Blue Ocean Club
7 days · 7 stops

Eastern Sicily: Taormina to Ancient Syracuse

Your yacht rests on the deep blue of the Ionian Sea, the colossal form of Mount Etna a constant, majestic companion. This is a journey through myth and majesty along Sicily’s eastern shore. The air, thick with the scent of citrus and sea salt, carries whispers of ancient Greece. From the glamour of Taormina’s cliffside theatre to the timeless grandeur of Syracuse’s harbour, you cruise through layers of history, volcanic landscapes, and quintessential Italian life. The days unfold with swims in secluded coves and evenings spent in piazzas glowing under amber light.

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  1. DAY 01

    Taormina & Giardini Naxos

    After embarking at Porto dell’Etna, a short cruise north reveals the spectacular bay of Giardini Naxos. Your yacht anchors in the shadow of Taormina, a chic town perched dramatically on Monte Tauro. The tender brings you ashore for the cable car ride up, where breathtaking views of the coastline and Mount Etna await your arrival in this ancient, glamorous retreat.

    • Explore the astonishingly preserved Ancient Greek Theatre.
    • Stroll and shop along the elegant Corso Umberto.
    • Wander the tranquil, panoramic gardens of the Villa Comunale.
    • Enjoy an aperitivo with views at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo.
    Anchorage
    Bay of Giardini Naxos
    Dining
    Ristorante Baronessa, for its rooftop terrace views and refined Sicilian dishes.
  2. DAY 02

    Isola Bella & Mazzarò Bay

    A day dedicated to the beautiful coastline directly below Taormina. The yacht moves to an anchorage off Isola Bella, a tiny, verdant island connected to the mainland by a thin strip of shingle. Spend the day using the yacht’s water toys, exploring sea caves by tender, and swimming in the clear, turquoise water of this protected nature reserve.

    • Snorkel the protected waters of the Isola Bella Nature Reserve.
    • Take the tender to explore the nearby Grotta Azzurra sea cave.
    • Relax at a chic lido on Mazzarò beach.
    • Enjoy the yacht’s paddleboards and seabobs in the calm bay.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Isola Bella
    Dining
    Il Barcaiolo, a classic seafood restaurant accessible by tender directly on Mazzarò beach.
  3. DAY 03

    The Cyclops Riviera & Aci Trezza

    Cruising south, you follow the mythical Riviera dei Ciclopi, a coastline shaped by Etna’s ancient lava flows. Before you, the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi—three columnar basaltic islands—rise from the sea, said to be the rocks thrown by a blinded Polyphemus. You anchor off Aci Trezza, a quintessential fishing village where life still revolves around the small harbour.

    • Photograph the legendary Faraglioni dei Ciclopi from the deck.
    • Visit the formidable Norman castle in the neighbouring village of Aci Castello.
    • Wander the authentic fishing harbour of Aci Trezza.
    • Taste a classic almond or lemon granita at a seaside café.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off the harbour of Aci Trezza
    Dining
    Osteria dei Faraglioni for traditional, fresh-caught fish prepared with simplicity.
  4. DAY 04

    Catania

    Arrive in Catania, Sicily’s second city, a vibrant hub of baroque architecture built from dark volcanic stone. The city’s energy is palpable, from the grand Piazza del Duomo to the chaotic, thrilling La Pescheria fish market. This is a day for urban exploration, absorbing the city’s unique character, a stark and beautiful contrast to the quiet coastline.

    • Witness the spectacle of the morning fish market, La Pescheria.
    • Explore the UNESCO-listed Piazza del Duomo with its Elephant Fountain.
    • Discover the buried Roman Amphitheatre in the city centre.
    • Tour the magnificent Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Catania
    Dining
    Me Cumpari Turiddu, celebrating Sicilian slow food in a stylish, retro setting.
  5. DAY 05

    Bay of Arcile & Brucoli

    Leaving the city behind, you cruise towards the tranquil waters north of Syracuse. The Bay of Arcile offers a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon swim in crystalline water. Later, the yacht navigates into the unique, fjord-like channel of Brucoli, a sleepy fishing village guarded by a proud Aragonese castle, providing a peaceful and sheltered overnight anchorage.

    • Anchor for a swim and lunch in the secluded Bay of Arcile.
    • Explore the narrow inlet of Brucoli by tender.
    • View the 15th-century Aragonese Castle from the water.
    • Enjoy the absolute tranquility of this unique natural harbour.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in the Brucoli channel
    Dining
    A private dinner on the aft deck, prepared by your chef using local ingredients.
  6. DAY 06

    Ortigia, Syracuse

    The approach into the Grand Harbour of Syracuse is one of the Mediterranean’s finest. You berth with a view of Ortigia, the ancient island heart of the city. Spend the day lost in its labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways, which open onto sun-drenched piazzas and the magnificent Duomo, a cathedral ingeniously built around the columns of a 5th-century BC Greek temple.

    • Stand in awe at the Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Ortigia.
    • Discover the freshwater Spring of Arethusa, a place of myth.
    • Explore the formidable Castello Maniace at the island's tip.
    • Browse the vibrant Ortigia morning market for local produce and street food.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Siracusa or anchor in the Porto Grande
    Dining
    Ristorante Don Camillo, for elegant dining within a 15th-century building.
  7. DAY 07

    Neapolis Archaeological Park, Syracuse

    A final morning is dedicated to Syracuse's immense archaeological legacy. A short car journey takes you to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, a vast site containing some of the ancient world's most significant structures. Stand at the centre of the immense Greek Theatre and test the acoustics of the 'Ear of Dionysius' cavern before returning to the yacht for a farewell breakfast.

    • Listen to the echoes in the limestone quarry, the Ear of Dionysius.
    • Walk the tiers of the 15,000-seat Greek Theatre.
    • Examine the scale of the Roman Amphitheatre.
    • Enjoy a final Sicilian breakfast on board with views of the harbour.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Siracusa
    Dining
    A farewell brunch on board before disembarking at Marina di Siracusa.
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