Blue Ocean Club
7 days · 7 stops

Eastern Sicily: An Ionian Odyssey

The Ionian Sea sparkles, a deep blue canvas set against the dramatic silhouette of Mount Etna. Your odyssey begins in its shadow, tracing a coastline where Greek myth and baroque grandeur collide. From the chic heights of Taormina, the journey south reveals volcanic isles and vibrant city ports. The scent of citrus and sea salt hangs in the air, a constant companion on your passage towards the luminous limestone island of Ortigia, the ancient and ever-beating heart of Syracuse. This is a voyage through the very soul of eastern Sicily, experienced from the ultimate vantage point.

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  1. DAY 01

    Porto dell'Etna & the Bay of Giardini Naxos

    You are welcomed aboard at Porto dell'Etna, the imposing volcano a constant, watchful presence. A short, inaugural cruise brings you into the sweeping bay of Giardini Naxos, the site of Sicily's first Greek colony. The anchor drops in calm waters, with the lights of the town beginning to glitter along the extensive beachfront as evening approaches.

    • Welcome cocktails on the aft deck with direct views of Mount Etna.
    • An afternoon swim in the clear, protected waters of Giardini Naxos bay.
    • Explore the Archaeological Park of Naxos, uncovering the city's ancient origins.
    • Take the tender ashore for an evening passeggiata along the lungomare.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in the Bay of Giardini Naxos
    Dining
    A bespoke welcome dinner on board, crafted by your private chef using produce from Etna's fertile slopes.
  2. DAY 02

    Taormina & Isola Bella

    Anchor in the turquoise waters off Isola Bella, a tiny, treasured nature reserve tethered to the mainland by a sliver of sand. A cable car whisks you from the coast up to Taormina, a glamorous town perched dramatically on the cliffs. Its medieval lanes, lined with designer boutiques and hidden courtyards, all lead to staggering views of the Ionian Sea.

    • Visit the ancient Greco-Roman Theatre, framing a perfect view of Etna.
    • Browse the exclusive boutiques and artisan shops along the Corso Umberto.
    • Savour a classic almond granita at the celebrated Bam Bar.
    • Stroll through the tranquil, panoramic gardens of the Villa Comunale.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Isola Bella
    Dining
    Ristorante Baronessa for elegant rooftop dining, or the classic Sicilian fare at Trattoria da Nino.
  3. DAY 03

    Aci Trezza & the Cyclopean Isles

    Cruise south to the Riviera dei Ciclopi, where myth becomes landscape. Here, giant basalt sea stacks, the Isole dei Ciclopi, rise from the water – fabled to be the boulders hurled by a blinded Polyphemus at Odysseus. The adjoining fishing village of Aci Trezza offers an authentic slice of Sicilian maritime life, its harbour bustling with colourful boats.

    • Kayak or paddleboard amongst the monumental lava formations of the Cyclopean Isles.
    • Visit the imposing Norman Castle perched on a volcanic rock spur in Aci Castello.
    • Snorkel in the clear waters of the 'Isole Ciclopi' Marine Protected Area.
    • Explore the small museum at Casa del Nespolo, dedicated to the village's fishing heritage.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Aci Trezza
    Dining
    Osteria dei Marinai for impeccably fresh, simply prepared seafood right on the harbour.
  4. DAY 04

    Catania

    Arrive in Catania, a city of vibrant energy and baroque splendour, built from its own dark lava stone. Berth in the port and step into a world defined by resilience and flair, from the grand Piazza del Duomo to the theatrical chaos of the historic fish market. The city's pulse is infectious, a stark, exciting contrast to the tranquil coast.

    • Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of La Pescheria, the city's historic fish market.
    • Discover the Piazza del Duomo with its iconic Fontana dell'Elefante.
    • Descend into the subterranean world of the city's ancient Roman Amphitheatre.
    • Wander the elegant grounds and botanical collections of the Villa Bellini gardens.
    Anchorage
    Catania Port
    Dining
    Me Cumpari Turiddu for a sophisticated reinterpretation of traditional Sicilian cuisine.
  5. DAY 05

    Brucoli

    Leaving the city behind, you enter the discreet, fjord-like channel leading to Brucoli. This quiet fishing village is set within a deep, protected inlet guarded by a 15th-century Aragonese castle. It's an ideal setting to drop anchor, deploy the water toys, and enjoy the peace of a natural harbour away from the crowds.

    • Enjoy the yacht's water toys in the exceptionally calm, sheltered bay.
    • Explore the narrow sea channel and village harbour by tender.
    • Photograph the impressive Castello di Brucoli, standing sentinel at the bay's entrance.
    • Take a quiet walk through the few lanes that make up this charming village.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in the bay of Brucoli
    Dining
    I Runchi, a unique restaurant built into the coastal caves, serving local seafood.
  6. DAY 06

    Syracuse & Ortigia Island

    The final cruising leg delivers you to the Porto Grande of Syracuse, one of history's great natural harbours. You anchor with a peerless view of Ortigia, the city's island soul. This small isle is a captivating maze of honey-hued lanes, where Greek temple columns form a cathedral and baroque palazzi overlook the sea.

    • Stand in the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, a dazzling white limestone piazza.
    • Wander the sensory maze of the Ortigia street market, alive with local vendors.
    • Visit the mythical Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring just metres from the sea.
    • Explore the vast Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to a Greek theatre and Roman amphitheatre.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in Porto Grande, Syracuse
    Dining
    Ristorante Don Camillo for refined, historic Sicilian dining, or an aperitivo at Sunset Ortigia.
  7. DAY 07

    Disembark Syracuse

    Awake to the morning light catching the limestone buildings of Ortigia. A final, leisurely breakfast is served on deck as the harbour comes to life. There is time for one last stroll through the market to gather Sicilian almonds and pistachios before you take your leave, filled with the spirit of the Ionian coast.

    • Enjoy a final Sicilian breakfast on the aft deck, overlooking Ortigia.
    • Make a last visit to the market for local delicacies to take home.
    • Browse the artisan workshops for traditional puppets, ceramics, or leather goods.
    • Savour a final, perfect espresso at a café in the Piazza del Duomo before disembarking.
    Anchorage
    Porto Grande, Syracuse
    Dining
    A farewell breakfast on board prepared by your chef.
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