Circumnavigating Sicily: 500 Miles Over Three Seas
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Day 1: Palermo to San Vito Lo Campo
Depart from the 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 luxury
charter yacht 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. There are several port towns and lovely
beaches that are perfect for shore excusions. 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 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 2ndmillennium 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 Siracusa via Portopalo di Capo Passero, due to
its location a crossroads of civilization and culture for seafarers
that have challenged the Mediterranean Sea. Continue to Syracuse
for a romantic dinner at a harbor restaurant in Ortigia.
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Day 8: Syracuse, Day 9: Taormina and Mount Etna
Day 8: 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.
Day 9: 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.
Day 9: 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
Day 10: 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.
Day 11: 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.
Day 11: 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 and theatres and fine shopping.