La Dolce Vita
A voyage from Malta to Bari aboard Sea Cloud II with Guest Speaker Dr Steve Kershaw
- 7 June 2021
Here is a wonderful journey which will appeal to those with a love of Italy, who enjoy a varied programme of interesting visits ashore and who relish spending time at sea under sail. Setting sail from Valletta’s Grand Harbour, we will spend time in Sicily to appreciate the island’s rich legacy of so many invading civilisations followed by time in both Calabria and Puglia. Our days will be split between the port of call and time at sea allowing for ample time to enjoy the magnificent Sea Cloud II.
Our visits ashore in Sicily will include the Greek remains at the Valley of Temples, the beautiful city of Syracuse and the impressive Greek theatre at Taormina which offers stunning views of Mount Etna. Crossing to Calabria we visit Santa Severina, one of Italy’s prettiest towns and the Norman, Carafa Castle. Then follows three days discovering Puglia including visits with local guides to prehistoric dwellings and traditional trulli abodes as well as splendid Baroque architecture.
Our days will be varied as we explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, walk through historic hilltop villages and discover the uniqueness of each region as well as enjoying wine tastings and a private concert in one of Syracuse’s palazzos.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Sea Cloud II
Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines the timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The 32,000 square feet of sails are set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to Sea Cloud II and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Agrigento & Valley of the Temples, Sicily.
Although handsome in its own right and awash with Medieval atmosphere, Agrigento is not our main reason for calling at this southern Sicilian coastal port. Close by is the Valle dei Templi, a series of Doric temples and the most captivating of Sicilian Greek remains, and a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded by greenery of olive and almond trees, we will admire the Temple of Juno (Hera), the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Zeus Olympic and the Dioscuri Temple. We also hope to have time to see the excellent archaeological museum. Return to Sea Cloud II for lunch and spend the afternoon on deck as we cruise under sail.
Day 3 Syracuse.
Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean which rivalled Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. On leaving the vessel we visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park where we find a well-preserved Greek theatre with seats carved from limestone. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone and is the site of the curious ‘Dionysus’ Ear’, a vast grotto with an amplifying resonance. We will continue to explore the island of Ortigia where we find the Temple of Apollo, considered to be Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple and the Baroque Cathedral, erected over the remains of the Temple of Minerva. The afternoon is free to explore independently before we meet this evening for a private concert in one of the town’s palazzos accompanied with local food and wine.
Day 4 Taormina.
From our anchorage at Giardini Naxos we will visit Taormina, a walled town lying in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano. The town has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and our guided tour will include walking the characteristic alleys before visiting the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja and the impressive Greek Theatre from where there are marvellous views over the town and coast. Return to Sea Cloud II for lunch and enjoy an afternoon under sail as we make our way to mainland Italy.
Day 5 Crotone, Italy.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Calabria and the port of Crotone which is on the site of the ancient Greek City of Kroton. Whilst little remains of the Greek city it was one of the most important settlements of Magna Graecia, where Pythagoras set up a school in 530 BC and whose athletes were very successful at the Olympic Games. We will take a scenic drive inland this afternoon to Santa Severina, one of Italy’s prettiest towns overlooking the Neto River valley. We will explore the majestic Carafa Castle which was built by the Normans in 1076 and contains intricate underground labyrinths and stables, with the remains of Medieval frescoes. Also see the cathedral, the beautiful Byzantine baptistery and wander the town’s tangled streets. As we return to the ship we will stop at one of the vineyards that produce famous Calabrian wine, Ciro, for a tasting accompanied by typical Calabrian food.
Days 6 Taranto.
Today we arrive in Puglia for our morning tour which will take us into Basilicata as we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi di Matera (stones of Matera). Situated in the old town of Matera, the Sassi are prehistoric dwellings dug into the rock itself and are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. The site comprises over 1000 buildings including houses, churches, shops, workshops and monasteries covering over 1000 hectares and we will learn more about the history of the town on a walking tour of the labyrinthine streets. Alternatively spend the morning at leisure in Taranto where you may want to see the 15th century Aragonese Castle and the 11th century cathedral. We will return to the vessel for lunch and spend the afternoon under sail.
