Splendours of Sicily

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Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 London to Naples, Italy.

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

2. 2

   Day 2 Salerno for Paestum.

   Overnight we will have sailed around the Amalfi coast to the ancient city of Salerno, our gateway to the Cilento region, a mix of small villages, coastal paths, archaeological sites, national parks and renowned as the home of the Mediterranean diet. We will visit the site of Paestum, which was founded by Greeks in 600 BC. This well preserved and fascinating site was rediscovered in 1752 and during our time here we will see the impressive Temple Poseidon, the Basilica, Amphitheatre and Athenian before spending some time in the museum, adjacent to the site.

3. 3

   Day 3 Messina for Taormina, Sicily.

   We arrive into Sicily in Messina from where 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. Those who wish to spend longer here will be able to take lunch independently in one of the local restaurants and enjoy an afternoon exploring at leisure before our coach returns to Messina. Alternatively, return to the ship for lunch and enjoy free time in Messina before we sail this evening.

4. 4

   Day 4 Termini Imerese for Cefalu & Palermo.

   From our berth at Termini Imerese we drive along the coast to visit the picturesque fishing town of Cefalu. The town exudes typical Sicilian charm and we will see the Gothic- Norman style cathedral and Medieval Wash House on a walking tour before enjoying some free time to stroll among the narrow streets perhaps tasting the famous Sicilian ice creams and cakes. Return to the ship for lunch and some time at sea before we dock in Palermo in the early evening. We remain overnight and hope to offer a private concert in one of the town's palazzos accompanied by local food and wine this evening.

5. 5

   Day 5 Palermo.

   Today we explore the Sicilian capital of Palermo 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 ship for lunch and this afternoon either enjoy some time to explore independently or join an excursion to Monreale Cathedral, said to be the most beautiful Norman Church in Italy, designed and completed by William the Good in 1174. With its thick walls and powerful towers, the exterior looks like an austere fortress yet it is the interior of this great cathedral which is its crowning glory. Here the large nave, with its side aisles and grey granite columns set off the exquisite Byzantine mosaics on the walls above the arches.

6. 6

   Day 6 Trapani.

   This morning there will be the option to travel inland to explore Segesta, one of the grandest Doric monuments to survive. See the unfinished temple dating from 424 BC as well as the theatre from where you can enjoy excellent views of the countryside and distant coastline. Alternatively, visit the fascinating salt pans that are 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 before returning to the ship. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore Trapani at your own pace before we sail this evening.

7. 7

   Day 7 Agrigento for Valley of the Temples.

   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, a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in greenery of olive and almond trees, we can admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, 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 which you can explore at leisure.

8. 8

   Day 8 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 these vineyards and enjoy a chance to sample some wine over a Sicilian lunch before returning to the ship.

9. 9

   Day 9 Syracuse & Noto.

   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 we 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. We will explore the island of Ortigia where we will 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. In the afternoon you can explore further at your own pace or 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: San Francesco Immacolata, the cathedral, San Carlo, Santa Chiara and the imposing Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, built in 1737.

10. 10

    Day 10 Valletta to London.

    Disembark this morning and transfer to the 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.

Iain Gale

Iain was for some 20 years the Deputy Art Critic and Art Critic on two national newspapers, the Independent and the Scotsman and was also for 10 years editor of the National Trust for Scotland magazine and also the founding editor of the magazine Caledonia. He has also written extensively for Country Life Magazine and Scottish Field and was for some years the art editor of The Week. His career has been multi-faceted. Prior to journalism he worked for five years for Christie's the auctioneers in London and Scotland, his first book was about auctioneering. Iain has led guided art historical tours on the Renaissance to Florence and Venice. He also regularly works as an online tutor in Art History and is planning a new series of podcasts featuring his previous writings on art history and contemporary art. His10 books on art history include monographs on Sisley, Corot, Arthur Melville, Willia

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