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Secrets of Sicily
D2424082008
Dates
08/20/24 - 08/28/24
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
8 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 5,551
Per Person
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Trip Details

Discover history at the heart of the azure-blue Mediterranean on this fascinating Sicily Highlights with Malta & Lipari cruise on board our luxury small ship. From ancient Greek ruins to the smoking volcano of Mount Etna, Sicily is a wonderful concoction of rich history, culinary delights, vibrant culture and striking natural landscapes. The nearby islands of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and Malta, add more archaeological finds to help unearth the complex histories these lands have witnessed. Join us on board and learn more as we cruise around these alluring islands in the middle of the glistening Mediterranean Sea.

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Trip Highlights
Spot pink flamingos and cranes at the Salt Pans of Trapani Nature Reserve
Uncover some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world outside of Greece at the Valley of the Temples in Porto Empedocle
Explore one of the world’s most concentrated historic areas in Valletta, Malta’s capital city
Learn more about Archimedes while searching for his tomb in the necropolis at Siracuse
Take a seat at Taormina’s 3rd-century Greek-Roman theatre, overlooking the smoking Mount Etna
Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Palermo, Sicily Day 1

A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot. Bustling street markets, ancient buildings, opulent palaces, and millennia of history await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Palermo’s history is complex, to say the least. Middle Eastern, Northern African, and European influences are all melded together here. The Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, and Vandals have come and gone through the ages, leaving countless treasures in their wake. The 12th-century Arab-Norman cathedral, built over a 9th-century mosque, houses the tombs of the Norman rulers and is a fitting manifestation of the city’s convoluted past. The opulent Palazzo de Normanni, once the seat of power for the kings of Sicily during Norman rule, is a dazzling display of the opulence that the city’s rulers once enjoyed.

Trapani, Sicily Day 2-3

The old port town of Trapani sits on a crescent-shaped peninsula on Sicily’s west coast. The town was once the hub of an old trading network that stretched from Carthage to Venice, and evidence of its prosperous past can still be seen throughout the old town. The coastline just south of Trapani is lined with salt pans, and here you can visit the Nature Reserve of the Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco. This unique saline environment attracts a plethora of migratory bird species including pink flamingos and cranes. The salt pans along this coastline are used in the production of salt, an industry believed to date back to the 12-century.

Shore Excursion
view
Marsala And Wine Tasting
  • Duration: 05 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Marvel at the remarkable "Punic Warship" and immerse yourself in artifacts that span from Prehistory to the Middle Ages
  • Learn the history of the Phoenician refugees, the Romans, the Vandals and the Byzantines who dominated the area
  • Finish the day with a wine tasting at the ancient Sicilian wine-farm, Cantine Florio
Ancient Greek Ruins Of Selinunte
  • Duration: 04 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Arrive at the sprawling remains of Selinunte, considered the largest and most aweinspiring archaeological site in all of Europe with a surface of 1,740 sq. km
  • Visit the oldest temple of the Eastern Hill dedicated to Athena and Dionysus, dating back to the mid-fifth century BC
  • Finish your tour at the never completed ruins of Apollo's temple
Walking tour of Trapani
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • See the harbour where Peter of Aragon landed in 1282, marking the start of the Spanish occupation of Sicily
  • Visit some of the town's most iconic landmarks like the Casina delle Palme, Porta Oscura and the Astronomical Clock, Palazzo Cavarretta and the walls of Tramontana
  • Learn about the powerful trading network that spanned from Carthage in Tunisia all the way to Venice in Italy
Ancient Segesta
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy the view on the Egadi island from the viewpoint of Ligny Tower
  • Built around the 5th and 4th centuries BC, see the massive walls that surround Segesta from the Classic or Hellenistic Age
  • Have the chance to visit the remarkable Doric Temple and discover its many unique features
Porto Empedocle, Sicily Day 4

Situated on the south-western coast of Sicily, Porto Empedocles was named after the philosopher Empedocles who lived in the region in the 5th century BC. The marina town serves as a gateway to the highlights of Sicily’s Agrigento region, including the archaeological Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 5th century BC and houses some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins in the world outside of Greece. The nearby town of Agrigento has a medieval core and several interesting archaeological sites. Wander through its narrow, winding alleyways and explore the smart shops, lively restaurants and friendly bars.

Shore Excursion
view
Valley Of Temples
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Included
  • Stop at the most important monuments of the area including the Temple of Juno, Temple of Concord and Temple of Hercules
  • Walk to the largest temple of Greek antiquity, the Temple of Zeus, built in the second quarter of the 5th century B.C.
  • With every step through the beautiful landscapes of almond and olive trees, feel the energy of the ancient world around you
Piazza Amerina and Butera Winery
  • Duration: 08 h 15 m
  • Optional
  • See some of the most beautiful and well preserved mosaics of the Roman time, covering 112 sq. m
  • Visit the astounding estate Feudo Principi di Butera that covers 320 hectares with 80 vineyards
  • Learn about the dry climate and sea breeze that makes this the best region in Italy for wine making
Valletta Day 5

Compact yet elegant, Malta’s capital city was built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Although there are ancient sites just about everywhere, Valletta does well in striking a balance between the ancient and the modern. The Renzo Piano-designed City Gate, Parliament Building and Opera House have changed the cityscape and brought the city into the modern era with sensitivity. Valetta is also within easy reach of many of Malta’s other offerings including stunning beaches, cliffs overlooking crystalline seas and the historic Three Cities.

