/Double with portholes on Camille/Parisian Deck for sole use | £7295 | £6995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCMO050628/SCMO150628
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787