CHARTER ITALY
DAY 1: PALERMO
Begin your luxury charter vacation in Palermo, Italy. Head to Port of Palermo for embarkation at 7:00pm. After you have settled onboard, relax and begin your cruise to the Egadi Islands, approximately six hours and fifteen minutes.
DAY 2: EGADI ISLANDS / FAVIGNANA
Enjoy your first full day at one of 3 islands that make up the Aegadian Islands. Located off the coast of Sicily in southern Italy, Favignana is famous for its caves of calcarenite rock (locally known as “tufo”) and the ancient fishing technique of tonnara, with the trapping and mattanza (massacre) of bluefin tuna. Because the island consists mainly of calcareous rocks, there are few beaches on the island; however, it is a popular site for scuba diving, snorkeling, and for day trips from nearby Trapani. During the day you can explore these gorgeous caves or relax and swim in the tranquil water.
DAY 3: SELINUNTE
Selinunte is one of Sicily’s great Greek archaeological sites. Situated by the sea in the south-western corner of Sicily, explore the isolated ruins that have stood abandoned for most of their history. The lack of later development allows you to imagine the ancient town of Selinus as it would have been two and a half thousand years ago. The archaeological park at Selinunte is huge, incorporating Greek temples, ancient town walls, the ruins of residential and commercial buildings, countryside paths and zones not yet excavated. If you are interested in Greek Sicily, this is a very important site to visit, and the temples’ setting close to the sea is wonderfully picturesque. There are sandy beaches nearby, so a day out at Selinunte has a great deal to offer.
DAY 4: MARZAMEMI
Marzamemi is a fisherman village located in the deep southeast of Sicily, founded by Arabs in 10th century. Arabs built the tonnara that, although is no longer in function, left to the city a deep-rooted fishing tradition. Tasting some of the huge variety of fishing products on which Marsamemi’s economy is based, is considered a must when you visit the town. Recently Marzamemi has become an incredible spot for people who want to enjoy a nice walk in the old town, surrounded by the ocean and the breeze. The village extends around the harbor, with its pretty, colored fleet made by wooden little boats; the centre is characterized by narrow streets and little stone houses with roof tiles, while a large, picturesque square is the center of the town.
DAY 5: SYRACUSA
The best way to see the island of Ortigia is just to wander. It’s difficult to get lost (it measures just 1km by 500 metres), but packed with over 2,500 years of history. Restaurants, trattorias and bars abound and it is especially nice to sit out on the western side in the late afternoon, warmed by the sun and with a view over the lagoon. Discover the archaeological site, situated in the northwest of the town. This is home to a staggering number of wellpreserved Greek (and Roman) remains. Check out one of the main attractions that the city has to offer, the Roman amphitheatre. About 140m long, it is one of the largest to be found anywhere. Learn why its function was known to be far removed from the Greek version.
DAY 6: ACITREZZA
Acitrezza, a village of Acicastello, is a small, very charming fishing village. The landscape is dominated by the 8 faraglioni (volcanic stacks), and lava cliffs that were formed before Etna. In the morning, you can get a front row seat to a breathtaking sunrise as you sip your coffee or tea. According to the myth of the Odyssey written by Homer, it was the Cyclops Polyphemus who hurled these large boulders at the vessels of Ulysses.
DAY 7: TAORMINA
Taormina is a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. Hike up Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit, and enjoy wine tasting at one of Italy’s hottest wine regions. You can also take an archeological tour of Taormina for the day. Explore the the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theater that still used today. Near the theater, you can get a view of the cliffs. Their drop to the sea forms coves with beautiful sandy beaches. Guest disembarkation for Catania Airport.
DAYS 8-9: AEOLIAN ISLANDS
DAY 8 | Vulcano: Observe numerous volcanic phenomenons here, from smoke clouds, vapor spouts (at both the volcano’s mouth and under the sea) and sulphuric mud holes known for their therapeutic properties. Visit the mud baths, for a unique experience. The warm water drifts up from the fissures heating up the mud which provides many soothing benefits.
DAY 9 | Filicudi: A little wild and worldly, Filicudi is the ideal place for those looking for the intensity of the essentials and who love unpolluted nature. Explore the three populated centres of Filicudi: Filicudi Porto, Valdichiesa and Pecorini a Mare, which are joined together by a very picturesque street. Livelihood here centers around tourism and the cultivation of capers and figs, which are the basic ingredients of the local cuisine.
DAYS 10-12: AEOLIAN ISLANDS continued
DAY 10 | Salina: Welcome to the second largest Aeolian Island! Known for its olive groves, caper bushes, lush, fig and citrus trees, this island will sure be an adventure for your taste buds as well!
DAY 11 | Lipari: Tour the largest and most populated island of the Aeolian Islands. You can see its picturesque streets, attractive harbour and historic castle-citadel. After, visit its informational historic museums and wind down with a trip to the winery.
DAY 12 | Panarea: This chic little island attracts VIPs, celebrities and Italy’s wealthy youth, who come in the summer for yachting breaks, romantic escapes and late-night partying on terraces with views. The island’s simple whitewashed buildings are surrounded by beautiful flowers and colorful shutters, tidy gardens and well kept lanes. You can take a helicopter tour of Stomboli and the volcano.
DAYS 13: TROPEA
Perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Coast of the Gods, Tropea, is a stunningly beautiful town with fantastic beaches, a charming historical center, and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Tropea is literally mythical: One legend says it was founded by Hercules, who is honored in the name of the main square, Piazza Ercole. Take a walk along its pristine white beaches that are known as among the cleanest and best in Italy. Check out the dramatic rock formations, cliffs, coves, and grottoes that dot the coastline, or relax in the sparkling, turquoise, Caribbean-like water.
DAYS 14: RAVELLO
Home to iconic cliffside gardens, Ravello is a resort town set 365 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea by Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Take a tour of one of these gardens and medieval-style estate, Villa Cembrone, and discover for yourself the fine detail and beauty that they exhibit. At the end of the day, enjoy a refreshing cocktail as you watch the sunset.
DAYS 15: AMALFI
The town of Amalfi is the heart of the Amalfi Coast southeast of Naples. Featuring a charming maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, precipitous steps, and beautiful beaches, there is no wonder why the coast got its name. Tour one of Amalfi’s main attractions, Duomo di Sant’Andrea, an imposing 9th-century cathedral with distinctive black-and white tiles, Moorish architectural influences, a bell tower, and a wide staircase that leads to the piazza. In the streets radiating out from the church, you’ll find all manner of shops selling coral jewelry, painted ceramics, hand-made stationery, leather goods, sweets, and more.
DAYS 16: POSITANO
Welcome to the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast, Positano. Once a humble fishing village, Positano offers stunning pastel-hued houses and domed cathedral clinging to the cliffs. Hike the Path of Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), a clifftop trail above the Amalfi Coast, and see beautiful views of the sea and coastal towns below along the way.
DAYS 17 & 18: CAPRI - SOUTH SIDE - FARAGLIONI
Cruising around Capri, you’ll be able to visit parts of the island inaccessible by other means. Since one day isn’t enough to see all that Capri has to offer, enjoy two days exploring the famous island. During your stay, your can explore the natural Blue Grotto and the scenic Faraglioni rocks. Later, take a walking tour around the city and visit the beautiful Augustu’s Gardens. When you are ready to jump into the clear blue water, dive in the Punta Campanella and see the hidden statue underneath.
DAYS 19: NAPOLI / STABIA
Your last stop on charter, bid farewell to the captain and crew and enjoy the day in beautiful Naples! Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. You can also view the centuries of important art and architecture that date back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Other major landmarks include the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle.
