Sailing Around Sicily - Cruise from Catania

Goethe wrote, "Do you know the land where the lemon trees bloom and oranges glow from the leaves' dark gloom." Sicily and the picture-perfect Baroque town of Catania, set right at the foot of Mount Etna, were genuine inspirations for him on his travels around Italy. On the fertile volcanic soil around Catania, orange and lemon trees try to out-glow each other, and you will be tempted to enjoy the coastline with its wonderful sandy beaches and impressive rock formations. The town was destroyed by a volcanic eruption and earthquake in the 17th century and, in the 18th century, a masterpiece of Roman Baroque emerged which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taormina is perched on a rock with a majestic view over the sea. In the 19th century, this small town had already developed into a dream destination for well-heeled travellers and artists. The town's fascination lies in its elegance, the many ancient buildings, the stunningly beautiful coastline, the mild climate, and the view over the silhouette of Etna. Europe's largest volcano is over 9,843 feet high, has four summit craters and around 400 subsidiary craters, and is covered with snow almost all year round. In ancient times it was considered the seat of the gods, but nowadays large sections of it are a nature reserve.

The character of Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, was mainly forged by the Arabs, Swabian dynasty and Normans. Noble palaces line the magnificent streets, cheerful-looking Art Nouveau houses stand next to Baroque buildings and a little further on you are faced with pure Gothic facades. The medieval quarter towers above the huge Palazzo Reale with its "Capella Palatina", a masterpiece in the Arab-Byzantine-Norman style. The small mountain town of Monreale gives you a breathtaking view over the town and the bay, as well as the 12th century cathedral whose interior combines Romanesque, Byzantine and Arab art with rich gold mosaics.

The old town and port of Trapani lies on a picturesque crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice. You will discover many little treasures browsing through the beautiful town center. For the last 1,000 years, fine black and red coral jewellery has been made here. The mountain town of Erice is a real architectural gem. Not far from Tapani, this idyllic little town is tucked away in a picturesque hilltop setting overlooking the countryside and the sea. Protected defiantly by a wall, the town retains its splendid medieval atmosphere.

Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.

Is that an oversized sandcastle sitting right on the golden beach? No, it’s the imposing Turri Cabrera, the oldest building in Pozzallo, which has been guarding the southern Sicilian coast since the 15th century. Sailors discovered natural springs in the area early on, and a trading post was later established, attracting pirates. That’s when Count Giovanni Bernardo Cabrera had the mighty defense tower built. Over time, a fishing village grew up around the tower, and today, Pozzallo draws visitors with its sunny beaches and charming promenade. It’s also a great starting point for trips to the Baroque city of Noto or the art town of Ragusa Ibla.

The municipal area of Syracuse boasts relics from cultural history going back more than three millennia. In ancient times, the city was the most powerful in the known world and was famed for its splendour. The island of Ortigia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where Syracuse began its rise as an ancient city. The huge cathedral is at the heart of the old town, magnificent palaces line the Piazza and wide promenades invite you to take a stroll. The archaeological park brings Greek and Roman history back to life. Yet Syracuse exudes southern Italian charm, with washing drying outside the windows.

Arrival 8:00 am

Itineraries are subject to change.