2017 LUXURY UNDER SAIL aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud II West Indies – Central America – Mediterranean Marigot Bay, St Lucia Under sail in magnificent style

We are delighted to once again have chartered the majestic Sea Cloud II for a series of wonderful voyages in the West Indies, Central America and the Mediterranean. Whilst there are many large ships offering passages around the world there are few, if any, that can compare in terms of luxury to Sea Cloud II. Standing on the dock and looking up at the vessel you cannot help but be impressed by her sheer majesty. Walk up the gangway and on to the deck and it is even more impressive. Below deck is a sumptuous world of traditional maritime influences with 21st century luxuries and well-appointed cabins and public areas create a restful atmosphere totally in keeping with the overall grandeur of the vessel.

Planning an itinerary for a is somewhat different to conventional cruising as an important aspect is the time given over to sail. Unpredictable winds mean allowances have been made, after all the whole point of joining a vessel such as Sea Cloud II is to have sufficient time onboard and at sea to experience the joy of travelling under sail. So, with this in mind the itineraries we have planned for Sea Cloud II include more time than usual at sea.

Once under way Sea Cloud II provides an experience no conventional cruise ship can possibly emulate. The vessel will heel lightly as the wind fills her sails and overhead, nimble crew members climb hundreds of feet among the , setting and adjusting. To be on deck when the sails are fully extended is a marvellous and unrivalled experience as Sea Cloud II glides through the water powered by the wind catching in her 32 000 square feet of sail. The forces of nature and ingenuity of man combining in the most natural of ways allows us to experience the thrill of sailing and a form of transport that has existed since the earliest of times. Even the most jaded of travellers cannot help but be enthralled by the experience and indeed many past travellers return time and time again.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 3 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 32,150 square feet of sails are set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels.

Your Cabin/Suite Built to accommodate 96 passengers in five star luxury, Sea Cloud II offers staterooms which feature upper and lower single beds). Cabin sizes range a range of beautifully appointed suites and cabins which are furnished from 16m2 to 27m2 (category F measure 12m2). The finest, carefully chosen with great style. Spread over three decks are 29 deluxe outside cabins with fabrics, combined with leather, rattan and other materials, brass and gold, showers, 16 junior suites with bathtubs, and two owner suites with bathtubs precious woods and marble together create an impressive ensemble. All and showers. All accommodations have outside views and the bathrooms, cabins have a television with DVD player, minibar, dressing table, wardrobe in light marble, are unusually spacious and aesthetically pleasing. The two and a safe. A welcome bottle of champagne and a fruit basket which is owner suites feature a king size canopy bed and all other cabins feature replenished daily are provided to enjoy whilst in your cabin. queen size beds (with separate mattresses, excluding category F Your Space No expense has been spared to create a sympathetic ambience in both the accommodation and public areas and this is reflected throughout the vessel. Public areas include an elegant lounge, library, fitness centre, boutique, lido bar and hospital. The single sitting dining room is airy and modern and the quality of the cuisine and service will be to the highest of standards, as one would expect on a Sea Cloud II cruise. The Lounge is located mid-ship on the Lido Deck offering comfortable seating areas. The vessel’s magnificent Steinway can be found here and will be played for your enjoyment by an accomplished pianist. In addition enjoy interesting lectures and presentations, or perhaps a drink from the bar. There is also a library onboard where you can relax, write postcards, play a board game, find a film to watch in your cabin, send emails from the laptop or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Relax on the Lido deck and experience the natural grandeur of travelling under sail whilst watching the sailors Category C cabin manoeuver the sails high above, rekindling memories of a bygone age.

4 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Lounge

Lido deck Category A cabin

On deck

Category B cabin Restaurant

Your Dining The cuisine aboard Sea Cloud II is of an exceptionally DECK PLAN high standard, and has been accepted by the international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Enjoy international SUN DECK dishes complemented by local specialities selected fresh from the market by the onboard chef. Dinner is served à la carte and is a four course affair with a vegetarian option always available. All cruises aboard the Sea Cloud II are LIDO DECK full board with carefully selected wines and beers served LOUNGE LIBRARY to complement your lunch and dinner. All soft drinks, BAR 402 coffee and tea whilst onboard are also included. 401 Life Onboard Whilst there are many large sailing ships offering passages around the world there are few if any that can PROMENADE DECK compare in terms of luxury to Sea Cloud II. Despite the DINING luxurious setting, casual clothing is appropriate and the ROOM 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 atmosphere onboard is friendly and generally informal. SHOP 301 Service is personal, and the crew of 65 quickly acquaint 319 317 315 311 309 307 305 303 themselves with passengers and the officers on the bridge RECEPTION are also available to answer questions; manoeuvres CABIN DECK

permitting. After all, Sea Cloud II is not only a cruise ship, 230 228 226 224 216 214 212 210 206 222 220 218 208 204 but a private as well. 207 205 GYM For your Comfort, Safety & Security 231 229 227 225 217 215 211 209 Sea Cloud II combines the timeless elegance of sailing H 223 221 219 ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The hospital CATEGORY A CATEGORY B CATEGORY C is located on the Cabin Deck and is staffed by a ship’s doctor. In consideration of all passengers, smoking is CATEGORY D CATEGORY E CATEGORY F not permitted onboard with the exception of designated areas on open decks.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 5 West Indies Under Sail Celebrating the Golden Age of the Royal Navy with Peter Warwick 12th to 25th January 2017

BRITISH ust when winter seems to be endless, it is the perfect time to escape to VIRGIN ISLANDS Jthe warmth and beauty of the West Indies. Every island is different, Jost Van Dyke each with its unique character, and by and large we will head for the smaller less visited places during our voyage aboard the magnificent Sea St Barts

Cloud II. Occasionally our paths will cross with the mega-factory like cruise St Kitts

ships and it is at such times we will appreciate even more how fortunate we Nevis Antigua are to be enjoying our classic ship that embodies all the best sailing traditions. LEEWARD ISLANDS To be on deck when the sails are fully extended as we navigate through the West Indies

is a marvellous experience. The forces of nature and ingenuity of man combining in the Iles des Saintes most natural of ways allows us to experience the thrill of sailing and a form of transport CARIBBEAN Dominica that has existed since the earliest of times. This is a journey that will appeal to those who SEA enjoy being at sea, particularly under sail as most days will be split between the port of WINDWARD Martinique call and time at sea. ISLANDS

St Lucia Our View “Following on from the success of previous years we are delighted to once again be returning to the glorious West Barbados Indies with a twelve night charter on the magnificent Sea Cloud II. Our comprehensive and diverse island hopping Bequia itinerary includes some of the better known islands as well as some more off the beaten track. There will be the opportunity to learn more about the Golden Age of the Royal Navy with our superb Guest Speaker Peter Warwick, experience the West Indies with Sea Cloud II’s sails fully extended, explore the beautiful islands or simply relax on one Grenada of the stunning beaches.”

