THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF SICILY A small ship cruise aboard MS MONET
Famous view of Etna from historical Taormina Fonte of Arethusa Roman Ampitheatre- Siracusa OUR ITINERARY: DAY 1: Malta (D) Embark on MV Monet between 12.00-17.00 in Valle a Harbour, dinner will be served on board. Sail overnight to Sicily. DAY 2: Siracusa (B,L,D) We will arrive early in Siracusa. After breakfast on board we head to Noto, the centre of Sicilian Baroque architecture, a treasure chest brimming with baroque churches and palaces. We will stop on the way at a special cafe to try some special Sicilian sweet - Granita. The cafe is set in an old nougat factory but is now the home of a famous craftsman. Next we head to a winery set among a spectacular landscape. The beautiful setting of the vineyard amongst limestone hills, combined with the sea breeze drifting in from 2 different seas helps create superb conditions for the vines to grow and to produce some great wines. Here, Nero d Avola and Moscato grow together as well as almonds, carobs and olives. After indulging in a little wine tasting, we ll take lunch in one of the of the old wine cellars or have a picnic of some local delicacies in the shade of carob trees. Sicily is one of earth s most spectacular and interesting islands. Settled by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Carthaginians amongst others, with rugged mountains dominated by Mount Etna, Europe s most active large volcano, some ancient towns and a fantastic tradition of cuisine influenced by the many invaders. This is a relatively active cruise with a great variety of experiences available to you. Walking on volcanoes, exploring Palermo and the street food, watching the sunset across the salt pans, and walking to the Norman fortress of Cefalu for a picnic of locally sourced produce. info@ 2 In the afternoon we will meet a local guide for a short tour of the beautiful city of Siracusa, and Ortigia, the old centre. The huge Roman amphitheatre was originally constructed around 2000 years ago and is the second largest in Italy. The cathedral and the Archbishop s Palace dominate the beautiful square at the centre of the old town and you can wander the tiny streets, visit some of the historical sites or just enjoy the views and a coffee. We visit Fonte of Arethusa, a mythical spring-fed fountain ; the Temple of Apollo, a 7th century BC site that was the first great Doric temple and the beautiful baroque Duomo dedicated to St. Lucy who was born and martyred here. We also visit the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis and its huge Greek theatre that still stages performances and the Roman amphitheatre before we head back to the ship. We sail to Giardi Naxos overnight - You are free to eat on board or try one of the many local restaurants before we sail. DAY 3: Taormina & Mt Etna (B, L, D) We will dock in Giardi Naxos for a busy day - the gateway to Mt Etna and beautiful Taormina. We start our day on the slopes of Mt Etna with a quick visit to a local family honey farm to try some honey (orange, lemon, eucalyptus), as well as almond pastries, olives and olive oil.
You can explore Cefalu in an unusual way - the invisible city. Those wishing to join in will be divided into small teams and will be given an instant camera and a booklet, including a map. Each team will take photos of certain points of interest, some easy to find and and others more difficult. This unusual way to explore will take you to (hopefully) the Norman Duomo, started in the time of Roger II in 1131, with precious mosaics that adorn a renowned and striking image of Christ. You will also visit the jewish ghetto, the ancient Postierla gate built into Megalithic walls and the the striking mediaeval wash-house. For many the highlight of the day will be a guided walk up the slopes of the Rocca with our guide - a great vantage spot a fine spot for a picnic from where you can take wonderful photos of the labyrinthine city. We ll continue to a wine estate some 700 metres above sea level that has belonged to the same family since 1727 - they provide some fine wines. We will enjoy a guided visit and a lunch of Etna s local cuisine and wines. Our next stop is at the Godfather Villa, the Castello degli Schiavi, the house of Don Corleone. This beautiful residence was built in 1700 as a country house for the nobility. The house was the location for several scenes in the Godfather films. We will meet the owner, the current Baron, who will happily tell you all about the villa. Continue to Taormina, set atop a steep hill