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Sicily by Sail Palermo to Valletta Aboard Sea Cloud II September 24 – October 2, 2021 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

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Sicily by Sail Palermo to Valletta Aboard Sea Cloud II September 24 – October 2, 2021 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Sicily by Sail Palermo to Valletta Aboard Sea Cloud II September 24 – October 2, 2021 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS EXPERIENCE the thrill of sailing aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II, circumnavigating beautiful Sicily on azure waters, stopping in rugged green harbors, and disembarking at ancient towns that were once centers of the Greco-Roman, Carthaginian, and Byzantine worlds BEHOLD the gleaming golden mosaics of Palermo's 12th-century Cappella Palatina, a breathtaking example of Arab-Norman-Byzantine style EXPLORE ancient Agrigento, one of Sicily’s oldest cities and a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., and marvel at its seven well-preserved Doric structures in the Valley of the Temples, some of the finest Greek ruins in the world ENJOY a private tour of a Syracuse palazzo by special invitation with its owner, a Sicilian baron, and gaze upon this repurposed medieval building’s frescoes, sculptures, and massive crystal chandeliers while enjoying light refreshments DISCOVER the 7th-century Cathedral of Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was integrated into the ruins of the 2,500-year-old Temple of Athena, and admire the contrast of its ancient Doric columns and Baroque façade Dear National Trust Traveler, From its mountains and sunlit beaches to its luscious citrus orchards and verdant pastures, Sicily exudes an irresistible magnetism. Amid that natural beauty, the island holds abundant historic treasures. These jewels of art and architecture offer evidence of the many cultures who’ve conquered Sicily, including Phoenicians, ancient Greeks, Arabs, and Normans. Join the National Trust to discover an enchanting island on a weeklong cruise aboard the luxurious three-masted Sea Cloud II. Traveling with us will be an internationally acclaimed scholar of medieval art from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Begin in Palermo, where nothing will prepare you for the 12th-century Cappella Palatina, whose sparkling golden mosaics elicit gasps of amazement from visitors. One after the other, marvels follow, including the astonishing ancient Greek structures in Agrigento's Valley of the Temples. Stroll among exquisite Baroque architecture in charming Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Syracuse, founded in the 8th century B.C., highlights include a tour of its timeless cathedral, a viewing of Caravaggio's The Burial of Saint Lucy in a sumptuous Baroque church, and a private reception with a Sicilian baron at his gorgeous palazzo. Sail to Catania, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admire its ornate Baroque cathedral, where vestiges of its original 11th-century structure remain; the well-preserved grandeur of the 13th-century Castello Ursino; and a winery tour and tasting on the slopes of legendary Mount Etna. Conclude with a lovely day cruising the Mediterranean before disembarking in Valletta, Malta. An optional prelude is offered in Palermo, where you may further explore its UNESCO-recognized Arab-Norman architecture. I hope you will join us aboard Sea Cloud II on this enriching voyage around a stunning and historic island. Helsinki Cathedral Sincerely, At the time of publication, the world is beginning to reopen, with enhanced travel practices and guidelines. Please visit www.nationaltrusttours.com and Meg Annacone-Poretz search for “Sicily” for real-time Director, National Trust Tours information on how we’re working to keep you safe and healthy. Before arriving in Sicily, you're invited to experience the splendors of the Adriatic aboard Sea Cloud II. When you book this Sicily program, you can also join the preceding voyage, “Adriatic Odyssey: Venice to Palermo,” from September 17 – 25, 2021, and receive $2,500 per person off the combined fare for the two trips. Sicily by Sail Palermo to Valletta Aboard Sea Cloud II September 24 – October 2, 2021 An optional prelude in Palermo is offered from September 22–25, 2021. Please call National Trust Tours for details at 888.484.8785. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24: DEPARTURE Depart on an overnight flight to Palermo, Sicily. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25: PALERMO, SICILY / EMBARK SEA CLOUD II Arrive this morning in Palermo and gather for lunch. This afternoon, board the elegant Sea Cloud II. L,D SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: PALERMO / TRAPANI Step ashore this morning for a visit to the dazzling, 12th-century Cappella Palatina, known for its extraordinary golden mosaics, in the Palazzo dei Normanni. Afterwards, stop at Palazzo Abatellis to admire Antonello da Messina’s outstanding Virgin Annunciate. Enjoy a reception at a private palazzo before continuing to Segesta. Explore its splendid Doric temple, beautifully preserved yet strangely unfinished, whose columns are said to produce organ-like tones on windy days. Rejoin Sea Cloud II this evening in Trapani, and attend the captain’s welcome dinner. B,R,D MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: PORTO EMPEDOCLE Anchor in Porto Empedocle for a drive to Agrigento, which Pindar called “the most beautiful city built by mortal men.” Tour the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) and marvel at the Tempio della Concordia (Temple of Concordia), perhaps the best-preserved Greek temple in the world. B,L,D TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: POZZALLO / NOTO This morning, arrive in Pozzallo and drive to the exquisitely preserved town of Noto. This Baroque jewel is situated on a plateau surrounded by olive and almond groves. In the beautiful historic center, see Corso Vittorio Emanuele, an elegantly manicured walkway flanked by buildings of golden sandstone, where every façade is embellished with sculptures of gods, mythical beasts, saints, and angels. Spend the afternoon at sea sailing to Syracuse. B,L,D Sea Cloud II Tyrrhenian Sea Trapani Palermo Segesta SICILY Agrigento Catania Piazza Armerina Porto Empedocle Syracuse Noto Pozzallo Mediterranean Sea MALTA Valletta Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: SYRACUSE Today we explore Syracuse, one of the most important cities in antiquity, touted by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city.” Discover the well-preserved Greek and Roman theaters of the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. On beautiful Ortygia Island, see the cathedral built on the ruins of the Tempio di Atena (Temple of Athena), and see Caravaggio’s Burial of Saint Lucy in the Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia, an exquisite Baroque church. By special invitation, we will visit the Baroque palazzo of a Sicilian baron, who will welcome us for a tour followed by cocktails. B,L,R,D THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: CATANIA / PIAZZA ARMERINA This morning take a walking tour of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Baroque monuments. Stop in the historic center to see the cathedral dedicated to St. Agatha, the nearby market, Castello Ursino, and the impressive Benedictine monastery. This afternoon, drive to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, for a tour of the legendary Benanti winery, followed by a wine tasting. Alternatively, travel in the morning to Piazza Armerina for a full-day excursion. Discover the imperial Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose captivating collection of mosaics is considered the most beautiful and well-preserved of its kind. B,L,R,D FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1: DAY AT SEA Experience the thrill of sailing aboard our elegant ship, enjoying lectures and delighting in the grace and romance of a bygone era of travel. Tonight the captain hosts a farewell reception and dinner. B,L,R,D SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2: VALLETTA, MALTA / DISEMBARK Disembark in Valletta and transfer to the airport for flights home. B This itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of National Trust Tours and Arrangements Abroad. For complete details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms. Segesta Mosaic, Villa Romana del Casale SEA CLOUD II LIDO DECK 402 Y LIDO BAR LOUNGE 401 LIBRAR PROMENADE DECK 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 DINING ROOM RECEPTION 301 319 317 315 311 309307 305 303 BOUTIQUE CABIN DECK 230 228 226 224 222220 218 216 214 212 210 208 206 204 GYM 207 205 SAUNA 231 229 227 225 223221 219 217 215 211 209 DOCTOR WATER-SPORTS PLATFORM Sea Cloud II is a three-masted sailing yacht steeped in the elegance of yesteryear and complemented with the most modern amenities. Sister ship of the legendary Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II has 47 outside cabins and travels under 23 billowing sails trimmed by hand. From the mahogany-paneled library and gracious lounge to the fitness area and watersports platform, no detail has been overlooked. Praised by the world’s most discerning travelers, Sea Cloud II receives consistent high rankings from Condé Nast Traveler. Passengers enjoy open seating at all meals and complimentary use of all water sports equipment. A doctor is on call 24 hours a day. Please note: there is no elevator on Sea Cloud II. CRUISE RATES (Per Person) Cabins Decks Double Rates Single Rates Cabins 204 to 206 Cabin Deck $8,999 $10,999 Upper/lower twin berths, shower. Superior Cabins 207 to 210 Cabin Deck $10,999 $16,499 Twin beds, shower. Deluxe Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231 Cabin Deck $11,999 $17,999 Twin beds, shower. Deluxe Cabins 218 to 223 Cabin Deck $13,999 $20,999 Twin beds, shower. Deluxe Cabins 301 & 302 Promenade Deck $15,999 Inquire Twin beds, shower. Junior Suites 303 to 319 Promenade Deck $17,999 Inquire Twin beds, bathtub with shower. Owner’s Suites 401 & 402 Lido Deck $19,999 Inquire Queen-size bed, bathtub, and separate shower. RATES INCLUDE n Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Cloud II n Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, R=Reception, D=Dinner); bottled water,
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