Day 5 Martinique. This morning call Day 7 Iles des Saintes. The eight Guest Speaker into the lovely island of Martinique, island Iles des Saintes archipelago Peter Warwick birthplace of Napoleon’s beloved dots the waters off the southwest Joining us onboard as guest speaker will be naval expert, Josephine. Explore the island coast of Guadeloupe. In 1782, this Peter Warwick. He was vice-chairman of the Official including the Botanical Gardens was the site of one of the greatest Nelson Commemorations Committee and in 2005, and see Diamond Rock, captured naval battles of the sailing era, organised the reconstruction of Lord Nelson’s river-borne by the British in 1804 and held in which the tactics used by the funeral procession. Peter is a published author and against repeated French attacks. British admiral Sir George Rodney lectures widely on polar and naval history. The afternoon will be at leisure foreshadowed those used 20 years to explore independently, relax later by Nelson at Trafalgar. This onboard or visit one of the many morning tender ashore and explore beaches. at leisure or join Peter Warwick on The Itinerary a walk up to Fort Napoleon and Day 1 London to Barbados. Fly charming old world atmosphere. St George’s, Grenada visit the museum focusing on the by scheduled flight. Upon arrival This afternoon tender ashore and Battle of the Saintes. transfer to Sea Cloud II and visit the Hegg Turtle Sanctuary embark. Set sail this evening. followed by time to relax on one of Day 8 St Kitts. Untouched by large the stunning beaches or for some tourist developments, the island of Day 2 Grenada. After a relaxing swimming or snorkelling. St Kitts boasts some of the loveliest morning at sea, this afternoon scenery in the West Indies and an moor in the picturesque capital Day 4 St Lucia. After a morning old world charm. After a morning of St George’s and explore at sea, this afternoon we visit to at sea we will tender ashore and this wonderful windward Island St Lucia, a splendidly rugged on our tour of the island we will which many regard as the most island of towering mountains, receive the friendliest of welcomes. beautiful in the Caribbean. It is lush green valleys and acres of a lush and verdant island with banana plantations. Because of its Day 6 Dominica. Stepping back Day 9 Nevis. Land this morning, by spice plantations, tropical forests, strategic position, it was fought in time, the island of Dominica tender, on one of the loveliest and secluded coves, nature trails and over repeatedly by the French is still the primitive garden that untouched islands on the Leewards. select hotels which cling to the and British and changed hands Columbus first sighted in 1493. British naval history is linked with hillsides overlooking the ocean. fourteen times. We will anchor An area of tropical rainforests, most of the Leeward Islands and on This evening enjoy a performance off the island in sight of its best flowers of incredible beauty and Nevis the connection is particularly onboard by a local band from the known feature, the twin peaks of animals that exist nowhere else in interesting. It was here that Nelson island. the Pitons, which rise dramatically the world. This afternoon we will met Fanny Nesbit and later married from the sea to more than 2400 visit the beautifully restored Fort her in the old Montpelier House, on Day 3 Bequia. This delightful feet. Tender ashore and explore Shirley which successfully repelled the site where a hotel now stands. Grenadine island is totally unspoilt, the island independently or on a a French attack during the Trafalgar Prince William, later to become a place of pure escapism in a guided tour including the volcano. campaign in 1805. William IV, who was under Nelson’s

6 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua

Admiralty Bay, Bequia

Diamond Waterfall, St Lucia

command, attended the wedding restaurants, street café’s and smart and gave the bride away. Our tour shops which would not be out of of the island will include Nelson’s place on the French Riviera. Museum and the church displaying Nelson’s wedding certificate. Day 12 Antigua. Antigua was one of the main British Naval bases Day 10 Jost Van Dyke. Sail through in the Windward Islands and so the beautiful island dotted waters no cruise such as this would be of the British Virgin Islands. Drop complete without a visit to this anchor at the little visited islands island with so much important of Jost Van Dyke and after a short history. This afternoon we will zodiac ride ashore enjoy relaxing have the opportunity to visit the Gustavia harbour, St Barts Old sugar mill, Nevis on the beach or snorkelling. beautifully restored 18th century dock yard in English Harbour. Day 11 St Barts. This tiny French West Indian island is proud of Day 13 Antigua to London. its reputation as a stylish and Disembark after breakfast and exclusive tropical resort. It is a transfer to the airport for your very top drawer place and the return scheduled flight to London. island’s capital of Gustavia, where the tenders will take us ashore Day 14 London. Morning arrival. this afternoon, offers gourmet St Louis Cathedral, Martinique

Prices per person Based on double occupancy

VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY REMAINING Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price E Deluxe double Cabin £6895 D Deluxe double Cabin SOLD OUT C Deluxe double Promenade SOLD OUT B Junior Suite Promenade SOLD OUT A Luxury Owner’s Suite Lido SOLD OUT F Stateroom for sole use Cabin SOLD OUT E Deluxe double for sole use Cabin £8995

Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 12 nights aboard Sea Cloud II on a full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Tour Leader, Guest Speaker, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers, port taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance.

Ship to Shore: Please note for this itinerary Zodiacs, tenders or local boats will be used to transport passengers ashore in all ports apart from Antigua, Martinique, Grenada and Barbados.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 7 Island Hopping in the West Indies A luxurious voyage under sail from Antigua to Barbados with Henry Blofeld 24th January to 7th February 2017

here is a reason why people continue to visit the Caribbean, it is BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Tbecause, quite simply nothing else compares. From Antigua Jost Van Dyke and its 300 beaches to the stunning Pitons of St Lucia, rising majestically from the sea, to the captivating charm of Isles des St Barts

Saintes, each island we visit on our island hopping voyage will offer St Kitts

the opportunity to experience something new and unique, and by and Antigua LEEWARD large we will head for the smaller less visited places. ISLANDS Having operated voyages in the region for many years aboard Sea Cloud II we know the

waters between Antigua and Barbados provide the perfect sailing conditions for her Iles des Saintes and we have therefore planned the itinerary to ensure ample sailing time allowing CARIBBEAN Dominica you to relax on deck in the warmth and enjoy the majesty of the vessel. SEA

During our island hopping adventure through the Caribbean Sea we will explore WINDWARD Martinique ISLANDS some of the most beautiful tropical isles, many still untouched by the hands of mass tourism. There is no doubt that the less commercialised of the islands have enormous St Lucia charm and great natural beauty. But, beyond the fabulous beaches and pastel painted towns there is more. During the 17th and 18th centuries the West Indies attracted all manner Barbados Bequia of adventurers, buccaneers, pirates, slave traders and the navies of the major European seafaring nations and this colourful history makes for an intriguing background to our voyage as we are able to hop from island to island and experience the heritage left by the Grenada Spanish, French, Dutch and British. This combined with opportunities to snorkel in some of the most enticing waters, beach comb, birdwatch and enjoy the colourful flora makes Tobago this area an ideal location for Sea Cloud II.

