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SICILY UNDER SAIL DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ABOARD THE MAGNIFICENT SEA CLOUD II 17TH TO 28TH OCTOBER 2017 Taormina

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he island of Sicily has an incredible wealth of treasures and a geography which lends itself beautifully to Texploration by sea with most points of interest located close to the coast. Owing to its benevolent climate and superb alermo ipari strategic position, the island has been coveted, fought over rapani and colonised numerous times with the Phoenicians, Greeks, egesta SICILY aormina Romans, Arabs, Normans, Byzantines and Bourbons having oto all made their mark. grigento racuse oallo agusa From magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine TUNISIA oo cathedrals and bizarrely styled villas, Sicily has a wealth alletta of treasures to explore and we have timed our voyage for Backstreets of Taormina MALTA October when the crowds of summer will have departed and the temperatures will be pleasant for our guided tours. The island is a celebration of the greatest achievements of Mediterranean cultures and with such a wealth of ancient VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS sites, it is certainly not somewhere which should be visited in In addition to our guided exploration a hurry so with six days of our itinerary spent sailing around of some of Sicily’s ancient sites we have the island we have the luxury of time and are able to visit arranged some exclusive highlights the stunning Greek theatre at Taormina, the Norman Royal during our voyage including: Palace and Palatine Chapel in , the Valle dei Templi • Dinner at the Xara Palace, Relais & Chateaux, a fabulous late 17th century and the beautiful Baroque villages of and Ragusa. Local property in Mdina. guides and our onboard guest speaker will contribute greatly to our enjoyment and understanding of Sicily which is one of • Visit to the Opera dei Pupi, (puppet theatre) for a show, one of Sicily’s strongest cultural traditions. those places once visited you will never forget and will wish to return to time and time again. • Private concert at the beautiful Palazzo Beneventano, a magnificent private 18th century palace.

• Guided tour by La Principessa de Raffadali of her 14th century OUR VIEW home, Palazzo Raffadali followed by homemade Sicilian ice- cream. “These days there are many cruises ships in the Mediterranean but surely none as beautiful as Sea Cloud II which we have chartered for this voyage. • Exclusive private concert and cocktail reception at the stunning Our journey will take in some of the most beautiful spots in Sicily and we Palazzo Gangi in Palermo. hope to travel to many of these under sail. Unlike the schedules of the large cruise ships in the region, we will not speed through our itinerary • Visit to an olive oil farm for a tasting of traditional Sicilian foods but take things at a leisurely pace allowing time to relax onboard as we including cheeses, olives and breads accompanied by local sail, enjoy the lecture programme as well as visiting some of the most musicians. important and stunning sights that Sicily has to offer including our visits to three of Sicily’s most beautiful Palazzos.” www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Byzantine Mosaic,

