PONANT
Experience a cruise of true luxury with PONANT, the only French cruise company with multi-language speaking and international guests. Since 1988, PONANT has been providing luxury cruises in a fully 5 star setting and has won multiple awards for its excellent service and unique cruising model. Offering a truly exclusive experience, the fleet is made up of small sized ships designed to accommodate a limited amount of travelers. The Le Dumont-d’Urville, of course, has everything in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. This ship belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and has been designed to be environmentally friendly. What’s more, this fabulous ship features an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, an underwater lounge. Set sail on the Le Dumont-d’Urville and discover a new level of luxury cruising.
Discover the beauty of Sicily on this unforgettable 11 night cruise and stay. This carefully curated voyage to Sicily combines visits to some of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with a focus also on the distinctive culinary traditions of the regions visited. Moving through Sicily, a crossroads of the many historical civilizations—Greek, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, Norman—that have flourished along the shores of the Mediterranean, guests will explore no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. What’s more, along the way guests will sample the wines of Etna, as well as the breads, olives, meats, and cheeses of the island. This is the perfect way to experience Sicily, as food has always been central to the good life.
Days 1 – 3
This journey will begin with a 3 night pre-cruise stay in Valletta, the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at The Phoenicia Malta. This beautiful city is home to some of Europe’s finest art works, churches and palaces. Wander through the city’s narrow street and discover quaint shops and charming cafes. Be sure to visit St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master's Palace.
Day 4
On day you will head to the port to board your 8 night luxury cruise onboard Le Dumont-d’Urville.
Day 5
The first stop on your cruise is Porto Empedocles. Sicily. This city is huddled on the south-western coast of Sicily and is the gateway to the spectacular archaeological site of Temple Valley, a high place of Greek civilization listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can admire the remains of many temples dedicated to Zeus, his wife Hera and Hephaestus. Also be sure to take in the magnificent Italian countryside, with its olive orchards that cover the hillsides.
Day 6
The next stop on this unforgettable cruising journey is Trapani, Sicily. Trapani is located on the west coast of Sicily and is a gateway to many Sicilian towns and attractions. Visit the beautiful hilltop town Erice for one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Sicily or travel to Monreale to visit the Norman cathedral and wander through the orange, olive and almond groves. Alternatively, admire some of the best-preserved relics of Greece’s Golden Age at the ancient city of Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7
Today your cruise will dock in Palermo, Sicily - the largest capital of the Italian islands. Experience local culture at the markets, marvel at the stunning architecture with a visit to the Palermo Cathedral, or visit the largest opera house in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe – Teatro Massimo. Those who want some sun and relaxation should head to Mondello Beach, a gorgeous white sand beach.
Day 8
Next you will visit Lipari, the largest and most populated of the seven Aeolian Islands. Located off the north coast of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the centre, you’ll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.
Day 9
Guests will spend today in Reggio di Calabria, a beautiful picturesque town at the southern tip of the Italian boot. This town was rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, set out in a grid pattern with Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture adding to the towns charm. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, explore the historic castle – Castello Aragonese, or walk along the beautiful promenade - Lungomare Falcomatà.
Day 10
Today your cruise will dock in Taormina, Sicily. This medieval town is located on the side of a mountain overlooking the Ionian Sea. Taormina has a rich historical and cultural past and also boasts stunning natural scenery. A must visit is the Teatro Greco, a horseshoe-shaped theatre which was built in the 3rd century B.C. and is regarded as the most dramatically situated Greek theatre in the world. Also be sure to explore the beautiful bays, grottoes and pretty pebble beaches below.
Day 11
The final stop on this cruise is Syracuse, a city on the south eastern coast of Sicily. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
Day 12
Finally, guests will disembark the cruise back in Valletta where they will transfer to the airport for their flight home.