For the Love The Itinerary

of Cricket Day 1 London to Antigua. Fly appearance by one of Antigua’s and enjoy a beach BBQ prepared by scheduled flight. Upon arrival cricket West Indian Legends! by the Sea Cloud II staff. Henry Blofeld transfer to Sea Cloud II and The West Indies embark. Moor overnight. Day 3 St Barts. Tender ashore Day 5 St Kitts. We will make a are of course this morning at St Barthelemy, a landing this afternoon by tender synonymous Day 2 Antigua. A one-time British gem of an island. Very French in on the delightful island of St with cricket colony, Antigua is justly famous atmosphere it is tiny, only eight Kitts. This lovely island has it all, and so we are for its beaches, said to total more square miles, yet is one of the restful green fields of sugar cane delighted that than 300. We have a day here and most beautiful in the whole of plantations, rainforests and long Henry Blofeld a morning tour will include Nelson’s the Caribbean. Mellow green stretches of uncrowded beaches. will be joining Dockyard, beautifully located in mountains, coral sand coves and The atmosphere here is wonderfully us onboard English Harbour. See the impressive dolls house size capital make this relaxed and full of old-world for this cruise. ‘Blowers’ is one of collection of restored historic one of the most appealing ports in charm. Either wander the street of the best known and best loved buildings which were occupied by the area. It is also one of the most Basseterre including the colonial sports journalists of all time. the British Navy from 1707 until 1899. sophisticated with excellent French buildings or on an island tour see With his trademark bow-tie, his In the afternoon either spend time restaurants, ultra-expensive hotels, the impressive UNESCO fortress at unmistakably fruity tones and on one of the local beaches or join a smart in the harbour and a Brimstone Hill, the Romney Gardens his delightfully idiosyncratic cricketing tour of the island including relaxed atmosphere. and Fairview Great House. observations, both on and off the the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, cricket field, Blowers has become Stanford Cricket Ground and the Day 4 Jost Van Dyke, BVI. Jost Day 6 Iles des Saintes. The eight a national institution. During our Antigua Cricket Ground (ARG). Keith van Dyke, the smallest of the main island Iles des Saintes archipelago voyage, in addition to our usual Fredericks (Freddo), a cricketer who islands in the British Virgin Islands, dots the waters off the southwest excursions we have also arranged represented Antigua at regional is a mountainous volcanic object coast of Guadeloupe. This some cricket focused tours which level and Head Groundsman at the of beauty with fewer than 300 afternoon tender ashore and will include the opportunity to ARG will delight in giving a talk and inhabitants. We will drop anchor explore the charming town of meet one of the many legends of guided tour of the club house and this morning in White Bay and after Tere-de-Haut at leisure or walk West Indies cricketing history. the ground. Finally before returning a short Zodiac ride land on the up to Fort Napoleon and visit the to the ship there will be a private beach and spend the day relaxing museum focusing on the Battle of

8 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Martinique

Iles des Saintes Hummingbird, Tobago English Harbour, Antigua

the Saintes. This evening enjoy a from our berth enjoy a stroll around to the Spice basket Cricket Museum Day 13 Barbados. After a relaxing performance onboard by a local Fort de France, a small scale where the memorabilia, some morning at sea we berth in band from the island. combination of New Orleans and dating back to the 1800s, includes Bridgetown. Barbados is the most Nice, perhaps sampling some of books, bats and outfits. easterly of the Caribbean Islands, Day 7 Dominica. Stepping back the delicious Creole food. with Atlantic surf on the east in time, the island of Dominica Day 12 Tobago. This morning we coast and sparkling Caribbean is still the primitive garden that Day 9 St Lucia. A splendidly will anchor off the small fishing waters on the west coast. Captain Columbus first sighted in 1493. rugged island of towering village of Charlotteville situated in Powell landed here in 1625 and An area of tropical rainforests, mountains, lush green valleys and Man of War Bay and have time to claimed the island for England. flowers of incredible beauty and acres of banana plantations. We explore the natural wonders of the Now independent it continues animals that exist nowhere else in will moor in sight of the island’s island of Tobago. An island drive to embrace its British Empire the world. No doubt in time this best known feature, the twin which will take us to the Argyle roots, afternoon tea remains lovely place will succumb to the peaks of the Pitons, which rise Waterfall for a refreshing swim a tradition and cricket is the developers and be taken over by dramatically from the sea to more and a chance to explore the lush national sport. To say that cricket hotels, casinos, duty free shopping than 2,400 feet. This morning surrounding forest. Alternatively in Barbados is a passion would be and all the commercialism of some tender ashore to the nearby town enjoy a boat trip over to Little an understatement. It is said that of its neighbours. But for now it of Soufriere where we will visit the Tobago one of the most important Bajans eat, drink and sleep cricket is a place of beauty and solitude. bubbling sulphur springs, part of sea bird sanctuaries in the so it seems fitting that our cruise On a morning tour we will explore a low lying volcano which erupted Caribbean. More than 50 species of should end here. This afternoon Cabrits National Park and see the thousands of years ago. Our island birds make the island their home, choose between an island drive or remains of Fort Shirley, an 18th tour will also include the splendid including Audubon’s Shearwater, a cricket tour including the Legends century British garrison. Enjoy time botanical gardens, a delight for Brown Boobies, Laughing Gulls, of Barbados Cricket Museum. walking in the park amongst hermit photographers with walkways Red-billed Tropic-birds, and a crabs and lizards or maybe take a surrounded by bright tropical variety of terns. Later on this Day 14 Barbados to London. walk up West Cabrit peak which flowers and towering trees. afternoon we also hope to have the Disembark after breakfast and offers marvellous views. opportunity to learn more about transfer to the airport for your Day 10 Bequia. This delightful the conservation efforts being return scheduled flight to London. Day 8 Martinique. Martinique is Grenadine island is totally unspoilt, made on Tobago for the protection a truly cosmopolitan island and a place of pure escapism in a of the sea turtle. Day 15 London. Morning arrival. a Department of France. The charming old world atmosphere. strong French influence is seen This afternoon tender ashore and everywhere and without doubt visit the Hegg Turtle Sanctuary Martinique is one of the most followed by time to relax on one of Prices per person sophisticated islands in the West the stunning beaches or for some Based on double occupancy Indies enjoying a remarkably high swimming or snorkelling. standard of living. This morning VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY REMAINING – SAVE £300 PER PERSON After a relaxing Day 11 Grenada. Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price Special Offer Price morning at sea, this afternoon moor Fishing boat, St Kitts E Deluxe double Cabin £7295 £6995 in the picturesque capital of St D Deluxe double Cabin £7795 £7495 George’s and explore this wonderful C Deluxe double Promenade SOLD OUT SOLD OUT windward Island which many B Junior Suite Promenade SOLD OUT SOLD OUT regard as the most beautiful in the A Luxury Owner’s Suite Lido SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant F Stateroom for sole use Cabin SOLD OUT SOLD OUT island with spice plantations, E Deluxe double for sole use Cabin £9295 £8995 tropical forests, secluded coves, nature trails and select hotels which Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 13 nights aboard Sea Cloud II cling to the hillsides overlooking the on a full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, ocean. For the cricket fans among Tour Leader, Guest Speaker, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers, port taxes. us there will be the opportunity to Not Included: Travel insurance. visit the National Cricket Stadium where we will be regaled with Ship to Shore: Please note for this itinerary Zodiacs, tenders or local boats will be used to transport passengers ashore in all ports apart from Antigua, stories and history of cricket in the Martinique, Grenada and Barbados. West Indies, before making our way

