Blue Ocean Club
10 days · 10 stops

Sicilian Grand Tour: Palermo to Taormina

Your Sicilian odyssey begins where empires converge, in the vibrant, gilded heart of Palermo. The yacht points east, tracing a legendary coastline where Norman cathedrals guard medieval towns and ancient myths whisper on the sea breeze. Feel the elemental power of the Aeolian Islands, a chain of volcanic jewels rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea, from the chic shores of Panarea to the fiery pulse of Stromboli. This is a journey of dramatic contrasts, culminating in the stately elegance of Taormina, perched majestically with Mount Etna as its eternal backdrop.

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  1. DAY 01

    Palermo

    Embark at the prestigious Marina Villa Igiea, settling into your floating villa as the sights and sounds of Palermo beckon. This city is a living museum, its streets a rich tapestry of Arabesque domes, Baroque facades, and the boisterous energy of ancient markets. Spend the afternoon immersed in its layered history before returning for cocktails on deck as the city lights begin to sparkle.

    • A private tour of the Palazzo dei Normanni and its glittering Cappella Palatina.
    • Explore the sensory overload of the Ballarò or Vucciria street markets.
    • Marvel at the intersection of Palermo's historic axes at the Quattro Canti.
    • Visit the immense Palermo Cathedral, a testament to centuries of architectural evolution.
    Anchorage
    Marina Villa Igiea
    Dining
    Gagini Social Restaurant, for creative Sicilian fine dining within a historic setting.
  2. DAY 02

    Cefalù

    A gentle morning cruise along Sicily's northern coast delivers you to the enchanting town of Cefalù. Your first view is of the twin-towered Norman cathedral, nestled dramatically beneath the towering crag of La Rocca. Drop anchor in the bay and tender ashore to wander through medieval alleyways that spill onto a perfect crescent of golden sand.

    • Visit the UNESCO-listed Cefalù Cathedral to see its powerful Byzantine mosaics.
    • Hike the path up La Rocca for commanding views of the coastline.
    • Wander the labyrinthine streets of the old town, discovering hidden courtyards.
    • Swim from the main town beach, enjoying the view back towards the historic centre.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the bay off Cefalù's old harbour
    Dining
    La Brace, for classic Sicilian dishes served in a vaulted stone interior.
  3. DAY 03

    Filicudi, Aeolian Islands

    Today involves a longer passage as you leave Sicily behind for the wild beauty of the Aeolian archipelago. Your destination is Filicudi, a rugged and tranquil island where life moves at a slower pace. The dramatic volcanic coastline is riddled with sea caves, most notably the Grotta del Bue Marino, which you can explore by tender before sunset.

    • Explore the Grotta del Bue Marino (Sea Ox Cave) by tender.
    • Snorkel in the crystalline waters around the La Canna sea stack.
    • Hike to the prehistoric village ruins at Capo Graziano.
    • Enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the fishing village, Pecorini a Mare.
    Anchorage
    Mooring buoys or anchorage at Pecorini a Mare
    Dining
    La Sirena, a simple, authentic trattoria on the waterfront at Pecorini a Mare.
  4. DAY 04

    Salina, Aeolian Islands

    A short cruise brings you to Salina, the greenest of the Aeolians, distinguished by its twin dormant volcanoes. This fertile island is famed for its capers and the sweet Malvasia wine. Tender ashore to the iconic bay of Pollara, the setting for the film 'Il Postino', framed by sheer tuff cliffs and dotted with fishermen's caves.

    • Wine tasting at the esteemed Cantine Hauner, sampling the local Malvasia.
    • Swim in the beautiful bay of Pollara, beneath the natural amphitheatre of rock.
    • Visit the small salt lake at Lingua, which gave the island its name.
    • Explore the boutiques and cafes in the main port of Santa Marina Salina.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in Pollara Bay (weather permitting) or berth at Marina di Salina
    Dining
    Signum, a Michelin-starred experience with terrace views over the sea.
  5. DAY 05

    Panarea, Aeolian Islands

    Navigate to Panarea, the smallest and most fashionable of the islands, a haven for the international jet set. The main village of San Pietro is a cluster of immaculate, bougainvillaea-draped white houses. Spend the day exploring the nearby islets by tender or simply soaking up the chic, exclusive atmosphere from the sundeck.

