Sicilian Odyssey
A voyage from the Bay of Naples to Malta including an exploration of Sicily aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
- 26 September 2021
"Sicily is endlessly fascinating and if you have promised yourself that one day you will visit, what better way to explore her treasures than from aboard a small ship."
We have the perfect vessel and time of year for our exploration of the wonderful island of Sicily and her archaeological treasures. Sicily is a land that has seen more than its fair share of invasions, resulting in some lofty and noble architecture from magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals and Norman palaces. With its benevolent climate and superb strategic position, the island has been coveted, fought over and colonised with the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Byzantines and Bourbons all having made their mark on this astonishing island.
Sicily is endlessly fascinating and if you have promised yourself that one day you will visit, this is the time to go and what better way to explore her treasures than from aboard a small ship. The geography of the island lends itself beautifully to exploration by sea, as most points of interest are close to the coast. Appreciate, in comfort, Sicily’s rich artistic legacy of so many invading civilisations. The island is a celebration of the greatest achievements of Mediterranean cultures and with such a wealth of ancient sites, it is certainly not somewhere which should be visited in a hurry. With seven days spent exploring the island, we have the luxury of time and are able to visit the stunning Greek theatre at Taormina, the superbly well-preserved Greek temples of Segesta and the Valle dei Templi, the Norman Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Byzantine Monreale Cathedral, the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana di Casale as well as the beautiful Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa. Our Guest Speaker will contribute greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of Sicily and once visited it is a place you will never forget and will wish to return to time and time again.
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.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Naples, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Trapani, Sicily.
Spend the morning at sea arriving into Trapani over lunch. This was the landing point for Peter of Aragon in 1282 to start the Spanish occupation of Sicily. This afternoon choose to travel inland to explore Segesta, one of the grandest Doric monuments to survive. See the unfinished temple dating from 424 BC as well as the theatre from where you can enjoy excellent views of the countryside and distant coastline. Alternatively visit Erice, famed in antiquity for its temple dedicated to the goddess of love, the Phoenician Astarte, Greek Aphrodite or Roman Venus. A tour will take us to this stunning site high above the sea and to the beautifully preserved Medieval town characterised by its winding cobblestone streets and beautiful courtyards.
Day 3 Palermo.
Arrive this morning in the Sicilian capital of Palermo. After breakfast we will explore the city, famous for its jumbled and picturesque streets punctuated with ornate Baroque churches, domed Arab mosques and the glittering Byzantine mosaics that reveal a unique and diverse heritage. We visit the impressive 12th century cathedral which houses the royal tombs of Henri VI and King Ruggiero. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon either enjoy some time to explore independently or join an excursion to Monreale Cathedral, said to be the most beautiful Norman Church in Italy, designed and completed by William the Good in 1174. With its thick walls and powerful towers, the exterior looks like an austere fortress yet it is the interior of this great cathedral which is its crowning glory. Here the large nave, with its side aisles and grey granite columns set off the exquisite Byzantine mosaics on the walls above the arches.
Day 4 Messina for Taormina.
From the nearby port of Messina 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. Those who wish to spend longer here will be able to take lunch independently in one of the local restaurants and spend an afternoon exploring at leisure before our coach returns to Messina. Alternatively, return to the ship for lunch and enjoy free time in Messina before we sail this evening.
Day 5 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 will 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 by local food and wine.
Day 6 Noto & Ragusa.
From our berth in Pozzallo we will explore the Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa. Built in 1703 Noto is a picturesque city located on the terraced slopes of Mount Iblei, among olive groves and almond trees. Here we find Sicillian Baroque style palaces and monuments. A quiet walk along the central streets will reveal the 18th century Palazzo Ducezio and some baroque churches: San Francesco Immacolata, the cathedral, San Carlo, Santa Chiara and the imposing Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, built in 1737. We return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and this afternoon continue to charming Ragusa. It has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list for its artistic-architectural heritage with its Baroque palaces, churches, squares, stairways and winding narrow streets, all of which create an evocative and ancient atmosphere. We will discover the wonderful Ragusa Ibla: the “Pearl of the Baroque”, the gardens, the magnificent palaces, the splendid church of San Giuseppe and the Dome of San Giorgio, built in the 18th century on the site where an older church stood before the earthquake of 1693.
Day 7 Agrigento & Valley of the Temples.
Although handsome in its own right and awash with Medieval atmosphere, Agrigento is not our main reason for calling at this southern coast port. Close by is the Valle dei Templi, a series of Doric temples and the most captivating of Sicilian Greek remains, a grouping unique outside Greece. Surrounded in greenery of olive and almond trees, admire the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Dioscuri Temple, the Temple of Olympic Jove and the Temple of Hercules. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore Agrigento and shuttles will run from the port to the town and the excellent archaeological museum which you can explore at leisure.