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 9 Panama Canal, Coral & Cultures A wildlife & cultural voyage linking two oceans under sail 1st to 12th March 2017

GUATEMALA et us take you to some of the loveliest and untouched Lplaces in Costa Rica and Panama whilst also including one of the greatest man made wonders of the world – the Panama Copan Canal. An engineering marvel when it opened, the 50 mile HONDURAS EL SALVADOR passage still continues to astonish even the most veteran San Salvador CARIBBEAN NICARAGUA SEA traveller. When most people think of Panama and Costa Rica, Cerro Verde National Park they think of overland travel but not the hours which are usually spent traversing rugged roads in order to get around. There is an easier and more comfortable way to explore the COSTA RICA Arenal Puerto Limon Panama Monteverde Canal region and that is under sail. Skip the arduous, lengthy land Puntarenas Darien San Jose Bocas del Toro Corcovado travel and relax instead aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud II. Manuel Antonio National Park National Park PANAMA COLOMBIA Sailing from the Pacific Ocean through the Panama Canal to Casa Orqideas PACIFIC the Caribbean Sea, our voyage will take us along the coasts OCEAN Coiba National Park and to the islands of Costa Rica and Panama, areas of outstanding natural beauty and home to countless species of endangered birds from tiny hummingbirds to flashy macaws The Itinerary and parrots, toucans and woodpeckers. Add an amazingly Scarlet Macaw, Costa Rica Day 1 London to San Jose, Costa secondary forest with our naturalist rich biodiversity of flora and fauna seen against some of the Rica. Fly by scheduled indirect guides locating and explaining lushest of landscapes to be found anywhere in the world and flight. Upon arrival transfer to the the extensive rainforest wildlife you have the recipe for a perfect winter escape. However, Real Intercontinental hotel (or and flora. The rich biological similar) for an overnight stay. diversity of the biological corridor what makes this trip stand out from any other is the of Corcovado National Park is opportunity to sail the shores of Costa Rica and Panama Day 2 Puntarenas. After breakfast astounding and sightings may under sail. To be in this beautiful part of the world is a enjoy a morning tour of San Jose include as many as four types of reward in itself, but to be aboard such a marvellous vessel before transferring to Puntarenas monkeys, as well as coatis, sloths, to embark Sea Cloud II in the late anteaters and much more. Bird makes it perfect. To witness the New World as seen by the afternoon. Welcome drinks and lovers will be enchanted by a first explorers and later colonisers is a privilege and the dinner onboard this evening. wide variety of birds including sights, sounds and sheer energy of the crew as they man the tanagers, flycatchers, kingfishers, Day 3 Manuel Antonio National manikins, trogons, crested guans, sails will make for long lasting memories. Park. From Quepos we will tender and spectacular scarlet macaws During this voyage, you will have the opportunity to enjoy ashore and visit the Manuel and toucans. We return to the ship Antonio National Park, one of the for lunch and spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling and nature walks. Venture into most stunning and bio-diverse at sea. national parks and conservation areas teeming with wildlife areas of the world. Spread out and visit remote communities where locals live following over 683 hectares it is filled with Day 5 Casa Orqideas, Golfe Dulce. diverse wildlife, has both primary This morning we will go ashore by ancient ways of life. As always with a cruise aboard Sea and secondary forests, boasts a Zodiac and visit the famous Cloud II we have included a day at sea as well as some half stunning shoreline ideal for bird gardens at Casa Orqideas (Orchid days. After all, travelling under sail is an important aspect of watching or swimming and is home House) where we will see a to a number of endemic species of profusion of over 100 varieties of any voyage aboard this magnificent vessel. If you have been plants and animals. We will make orchids and look out for tanagers, contemplating a visit to Central America, then this unique an early start this morning allowing parrots and colourful toucans. journey aboard Sea Cloud II is the perfect opportunity. for the best viewing of monkeys, Return to the vessel for lunch and vividly coloured birds and the spend a relaxing afternoon at sea. lethargic three-toed sloth. Spend a leisurely afternoon cruising along Day 6 Isla de Rancheria, Panama. the Costa Rican coast. After a morning at sea we will use our Zodiacs to land at Isla de Day 4 Corcovado National Park, Rancheria, located in the Coiba Drake Bay. Resting on the northern National Park. Spacious and side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake numerous beaches along with Bay (Bahía Drake) is our gateway to exotic coral reefs make this pristine the Corcovado National Park. We Panamanian island a perfect place will use the Zodiacs to land on one to spend the afternoon swimming, of the beaches before enjoying snorkelling or simply relaxing on Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal a walk through the primary and the beach.

10 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Manuel Antonio National Park

