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Sicilian Odyssey From the Bay of to Malta including a circumnavigation of with Dr Richard Chartres aboard the MS Island Sky 3rd to 13th May 2017 Ragusa

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Calvi e have the perfect vessel and time of year for our Guest Speaker exploration of the wonderful island of Sicily and her W Dr Richard Chartres archaeological treasures. Sicily is a land that has seen more than Dr Richard Chartres its fair share of invasions, resulting in some lofty and noble is currently Bishop Naples of London and architecture from magnificent Doric temples to great Byzantine Dean of HM cathedrals and Norman palaces. With its benevolent climate and Chapels Royal. superb strategic position, the island has been coveted, fought Before ordination he taught Ancient History in the International School over and colonised. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, in Seville. More recently he has Trapani Normans, Byzantines and Bourbons have all made their mark served as Gresham Professor of SICILY Taormina Piazza Armerina on this astonishing island. Divinity and published a history of the College. He is the Founder Licata Syracuse Pozzallo Ragusa of the St Ethelburga CentreTUNISIA for Sicily is endlessly fascinating and if you have promised yourself Peace and Reconciliation and MALTA Valletta that one day you will visit, this is the time to go and what works extensively in the inter-faith field. He was closely involved in the better way to explore her treasures than from aboard a small establishment of St Mellitus College Orthodox Church. Most recently he ship. The geography of the island lends itself beautifully to which is now the largest Theological has been appointed an Ambassador exploration by sea, as most points of interest are close to the coast. College in the country. He also for the World Wild Life Fund and Appreciate in comfort Sicily’s rich artistic legacy of so many represents the Church of England has published in the area of religion, in its relations with the Eastern science and the environment. invading civilisations. The island is a celebration of the greatest achievements of Mediterranean cultures and with such a wealth of ancient sites, it is certainly not somewhere which should be visited in a hurry. With seven days spent circumnavigating the island, we Our View have the luxury of time and are able to visit the stunning Greek “The ancient wonders of Sicily have appealed to travellers for hundreds of theatre at Taormina, the superbly well-preserved Greek temples of years and with many of them surrounding the coastline a cruise is the perfect way to see them. We can travel from Paestum to Taormina, and Segesta and the Valle dei Templi, the Norman Royal Palace and onto the Valley of the Temples without the need to change hotel rooms, join Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Byzantine Cathedral, the long coach journeys or the other hassles often associated with land travel. Roman mosaics of Villa Romana di Casale as well as the beautiful Our small ship can access the closest ports to the great sites and with short distances to cover we can spend longer in port each day allowing time for Baroque villages of Noto and Ragusa. Our eminent Guest Speaker, both an included guided tour and independent exploration. We will ensure Dr Richard Chartres, will contribute greatly to our enjoyment and we hear the music, taste the wines and enjoy the local foods during our time understanding of Sicily and once visited it is a place you will never ashore whilst not missing any of the archaeological sites or charming towns. May is also a fine time to be in this part of the Mediterranean with pleasant forget and will wish to return to time and time again. temperatures and less crowded sites.“ www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Malta

