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Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily

Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily

  • Itinerary
    Valletta to Valletta
    Duration
    9 days
  • Dates
    Prices from
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Come aboard Le Dumont d'Urville for an unforgettable voyage.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially-tailored for travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

This carefully curated voyage to Sicily combines visits to some of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with a focus also on the distinctive culinary traditions of the regions visited. Moving through Sicily, a crossroads of the many historical civilizations—Greek, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, Norman—that have flourished along the shores of the Mediterranean, you explore no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And as you make your way, you sample the wines of Etna, as well as the breads, olives, meats, and cheeses of the island. An ideal way to experience Sicily, where food—its cultivation and preparation—has always been central to the good life.

As a special treat, acclaimed Italian chef Denny Imbroisi and his team will join you aboard to prepare authentic Sicilian and Italian dishes for you to enjoy during your voyage.

Setting sail from Malta, your first stop in Sicily is Porto Empedocle, gateway to the fabled Greek temples of Agrigento, among the most captivating ruins in the entire Mediterranean. Opt to visit Kolymbethra Garden, a shaded corner of paradise in the Valley of the Temples, filled with centuries-old olive trees and the sweet fragrance of citrus fruits.

After rounding the western tip of the island, you arrive in Trapani for an excursion into the countryside and the ancient Doric temple of Segesta or to medieval Erice, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea. Or opt to sample the region’s famous Marsala wine at a local winery.

Your fourth day aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville brings you to Palermo, founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and becoming one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you will visit Cappella Palatina, a Byzantine-Arab-Norman structure featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls, and Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral. Alternatively, wander the streets of the Ballarò Market, one of the oldest street markets in Palermo, to sample traditional Sicilian street food like panelle (chickpea fritters), sfincione (typical Sicilian pizza), crocchè (fried mashed potatoes), and Sicilian caponata (a local eggplant dish).

In Lipari, discover the 16th-century Norman castle-turned-archaeological museum on the site of an ancient acropolis before sailing in the evening to Stromboli, whose active volcano provides the backdrop as you cruise around the island.

From Stromboli, your ship calls in the city of Reggio di Calabria on the Italian mainland. Just across the Strait of Messina from Sicily, Reggio di Calabria is home to the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia and the world famous Riace Bronzes. The surrounding area, both along the coast and in the interior mountains, boasts a number of intriguing castles and many wineries. During your time here, you may visit the hilltop Norman Castle in Vibo Valentia, the Ruffo Castle overlooking the Messina Strait, or the Aragonese Castle in the village of Pizzo, enjoying a variety of local food specialties whichever excursion you choose, including the native citrus bergamot and the ice cream and fruit delight called tartufo.

Back in Sicily, across the Strait of Messina, the beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also your gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.

The final port of call before your voyage comes to an end in Valletta is Syracuse, where you may choose to focus on Ortygia, the ancient center of this once-powerful Greek colony, and on the city's extensive archaeological park; enjoy a tasting at a nearby winery; or join excursions—including one to Baroque Noto—that combine visits to historical sites with samplings of arancini, cheeses, salamis, breads, and desserts.

Your voyage ends back in Valletta.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Mediterranean

Valletta to Valletta

Duration

9 days, 8 nights on board

Timeless, Gastronomy

Fabrizia Lanza

Fabrizia Lanza, Davide Puca, Denny Imbroisi, Laetitia Ouspointour

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 25%

Ref: VVKZ45US - EU110426

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • Wine tasting workshops to discover Sicilian gastronomy and local wines.
  • Exploration of iconic historical sites (Agrigento, Cefalù, Palermo, Monreale, Syracuse – all UNESCO-listed) and natural wonders (the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna – both UNESCO-listed).
  • Included activities: guided excursions led by local experts.

Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily null

Customize your journey:

Guests

Sharing your journey with

Fabrizia Lanza null

Fabrizia Lanza

Davide Puca null

Davide Puca

Denny Imbroisi null

Denny Imbroisi

Laetitia Ouspointour Guillaume Argento

Laetitia Ouspointour

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily

Itinerary

Embarkation 11/04/26 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 11/04/26 at 18:00

11 Apr 26 - Valletta
11 Apr 26 - Valletta

Arrival 12/04/26 early morning Departure 12/04/26 early afternoon

12 Apr 26 - Porto Empedocle, Sicily
12 Apr 26 - Porto Empedocle, Sicily

Arrival 13/04/26 early morning Departure 13/04/26 evening

13 Apr 26 - Trapani, Sicily
13 Apr 26 - Trapani, Sicily

Arrival 14/04/26 early morning Departure 14/04/26 late evening

14 Apr 26 - Palermo, Sicily
14 Apr 26 - Palermo, Sicily

Arrival 15/04/26 early morning Departure 15/04/26 early afternoon

15 Apr 26 - Lipari, Aeolian Islands
15 Apr 26 - Lipari, Aeolian Islands

Arrival 15/04/26 late afternoon Departure 15/04/26 evening

15 Apr 26 - Sailing in front of Stromboli
15 Apr 26 - Sailing in front of Stromboli

Arrival 16/04/26 early morning Departure 16/04/26

16 Apr 26 - Reggio di Calabria 
16 Apr 26 - Reggio di Calabria 

Arrival 17/04/26 early morning Departure 17/04/26 evening

17 Apr 26 - Taormina, Sicily
17 Apr 26 - Taormina, Sicily

Arrival 18/04/26 early morning Departure 18/04/26 late afternoon

18 Apr 26 - Syracuse, Sicily
18 Apr 26 - Syracuse, Sicily

Arrival 19/04/26 early morning Disembarkation 19/04/26 at 8:00

19 Apr 26 - Valletta
19 Apr 26 - Valletta

Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily

Included package

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily

Customize your journey

Maltese highlights (2 nights)

MALTESE HIGHLIGHTS (2 NIGHTS)
Details

This specially designed program is an opportunity to get a sense of the extraordinarily rich history of this small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Learn about the importance of Malta as a crossroads of trade and as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John, as well as something of the island's Neolithic past as preserved in the prehistoric megaliths of Hagar Qim. Enjoy all of this while staying at one of the world's truly grand hotels.

Day 1 – Valletta, Malta

On arrival at the Malta International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Phoenicia Malta hotel (or similar), your home for the next two nights. Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at a hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.

Day 2 – Valletta

 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining a guided walking tour of Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a stroll to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbor. Your visit to the extraordinary interior of the 16th-century Co-Cathedral of St. John affords the opportunity to see Caravaggio’s massive masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. And during your tour of the Palace of the Grand Master, which serves today as the office of the president of Malta, you will see the richly decorated state rooms and tapestry chamber.

The balance of the day is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner.

 

Day 3 - Valletta | Embarkation

 

After breakfast and check out of the hotel, drive inland to the city of Mdina, the capital of Malta until the Knights of St. John moved it to Valletta in the 16th century. Your walking tour includes the stunning Baroque Cathedral of St. Paul, built on the site where it is said Paul converted the Roman governor to Christianity in the months following his shipwreck on the island in the year 60. From Mdina, drive to the a nearby winery for a tasting of some of Malta's finest wines before stopping at a historic local restaurant for a lunch of traditional Maltese specialties.

After lunch, drive to the southern coast of the island to visit the Hagar Qim Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating to 3600 BC. Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea, Hagar Qim is among the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world. Following your guided tour of this extraordinary site, transfer to the pier to embark your ship.

 

Your hotel:

The Phoenicia Malta, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is Malta’s landmark hotel with a storied history spanning over 60 years. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel is situated in an ideal location just outside the walled city of Valletta and its 16th-century bastions. From the hotel’s front door, the historic wonders of Valletta, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, are all within easy walking distance. The hotel boasts 136 rooms and suites combining old-world elegance and a fresh style. Its modern conveniences ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.

 

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at The Phoenicia Malta (or similar), including breakfast

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling to the pier on embarkation day

·        Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1

·        Breakfast on days 2 and 3

·        Lunch on Day 3

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

The Phoenicia Malta

The Mall

Floriana FRN1478

Malta

Telephone: +356.2122.5241

 


Total

£1,110/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Epicurean Delights: The Food & Wine of Sicily

Other available dates

11/04/2619/04/26

8 nights aboard the ship Le Dumont d'Urville

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 25%

From

£7,120

/person*

05/05/2613/05/26

8 nights aboard the ship LE BOUGAINVILLE

PONANT Bonus 10%

From

£7,600

/person*

Discover

29/08/2606/09/26

8 nights aboard the ship LE DUMONT D'URVILLE

PONANT Bonus 30%

From

£6,020

/person*

Discover