Three-toed sloth, Costa Rica Strawberry poison dart frog

Scarlet Macaw, Costa Rica Traditional dance, Embera Indian village, Panama

Day 7 At sea. Spend a relaxing day and their attempt to build the canal will visit the Ngobe community Day 11 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica at sea and perhaps attend a lecture started in 1904. Through the efforts the largest indigenous group in to London. Disembark this morning or two. of over 80,000 workers and the loss the archipelago, spend some time and drive to San Jose for your return of more than 30,000 lives, the sloth and dolphin watching and indirect scheduled flight to London. Day 8 Bay of San Miguel, Darien greatest, single construction enjoy a nature walk on Isla Solarte Jungle. This morning we arrive at project ever undertaken was before returning to the ship. Day 12 London. Morning arrival. the wild, rugged and remote Darien completed. The project ended in Province. The Darien Jungle is triumph, with the canal opening in recognised as one of the world’s top 1914, and it is now a vital artery of ten birding sites and we hope to international trade, with nearly PRE & POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS see many bird species such as the 14,000 ships travelling through it colourful crimson-collared tanager, every year. Three sets of locks work We are delighted to offer two optional extensions in conjunction with green and chestnut-fronted as water elevators lifting ships to this voyage. Our five night pre-cruise extension explores El Salvador and macaws, rufous-tailed and the level of Gatun Lake, 85 feet (26 Honduras and our post-cruise extension is based in Costa Rica. Full details -bellied hummingbirds, metres) above sea level, and later for both can be viewed online at www.noble-caledonia.co.uk whimbrels, willets (a type of lowering them again to sea level on sandpiper), white ibises, egrets and the other side. By using the canal, laughing gulls. We will explore this vessels avoid travelling the 14,000 Prices per person pristine and relatively seldom visited nautical mile route through the Based on double occupancy area by local canoe, navigating up treacherous Drake Passage and the tidal Mogue River to an Embera around Cape Horn at the VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY REMAINING – SAVE £500 PER PERSON Indian settlement. Untouched by southernmost tip of South America. Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price Special Offer Price the modern world, these little The canal is around 50 miles long E Deluxe double Cabin £6295 £5795 known tribes offer a fascinating and takes between eight to ten D Deluxe double Cabin £6995 £6495 glimpse of an ancient world that has hours to cross. Unlike many cruise C Deluxe double Promenade SOLD OUT SOLD OUT changed little since Sir Francis ships, we are delighted to be able B Junior Suite Promenade SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Drake was ransacking the shore of to guarantee a daytime transit A Luxury Owner’s Suite Lido SOLD OUT SOLD OUT allowing us the best conditions to the Spanish Main. F Stateroom for sole use Cabin £6295 £5795 experience this engineering E Deluxe double for sole use Cabin £8995 £8495 Day 9 Panama Canal Transit. An marvel. undisputed destination on the Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation travel bucket list has to be the Day 10 Bocas del Toro, Panama. in San Jose including breakfast, nine nights aboard Sea Cloud II on a full board basis Panama Canal. The first attempt to Spend the morning sailing to with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Tour Leader, Guest build the canal was made by a the Bocas del Toro Archipelago Speaker, naturalists, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers and port taxes. Travel insurance, visas. French company, but ended in in north-western Panama which Not Included: failure in 1889. The American comprises of six large and government eventually bought out numerous tiny islands. On our Ship to Shore: Please note for this itinerary Zodiacs, tenders or local boats will be used to transport passengers ashore in the majority of ports. the French for forty million dollars afternoon tour, by local boats, we

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 11 Luxury under Sail in the Mediterranean A voyage from to Barcelona 14th to 26th May 2017

oin us aboard Sea Cloud II for a glorious early summer ITALY FRANCE journey to many places in the Mediterranean that are San Remo J Sanary Sur Mer beyond the reach of the mega-cruise ships. From our starting Port Vendres SPAIN point in Malta we sail north to Sicily before continuing to Calvi Barcelona MEDITERRANEAN CORSICA Sardinia, Corsica and the Italian and French Rivieras. Along SEA Bonifacio Isla Maddalena the way we will call into some stunning harbours, explore Olbia Medieval towns and charming villages, discover UNESCO SARDINIA World Heritage Sites and enjoy wine and olive oil tastings.

Our journey begins with two nights on the beautiful island of Malta, during which time we have arranged for a private Our View SICILY Trapani Agrigento dinner at Xara Palace, Relais & Chateaux, a fabulous late 17th “There are of course many cruises ships century property uniquely located within the historic city of in the Mediterranean during the summer months but surely none as beautiful as Sea MALTA Mdina. We embark the magnificent Sea Cloud II in the grand Cloud II. Our journey will take in some of the harbour of Valletta and the beginning of our voyage focuses most beautiful spots in Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and the Riviera and we on Sicily. With a history of some 3000 years, this gem of an hope to travel to many of these under sail. Unlike other cruise ships island has witnessed wave after wave of invasions bringing we will not speed through our itinerary but take things at a leisurely pace allowing time to relax on deck whilst under sail, enjoy lecture new cultures and ideas which has resulted in some lofty and programmes and spend time enjoying the vessel. Our itinerary has noble architecture from magnificent Doric temples to great been designed to offer, in most ports, passengers a choice of joining Byzantine cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas. After our the organised shore excursions or simply stepping off the vessel and exploring at leisure. time spent in Sicily we will make our way to Sardinia and ” visit the island of La Maddalena, used by Nelson to shelter his fleet from 1803 to 1805, before calling into Corsica. The Itinerary Although officially part of France, the island of Corsica has Day 1 London to Malta. Fly by evening we will drive to Mdina. its own identity in everything from customs to language and scheduled flight. On arrival transfer Originally, this city, was given the benefits from magnificent geographical diversity ranging from to the Phoenicia Hotel (or similar) name of ‘Citta Nobile’ and is now stunning natural harbours to picture perfect hilltop villages for a two night stay. known as the ‘Silent City’ it lies at the heart of the island. Mdina and a majestic countryside of vineyards and deep valleys. Day 2 Malta. This morning we will is Phoenician in origin and was explore Valletta, the 16th century the fortified capital of the island, From Corsica we sail on to the Italian and French Rivieras to ‘Fortress City’ built by the knights before the arrival of the Knights. experience the breathtaking coastal scenery before sailing to of St John. We will enjoy stunning Within its powerful encircling walls, Barcelona where our voyage ends. With so many experiences views across the harbour from the city towers on a steep hill in the Barakka Gardens, explore the centre of the island. Here, on offer during our voyage we have planned the itinerary Merchants street containing the for centuries, the Maltese noble carefully to ensure there is adequate time to relax onboard, surviving auberges built by the families resided and still do so join the guided excursions and explore some of the charming Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, today. We will enjoy dinner at the together with the palace where Xara Palace, Relais & Chateaux, villages and towns under your own steam in addition to Napoleon Bonaparte is believed which is a fabulous late 17th spending time under sail. to have stayed in 1798. Our final century property uniquely located stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. within the historic city. The barrel vault of the cathedral is painted with scenes from the Day 3 Malta. Spend a morning life of St. John and the floor is at leisure before meeting in inlaid with the glittering tombs the early afternoon for a tour of 400 Knights. Chapels around to the Three Cities, a collective the sides belong to the different description of the three fortified ‘tongues’ of the Order and in the cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and oratory is Caravaggio’s intensely Senglea, enclosed by the massive moving picture, ‘The Beheading line of fortification created by the of St. John’. We will return to the Knights of St John. We then visit hotel in the late morning and this the southern fishing village of afternoon you can choose to enjoy Marsaxlokk where we will enjoy a the wonderful gardens and facilities walking tour of this seaside village of the hotel or return to Valletta which is memorable for the many Calvi to explore independently. This colourful, traditional fishing boats

12 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Bonifacio, Corsica Valletta

