Ship: National Geographic Explorer
Itinerary: The Hidden Isles of the Mediterranean, including Sicily
* Great Discounts! [click here] * click to enlarge
Sail the rocky islands of the Mediterranean during your luxury cruise
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Seville/Embark |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Motril/Granada & Alhambra Palace |
| Day 3 : | At Sea |
| Day 4 : | Menorca, Balearic Isles |
| Day 5 : | At Sea/Piana, Corsica, France |
| Day 6 : | Bonifacio, Corsica |
| Day 7 : | Alghero, Sardinia |
| Day 8 : | Favignana, Egadi Islands, Sicily |
| Day 9 : | Agrigento, Sicily |
| Day 10 : | Siracusa, Sicily |
| Day 11 : | Lipari & Stromboli, Aeolian Islands |
| Day 12 : | Palermo, Sicily/Disembark/ Overnight |
| Day 13 : | Palermo/Home |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 2S | Cat 3 | Cat 3S | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | ||
| 13 | Apr 4, 2010 Apr 14, 2010 * |
$10,680 | $11,290 | $14,150 | $11,920 | $14,890 | $12,790 | $14,690 | $16,990 | $19,560 |
| * Itinerary operates in reverse | ||||||||||
| Destinations : Corsica, Mediterranean, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain Activities : Cultural Activities, Hiking, History, Nature Viewing, Paddling, Photography |
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| Savings | Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| $2000 | Apr 4, 10 Apr 14, 10 |
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Explore remote island stepping stones in the Mediterranean, each with its own distinctive culture. Explore the Bronze Age monuments of Menorca and Sardinia and the French island of Corsica. Sail past the active volcano of Stromboli and discover the ruined city of Siracusa, one of the world’s great classical sites. Spend five full days exploring one of our favorite places: Sicily, a melting pot of every great civilization on the Mediterranean. This one-of-a-kind voyage is designed to inspire you.
Day 1 : Seville/Embark
Arrive in romantic Seville, a city where all the images of Andalusia come alive from orange trees to flamenco and lace fans. Embark ship in Cadiz. (L,D)
Day 2 : Motril/Granada & Alhambra Palace
From Motril, head to Granada famed for the lavish courtyards and gardens of the Alhambra Palace, built by Moorish kings in the 14th century. Set high in the Sierra Nevada, it’s the crowning achievement of the Moors in Spain. Sample the Andalucian cuisine at lunch. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : At Sea
Day 4 : Menorca, Balearic Isles
The intriguing isle of Menorca opens an ancient chapter in our Mediterranean history. We see the mysterious rock mounds (talayots) and megalithic stone monuments erected here 4,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : At Sea/Piana, Corsica, France
French Corsica retains a Mediterranean culture all its own. Anchor at Porto to explore Le Calanche Nature Preserve, with its curious red granite rock forms. Stroll the lanes of Piana, a lovely village nestled in the hills. Continue along Corsica’s rugged coast, perhaps stopping to explore in our Zodiacs. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : Bonifacio, Corsica
Be on deck for our arrival to Bonifacio, one of the most impressive natural harbors in the Mediterranean. In the Old Town perched atop Corsica, explore the impressive 12th-century citadel and stroll the medieval streets lined with art galleries, shops and cafes. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : Alghero, Sardinia
Sardinia has kept its distinctive character and natural beauty. Zodiac cruises, kayaking and swimming are amazing under the cliffs of Capo Caccia. Visit the prehistoric stone temple of Nuragi Palmavera and stroll the port town of Alghero before taking a local boat to the staggering caves of Neptune’s Grotto. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : Favignana, Egadi Islands, Sicily
This remote Italian island off the coast of Sicily is one of our favorite little gems. With its sandy beaches, coves and picturesque grottoes, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking and Zodiac cruising. (B,L,D)
Day 9 : Agrigento, Sicily
Agrigento is best known for its archaeological treasures. Explore the unforgettable Valley of the Temples, with the temples of Concord, Juno and Hera. Have a Sicilian lunch ashore and continue to the spectacular site of Selinunte, once considered one of the most progressive Greek cities in Sicily. (B,L,D)
Day 10 : Siracusa, Sicily
Arrive in Siracusa, a city once rivaling Athens. Explore the Archaeological Zone, with its well-preserved Greek theater and Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, site of the curious “Dionysius’ Ear” — a huge grotto with an amplifying resonance. Walk through the medieval section of Ortygia. We’re docked all evening, so stroll ashore or savor an authentic Sicilian pizza. (B,L)
Day 11 : Lipari & Stromboli, Aeolian Islands
Today we arrive in the Aeolian Islands. Take a scenic drive around Lipari and visit the little archaeological museum set in a medieval castle. This evening, we sail close to the volcano of Stromboli, which often produces spectacular displays of fiery ash. (B,L,D)
Day 12 : Palermo, Sicily/Disembark/ Overnight
After breakfast, disembark and check in to our hotel before joining a guided overview of Sicily’s capital. Palermo perches at the foot of Monte Pellgrino at the heart of a large natural harbor. Founded in the 5th century, it’s had one of the most colorful histories of any Mediterranean city. Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Goths, Vandals have all come and gone, leaving their mark on the population as well as the architecture. (B)
Day 13 : Palermo/Home
Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer
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Sail the high seas on luxury expedition ship National Geographic Explorer
The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.
Cat 1Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308 |
Cat 2Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336. |
Cat 2SC Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window. |
Cat 3Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350. |
Cat 3SUpper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208. |
Cat 4Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-180, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. |
Cat 5Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. |
Cat 6Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213. |
Cat 7Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230. |