Erice Agrigento Trapani

After breakfast we will explore the cheeses, olives and breads whilst some stunning floor mosaics. Later, The Itinerary city, famous for its jumbled and accompanied local musicians before explore the Medieval centre of Day 1 London to Naples, Italy. picturesque streets punctuated with returning to the ship this afternoon Piazza Armerina, see the Aragonese Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival ornate Baroque churches, domed and sailing late this evening. Castle and the Romanesque Church transfer to the MS Island Sky and Arab mosques, and the glittering of Sant’Andrea. After our tour we sail tonight. Byzantine mosaics that reveal a Day 6 Valley of Temples & will enjoy a Sicilian lunch in a local unique and diverse heritage. We Agrigento. Although handsome farmhouse complemented by local Day 2 Paestum. The small port of visit the impressive 12th-century in its own right and awash with wines. We sail in the late evening. Agropoli is a convenient location cathedral which houses the royal medieval atmosphere, Agrigento for our morning excursion to tombs of Henri VI and King Ruggiero. is not our main reason for calling Day 8 Noto & Ragusa. From our Paestum. Founded by Greeks in Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch at this southern coast port. Close berth in Pozzallo we will explore 600 BC, this well preserved and and enjoy a free afternoon to either by, is the Valle dei Templi, a series the Baroque villages of Noto and fascinating site was rediscovered explore Palermo independently of Doric temples and the most Ragusa. Built in 1703 Noto is a in 1752. On our half day tour or join an excursion to see the captivating of Sicilian Greek picturesque city located on the we will see the impressive remarkable Medieval mosaics in the remains, and a grouping unique terraced slopes of Mount Iblei, Temple Poseidon, the Basilica, cathedral at Monreale. outside Greece. Surrounded in among Olive groves and Almond Amphitheatre and Aethenian greenery of olive and almond trees, trees. Here we find Sicillian Baroque before spending some time in Day 5 Trapani. Trapani was the admire the Temple of Hera, the style palaces and monuments. A the museum, adjacent to the site. landing point for Peter of Aragon in Temple of Concord, the Dioscuri quiet walk along the central streets Return to the MS Island Sky for 1282 to start the Spanish occupation Temple, the Temple of Olympic will reveal the 18th century Palazzo lunch and enjoy an afternoon at of Sicily and is our base for the Jove and the Temple of Hercules. Ducezio and some baroque churches: sea. Please note we will use vessel’s day. From the port we travel to After lunch onboard enjoy an San Francesco Immacolata, The Zodiacs to land ashore at Agropoli. the nearby town of Erice, famed in afternoon to explore Agrigento, Cathedral, San Carlo, Santa Chiara antiquity for its temple dedicated to shuttles will run from the port and the imposing Palazzo Nicolaci di Day 3 Taormina. From the nearby the goddess of love, the Phoenician to the town and the excellent Villadorata, built in 1737. We return port of Messina we will visit Astarte, Greek Aphrodite or Roman archaeological museum where you to the MS Island Sky for lunch and Taormina, a walled town lying in the Venus. A tour will take us to this can explore at your leisure. this afternoon continue to charming shadow of , Europe’s stunning site high above the sea Ragusa. It has been included in highest volcano. The town has and to the beautifully preserved Day 7 Licata for Piazza Armerina. the UNESCO World Heritage been a popular tourist destination Medieval town characterized by Founded in 280 B.C by Phintias, list, for its artistic-architectural since the 19th century and our its winding cobbled stone streets Licata has grown into an important heritage, with its Baroque palaces, guided tour will include walking the and beautiful court-yards. After our commercial centre on Sicily. churches, squares, stairways and characteristic alleys before visiting visit we travel to an olive oil farm, However our main reason for this winding narrow streets, all of which the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja which dates from 1700, and is built stop is to drive inland to what is create an evocative and ancient and the impressive Greek Theatre. around a beautiful Sicilian family regarded as the finest Roman site atmosphere. We will discover the Return to the ship for lunch and house. We will learn about the on Sicily. The Imperial Roman Villa wonderful Ragusa Ibla: the “Pearl enjoy some free time in Messina. history and techniques of the farm’s of Casale is located close to Piazza of the Baroque” the gardens, the extra virgin oil production before Armerina amidst wooded rolling magnificent palaces, the splendid Day 4 Palermo. Arrive this morning enjoying a tasting. Also enjoy countryside. This huge villa was church of San Giuseppe and the in the Sicilian of Palermo. traditional Sicilian foods including built in the 3rd century and has Dome of San Giorgio. Sicily is endlessly fascinating. If you have