Erice

called . The painted eyes town which is characterised by its Day 8 Bonifacio, Corsica. We Day 10 San Remo, Italy. In the late on these luzzus are believed to winding, cobbled stone streets and arrive this morning in Corsica 19th century, San Remo enjoyed protect the boats from danger. beautiful courtyards. We return and berth in Bonifacio’s stunning a reputation as a premier resort There will be some time at leisure to Sea Cloud II for lunch and this natural harbour. Well known by for wealthy European and noble in this picturesque town before afternoon you can enjoy free time Odysseus as the home of the families including Empress Nicholas transferring to Sea Cloud II moored to explore Trapani independently savage and giant Laestrygonians, II of Russia and Tchaikovsky who in the of Valletta. or join us on a visit to an olive oil today Bonifacio’s breathtaking completed Eugene Onegin here Embark and enjoy the views as we farm, which dates from 1700 and cliff-top setting and relaxed pace in 1878. The Russian influence can sail in the early evening. is built around a beautiful Sicilian make it one of the most welcoming still be seen in the onion domed family house. During our visit ports in the Mediterranean. On Russian Orthodox church on the Day 4 Agrigento, Sicily. Enjoy we will learn about the history our morning tour we explore the seafront. Enjoy time exploring the a morning at sea as we sail to and techniques of the farm’s narrow streets and the historical twisting labyrinth of lanes in the Sicily arriving during lunch. extra virgin oil production before heart of the town. We will also old town that lead up from the Although handsome in its own enjoying a tasting. Also enjoy discover the Bosco quarter with the waterfront or maybe walk along right and awash with Medieval traditional Sicilian foods including St Francis convent, the 14th century the promenade to the gardens at atmosphere, Agrigento is not cheeses, olives and breads whilst church of St Marie Majeure and Villa Ormond. Alternatively, join the our main reason for calling at this accompanied by local musicians. take in the views from the cliff top tour inland to the Medieval town of southern coast port. Close by, on which the city is built. Return Dolceaqua. Made up of two villages is the Valle dei Templi, a series Day 6 At sea. A leisurely day to the vessel for lunch and an connected by a Medieval humpback of Doric temples and the most onboard as we sail to Sardinia. afternoon sailing. bridge it inspired Monet who captivating of Sicilian Greek defined it as ‘a jewel of lightness’. remains, and a grouping unique Day 7 Olbia and Isla Maddalena, Day 9 Calvi. Calvi is the capital of We will enjoy a walking tour through outside Greece. Surrounded in the Sardinia. From our berth in Olbia the prosperous Balagne region the picturesque alleys to the Doria greenery of olive and almond trees, we will travel by land to Palau and of the island. Enjoy the vista of Castle and a tasting of the villages admire the Temple of Hera, the then on to La Maddalena by local the surrounding green hills which famous Rossese red wine and olive Temple of Concord, the Dioscuri boats and spend the morning form a natural amphitheatre and is oil in a local taverna. Return to Sea Temple, the Temple of Olympic exploring this pretty island which known as the ‘Garden of Corsica’. A Cloud II for lunch and an afternoon Jove and the Temple of Hercules. is well off the beaten tourist track. guided tour will lead us through at sea. If time permits we will also visit the In 1789 Napoleon, then a young the alleyways and cobbled streets excellent archaeological museum artillery commander was thwarted in before continuing to the imposing Day 11 Sanary Sur Mer, France. before returning to the ship and his attempt to take the Maddalena citadel. Built by the Genoese, this Today we will anchor off the sailing over dinner. archipelago by local Sardinian 15th century structure has seen picturesque and typically Provencal forces and in 1803 Lord Nelson off several assaults through the port of Sanary sur Mer. Colourful Day 5 Trapani. Trapani was the arrived. The superb anchorage at centuries and offers wonderful ‘pointu’ fishing boats bob in the landing point for Peter of Aragon La Maddalena was used by Nelson views from its five bastions. We harbour and pretty white and in 1282 to start the Spanish to shelter his fleet during the long will also see the Caserne Sampiero cottages line the shallow sandy occupation of Sicily and is our blockade of Toulon from 1803 to and 13th century Cathedral St Jean beach. Spend the morning strolling base for the day. From the port 1805. In recognition of the kindness Baptiste. This afternoon there will around the town at leisure, perhaps we travel to the nearby town of shown by the islanders, Nelson be an opportunity to explore the visit Wednesday’s colourful market Erice, famed in antiquity for its gave some silver candle holders flora of Corsica with a visit to the which draws people from miles temple dedicated to the goddess and a crucifix which can still be seen seven hectare Parc de Saleccia. around, or enjoy a bouillabaisse in of love, the Phoenician Astarte, today in the church. The afternoon Here you can explore the range a local restaurant. This afternoon Greek Aphrodite or Roman Venus. will be at leisure to explore Olbia, of paths through the gardens and there will be the choice of a boat A tour will take us to this stunning a fetching city, the historic centre see the tough plants of the maquis, trip to Les Calanques, stunning site high above the sea and to the is full of boutiques, wine bars and pines, myrtles, figs and over 100 fjord-like inlets carved into the beautifully preserved Medieval cafe-rimmed piazzas. varieties of olive trees. limestone that stretch along the

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 13 Agrigento Barcelona to Bilbao Post-Cruise Extension 26th May to 1st June 2017