Day 8 Licata for Piazza Armerina.
From the port of Licata we travel inland to what is regarded as the finest Roman site in Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale, which is located close to Piazza Armerina amidst wooded rolling countryside. This huge villa was built in the 3rd century and has some stunning floor mosaics. Our return drive takes us through the province of Caltanissetta, recognised today as one of the best winemaking regions in Italy thanks above all to its production of high quality, prestigious red wines including Nero D’Avola. We will break our journey at one of these vineyards and enjoy a chance to sample some wine over a Sicilian lunch.
Day 9 Malta to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Combined Voyage - Mallorca to Malta 19th September to 4th October 2021
It is possible to combine this voyage with the following one from Naples to Malta, click here for full details.
Dates and Prices
26 September to 4 October 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £4395 | £4195 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £4595 | £4395 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £4795 | £4595 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £5295 | £5095 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £5795 | £5595 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6195 | £5995 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £6695 | £6495 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £5595 | £5395 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £5895 | £5695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCCSK260921
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 8 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Combined Voyage - Mallorca to Malta 19th September to 4th October 2021
It is possible to combine this voyage with the following one from Naples to Malta, click here for full details.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Travelling with You
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Olga Stone
Olga Stone was born in Crimea, Ukraine. She graduated from the Odessa Conservatoire with distinction in piano, piano accompaniment and the teaching of music and then became a professional pianist and accompanist, performing in Moscow, Minsk, Kiev and other cities of the former Soviet Union. She has made many appearances on Ukrainian, Russian and Belorussian TV. She moved to the Isle of Man in 1998 and, in 2001, was elected a Fellow of Trinity College of Music in London.
Olga has performed in various venues around the world. She also teaches piano, Classics and Russian at King William's College (Isle of Man) and is the organist at St Andrew's Church, Isle of Man. Aside from degrees in Music, Olga has a MA in Classics and BA in the History of Arts, and is a part -time History lecturer for the University of Liverpool and for the University of Chester.
Olga Stone will be on the following tour dates: 26 September to 4 October 2021
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Malta after disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky we are offering a two night stay at the five-star Phoenicia Hotel providing the chance to explore Valletta and the surrounding area.
Valletta Harbour
The Itinerary
Day 1 Valletta, Malta.
After breakfast we will disembark and begin a city tour of Valletta, the 16th century “Fortress City” built by the Knights of St John. Our morning tour will include the highlights of Valletta with its stunning views across the harbour from the Barakka Gardens. We will explore Merchants Street, containing the surviving auberges built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, together with the palace where Napoleon Bonaparte is believed to have stayed in 1798. Our final stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. After lunch we transfer to the Phoenicia Hotel for check in and the remainder of the afternoon and evening are free for independent exploration.
Day 2 Valletta.
A morning tour will take us to Mdina. Originally this city was given the name of “Citta Nobile” and is now known as the “Silent City” at the heart of the island. Mdina is Phoenician in origin and was the fortified capital of the island, before the arrival of the Knights. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure before meeting this evening for dinner.
Day 3 Valletta to London.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
4 to 6 October 2021 Category Price Twin £745 Single £1045 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast at the Phoenicia Hotel, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers, tours as described, lunch on day 1, dinner on day 2.
Not Included: Travel insurance, meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Also of Interest
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Itinerary at a glance
- Valletta / Piazza Armerina / Agrigento / Valley of the Temples / Mazaro del Vallo / Trapani / Palermo / Cefalu / Messina / Syracuse / Catania
September in the Mediterranean
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Itinerary at a glance
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Voyage from Mallorca to Malta
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Itinerary at a glance
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Wonders of Sicily & the Amalfi Coast
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Itinerary at a glance
- Valletta / Porto Empedocle / Piazza Armerina / Noto / Ragusa / Syracuse / Taormina / Lipari / Stromboli / Palermo / Amalfi / Positano / Naples
Passage to Puglia & Beyond
A voyage from Malta to Split aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker, Ernie Rea
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Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Valletta / Syracuse / Noto / Crotone / Taranto / Otranto / Lecce / Monopoli / Kotor / Split
Italy & her Islands
An exploration of Italy’s islands & Corsica aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Captain Peter Hore
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Pisa / Portoferraio / L'Ile Rousse/ Calvi / Bonifacio / Alghero / Cagliari / Trapani / Piazza Armerina / Syracuse /Valletta
Circumnavigation of Sicily
An in-depth exploration of the wonders of Sicily aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speakers Olga Stone & David Stuttard
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Valletta / Piazza Armerina / Valley of the Temples / Trapani / Palermo / Taormina / Syracuse / Noto / Ragusa / Valletta
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000