Musical Interludes - Noble Caledonia

century B.C. During the morning tour visit the Cathedral of Saint Ciriaco, a
Romanesque building with a mix of Byzantine and Gothic style. The old part of
the town’s monuments are concentrated in a few hundred metres such as the
Merchants Lodge, a beautiful 15th century hall for the merchants’ meetings;
the Trajan Arch erected in AD 115 in honour of the Roman Emperor Trajan
who built the port of Ancona, and the Archaelogical Musems. The tour will
proceed to the Passetto, a panoramic viewpoint and to the Riviera del Conero.
Continue towards Ancona and stop at the famous Cantina Moroder for some
wine tasting. Return to the vessel for lunch and sail to Bari this afternoon.
Day 6 Bari for Alberobello. Morning at sea. This afternoon we are in Apulia;
here the countryside is scattered with “trulli”, limestone dwellings built with
dome or conical roofs. We will enjoy a pleasant walk in Alberobello, a fairy-tale
trulli village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit “Cantina Albea” and
its wine museum, home to pictures and old instruments used in the past for
the production of wine. There will be a tasting of two wines along with a talk
on the wine production. Sail this evening whilst we are entertained by
London Festival Opera.
Day 7 Otranto for Lecce. From the port of Otranto we will drive to Lecce, often
referred to as ‘The Florence of the South’ with an amazing collection of Baroque
architecture. A guided tour will include a visit to the beautifully decorated Santa
Croce Basilica and Piazza Duomo, considered one of the finest and most
impressive squares in Southern Italy. After the tour, there will be an exclusive,
private visit to the 15th century Palazzo Tamborino-Cezzi. The owner of the
palazzo will personally take us on a tour, telling interesting stories and
anecdotes regarding his family and the palazzo itself. Enjoy a light lunch of local
specialities before a concert of traditional music of the Salento region called La
Pizzica, a popular Italian folk dance, originally from the Salento peninsula.
Day 8 Crotone for Santa Severina. Drive inland to Santa Severina, a pretty
town overlooking the Neto River valley. It is renowned for its wonderful
Carrafa castle-fortress. From the 9th to the 11th century the town lived its
period of greatest splendour: the Baptistery, which is accessed via a little door
in the Cathedral, is the oldest Byzantine monument in Calabria. The Church of
Saint Filomena, an interesting example of Byzantine-Norman architecture, is
an 11th century construction with a small dome decorated with columns.
What was once the Church of the Pozzoleo has been restored and today
holds the crypt of Saint Filomena. After the tour there will be the opportunity
to taste the famous Cirò’s wine and sample the local cuisine: olive oil, local
cold cuts, a selection of cheese such as the Crotonese pecorino cheese and
salted ricotta. After some time to relax at the farm, return to the vessel and sail
this afternoon as we are entertained onboard by London Festival Opera.
Day 9 Taormina, Sicily. After a morning cruising we arrive in Sicily and drive
through the small town of Naxos to reach Taormina, one of the most
beautiful villages in Sicily. Settled on a hill of the Monte Tauro, Taormina
dominates two grand, sweeping bays below and the peak of Mount Etna on
the southern side, Europe’s highest active volcano which is often capped
with snow. The views are simply breathtaking. On a walking tour, explore the
atmospheric alleys and admire the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja. Also visit
the impressive Greek theatre, built in the third century B.C. and enjoy some
free time before returning to the vessel. Later we will enjoy a performance by
London Festival Opera onboard.
Day 10 Syracuse, Sicily. This morning we will land at Syracuse, a city which
once rivalled Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek
world. Our exploration will begin with a visit to the Archaeological Zone and
a well preserved Greek theatre with seats carved from limestone. Paradise
Quarry, was the primary source of that limestone and is the site of the
curious ‘Dionysus’ Ear’ - a vast grotto with an amplifying resonance. In late
afternoon attend a concert in the beautiful Palazzo Beneventano, a stunning
private 18th century palace.
Day 11 Valletta, Malta to London. Arrive in Valletta’s Grand Harbour this
morning. Disembark and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled
flight to London.
Prices per person
Based on double occupancy Tour Code: SCSC2DOLCE
CAT CABIN DESCRIPTION
E Deluxe double £5795
D Deluxe double £6295
C Deluxe double £6595
B Junior Suite £7295
A Luxury Owners Suite £7995
F Stateroom for sole use £6495
E Deluxe double for sole use £7695
Included in your
cruise:
● Economy class return scheduled air travel
from London
● Airport assistance at check-in
● Two nights hotel accommodation in
Venice on bed and breakfast basis
● Eight nights aboard Sea Cloud II on full board
● Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and
dinner
● Shore excursions
● Services of a cruise director
● Tour manager
● Guest speaker
● Four performances by London Festival Opera
● Transfers
● Onboard gratuities
● Port taxes and airport taxes
Not included: Travel insurance, gratuities
ashore.
N.B. Ports subject to change. Weather conditions may
also affect itinerary.
Trulli houses, Valle d’Itria near Alberobello
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Venice Simplon-Orient Express
To start your journey in style, we are
offering you the chance to travel from
London to Venice aboard the world’s most
celebrated trains. Using faithfully restored
original 1920s and 1930s carriages, the
VSOE provides an unsurpassed level of
personal service to each passenger and
truly recreates the golden age of travel.
Venice Simplon-Orient Express in Lucerne, Switzerland
Malta
Extend your stay in Malta with a two-night
stay at the luxurious five-star Hotel
Phoenicia, overlooking Valletta’s Grand
Harbour. The hotel‘s architectural beauty is a
sight of the city itself and it is set amidst 7.5
acres of lush sub tropical gardens.
Prices per person:
Venice Simplon-Orient Express:
Twin: £1695; Single On request
Malta Post-Cruise Extension
Twin: £425; Single £595
Please see our website for full details and inclusions
www.noble-caledonia.co.uk • Page 41