Cardona Bilbao

The Itinerary Day 1 Barcelona to Cardona. After disembarking the Sea Cloud II this morning we will drive through Catalonia to the Medieval hill town of Cardona. Dating from the 11th century the town grew as a centre for salt extraction from the Vali Salina which was traded through Western Europe. We will have time to explore the historic centre before enjoying our overnight stay at the Parador de Cardona situated in the 9th century castle overlooking the town and the lands along the Cardoner River below. Enjoy free time before we meet this evening for dinner. Day 2 Cardona to San Juan de La Pena. After breakfast in the Parador we will make our journey from Catalonia to Aragon. Our first call will be in Lleida, one of the oldest towns in Catalonia dating to the Bronze Age. On a city drive we will see sights including the old Cathedral with its impressive gothic cloisters. We will enjoy lunch before heading to a coast from Marseilles to Cassis This morning we will drive the short nearby bodega to enjoy a tasting of the local cava. This afternoon we or alternatively there will be an distance to Collioure which has head to the Aragon’s Pyrenees region and the stunning Monastery of excursion inland to the hilltop always been a source of inspiration San Juan de la Pena which is built into the surrounding mountains and Medieval village of Le Castellet. for artists. Picasso, Derain, Dufy, where we will stay the night. We enjoy a guided tour of both the 10th This remarkable stronghold, Chagall, Matisse and Marquet have century Royal Monastery, including the Romanesque church, and the formerly owned by the Lords of Les all stopped in Collioure to capture its gothic San Victorian Chapel. Tonight we enjoy dinner in the monastery. Baux, has well preserved ramparts, special light and to immortalise the Day 3 San Juan de la Pena to Pamplona. This morning we drive the a carefully restored 12th century small Catalan harbour in their works. short distance to Jaca where we will see the magnificent cathedral church and a castle dating back Here we will have time to explore and watchtower before having time to explore the atmospheric plazas to the 11th century. We will have the colourful streets and visit the and streets. In the late morning we will continue to the Monastery of time to explore the village and its local artist studios before continuing Leyre situated in the foothills of the mountains surrounded by beautiful winding streets before enjoying a to the Royal Castle, the summer scenery. We will explore the 11th century crypt, a Gothic church vault wine tasting at one of Le Castellet’s residence of the Kings of Majorca and the Porta Speciosa, a beautiful Romanesque portico from the 12th centuries-old vineyards. from 1276-1344. Here we will see century whilst if we are lucky we will hear the moving Gregorian chants of underground passages, the 16th the Benedictine monks. Our day ends in Pamplona where we will settle Day 12 Port Vendres for Collioure. century prison and the 13th century into the Gran Hotel La Perla, for our two night stay, before meeting for After a morning at sea we will chapel before walking to the Church dinner tonight in a local restaurant. berth at Port Vendres. The ‘Côte of Notre Dame des Anges. Day 4 Pamplona. This morning enjoy a tour of Pamplona including the Vermeille’, or rocky coast, is one Cathedral de Santa Maria, the city walls and learn about Hemingways’s of the most beautiful parts of the Day 13 Barcelona, Spain to London. time in the city and the festivals including the famous “running of the Mediterranean and inspired some Disembark this morning and return bulls”. The remainder of the day is free to explore the compact Casco of the world’s most famous artists. to London by scheduled flight. Antiguo enjoying the architecture, parks, churches and enticing cafes at your own pace. Tonight enjoy dinner under your own arrangements and choose from one of the wonderful restaurants in the city. Day 5 Olite & Rioja. Our first call today will be the beautiful small town Prices per person of Olite where we will see the magnificent Palacio Real del Olite. The Based on double occupancy castle was renowned as one of the most luxurious Medieval castles in Europe and today we can explore the wonderful halls, keeps and SPEcial OFFER - SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME only dungeons as well as the views over the old town. We continue into Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price Special Offer Price the famous Rioja wine region where we stop at the beautiful village of E Deluxe double Cabin £6495 £5995 Laguardia. Here we will visit one of the local vineyards and enjoy a tour D Deluxe double Cabin £6995 £6495 of the cellars and a wine tasting. We will overnight in Rioja at the Hotel C Deluxe double Promenade £7395 £6895 Villa de la Guardia and enjoy dinner at our hotel. B Junior Suite Promenade £7595 £7095 Day 6 Rioja to Bilbao. Enjoy a leisurely morning before we drive A Luxury Owner’s Suite Lido £8595 £8095 to Bilbao. On arrival we will see the sights of Bilbao including the F Stateroom for sole use Cabin £6895 £6395 Guggenheim Museum before checking into the Palacio Urgioti hotel. E Deluxe double for sole use Cabin £7995 £7495 This evening we enjoy a pintxos tour and dinner including a chance to enjoy the local specialities matched with local wines. Economy class scheduled air travel, two nights hotel accommodation Price Includes: Day 7 Bilbao to London. After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the in Malta on bed and breakfast basis, dinner on day 2, ten nights aboard Sea Cloud airport for our scheduled flight to London. II on a full board basis, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Tour Leader, Guest Speaker, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers and port taxes. Price per person

Not Included: Travel insurance. Twin: £1795 Single: £2295

Price Includes: Six nights accommodation at hotels as detailed on bed and Ship to Shore: The ship will be at anchor in San Remo and Sanary Sur Mer breakfast basis, lunch on days 2 and 5, dinner on days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, all and the Zodiacs/tender will be used to transport passengers ashore. In the excursions, transfers, Tour Manager, gratuities. event that we are unable to anchor off these ports due to bad weather we Not Included: Travel Insurance. will call into larger nearby ports where we are able to berth.

14 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Calanques of Cassis, France Zadar

Sarajevo Sibenik Split Mostar

Sicily under SailCalvi Discover the wonders of Sicily 17th to 28th October 2017

he island of Sicily has an incredible wealth of treasures and Ta geography which lends itself beautifully to exploration The Itinerary by sea with most points of interest located close to the coast. Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta. Lipari Owing to its benevolent climate and superb strategic position, Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival, Palermo the island has been coveted, fought over and colonised numerous transfer to the Phoenicia Hotel (or similar) for a two Trapani times with the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, night stay. Segesta SICILY Taormina Byzantines and Bourbons having all made their mark. Noto Day 2 Valletta. This morning Agrigento Syracuse From magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine cathedrals we will explore Valletta, the 16th century ‘Fortress City’ built by the Ragusa and bizarrely styled villas, Sicily has a wealth of treasures to TUNISIA knights of St John. We will enjoy Pozzallo explore and we have timed our voyage for October when the stunning views across the harbour Valletta crowds of summer will have departed and the temperatures will from the Barakka Gardens; explore MALTA be pleasant for our guided tours. The island is a celebration of the Merchants street containing the greatest achievements of Mediterranean cultures and with such surviving auberges built by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, Valletta to explore independently. a wealth of ancient sites, it is certainly not somewhere which together with the palace where This evening we will drive to Mdina should be visited in a hurry so with six days of our itinerary spent Napoleon Bonaparte is believed which was originally given the sailing around the island we have the luxury of time and are to have stayed in 1798. Our final name of “Citta Nobile” and now stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. known as the “Silent City”, it lies able to visit the stunning Greek theatre at Taormina, the Norman The barrel vault of the cathedral at the heart of the island. Mdina is Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel in Palermo, the Valle dei is painted with scenes from the Phoenician in origin and was the Templi and the beautiful Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa. life of St. John and the floor is fortified capital of the island before inlaid with the glittering tombs the arrival of the Knights. Within its Local guides and our onboard guest speaker will contribute of 400 Knights. Chapels around powerful encircling walls, the city greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of Sicily which is the sides belong to the different towers on a steep hill in the centre one of those places once visited you will never forget and will “tongues” of the Order, and in the of the island. Here, for centuries, wish to return to time and time again. oratory is Caravaggio’s intensely the Maltese noble families resided moving picture, “The Beheading and still do so today. We will enjoy of St. John”. We will return to the dinner at the Xara Palace, Relais hotel in the late morning and this & Chateaux, a fabulous late 17th Our View afternoon you can choose to enjoy century property uniquely located “These days there are many cruises ships in the Mediterranean but surely the hotel facilities or return to within the historic city. none as beautiful as Sea Cloud II which we have chartered for this voyage. Our journey will take in some of the most beautiful spots in Sicily and we hope to travel to many of these under sail. Unlike the schedules of the Palermo Cathedral large cruise ships in the region, we will not speed through our itinerary but take things at a leisurely pace allowing time to relax onboard as we sail, enjoy the lecture programme as well as visiting some of the most important and stunning sights that Sicily has to offer including our visits to three of Sicily’s most beautiful Palazzos.”

Voyage Highlights

In addition to our guided exploration of some of Sicily’s ancient sites we have arranged some exclusive highlights during our voyage including: • Dinner at the Xara Palace, Relais & Chateaux, a fabulous late 17th century property in Mdina. • Visit to the Opera dei Pupi, (puppet theatre) for a show, one of Sicily’s strongest cultural traditions. • Private concert at the beautiful Palazzo Beneventano, a magnificent private 18th century palace. • Guided tour by La Principessa de Raffadali of her 14th century home, Palazzo Raffadali followed by homemade Sicilian ice-cream. • Exclusive private concert and cocktail reception at the stunning Palazzo Gangi in Palermo. • Visit to an olive oil farm for a tasting of traditional Sicilian foods including cheeses, olives and breads accompanied by local musicians.

