Secrets of Sicily

Sicily: From and back to Palermo 9 Day Expedition Cruise
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08.27.23-09.04.23
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8 Nights
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Discover history at the heart of the glistening Mediterranean on this amazing islands voyage. From ancient Greek ruins to the smoking volcano of Mount Etna, Sicily is a wonderful blend of compelling history, culinary delights, vibrant culture and striking landscapes. The nearby islands of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and Malta, add more archaeological finds to help you unearth the complex histories these lands have witnessed.

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

Palermo, Sicily
Day 1
A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot offering up centuries of history and a street food bonanza. Three bustling markets Capo, Bollaro and Vucciria await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Narrow side streets lead to hidden palaces and churches along Via Maqueda. The Palazzo dei Normanni, once the seat of Sicilian kings during Norman rule, showcases the city’s past opulence.
Trapani, Sicily
Day 2
Reached by cable car from the old port town of Trapani in western Sicily, is Erice, a picturesque medieval district overlooking the crescent harbour crowned by the Venus Castle on a hill. South, biodiverse salt pans dot the coast creating a Nature Reserve where pink flamingos and cranes gather. Selinunte, an important 7th-century BC Greek city, is Europe's largest archaeological park with Greek and Punic ruins of temples and an aqueduct.
Mazara del Vallo
Day 3
A tapestry of history and charm, the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo in Trapani captivates with the Casbah, an ancient Arab quarter, and centuries-old landmarks like the Basilica Cattedral and, the Church of Sant’Egidio, with a museum dedicated to the bronze statue of the Dancing Satyr. Nearby, Selinunte, an important 7th-century BC Greek city, is Europe's largest archaeological park with Greek and Punic ruins of temples and an aqueduct.
Porto Empedocle, Sicily
Day 4
Named after the philosopher Empedocles, Porto Empedocles, on Sicily's south-western coast, is a gateway to Agrigento's highlights, including the Valley of the Temples. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 5th century BC, boasts some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins worldwide. Nearby the town of Agrigento has a medieval core and various archaeological sites.
Valletta
Day 5
Compact yet elegant, the fortified city of Valletta, Malta's capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its concentrated historic area and Baroque architecture. St. John's Co-Cathedral houses Caravaggio artworks. Modern landmarks include the Renzo Piano-designed City Gate, Parliament Building and Opera House. Across the Grand Harbour lie the Three Cities: Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua, each steeped in history and architectural beauty.
Siracusa, Sicily
Day 6
Once the biggest city in the ancient world, Siracusa, Sicily, showcases its history with ancient Greek ruins amid citrus orchards, traditional cafes on baroque piazzas, and ancient winding lanes to the sparkling sea. Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, founded by Corinthian colonists in 734 BC, is one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites. Nearby, the eerie necropolis houses famed locals like mathematician Archimedes
Giardini Naxos(Taormina), Sicily
Day 7
Giardini Naxos, on Sicily's east coast, is famed for ancient ruins and scenic beaches. Remnants of the Greek city of Naxos, including sacred precincts and temples, unveil its rich past. Nearby, Mount Etna stands as a reminder of nature's grandeur. Taormina, one of Italy's most beautiful cities, showcases Corso Umberto's charming streets, Viuzze's narrow lanes unveiling local handicrafts, and the Roman Theatre, a testament to ancient heritage.
Lipari, Sicily
Day 8
The largest Aeolian Island, Lipari, has a landscape of lava quarries, shrubbery and cliffs. Lipari Town is a bustling port, its pastel buildings lining the harbour with numerous cafes and restaurants. Overlooking the harbour, the 16th-century Spanish-built fortified citadel and castle house ancient archaeological artefacts spanning thousands of years and various empires, some dating back as far as 6,000 years.
Palermo, Sicily
Day 9
A feast for the senses, Sicily’s capital is an intoxicating and chaotic melting pot offering up centuries of history and a street food bonanza. Three bustling markets Capo, Bollaro and Vucciria await those ready to embrace Palermo for all that it offers. Narrow side streets lead to hidden palaces and churches along Via Maqueda. The Palazzo dei Normanni, once the seat of Sicilian kings during Norman rule, showcases the city’s past opulence.
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