2021-07-08
2025-01-01
from$ 6080 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Ship
Le Lyrial
Le Lyrial
City
Civitavecchia to Valletta
Civitavecchia to Valletta
Up to 30% Off - Ponant Bonus
2021-07-08
2025-01-01
Overview
Set sail aboard Le Lyrial for a 8-day cruise along the Italian coastline. Enjoy an unforgettable interlude of La Dolce Vita from Rome, the Eternal City, to the Maltese capital, Valletta. Sailing from Civitavecchia, your ship will first head towards Sorrento. Clinging to the cliffs across the Bay of Naples, the town can be proud to have captivated famous authors such as Byron, Tolstoy, Dickens or Goethe, with its gentle way of life and romantic atmosphere. You will explore Amalfi and Positano, sublime towns along the famous Amalfi coast. Suspended between sky and sea, this strip of land overlooking the sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts exceptional natural beauty and a unique architecture. A little further south, you will discover the Aeolian islands and, while at sea, the amazing sight of the Stromboli volcano, an active volcano whose crater regularly erupts with lava flows. Lipari is the capital of the Aeolian volcanic archipelago and is particularly known for its many natural and architectural gems Le Lyrial will then chart a course to magnificent Sicily. In Palermo, the capital of Sicily, you will be able to visit emblematic landmarks such as the 12th century cathedral and Teatro Massimo, one of the largest theatres in Europe. You will then take the sea once again to discover Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional. Then, you will set sail for Syracuse, one of the most prestigious Sicilian cities, whose monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.
Departures
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Cruise Itinerary
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
Perched on the cliffs that plunge into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, Sorrento is ideally located on a peninsula between the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Its peaceful alleyways, villas, hotels and gentle way of life have been charming visitors and the greatest authors since the 19th century, from Byron and Tolstoy to Dickens and Goethe. As you enjoy a walk in this romantic atmosphere, you will discover the mediaeval cloister of Saint-Francis Church and a magnificent panorama over the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Sorrento is surrounded by groves of oranges and lemons, flavours that can be enjoyed in particular in the form of a sweet liqueur, limoncello.
The little town of Campania gives its name to the region containing the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage listed, Amalfi coast. And for good reason. Located at the foot of Mount Cerreto, against a rock face of a gorge that opens onto the sea, Amalfi’s absolutely splendid natural scenery alone is enough to feast your eyes on before making for the medieval streets to explore some of its history. The mix of cultural influences from the Mediterranean Rim is omnipresent here. Positano, emblematic village on the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will fascinate you with its exceptional natural setting. Tumbling down the cliffs overlooking the Tyrolean Sea, the picturesque and colourful colour palette of its buildings will enchant your eyes. This village, emblematic of the dolce vita, will delight you with its lively terraces, its designer boutiques and its direct access to the sea. The hike along the Path of the Gods offers a magnificent panoramic view over the sea and the islands, including the Sirenusas, which are believed to have inspired Homer to write the Odyssey. It is just as difficult for us now as it was for Ulysses in the past to resist the charms of this region.
Like Ulysses during his Odyssey, you will have the opportunity to admire the Stromboli, the capricious volcano that looms over the Aeolian Islands. Its activity, uninterrupted for thousands of years, has earned it the nickname the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”. Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvellous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the centre, you’ll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.
Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.
The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Le Lyrial
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.
Highlights
• A cruise along the Italian coast to discover the jewels of the peninsula. • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historical centre of Rome from Civitavecchia (embarkation port), the archeological site of Pompei from Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, the Aeolian Islands, Mount Etna from Taormina and its Greek Theatre, the old town of Syracuse, Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale, the historic centre of Valletta (disembarkation port). • Discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. • Discovering Sicily's most beautiful historic cities and ancient sites: Syracuse, Taormina and its theatre, Palermo. • Sailing by the Stromboli volcano.
Map
