Circumnavigating Sicily: 500 Miles Over Three Seas
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Day 1: Palermo to San Vito Lo Campo
Depart from the lively capital city of Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo,
a small town nestled between spectacular mountains, famous for the
international Cous Cous Fest and dotted with charming seaside
restaurants. Enjoy a classic dinner of fish couscous complimented
by a fine local wine.
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Day 2: San Vito to Erice
Sail from San Vito to the historic town of Erice located 750 meters
above sea level. There are two castles and impressive ancient ruins
worth visiting. Savor luncheon al fresco at anchor on your before
navigating to Favignana, popular for diving and snorkeling. Dive
into the ocean in the afternoon then prepare to explore the town
and anchor for the night.
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Day 3: Favignana to Marsala
Favignana is famous for bluefin tuna caught using ancient Arab
techniques, and caves of calcarenite rock. Visit the tuna factory,
do a bit of shopping and play in the sparkling sea. In the
afternoon depart for Marsala, a short distance of 10 miles. Drop
anchor in Marsala Lagoon and visit the windmills of Mozia Aperitif.
Visit the old town at sunset for spectacular views and explore the
ancient market of Marsala.
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Day 4: Marsala to Porto Empedocle
The cruise from Marsala to Porto Empedocle passes 66 miles of
spectacular coastline and is an awe-inspiring voyage by power or
sailing yacht. There are several port towns and lovely beaches that
are perfect for shore excursions. Moor in Porto Empedocle that lies
on the coast of the Strait of Sicily and is steeped in culture and
history.
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Day 5: Agrigento and Cala dei Turchi
This morning visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The
Greek pre-socratic philosopher Empedocles was a citzen of this
ancient Greek colony. Sail to Cala dei Turchi with its sweeping
sandy beach and towering cliffs in a picturesque cove, the place of
ancient Arab pirate landings in Sicily. The surrounding sea is
incredibly transparent and offers superb grotto diving. Cocktails
and dinner on board your elegant crewed charter yacht and a night
transfer to reach Marina di Ragusa.
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Day 6: Ragusa
Ragusa is listed with seven other cities in the Val di Noto as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a thrill for history, art
and architecture enthusiasts, with origins that can be traced back
to the 2nd millennium B.C. From the noteworthy collections of the
Hyblean Archaeological Museum to fabulous Baroque and Rococo
architecture, Ragusa is an extraordinary destination.
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Day 7: Syracuse via Portopalo di Capo Passero
Depart Ragusa for Syracuse via Portopalo di Capo Passero, whose
strategic position has fostered it's development since ancient
times as a crossroads of civilization and culture for all seafarers
that bravely challenged the Mediterranean Sea. The scenery viewed
from the deck of a yacht is simply breathtaking. Explore the
artisan shops and markets and marvel at eclectic architectural
styles. In the evening enjoy a romantic dinner at a harbor
restaurant in Ortigia.
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Day 8: Syracuse, Day 9: Taormina and Mount Etna
Syracuse, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an amazing
repository of Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture,
and is mentioned in the Bible because the Apostle Paul spent time
here. There are also wonderful museums, shops and restaurants
offering far more to do than can be done in a day.
Navigate to Taormina where the yacht will moor in the picturesque Bay of Giardini Naxos, a popular seaside resort. The village of Taormina is perched on a cliff overlooking the warm waters of the Ionian Sea. Visit the ancient Greek theatre, remarkable for its state of preservation and location. Stroll among buildings and churches centuries old, lively bars, fine restaurants and antique shops, all of which contribute to Taormina’s allure. Taormina is approximately a forty-five minute drive away from Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna.
Navigate to Taormina where the yacht will moor in the picturesque Bay of Giardini Naxos, a popular seaside resort. The village of Taormina is perched on a cliff overlooking the warm waters of the Ionian Sea. Visit the ancient Greek theatre, remarkable for its state of preservation and location. Stroll among buildings and churches centuries old, lively bars, fine restaurants and antique shops, all of which contribute to Taormina’s allure. Taormina is approximately a forty-five minute drive away from Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna.
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Day 10: Messina, Day 11: Milazzo
Depart for Messina, the third largest city on Sicily. Founded by
Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messina is characterized by
landmarks, museums, restaurants, shops, beautiful fountains and
splendid squares at every turn.
Embark upon the 35 mile passage through the Straits of Messina to Capo di Milazzo, a thin peninsula that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is the site where several civilizations have settled beginning in the Neolithic age, and the site of Ulysses shipwreck and fated meeting with Polyphemus. The port of Milazzo is a departure point for ferries to the Aeolian Islands and Naples.
Embark upon the 35 mile passage through the Straits of Messina to Capo di Milazzo, a thin peninsula that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is the site where several civilizations have settled beginning in the Neolithic age, and the site of Ulysses shipwreck and fated meeting with Polyphemus. The port of Milazzo is a departure point for ferries to the Aeolian Islands and Naples.
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Day 12: Aeolian Islands
The magnificent Aeolian Islands are well worth a week long charter
in and of themselves. This volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian
Sea is a very popular tourist destination with good reason. Here
the weather will help decide which islands to visit and what
adventures to pursue. Visit the fascinating pumice quarry and plan
for an excursion to Capofaro Malvasia Resort, situated under the
lighthouse from which it takes its name, on Salina, the Aeolian
Island with the greenest and most luxuriant vegetation. The
Regaleali Estate is renowned for Tasca d’Almerita award winning
wines and a restaurant offering typical Sicilian dishes prepared
with estate grown produce.
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Day 13: Aeolian Islands to Cefalu
Depart the Aeolian Islands for the 55 mile journey to Cefalu. Enjoy
a delicious lunch on board while docked in the Bay of Cefalu. The
town is one of the major tourist attractions in the region with a
young atmosphere and lively nightlife. The villages are attractive
for artistic, cultural and historic reasons. Dinner can be enjoyed
at a local restaurant on the sea.
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Day 14: Return to Palermo
Time to return to Palermo and bid your captain and crew farewell.
If possible plan to spend at least a day here in Sicily’s cultural,
economic and tourist capital. Visitors delight in the extraordinary
restaurants, splendid Romanesque and Gothic architecture, palaces,
museums, theatres and fine shopping. occupy a seat at an outdoor
cafe, sip a real Italian cappuccino and consider your next
destination for a luxury yacht charter vacation.