10-Night Sicily Complete — Palermo to Syracuse
Route Overview
The Route
Day 1 — Palermo: Embarkation
Board at La Cala marina in the heart of Palermo. A walk through the Ballarò market — one of the most vibrant street markets in Italy — and dinner at a trattoria in the Kalsa district.
Day 2 — Cefalù
A 45-minute sail east to one of Sicily's most beautiful small towns — the Norman Cathedral dominates the skyline above a warren of medieval streets. The long sandy beach at the base of La Rocca is excellent for swimming. Overnight in the small harbour.
Day 3 — Milazzo & Aeolian Islands Transfer
Continue east to Milazzo and cross to the Aeolian Islands. Arrive at Vulcano by afternoon — hike the crater or wallow in the sulphurous mud baths. Dinner at the port.
Day 4 — Lipari & Panarea
Morning exploration of Lipari — the archaeological museum and the pumice coast — before afternoon passage to Panarea. Evening at the island's famous restaurants and bars.
Day 5 — Stromboli (Night Eruption)
Arrive at Stromboli in the afternoon. Anchor off Ficogrande and spend the early evening watching the eruptions from the sea — a completely unique spectacle. Guided hike options for the adventurous.
Day 6 — Salina
A peaceful day on Salina — wine tasting at the Capo Faro or Hauner estates, a hike to the summit of Monte Fossa delle Felci, and lunch at the Signum hotel's excellent restaurant.
Day 7 — Taormina
Return to Sicily and sail south to the beautiful bay of Naxos below Taormina. Take the cable car up to the clifftop town — the Greek theatre with its view of Mount Etna and the Ionian coast is one of the greatest classical sites in the world. Dinner at a restaurant terrace overlooking the theatre.
Day 8 — Mount Etna
A full-day excursion to Mount Etna — the highest active volcano in Europe. By 4WD and cable car to the summit craters (3,330m), with the entire island of Sicily visible below on a clear day. Return to the yacht for a well-earned dinner.
Day 9 — Siracusa (Syracuse)
Sail south to Syracuse — one of the great cities of the ancient world, rivalling Athens and Carthage at its height. The island of Ortigia (the old city) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Ear of Dionysius, the Greek theatre and the Piazza del Duomo are unmissable.
Day 10 — Final Day in Siracusa
A free morning to explore the remarkable Neapolis Archaeological Park or take a boat trip to the sea caves south of the city. Final dinner at Ristorante Don Camillo on Ortigia island before a last night aboard.
Day 11 — Disembarkation
Disembarkation at Siracusa. Catania Fontanarossa Airport is 60 kilometres north.