Trapani

THE ITINERARY Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta. & Chateaux, a fabulous late 17th Day 6 Giardini for Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival, century property uniquely located Taormina. We anchor this morning transfer to the Phoenicia Hotel (or within the historic city. in Giardini Naxos, the oldest Greek similar) for a two night stay. settlement in Sicily which dates Day 3 Valletta. Spend a morning from 735 BC and our base for our Day 2 Valletta. This morning we at leisure before meeting in the visit to Taormina, a walled town will explore Valletta, the 16th early afternoon and transferring to lying in the shadow of . century ‘Fortress City’ built by the St John’s Cathedral where we will Popular since the 19th century as knights of St John. We will enjoy experience a very special exclusive a holiday resort it nevertheless stunning views across the harbour concert by a local soprano, a has some truly impressive sites from the Barakka Gardens; explore choir and an orchestra before including the Greek Theatre from Merchants street containing the making our way to Sea Cloud II for where there are marvellous views surviving auberges built by the embarkation. Set sail before dinner. over the town and coast. Return Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, to the ship for lunch and enjoy a together with the palace where Day 4 Pozzallo, Sicily. Our first relaxing afternoon at sea. Napoleon Bonaparte is believed call in Sicily is the southern coast discover the well-preserved Greek to have stayed in 1798. Our final port of Pozzallo from where we theatre with seats carved from Day 7 Lipari, . stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. will explore the Baroque villages limestone. Paradise Quarry, now This morning we arrive at the The barrel vault of the cathedral of Noto and Ragusa. Our morning an attractive garden and orange picturesque island of Lipari is painted with scenes from the tour will visit the beautiful antique grove, was the primary source situated in the Aeolian Islands off life of St. John and the floor is town of Noto which was built in of that limestone and is the site the north coast of Sicily. Here we inlaid with the glittering tombs 1703. Here we will see numerous of the curious ‘Dionysus’ Ear’ - a will find an amazing collection of of 400 Knights. Chapels around 18th century palaces of incredible vast grotto with an amplifying ruins from the prehistoric through the sides belong to the different architectural value including the resonance. Return to Sea Cloud II to the Roman period. Lipari town “tongues” of the Order, and in the Duomo, the Museo Civico and for lunch and this afternoon enjoy is a thriving little place prettily oratory is Caravaggio’s intensely the Convento dei Francescani. an orientation walk in the old located between two harbours. moving picture, “The Beheading We return to the vessel for lunch quarter of the town on the island Our morning tour includes a of St. John”. We will return to the and this afternoon you can either of Ortigia where we will see the visit to the upper town set within hotel in the late morning and this choose to relax onboard in Pozzallo Temple of , considered to be fortress walls, a drive around the afternoon you can choose to enjoy or join a tour to charming Ragusa, Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple volcano followed by a visit to the the hotel facilities or return to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Baroque cathedral which Archaeological Museum with Valletta to explore independently. where we will visit the Duomo and was erected over the remains of the its impressive relics from nearby This evening we will drive to Mdina Baroque palaces in Ibla before Temple of Minerva. Before returning excavations. Set sail during lunch which was originally given the continuing to the upper town, San to the vessel we will visit the Opera and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at name of “Citta Nobile” and now Giovanni Cathedral and Church of dei Pupi, the puppet theatre is sea as we head for Palermo. known as the “Silent City”, it lies Santa Maria delle Scale. one of Sicily’s strongest cultural at the heart of the island. Mdina is traditions, appealing to adults and Day 8 Palermo, Sicily. After Phoenician in origin and was the Day 5 Syracuse. Syracuse was children alike. We will enjoy a tour breakfast we tour Palermo, fortified of the island before founded by the Greeks in 734 of the museum and be treated famous for its jumbled and the arrival of the Knights. Within its BC and by the 5th century was to one of the shows. After dinner picturesque streets punctuated powerful encircling walls, the city a political and military power this evening we will transfer to the with ornate Baroque churches, towers on a steep hill in the centre throughout the Mediterranean beautiful Palazzo Beneventano, domed Arab mosques and the of the island. Here, for centuries, which rivalled Athens as the a stunning private 18th century glittering Byzantine mosaics the Maltese noble families resided largest and most beautiful city in palace, located in the central square that reveal a unique and diverse and still do so today. We will enjoy the Greek world. We will visit the near the cathedral where we will heritage. We visit the impressive dinner at the Xara Palace, Relais Neapolis Archaeological Park to enjoy a private concert. 12th century cathedral and the Chiesa di San Domenico, Noto Valletta

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

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 SEA CLOUD II For this voyage under sail we have chartered the magnificent Sea Cloud II. Launched in 2001, she 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 is set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels.

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

Your Dining The cuisine aboard the Sea Cloud II is of an exceptionally high standard, and has been accepted by the international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Enjoy international 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 full board with carefully selected wines and beers served to complement your lunch and dinner. All soft drinks, coffee and tea whilst onboard are also included.

Life Onboard Whilst there are many large sailing ships offering passages around the world there are few if any that can compare in terms of luxury to Sea Cloud II. Despite the luxurious setting, casual clothing is appropriate and the atmosphere onboard is friendly and generally informal. Service is personal, Category C cabin and the crew of 65 quickly acquaint themselves with passengers and Lounge

Lido deck Category A cabin

On Deck

Category B cabin Restaurant

the officers on the bridge are also available to answer DECK PLAN questions; manoeuvres permitting. After all, Sea Cloud II SUN DECK is not only a cruise ship, but a private yacht as well. SUN DECK

For your Comfort, Safety & Security Sea Cloud II combines the timeless elegance of sailing LIDO DECK ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the LIDO DECK LOUNGE LIBRARY luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The hospital LOUNGE LIBRARY

BAR 402 is located on the Cabin Deck and is staffed by a ship’s BAR 402 doctor. In consideration of all passengers, smoking is 401 not permitted onboard with the exception of designated 401 areas on open decks. PROMENADE DECK PROMENADE DECK DINING DININGROOM 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 ROOM 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302

SHOP 319 317 315 311 309 307 305 303 301 SHOP 319 317 315 311 309 307 305 303 301

RECEPTION CABIN DECK RECEPTION CABIN DECK 230 228 226 224 216 214 212 210 206 208 204

230 228 226 224 222 220 218 216 214 212 210 206 222 220 218 208 204 207 205 GYM 231 229 227 225 217 215 211 209 207 205 GYM 231 229 227 225 217 215 211 209 H 223 221 219 H 223 221 219

CATEGORY A CATEGORY B CATEGORY C CATEGORY A CATEGORY B CATEGORY C Dining on Deck CATEGORY D CATEGORY E CATEGORY F CATEGORY D CATEGORY E CATEGORY F

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All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Ragusa Ibla, Sicily.