Cruising by Etna

Sat Sep 18 - Sat Sep 25 2010 8 days £2,380 Sing supp £600 Tour Guide: Dr Michael Metcalfe Tour Price includes: Full board accomm on gulet All road transfers All crew services on gulet Entrance fees & tips on land Archaeological excursions

Sicily’s eastern shore is the pulsing heartbeat of the island: a near continuous ribbon of villages, towns and cities, set beside the awesome bulk of Etna and the capes, cliffs and beaches that make up the coast. On our journey, we stroll through these vibrant settlements, discovering the little cafes, shops and architecture that make them so beloved of visitors.

World-class archaeological sites litter the shore. Fertile and strategic, the east coast was an historic crucible, giving rise to cities such as Siracusa, now one of the finest, most attractive sites in the Mediterranean. North, we explore the lava clad ruins of Catania and the wonderful Roman theatre at Taormina. Then, led by a vulcanologist, we explore the rugged slopes of Etna, still an active volcano, steeped in myth.

From exquisite baroque architecture to fabulous food, this unique tour is an adventure that goes to the very heart of Sicilian culture.

Day 1: Our boat is about an hour’s drive south from Catania airport, in the Great harbour of Siracusa, where vast ancient fleets used to moor and fight. Welcome drink and dinner on board.

Day 2: A chance to relax, swim, and unwind as we spend the day sailing south of Siracusa, near the Vendicari and Plemmirio wildlife parks. In the early evening we explore the island of Ortigia, the very heart of Siracusa.

Day 3: We visit the beautiful archaeological park of Siracusa and stroll through the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the landscaped gardens in the old quarries, before heading north.

Day 4: Catania is blessed with beautiful and chaotic Baroque streets and an enormous colourful street market. We investigate the city’s ancient ruins including the recently renovated Roman theatre complex, and then wander through this lively city seeing some of its signature buildings.

Day 5: After breakfast we drive out of Catania and up onto the vast bulk of Etna. Led by a mountain guide and vulcanologist we explore the slopes of this still-active volcano. We rejoin our boat in the beautiful harbour of Giardini Naxos, and enjoy a late-afternoon swim in the nearby bays.

Day 6: We spend the morning in the hill top town of Taormina, enjoying the marvellous views and the wonderful contrast of ancient monuments and thriving medieval town. Heading north we reach Messina, and the beginning of the straits that separate Sicily from Italy.

Day 7: After visiting Messina’s excellent museum and majestic cathedral we sail between Scylla and Charybdis, the tip of the straits, and seat of legendary sea monsters. Milazzo, with its lovely promenade is our final destination, offering a last opportunity to wander and shop.

Day 8: Transfer from our Gulet to Catania airport.

We cannot recommend highly enough our guide Peter Sommer, whose knowledge and attention to detail was exceptional. Not only were we taken care of wonderfully in the practical details but learned and enormous amount due to his enthusiasm and not least his immensely likeable personality. Patty Auchincloss, Connecticut, USA