Backstreets of Taormina promised Palermo yourself that one day you will visit, this is the time to go and what better way to explore her treasures Day 9 Syracuse. Syracuse was stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. Pre-Cruise Extension than from founded by the Greeks in 734 Return to the ship for lunch and this at the Palazzo Belmonte BC and by the 5th century was afternoon you can choose to either aboard a a political and military power relax onboard, return to Valletta throughout the Mediterranean. or join a tour to Mdina. Originally, small ship. On leaving the vessel we visit the this city, was given the name of Neapolis Archaeological Park “Citta Nobile” and now known as where we find a well preserved the “Silent City” at the heart of Greek theatre with seats carved the island. Mdina is Phoenician in from limestone. Paradise Quarry, origin and was the fortified capital If you would like to extend your now an attractive garden and of the Island, before the arrival of time in Italy we are offering a three orange grove, was the primary the Knights. night stay at the wonderful Palazzo source of that limestone and is the Belmonte before embarking in Naples. Further details on request site of the curious ‘Dionysus’ Ear’ Day 11 Malta to London. - a vast grotto with an amplifying Disembark after breakfast and or can be viewed online at resonance. We will continue to transfer to the airport for your www.noble-caledonia.co.uk explore the island of Ortigia scheduled flight to London. where we find the Temple of , considered to be Sicily’s most ancient Doric temple and Prices per person the Baroque Cathedral, erected Based on double occupancy over the remains of the Temple of Minerva. Return to the MS SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON Island Sky for lunch and enjoy an FOR A LIMITED Time ONLY afternoon and evening to explore Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Special Offer Price independently. Magellan Standard Forward £4695 £4495 Magellan Standard £5195 £4995 Day 10 Valletta, Malta. Arrive this Columbus Superior £5495 £5295 morning in the grand harbour Marco Polo Premium £5695 £5495 of Valletta. Our morning tour Marco Polo Corner £5895 £5695 which will include the highlights Erikson Deluxe Balcony £6495 £6295 of Valletta with its stunning views Explorer Owner’s Balcony £6995 £6795 across the harbour from the Magellan Standard for sole use £6695 £6495 Barakka Gardens. We will explore Columbus Superior for sole use £7195 £6995 Merchants Street containing the surviving auberges built by the Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 10 nights aboard the MS Island Sky Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, on a full board basis including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, together with the palace where shore excursions, Noble Caledonia onboard team including guest speaker, transfers, Napoleon Bonaparte is believed port taxes, gratuities. to have stayed in 1798. Our final Not Included: Travel Insurance.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 MS Island Sky

The much loved MS Island Sky is one of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 114, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

nboard there is a high ratio dinner, informative port briefings of crew to passengers. and presentations from our Our friendly crew of 75 expedition team and of course Oare mainly Filipino and Eastern good food which may be enjoyed European and our Scandinavian leisurely in the attractive dining captains are experienced mariners, room, all contribute to making any having been in service aboard voyage aboard the MS Island Sky large 2000 plus passenger vessels a memorable experience. After a and who now prefer a less frantic day ashore you will return to the Dining on deck Superior Suite life aboard a small ship. If, like comfort and peace of a well run them and us, you prefer a more and exceedingly comfortable ship. peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect Your Space ship. When choosing the vessel The spacious and finely decorated for your next voyage of discovery, public rooms include a large lounge you can select a ship with endless where daily briefings and talks will entertainment and impersonal be provided throughout the voyage service or come with us where and an elegant bar where a pianist peace, high quality service and plays periodically throughout the attention to detail are the order of day. The onboard library is the the day. perfect place to relax with a book. Daily newspapers and magazines There will be no organised are placed in the library depending entertainment, fancy dress, deck on local availability. Outside games or any of the usual big ship there is a rear sun deck, a bar and experiences. The atmosphere comfortable deck furniture for sun onboard is more akin to a private bathing or relaxing with a book. yacht or country hotel. A little On the top deck there is a further Lounge music in the lounge or bar after observation and sun deck. Restaurant

