E-mail a friendShip: Callisto
Itinerary: Sicily: Crossroads of Mediterranean Civilizations 2009
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Taormina, Sicily
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||
| Cat D | Cat C | Cat B | Cat A | ||
| 10 | Apr 20, 2009 Apr 27, 2009 |
$7,695 | $8,295 | $9,295 | $9,995 |
| A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories B & C at a supplement of $2,795. | |||||
| Destinations : Italy, Mediterranean, Sicily Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Photography |
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On this circumnavigation of Sicily aboard the private yacht Callisto, we discover more than 3,000 years of diverse cultural innovation—wave after wave of new peoples, new ideas and new artistic techniques sweeping the island of Etna, leaving in their wake sublime temples, great cities, captivating villages and extraordinary works of art. Our journey includes a treasure trove of riches, from the Doric temples of the ancient Greeks to the colossal works of the Romans and the spectacular artistic achievements of the Byzantine era. Also discover Sicily’s inviting towns, including medieval Erice and historic Monreale, with its Norman Cathedral. The timing for this Mediterranean trip could not be better. The wildflowers of spring add a profusion of color to the pastoral countryside, the air is fresh and clear, and the influx of summer tourists has not yet begun. In addition, our voyage includes a wealth of special visits and unique events unavailable anywhere else.
Day 1 : Arrive Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Arrive in Palermo, Sicily's capital and one of Europe's most visually stunning and energetic cities. Transfer to the deluxe Grand Hotel Villa Igiea. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel.
Day 2 : Palermo / Monreale / Palermo
In the morning, drive to Monreale to visit its Norman cathedral, lined with a magnificent series of mosaics. Seek out the Cappella Palatina, the royal chapel built by Roger II between 1132 and 1143, a wonder of Byzantine-Arab-Norman artistry, with dazzling mosaics, an exquisitely carved wooden ceiling and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure wandering Palermo’s charming cobblestoned streets. Sail for Riposto late in the evening.
Day 3 : Riposto / Taormina / Riposto / Syracuse
Unwind in the morning as Callisto navigates the Strait of Messina, the mythical narrow waterway of Scylla and Charybdis. Upon docking in the quaint port of Riposto, set out on an afternoon excursion to nearby Taormina. Clinging to the edge of Mount Tauro, Taormina looks out to sea and the dramatic cone of Mount Etna. A Greek colony was founded here in 403 B.C. and prospered throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Visit the magnificent Greek theater before spending time exploring on your own. Dine aboard the ship as we sail along the coast toward Syracuse.
Day 4 : Syracuse / Noto / Syracuse
Colonized by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C., Syracuse became one of the most powerful and prestigious cities of the ancient world, rousing the hostility of Athens. Discover the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theater, among the most impressive to survive from antiquity, and the elliptical Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest of its kind. After a visit to the Archaeological Museum, walk the winding lanes of Syracuse’s old town, situated on the island of Ortygia, and explore the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa and the Cathedral, which incorporates the remains of the famed Temple of Athena. An afternoon excursion into Sicily’s southeast region, known for its Baroque town, brings us to exquisitely preserved Noto, a jewel on a plateau surrounded by olive and almond groves.
Day 5 : Porto Empedocle / Agrigento / Porto Empedocle / Sciacca
Relax on deck as Callisto cruises along the south coast of Sicily. After our early afternoon arrival in Porto Empedocle, enjoy an excursion to Agrigento. Agrigento’s series of superb Doric temples are among Sicily’s most captivating Greek ruins. Marvel at the 6th-century B.C. Temple of Hercules, the remarkably preserved Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno, noted for its graceful proportions. Admire the extraordinary collection at the Archaeological Museum before returning to Porto Empedocle to reboard Callisto and sail to nearby Sciacca, where the ship remains docked for the evening.
Day 6 : Marsala / Selinunte / Marsala / Trapani
Drive to Selinunte, the most westerly Greek colony in Sicily. A highland overlooking the sea provides a tranquil setting for the expansive ruins of what was once among the island’s most progressive cities. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Marsala. In the afternoon, sail to Trapani, docking at its port late in the evening.