16 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Agrigento Chiesa di San Domenico, Noto

Byzantine Mosaic, Monreale Taormina

Valletta

Day 3 Valletta. Spend a morning Giovanni Cathedral and Church of returning to the vessel we will visit Day 7 Lipari, Aeolian Islands. at leisure before meeting in the Santa Maria delle Scale. the Opera dei Pupi, the puppet This morning we arrive at the early afternoon and transferring to theatre is one of Sicily’s strongest picturesque island of Lipari situated St John’s Cathedral where we will Day 5 Syracuse. Syracuse was cultural traditions, appealing to in the Aeolian Islands off the north experience a very special exclusive founded by the Greeks in 734 adults and children alike. We will coast of Sicily. Here we will find concert by a local soprano, a BC and by the 5th century was enjoy a tour of the museum and an amazing collection of ruins choir and an orchestra before a political and military power be treated to one of the shows. from the prehistoric through to making our way to Sea Cloud II for throughout the Mediterranean After dinner this evening we will the Roman period. Lipari town embarkation. Set sail before dinner. which rivalled Athens as the transfer to the beautiful Palazzo is a thriving little place prettily largest and most beautiful city in Beneventano, a stunning private located between two harbours. Day 4 Pozzallo, Sicily. Our first the Greek world. We will visit the 18th century palace, located in the Our morning tour includes a call in Sicily is the southern coast Neapolis Archaeological Park to central square near the cathedral visit to the upper town set within port of Pozzallo from where we discover the well-preserved Greek where we will enjoy a private fortress walls, a drive around the will explore the Baroque villages theatre with seats carved from concert. volcano followed by a visit to the of Noto and Ragusa. Our morning limestone. Paradise Quarry, now Archaeological Museum with tour will visit the beautiful antique an attractive garden and orange Day 6 Giardini Naxos for Taormina. its impressive relics from nearby town of Noto which was built in grove, was the primary source We anchor this morning in Giardini excavations. Set sail during lunch 1703. Here we will see numerous of that limestone and is the site Naxos, the oldest Greek settlement and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at 18th century palaces of incredible of the curious ‘Dionysus’ Ear’ - a in Sicily which dates from 735 sea as we head for Palermo. architectural value including the vast grotto with an amplifying BC and our base for our visit to Duomo, the Museo Civico and resonance. Return to Sea Cloud II Taormina, a walled town lying in Day 8 Palermo, Sicily. After the Convento dei Francescani. for lunch and this afternoon enjoy the shadow of Mount Etna. Popular breakfast we tour Palermo, We return to the vessel for lunch an orientation walk in the old since the 19th century as a holiday famous for its jumbled and and this afternoon you can either quarter of the town on the island resort it nevertheless has some picturesque streets punctuated choose to relax onboard in Pozzallo of Ortigia where we will see the truly impressive sites including with ornate Baroque churches, or join a tour to charming Ragusa, Temple of Apollo, considered to be the Greek Theatre from where domed Arab mosques and the a UNESCO World Heritage Site Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple there are marvellous views over glittering Byzantine mosaics where we will visit the Duomo and and the Baroque cathedral which the town and coast. Return to the that reveal a unique and diverse Baroque palaces in Ibla before was erected over the remains of ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing heritage. We visit the impressive continuing to the upper town, San the Temple of Minerva. Before afternoon at sea. 12th century cathedral and the

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 17 Lipari and Salina Islands

Palatine Chapel in the Norman around a beautiful Sicilian family Maltese island of Gozo, thought Continue to Our Lady of Victories castle before returning to the house. We will learn about the to be the Calypso Isles of Homer’s Church, one of the most richly ship for lunch. This afternoon history and techniques of the farm’s Odyssey and a lovely place to embellished places of worship on we will be welcomed as a guest extra virgin oil production before spend the afternoon. We will visit the island which was elevated to of the wonderfully engaging La enjoying a tasting. Also enjoy the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra, the rank of a minor Basilica in 1967. Principessa de Raffadali at her 14th traditional Sicilian foods including dating back to 3600 BC. The century home, Palazzo Raffadali, cheeses, olives and breads whilst temples, which are now recognised Day 12 Valletta, Malta to London. for a personal guided tour of her accompanied by local musicians. as a World Heritage Site, and Disembark this morning and return palazzo followed by homemade are one of the most significant to London by scheduled flight. Sicilian ice-cream. Alternatively, join Day 10 Porto Empedocle, archaeological finds in Malta. an excursion to visit the remarkable Agrigento. Although handsome Byzantine mosaics in the cathedral in its own right and awash with at Monreale. This evening, after an Medieval atmosphere, Agrigento early dinner, return to the centre is not our main reason for calling at Prices per person of Palermo for an exclusive private this southern coast port. Close by, Based on double occupancy concert and cocktail reception at is the Valle dei Templi, a series of SPECIALOFFER - SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME only the simply stunning Palazzo Gangi, Doric temples, the most captivating a truly fitting end to our time in of Sicilian Greek remains and a Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price Special Offer Price E Deluxe double Cabin Palermo. grouping unique outside Greece. £6995 £6495 Surrounded in greenery of olive D Deluxe double Cabin £7495 £6995 C Deluxe double Promenade £7895 Day 9 Trapani. Trapani was the and almond trees, admire the £7395 B Junior Suite Promenade landing point for Peter of Aragon Temple of Hera, the Temple of £8095 £7595 A Luxury Owner’s Suite Lido in 1282 to start the Spanish Concord, the Dioscuri Temple, the £9095 £8595 F Stateroom for sole use Cabin occupation of Sicily and is our Temple of Olympic Jove and the £7295 £6795 base for the morning. From the Temple of Hercules. After lunch E Deluxe double for sole use Cabin £9995 £9495 port we travel to nearby Segesta onboard, this afternoon is at leisure Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, two nights hotel to view one of the grandest for you to relax onboard or explore accommodation in Malta on bed and breakfast basis, dinner on Day 2, nine Doric monuments to survive, the Agrigento independently making nights aboard Sea Cloud II on a full board basis, house wine, beer and soft drinks unfinished temple dating from use of the shuttles which will run with lunch and dinner, Tour Leader, Guest Speaker, shore excursions, gratuities, 424 BC which sits atop a hill from from the port to the town and the transfers, port taxes. which you can enjoy excellent excellent archaeological museum Not Included: Travel insurance. views of the countryside and which is well worth a visit. distant coastline. Alternatively join Ship to Shore: Please note that Sea Cloud II will be at anchor in Giardini us on a visit to an olive oil farm, Day 11 Gozo, Malta. After a Naxos, Lipari and Gozo and therefore Zodiacs or tender will be used to which dates from 1700, and is built morning at sea arrive at the transport passengers ashore.

18 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Ragusa Ibla, Sicily 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

Ports subject to change and weather conditions. All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. 100516 ­ _S Cover image: Sea Cloud II