Day 7 Otranto.
From the port of Otranto we will drive to Lecce, often referred to as ‘The Florence of the South’ with its amazing collection of Baroque architecture. A guided walk will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most impressive squares in southern Italy. After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to explore Otranto independently, maybe walk the winding streets or along the seaside promenade or take a swim from the nearby beaches.
Day 8 Monopoli.
Today we drive into the Puglian countryside which is scattered with ‘trulli’, limestone dwellings built with dome or conical roofs. We will enjoy a pleasant walk in Alberobello, a fairy-tale trulli village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the St Anthony Church also built in trullo style. Afterwards we visit ‘Cantina Albea’ and its wine museum, home to old instruments used in the past for the production of wine and where we will enjoy a tasting along with a talk on the wine production. Return to the ship for lunch and there will be a little free time to explore the old town independently before we sail in the late afternoon. Arrive this evening in Bari where we moor overnight.
Day 9 Bari to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Combined Voyage – Malta to Athens, 7th to 23rd June 2021 It is possible to combine this voyage with the following one from Bari to Athens, Voyage to the Land of Gods & Heroes.
Dates and Prices
7 to 15 June 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Category E Deluxe double | £5395 | £4995 |
Category D Deluxe double | £5695 | £5295 |
Category C Deluxe double | £5995 | £5595 |
Category B Junior Suite | £6395 | £5995 |
Category A Luxury Owner's Suite | £7395 | £6995 |
Category F Stateroom for sole use | £6395 | £5995 |
Category E Deluxe double for sole use | £7395 | £6995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSC2070621
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard Sea Cloud II on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Combined Voyage – Malta to Athens, 7th to 23rd June 2021
It is possible to combine this voyage with Voyage to the Land of Gods and Heroes, click here for the itinerary and applicable prices.
Sea Cloud II
Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines the timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The 32,000 square feet of sails are set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels.
Travelling with You
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Dr Steve Kershaw
Dr. Steve Kershaw is a tutor in Classics for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society (ex-NADFAS), and lectures for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Early Medieval: 300- 1250 and The Classical World and Classical Revivals courses. His publications include The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths, A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization, A Brief History of the Roman Empire, and A Brief History of Atlantis: Plato’s Ideal State. He is the author and tutor for Oxford University’s on-line courses in Greek Mythology and The Fall of Rome. In 2016 he appeared as an Expert Contributor to The History Channel’s ‘Barbarians Rising’ series, and he has travelled widely in the world of the Greeks and Romans, both physically and intellectually.
Dr Steve Kershaw will be on the following tour dates: 7 to 15 June 2021
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Malta before embarking Sea Cloud II we are offering a two night stay providing the chance to explore Valletta and the surrounding area.
Valletta
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the Phoenicia Hotel for an overnight stay and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Meet tonight for dinner in the hotel.
Day 2 Valletta.
After breakfast in the hotel we will embark on a city tour of Valletta, the 16th century “Fortress City” built by the Knights of St John. The afternoon and evening are free for independent exploration.
Day 3 Mdina.
Enjoy time at leisure before we check out of the hotel in the late morning and transfer to Mdina. Originally given the name of “Citta Nobile”, the city is now known as the “Silent City”. Mdina is Phoenician in origin and was the fortified capital of the island before the arrival of the Knights. After lunch in a local restaurant we will transfer to Sea Cloud II moored in Valletta.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
5 to 7 June 2021 Category Price Single £845 Twin £575 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast at the Phoenicia Hotel, tours as described, dinner on day 1, lunch on day 3, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
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La Dolce Vita & Land of Gods & Heroes
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000