    • Anchor at Cala Junco, a beautiful cove with remnants of a Bronze Age village.
    • Take the tender to the islet of Lisca Bianca to swim in warm, bubbling sulphur springs.
    • Enjoy sunset aperitivi at the legendary Hotel Raya terrace.
    • Browse the exclusive boutiques in the car-free lanes of San Pietro.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the bay of Cala Junco or off the main village
    Dining
    Dinner at Cusiritati, enjoying sophisticated island cuisine in a romantic garden setting.
  6. DAY 06

    Stromboli, Aeolian Islands

    An afternoon cruise takes you towards the unmistakable cone of Stromboli, Europe's most active volcano. The island's black sand beaches and whitewashed houses exist under the constant, watchful presence of 'Iddu' (Him). As dusk falls, the real spectacle begins; reposition the yacht to witness the Sciara del Fuoco, where the volcano puts on a primal display of light and sound.

    • Watch the dramatic, fiery nighttime eruptions from the comfort of the yacht's deck.
    • Swim at the black sand beaches of Ficogrande or Scari.
    • Explore the main village of San Vincenzo with its stark white architecture.
    • For the adventurous, take a guided evening hike towards the crater viewing points.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off Ficogrande, north of the main ferry jetty
    Dining
    Dinner on deck is the ultimate experience, with the volcanic eruptions as your backdrop.
  7. DAY 07

    Lipari, Aeolian Islands

    Cruise to Lipari, the largest and liveliest island in the archipelago. Its bustling main town is crowned by a fortified acropolis, the Castello, which contains a fascinating archaeological museum. The island's coastline is marked by its history of pumice quarrying, which has left behind surreal, chalk-white cliffs and impossibly turquoise waters.

    • Visit the Museo Archeologico Eoliano, one of Italy's best archaeological museums.
    • Swim at Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach), where pumice sediment gives the water a vivid colour.
    • Stroll down the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Lipari town's vibrant main street.
    • Rent a scooter to explore the island's panoramic viewpoints and quiet corners.
    Anchorage
    Berth at Marina Lunga or anchor south of the commercial port
    Dining
    Ristorante Filippino, a Lipari institution serving traditional Aeolian cuisine since 1910.
  8. DAY 08

    Vulcano, Aeolian Islands

    A very short hop brings you to Vulcano, the island that gave all volcanoes their name. The air is thick with the smell of sulphur, a constant reminder of the power simmering below. The main draw is the therapeutic mud pool, but the hike to the main crater offers one of the most rewarding views in the entire Mediterranean, encompassing all seven Aeolian islands.

    • Hike to the rim of the Gran Cratere for an exceptional panoramic view.
    • Experience the therapeutic properties of the 'Fanghi di Vulcano' mud baths.
    • Swim in the western bay, Porto di Ponente, with its fine black sand.
    • Discover underwater fumaroles, where volcanic gases bubble up from the seabed.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the sheltered Porto di Ponente
    Dining
    Il Cappero at the Therasia Resort, for a Michelin-starred meal with spectacular sunset views.
  9. DAY 09

    Taormina

    Your final cruising leg returns you to the Sicilian mainland, arriving in the stunning bay below Taormina. Anchor with a view of the enchanting Isola Bella, and take the tender ashore to the cable car that whisks you up to the town itself. Perched on a cliff, Taormina is the epitome of Sicilian chic, blending ancient history with luxury shopping and magnificent views of Mount Etna.

    • Attend a performance or simply tour the magnificent ancient Greek Theatre.
    • Stroll the elegant Corso Umberto, pausing for a coffee and people-watching.
    • Explore the tranquil public gardens of the Villa Comunale.
    • Take the tender for a swim around the nature reserve of Isola Bella.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the bay off Giardini Naxos, near Isola Bella
    Dining
    St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck, for a final gala dinner with two Michelin stars.
  10. DAY 10

    Disembark in Taormina

    Awake to your final Sicilian sunrise, with the grand silhouette of Mount Etna in the distance. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the aft deck, overlooking the Ionian Sea, followed by a last refreshing swim. After a memorable journey through history and nature, it is time to disembark at the Port of Taormina.

    • Enjoy a final Sicilian breakfast on deck.
    • One last swim in the clear waters of the bay.
    • Savour a final almond granita ashore.
    • Easy transfer to Catania airport for your journey home.
    Anchorage
    Disembark at Porto di Taormina (Giardini Naxos)
    Dining
    A farewell breakfast prepared by your private chef.
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