with views down the coast and to Mt Etna. The ancient Greek theatre is dramatically set on the edge of a ridge. There will be time to stroll the streets to admire ancient churches and fine shops, and a coffee in the square. We head to the Refugio Sapienza situated at over 6000 feet up the slopes of Mt Etna. There are fantastic views and a chance to walk to 1-2 of the craters. We head back to the ship for dinner and sail overnight to Stromboli. DAY 4: Panarea and Stromboli (B, L, D) We will arrive in Panarea early in the morning. Panarea is the remains of an extinct volcano and the second smallest of the Aeolian Islands, with a population of fewer than 300 people, but it comes alive in summer. It is a beautiful little island and we will stop here to explore and try the cafes. We will then continue to Stromboli for a couple of hours free time and to view the eruptions during the evening from our vessel. Stromboli is an active volcano that rises nearly 1000 metres from the sea and is usually in a state of constant but mild activity. There are three small villages on Stromboli but very few facilities. Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with 2-3 mini eruptions every hour, ejecting ash, rocks and some lava. DAY 5: Cefalu (B, L, D) Cefalu is a surprise to many. Lesser known than many other sites in Sicily, this beautiful old coastal town is set against the backdrop of a towering rock topped off by a norman fortress. The narrow streets lead to some fine beaches, the ancient washing pools where the ladies of the town would wash clothes a thousand years ago, and a glorious cathedral. We will anchor in the new harbour, a 10 minute walk from the old town, and the highlight will be a picnic served in the Norman fortress, a thirty minute walk up the hill from the town. There are plenty of options if you would rather stay in the town. info@ 3 After lunch we head back into the old town for a refreshing granita or drink while relaxing in the Duomo square in front of the Unesco monument. Dinner will be provided on board and we will leave Cefalu in the evening and cruise overnight to Trapani. DAY 6: Trapani & Erice (B, L, D) We will dock in Trapani, a small but active fishing village with a few cafes overlooking the harbour. From Trapani we will take an excursion to Erice set spectacularly 2500 feet above sea level, from where you can see Africa on a clear day! This ancient town was taken over by the Normans in the 12th Century and heavily fortified. Famous in antiquity for its temples where the Phoenicians worshipped Astarte, the Greeks venerated Aphrodite and the Romans celebrated Venus. Erice claims to be the best preserved mediaeval town in the world, rich in castles and churches. Enjoy a breathtaking view from the hilltop from where you might glimpse the distant shores of Africa. We will stop in a historical pastry shop in Erice to learn about the tradition of dolci Siciliani, made by nuns, and we will sample their wares. We will have a typical Lunch in an olive oil farm under olive trees, and an olive-oil tasting. We make a short stop at another famous winery to look at methods of bottling. In the late afternoon we head to the coast - characterized by an unusual landscape peculiar to this part of Sicily - saltpans. Large mirrors of saltwater form an irregular and multicoloured chessboard, dotted with windmills that were used to pump water and grind salt. We stop at the Stagnone Nature Reserve, home to flamingos, for an aperitif overlooking the saltpans - A charming place at sunset with colours that shift from red to orange to pink, encircling the ancient mills and the silhouettes of the Egadi Islands. DAY 7: Palermo (B, L, D) Wake up in Palermo, the spectacular capital of Sicily. Cars, vans and thousands of scooters vie for space in the narrow streets, horns blaring, while trying to force themselves into impossible gaps. We will take a 3 hour Street food walking tour of Palermo - led by a local expert guide we will sample the best of Sicily s street food and the fascinating culinary world of Sicily s Capital. You will visit the famous and bustling Mercato del Capo tasting five different Sicilian treats including panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancine (deep fried rice balls). Once we have enjoyed the vast array of produce we have the opportunity to learn what to do with it. Our chef will host a hands-on cooking class in a restaurant followed by lunch. The dishes you ve prepared will be served with just the right Sicilian wine, and dessert accompanied by local biscotti and Sicilian dessert wine.