Library

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Explorer Deck Deck Plan Balconies Your Dining OOwnerwner’s’s BBalconyalcony SuiteSuitess 603 601 Another benefit of a small ship is over five decks and all suites Explorer Deck the quality of the cuisine. With only have outside views. Each affords Erikson Deck Jacuzzi Marco Polo Deck LIFT Hair dresser STAIRS & Beauty one sitting and a maximum of just considerable comfort with en-suite ColumbusCenter Deck604 602 OOwnerwner’s’s BalBalconycony SuiteSuitess over 100 passengers, the galley is bathroom featuring marble- Magellan Deck Balconies able to provide delicious meals. topped vanity unit with sink and Erikson Deck Where possible and when it meets walk-in shower, large wardrobes, Balconies Explorer Deck Balconies his high standards, the chef will dressing table with large mirror DDeluxeeluxe BBalconyalcony SuiteSuitess Radio Chart Hotel room room Buffet Pantry Owner’s Balcony Suites managerOwner´s ’s Balcony511 Suites 509 507 505 Office r office obtain local produce in markets and stool and excellent storage. STAIRS 603 601 Bridge Lido Open or buy the catch of the day from a There is a mini-fridge, flat screen Deck Deck Hair dresser STAIRS LIFSTT AIRS LIFT & Beauty Chief Captain Center 604 602 Engineer passing fishing boat. In the main television with inbuilt DVD/CD OwOwnerner’s’s BBalconyalcony512 SuiteSuitess 510 508 506 DDeluxeeluxe B Balconyalcony SSuiteuites

Balconies elegant dining room, breakfast is player and a telephone in each Balconies

served buffet-style, with certain suite. Bottled water, Molton Brown EriksonMarco DeckPolo Deck Balconies

Promenade deck DelDeluxeuxe BalcoBalconyny SuiteSuitess Radio Chart items cooked to order and lunch toiletries, towelling dressing room room Buffet Pantry Hotel manager´s 511 509 Pr507emium505 Suites PremiumOffice r Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite office Staff STAIRS Cabin Bridge and dinner is à la carte. When gowns and slippers are also Lido Open Deck 427 425 423 421 Deck419 417 415

The STAIRS LIFT weather permits, breakfast and a provided for your comfort. Other Chief Captain Club 512 510 508 506 Engineer DelDeluxeuxe Balc Balconyony SSuiteuites buffet-style lunch are also served facilities include a programmable Library STAIRS LIFT Staff Balconies Coffee Cabin 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 on deck. To enhance your dining electronic safe, hairdryer, Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Marco Polo Deck Promenade deck Promenade deck experience even further a selection air-conditioning and heating. Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Staff Columbus Deck Cabin of wines are included with lunch and 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 PromenadeThe deck Club Cruise dinner. Afternoon tea is served in Cruise Director Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Library STAIRS LIFT office Staff Coffee Cabin 428 426347424345422343420341418339416 414335 333 331 329 the lounge and tea and coffee are Friendly Staff Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Promenade deck Public Entrance Lounge bathrooms available 24 hours. Hall Reception Columbus Deck STAIRS LIFT STAIRS Promenade deck Cruise 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Cruise Director SuperiorPurse Suiter’s s SuperiorSuperior Suite Suites s SuperiorSuperior Suite Suites s Superior Suites office Office Your Suite Promenade deck 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Public Entrance Lounge bathrooms Onboard there are 57 Hall Magellan Deck Reception STAIRS LIFT exceptionally spacious and well STAIRS 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Purser’s Standard Suites Office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior SuitesHospital Promenade deck designed suites. All feature a Galley 261 259 257 255 Doctor sitting room area and some have Magellan Deck Restaurant Standard Suites Hospital private balconies. The feeling Galley Doctor STAIRS LIFT 261 259 257 255 Officer’s 252 250 Quarters 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites of luxury is enhanced by the Standard Suites Standard Suites Restaurant (forward) wood panelling and brass, which STAIRS LIFT Officer’s 252 250 Quarters 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites predominates throughout the Standard Suites Standard Suites (forward) vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger StandardStandar Suitesd Suites (For (Forwarward) d) PremiumPremium Suite sSuites Single SDeluxeuites Balcony Suites accommodation is arranged StandardStandaStandar Suited SuitesSuitess (Forward) PrDeluxeemiumPremiumsingleStandardw) arCornerd S uBalcony iteSuites SuitesSuites Suites (For SuiteS s DeluxeCorner Balcony SuitesOwner’s Suites Balcony Suites Standard Suites CornerDeluxesStandardCorner Suites SuitesBalcony Suite Suite Owners Balcony Suites SuperiorSuperior Suite Suitess Owners Balcony Suite s Superior Suites OwnerssSuperior Balcony Suite Suite

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk 290316_SA

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