Day 7 : Trapani / Erice / Segesta / Trapani / Palermo
Drive up winding roads to the medieval town of Erice, magnificently situated on a high plateau overlooking the coast. The town was known for its temple to the fertility goddess, Astarte. Peek around the magnificent 12th-century Venus Castle that was built upon the ruins of the ancient temple. Fringed by a lush park, the views from this hilltop castle are breathtaking. Continue to Segesta for a glimpse of its magnificent Doric temple, built in 420 B.C. and among the best-preserved ancient Greek sites to be found anywhere. The ruins stand in majestic solitude atop a bucolic hill with virtually no modern-day structures marring the vista, making it easy to imagine what Sicily was like in ancient times. Reboard Callisto and sail to Palermo, arriving late in the evening.
Day 8 : Doric Temples of Agrigento
This morning we take an excursion to nearby Agrigento. Set on a ridge facing the sea, Agrigento's series of superb Doric temples are perhaps the most captivating of Sicily's Greek ruins. View the Temple of Hercules, constructed in the 6th century B.C.; the remarkably preserved Temple of Concord; and the Temple of Juno, noted for its graceful proportions. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, whose extraordinary collection is devoted to finds from the surrounding area. Return to Porto Empedocle to reboard Callisto and spend the afternoon sailing along the coast of Sicily. Arrive at Marsala, where the ship remains docked overnight.
Program Includes:
* Seven-night cruise aboard the 34-guest yacht Callisto
* Welcome and farewell receptions aboard ship, hosted by the captain
* All meals aboard ship including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
* Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner aboard ship
* Complete program of tours and excursions as described in the itinerary
* Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
* Complete pre-departure materials including destination information, travel portfolio, document wallet, and name tag
* Transfers and baggage handling aboard on the designated program departure and arrival dates
* Port dues and embarkation taxes
* Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare; visas; passports; luggage, cancellation, and accident insurance; meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Callisto
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Callisto
The finest, most memorable voyages take place aboard a luxurious private yacht. On a private yacht one is part of a small, select, sociable community. Cabins are more like guest rooms in a fine home -- beautifully furnished, comfortably arranged, and complete with the little extras one would expect from a thoughtful host. The yacht's public areas, whether indoors or out on deck, are warm, inviting places where friends meet for conversation, a drink, or to pass a pleasant hour with a good book. The cuisine is superb. And the service is considerate and congenial.
This is the kind of exceptional experience you'll enjoy aboard the Callisto, a beautiful oceangoing yacht that is the fulfillment of a traveler's dream.
Like a fine country house, Callisto is furnished with rich fabrics, handsome woodwork, gleaming brass, rare antiques, and fine works of art. The guest list is limited to no more than 34 individuals -- a group large enough to bring together an interesting mix of travelers, but small enough to foster a genuine spirit of camaraderie.
In addition to all of the other pleasures of the Callisto, the ship's guests enjoy an advantage that eludes travelers aboard big ships: because Callisto is a yacht, it can visit those unspoiled islets, pristine beaches, and intimate coves and harbors that have been familiar to fishermen and other sailors of small craft for thousands of years, but which are inaccessible to large commercial cruise liners.
Callisto was designed with the comfort of her guests in mind. All staterooms are exterior with large windows (portholes on Daphne Deck) that look out on the sea and the yacht's various ports of call; they are air conditioned and feature generous storage space, a telephone, two-channel radio, and a marble bath with shower. The yacht's public areas include a spacious lounge; a dining room in which all guests are accommodated at a single unassigned seating; two broad decks for sunbathing and dining alfresco; and a swimming platform at the yacht's stern. The Callisto flies the Greek flag and is served by a crew of 18.
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Cat D Stern outside cabins on Daphne Deck with portholes |
Cat C Outside cabins on Daphne Deck with portholes |
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Cat B Outside cabins on Leto Deck with picture window |
Cat AOutside cabins on Leto Deck with two picture windows |