Shore Excursion
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Marsaxlokk, Wine tasting
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Lean about Marsaxlokk’s past with Napoleon before it became famous for its harbour dotted with colourful luzzu fishing boats
  • Enjoy the unique flavours of some local wines at an expert-led wine tasting session
  • Stop for photos at St Pauls Island - thought to be the place where St Paul was shipwrecked in 60AD
Malta’s Capital Cities – Past & Present
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Visit the magnificent St John's Cathedral
  • Marvel at the opulent rooms and remarkable architecture of the Grand Master's Palace
  • Relax in the tranquility of Barraka Gardens, nestled atop Valletta's city walls
Siracusa, Sicily Day 6

Once the biggest city in the ancient world, Siracusa wears its history proudly on just about every street corner. Ancient Greek ruins rise out of heavenly citrus orchards, traditional cafes tumble onto baroque piazzas and ancient lanes lead down to the sparkling Mediterranean, as they have for millennia. The city was founded in 734 BC by Corinthian colonists, and the ruins of the original city can be explored at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily’s greatest archaeological sites. Nearby you can also visit the macabre yet fascinating necropolis, housing some of the region’s most renowned historical figures, including the famed mathematician Archimedes.

Shore Excursion
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Noto - Afternoon Departure
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Learn how the town was rebuilt by 18th-century planners after the earthquake of 1693
  • Admire the busts in the public gardens of artists who contributed to Noto's urban culture and style
  • See impressive landmarks like the Ducezio Palace and Villadorata Palace
Classical Syracuse - Morning Departure
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Included
  • While in Neapolis, visit the Latomie of Paradise, a huge cavern once used as a prison, and the enormous grotto, the Ear of Dionysius, to test your echo
  • End your walking tour of Neapolis at the Greek Theatre, one of the largest in the Hellenic World, built in the 5th century B.C
  • Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ortygia with a visit to the Piazza Pancali, Corso Matteotti, Archimede Square and Piazza Duomo
Zisola Winery
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy a scenic drive as you prepare to indulge in a sampling of some of the world’s most magnificently crafted wine
  • Get to know the Mazzei family who brought this winery to life in 2003
  • Learn how the marine breeze and soil conditions make for the perfect grape ripening conditions
Giardini Naxos(Taormina), Sicily Day 7

Giardini Naxos is a seaside town on the eastern coast of Sicily known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The city also has a rich history and culture, with many ancient ruins and historic sites to explore. Some popular attractions include the ancient Greek city of Naxos, the Church of San Pancrazio, and the Museum of Archaeology.

Shore Excursion
view
Taormina Highlights
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Included
  • Take in the incredible views of Mount Etna and the surrounding waters
  • Pay homage to the ancient art of performance at the Roman Theatre Corso Umberto
  • Visit one of the many local handicraft shops that populate the small lanes, the Viuzze
Lipari, Sicily Day 8

The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is typically Mediterranean in its landscape. The island’s lava quarries, low-lying shrubbery and precipitous cliffs feel familiar yet unchartered. Lipari Town is a busy little port with pretty pastel-coloured buildings lining the harbour and plenty of cafes and restaurants where visitors can watch the world go by. Above the harbour is the fortified citadel and castle, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. The fascinating citadel houses archaeological findings that span aeons and empires, some thought to be as much as 6,000 years old.

Shore Excursion
view
Lipari Island Tour And Winery
  • Duration: 03 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Work up an appetite with a sightseeing tour of of the island’s most panoramic viewpoints
  • Visit the underground barrique cellar, built in the traditional style of the region
  • Learn about the windcatcher’s thermal labyrinth and chimney used to create a natural air-conditioning system
Lipari Island Tour
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Take a moment to appreciate the unique mining practice of the volcanic materials pumice and obsidian
  • Enjoy stunning views of the sparkling sea, red and grey volcanoes and lush green vegetation
  • Stop by the Church of San Bartolomeo for pictures of its beautiful facade
Palermo, Sicily Day 9

A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot. Bustling street markets, ancient buildings, opulent palaces, and millennia of history await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Palermo’s history is complex, to say the least. Middle Eastern, Northern African, and European influences are all melded together here. The Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, and Vandals have come and gone through the ages, leaving countless treasures in their wake. The 12th-century Arab-Norman cathedral, built over a 9th-century mosque, houses the tombs of the Norman rulers and is a fitting manifestation of the city’s convoluted past. The opulent Palazzo de Normanni, once the seat of power for the kings of Sicily during Norman rule, is a dazzling display of the opulence that the city’s rulers once enjoyed.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK