Blue Ocean Club
10 days · 10 stops

Palermo, Cefalù, and the Aeolian Arc

The air in Palermo is thick with the scent of citrus and the echoes of history as you step aboard. This is a voyage of contrasts, tracing a path from Sicily’s vibrant, layered capital to the elemental allure of the Aeolian Islands. You cruise past the monumental Norman cathedral of Cefalù, perched between mountains and sea, before venturing into a volcanic arc where islands smoulder and time slows. Each day reveals a new facet of this sun-drenched archipelago, a world of black sand beaches, verdant vineyards, and waters of impossible clarity.

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  1. DAY 01

    Palermo

    Embark at Marina Villa Igiea, settling into your private domain as the chaotic energy of Palermo hums in the distance. The city's Arab-Norman architecture stands testament to centuries of conquest and culture, a visual feast best explored from the cool marble of its palazzos to the lively clamour of its ancient street markets. As evening descends, the city's golden-hued buildings glow under the streetlights.

    • Explore the Byzantine mosaics of the Cappella Palatina.
    • Navigate the sensory overload of the Ballarò street market.
    • Visit the immense Palermo Cathedral, a fusion of architectural styles.
    • Discover the macabre Capuchin Catacombs.
    Anchorage
    Marina Villa Igiea, Palermo
    Dining
    Osteria dei Vespri for refined Sicilian dining in a historic piazza.
  2. DAY 02

    Cefalù

    A morning cruise along the Sicilian coast reveals the imposing form of Cefalù. The town is dramatically set, with medieval streets tumbling down from a monumental Norman cathedral to a crescent of golden sand. The air is scented with salt and jasmine as you meander through its narrow lanes, discovering hidden courtyards and artisan shops before the imposing backdrop of La Rocca.

    • Admire the Christ Pantocrator mosaic in the Cefalù Cathedral.
    • Hike the path up La Rocca for panoramic views of the coastline.
    • Wander the medieval passages of the old town.
    • Relax on the town's popular sandy beach with the historic centre as a backdrop.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Cefalù (Presidiana)
    Dining
    Trattoria La Brace for classic seafood dishes with a view of the harbour.
  3. DAY 03

    Filicudi

    Leaving the Sicilian mainland behind, you cross open water to the rugged outpost of Filicudi, the first of the Aeolians on this arc. This is a wild, sparsely populated island where terraced hillsides are crisscrossed by ancient mule tracks. The coastline is a spectacle of sea stacks and grottoes, most notably the towering La Canna rock, best appreciated from the water.

    • Take the tender to explore the Grotta del Bue Marino sea cave.
    • Snorkel or dive near the La Canna sea stack.
    • Visit the prehistoric village ruins at Capo Graziano.
    • Hike a section of the old mule tracks for views over the archipelago.
    Anchorage
    Filicudi Porto
    Dining
    Dinner on board featuring freshly caught fish, or simple island fare at La Sirena.
  4. DAY 04

    Salina

    A short cruise brings you to Salina, the archipelago's green heart, distinguished by its twin dormant volcanic cones. The island is a fertile expanse of caper bushes and Malvasia grapevines, offering a more verdant and tranquil atmosphere than its neighbours. The main port of Santa Marina Salina is a charming welcome, its waterfront lined with pastel-coloured houses and boutiques.

    • A wine tasting experience at the renowned Cantine Hauner.
    • Explore Pollara bay, the filming location for 'Il Postino'.
    • Hire a scooter to discover the quiet village of Malfa.
    • Hike on the trails of Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest peak in the Aeolians.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Santa Marina Salina
    Dining
    A memorable tasting menu at the two-Michelin-starred Ristorante Signum.
  5. DAY 05

    Panarea & Stromboli

    Drop anchor at Panarea, the most fashionable of the Aeolian islands, where whitewashed villas are draped in bougainvillaea. Spend the day exploring its chic port and swimming in crystalline waters before a unique evening begins. As dusk settles, you cruise towards Stromboli to witness the Sciara del Fuoco, where the volcano puts on a regular, fiery display against the night sky.

    • Swim and snorkel at the Bronze Age site of Cala Junco.
    • Browse the exclusive boutiques in the village of San Pietro.
    • Enjoy a sunset aperitivo at Hotel Raya's famous terrace.
    • Witness the spectacular nocturnal eruptions of Stromboli from the deck.
    Anchorage
    At anchor off Panarea during the day; cruising overnight off Stromboli.
    Dining
    Dinner served on the aft deck with the dramatic backdrop of Stromboli's eruptions.
  6. DAY 06

    Lipari

    After the night's pyrotechnics, a gentle morning cruise leads to Lipari, the largest and most populous island. Its main town is a bustling hub, enclosed within fortified walls that house a historic citadel and an important archaeological museum. The island's coastline is marked by its past pumice quarrying, which has left behind startlingly white cliffs and gives the water a unique turquoise hue.

    • Explore the fortified citadel and its cathedral in Lipari Town.
    • Visit the Museo Archeologico Eoliano, one of Italy's best.
    • Swim at the Spiagge Bianche (White Beaches), a result of pumice sediment.
    • Enjoy the lively evening passeggiata along Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
    Anchorage
    Marina Lunga, Lipari
    Dining
    Ristorante Filippino, a local institution serving traditional Aeolian cuisine since 1910.
  7. DAY 07

    Vulcano

    A short hop across the water lies Vulcano, an island defined by the pungent smell of sulphur and the primordial energy of its geology. Here you can climb to the rim of the main crater, bathe in therapeutic mud pools, and swim in waters heated by underwater fumeroles. The island offers a direct and powerful connection to the volcanic forces that shaped this entire archipelago.

    • Hike to the smoking Gran Cratere for views of the entire island group.
    • Experience the therapeutic thermal mud baths (Fanghi di Vulcano).
    • Relax on the distinctive black sands of Spiaggia Sabbie Nere.
    • Swim in the 'Acque Calde' where bubbles rise from the seabed.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Levante, Vulcano
    Dining
    Il Cratere, for a prime position near the port and reliable island dishes.
  8. DAY 08

    Panarea (overnight)

    Return to the sophisticated embrace of Panarea for a more immersive stay. With no day-trippers present, the island reveals its quieter, more exclusive character. Spend the day exploring the surrounding islets by tender, discovering secluded snorkelling spots. The evening is for enjoying the island's refined but relaxed nightlife, a stark contrast to Vulcano's raw nature.

    • Take the tender to the islets of Basiluzzo and Lisca Bianca for snorkelling.
    • Find a secluded cove for a private lunch and swim.
    • Enjoy the sunset from the deck, anchored in the bay.
    • Go ashore for dinner and drinks in the chic village of San Pietro.
    Anchorage
    Rada di Panarea (at anchor)
    Dining
    Cusiritati for creative takes on Sicilian food in a beautiful garden setting.
  9. DAY 09

    Tindari, Sicily

    The cruise back to the Sicilian mainland brings you to the remarkable coastline at Tindari. High on a cliff sits the famous Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, overlooking a unique sandbar that forms a series of saltwater lagoons. This final stop offers a blend of ancient history, religious pilgrimage, and distinct natural beauty before your last night on board.

    • Visit the Sanctuary of Tindari and its revered Black Madonna statue.
    • Explore the impressive Greek-Roman archaeological site and its theatre.
    • Swim in the brackish pools of the Laghetti di Marinello Nature Reserve.
    • Use the yacht's water toys in the sheltered bay.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Laghetti di Marinello
    Dining
    A farewell dinner prepared by your chef, showcasing the best produce discovered throughout the journey.
  10. DAY 10

    Portorosa, Furnari

    A short and final morning cruise brings you into the modern, well-equipped Portorosa Marina. Enjoy a last leisurely breakfast on the aft deck, watching the Sicilian coast draw near. The marina provides a calm and organised end to a voyage through wild, volcanic landscapes and ancient ports.

    • One final, leisurely breakfast on deck.
    • A last swim in the clear waters of the bay.
    • Pack and prepare for departure.
    • Exchange farewells with the captain and crew.
    Anchorage
    Portorosa Marina, Furnari
    Dining
    A final Sicilian coffee and breakfast pastries on board before disembarking.
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