Afterwards you can enjoy a tour of Palermo - the quintessence of Sicily, capable of being chaotic, elegant, fascinating, secretive and a little decadent, all at the same time. In the small streets and alleys of its historic centre, elegant Baroque and Norman monuments stand alongside Arabic domes. A visit to the city s numerous and famous monuments, squares, cathedrals and villas is an absolute must: Don t miss the Cathedral, the Palazzo Reale, the Cappella Palatina, San Giovanni degli Eremi, the 12th century Norman churches of San Cataldo and la Martorana, by the magnificent Piazza Pretoria. There will still be time to relax before we head back to the ship for the evening. An evening meal will be provided aboard but you are also free to try one of Palermo s many fine restaurants. DAY 8: Palermo & The Valley of the Temples (B, L) After breakfast visit the beautiful Valley of the Temples on a guided tour with a specialist guide. The archaeological ruins of the Greek period are numerous and they were documented by Goethe in his work Viaggio in Italia. In the middle of the valley the most spectacular structure is the Concordia temple. Have a picnic at Kolymbetra Gardens with fruit trees from every part of the world - some of the trees are over 1000 years old! Surrounded by lemon, pomegranate, pistachio, and orange trees you can enjoy a typical Sicilian picnic of local fruit, cheese and wine. After lunch we will return to Palermo for disembarkation and final goodbyes. 2019 DEPARTURES AND PRICES: 21st-28th September 28th September- 5th October* CABIN CATEGORIES ($AU): Lumiere VIP Cabin $7,000pp Lumiere Upper Deck Cabin $6,295pp Parisian Middle Deck Cabin $5,995pp Camille Lower Deck Cabin $5,295pp *operates in reverse INCLUSIONS: 7 nights accomodation on board MS Monet Daily meals as outlined in itinerary Daily touring as outlined in itinerary Port taxes & fees (valued at A$600pp) Drinking water Wine, beer, soft drinks with Lunch & Dinner Afternoon tea or coffee Daily cabin service, mid-week change of linen Local guides in Palermo and Siracusa English- speaking expert tour escort throughout YOUR GUIDE: Angela Macaluso Angela has worked in tourism for 20 years, researching, guiding and trip planning - she does what she loves and loves what she does. Angela looks forward to sharing Sicily with you. EXCLUSIONS: International flights, laundry, visa cost, fuel surcharges, tips to tour guides, gratituties MEALS: You have the choice of eating on board and during excursions, or you may prefer to try some of the restaurants ashore (at your own expense). info@ 4
Images: (c) shuttershock.com- Oleg Vlasov/ Stefano_Valeri/) Alberto Masnovo) villorejo/ Martin Froyda THE VESSEL MONET: At 68m long, Monet accommodates 60 guests in 30 double or twin cabins, located on three Decks. Cabins on the Lumiere Deck and Parisian Decks have large windows while cabins on the Camille Deck have two oversized portholes. All cabins offer central A/C and ventilation, flat screen satellite TV, phone system, and hairdryer. The Monet is also equipped with a Wi-Fi internet connection (free of charge). Monet has the latest state of the art safety equipment and 29 crew members for an excellent passenger:crew and a high level of service. Monet has ample seating space for relaxation, a mini-library with a variety of books and magazines and modern A/V equipment for presentations. Keep in shape during your cruise at the gym, featuring a variety of fitness equipment. The dining room has plenty of space for all passengers and large windows allow for panoramic views of the stunning scenery as you cruise. The bar and lounge with an open deck in the back offer an ideal spot for reading, socialising and relaxing. Restaurant Sumptuous dining options are provided to compliment the ports of call. Enjoy conversing with fellow guests about adventures had and ahead or spend quality time with your companions and discuss the local wine. Lounge The lounge has ample space and large windows, and provides a focal spot for passengers to gather together with travel companions and new friends. Come here to relax and chat about your day and experiences. Open Deck The open deck is a great spot to dine or relax at any time. Sun Deck Relax and soak up the sun while enjoying 360 degree views. Lumiere Deck Cabin Parisian Deck Twin Cabin Camille Deck Cabin Antarctic House 53B Montreal Street PO Box 7218, Christchurch, 8240, New Zealand 0800 945 3327(within New Zealand) +64 (0) 3 365 1355 1800 107 715 (within Australia) info@ info@ 5