Temples, sun, salt pans and sea
“Holy land, where poetry sounded its sweetest notes, where history wrote its most beautiful pages in immortal letters...": Here it smells of palm trees and sand, almonds and orange blossom and nowhere else in Europe can you feel it more: the unique fusion of Africa, the Orient and the Occident. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe prefaced his “Italian Journey” with these words and his travel descriptions triggered a longing for Italy that continues to this day. However, this is not just the land where the lemons bloom. You can experience the history and stories of antiquity up close, steep cliffs above turquoise seas, baroque villas and sunken cities!
A successful concept at terranova for years: your room travels with you on this tour! We have combined the sailing cruise on the stylish 5-star three-masted full-rigged ship SEA CLOUD SPIRIT and cycling with terranova to create an enjoyable cycling cruise for you. It is wonderful to return to your cozy cabin on board the ship after a cycling and hiking excursion. In the evening, it's not far to the ship's own restaurant, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner. The combination of carefully planned cycling and hiking tours and a luxurious cruise with exquisite comfort allows you to explore beautiful landscapes from the water and from land and to be pampered at the same time. Hike on the sunny island of Capri and explore Sicily by bike!
Highlights
- National Archaeological Museum in Naples
- Fabulous Capri, idyllic hiking trail
- Byzantine-Oriental culture
- Visit to Taormina with cable car and ancient theater
- Overnight stays on the luxurious windjammer Sea Cloud Spirit
- Ancient metropolis Syracuse (Unesco World Heritage Site)
- Valletta (Unesco World Heritage Site)
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival to Naples
Individual arrival in Naples in the morning. After a welcome at the airport, you will visit the National Archaeological Museum with a competent Neapolitan guide. The museum is considered one of the world's most important collections from antiquity! Stories from Latin lessons come to life here and you will see how much truth is hidden behind them. One visit is hardly enough to see even the most important of the unique art treasures. Only in the Vatican is there so much Roman art of the very highest rank gathered together in a single building. Almost all of the valuable works of art from Pompeii are kept here. You are no doubt familiar with the famous mosaic of the Battle of Alexander. The huge mosaic was put together from millions and millions of tiny stones. It once covered the floor of a patrician villa. You will see precious bronze figures, valuable marble sculptures, artfully cut glass and fine objects of daily use.
We will then take you to the cruise port for embarkation. Enjoy your first evening on board. It's not until 11 pm that we cast off. Start of the cruise with the Sea Cloud Spirit.
Day 2: Enchanting Capri with a view of the Faraglioni rocks | 4km hike
We take you on a circular walk on the almost traffic-free Via Tragara high above the cliffs along one of the most picturesque stretches of Capri's coastline. When you reach the magnificent Belvedere Di Tragara, the famous Faraglioni rocks seem to be within your grasp. From this viewpoint, the narrow path leads through an untouched Mediterranean rocky landscape. The hiking trail then turns into a stepped path, but you can enjoy the fantastic views comfortably and without time pressure with plenty of breaks. Above the Grotta Matermania, the stepped path becomes a very easy footpath again. It leads past enchanting villas and gardens into the heart of Capri and to the world-famous Piazetta: a wonderful place for a relaxing break followed by some window shopping.
Day 3: A day under sails on the way to Sicily
Mooring, releasing ropes, setting sail - today is all about sailing. Time to sit back and relax in the deckchair and watch the crew doing real manual work.
Day 4: The island of Mozia and Marsala wine | 30km bike
From the port of Trapani, the cycle route runs parallel to the sea across extensive vineyards to the famous salt pans of Mozia, where salt has been extracted since ancient times. Take a boat to the island to visit the remains of a Phoenician city that is almost 3 millennia old! Lunch with a view of the salt pans (included). Cycle along the coast to Marsala (wine tasting). The old town and port of Trapani are located on a picturesque crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice. As you browse through the beautiful town center, you will discover many small treasures: for around 1,000 years, people have been making fine jewelry from black and red coral here. The small mountain town of Erice is a real architectural gem. Not far from Trapani, picturesquely situated on a hilltop, the idyllic little town hides from the world and overlooks the land and sea. Protected by a defiant city wall, the town has retained its splendid medieval flair.
Day 5: Palermo - To the Arab town of Cefalù | 50 km bike
After breakfast, we take you into the rural hinterland. You cycle towards Cefalù on a panoramic route. You will have lunch in the square in front of the famous Arab-Norman cathedral. In the afternoon you will be back in Palermo, where our city guide Giovanni will introduce you to Palermo's magnificent old town and eventful history. Did you know that two German emperors are buried in the cathedral?
Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, was shaped above all by Arabs, Hohenstaufen and Normans. Aristocratic palaces line the magnificent streets, playful Art Nouveau houses stand next to Baroque buildings and a little further on you can see facades in purist Gothic style. Towering over the medieval town is the mighty Palazzo Reale with its “Cappella Palatina”, a masterpiece in the Arabic-Byzantine-Norman style. The small mountain town of Monreale offers a breathtaking view of the city and bay - and a 12th century cathedral, which combines Romanesque, Byzantine and Arabic art with rich gold mosaics in its interior.
Day 6: A day under sails
Fitness, cosmetics, massage or enjoy the sun and sea with a good book in the deck chair and reflect on the eventful days. Today you can take a guided bridge tour to learn about the nautical aspects of your sailing boat
Day 7: Incomparable Taormina | 35 km bike
After breakfast, we will take you to the northern slope of the Etna massif (48 km). Here you start in the rural hinterland and cycle along the gorge of the Alcantara River through a green, lovely valley along lemon and olive groves. The route mostly descends gently towards the coast on small side roads, but sometimes you will also have to tackle small hills and climbs. You will pass through remote villages and towns until you finally reach the coast again at the beach and seaside resort of Naxos. From Naxos, it is not far to the valley station of the cable car, which will take you to Taormina.
Taormina is enthroned on a rock and looks out majestically over the sea. As early as the 19th century, the small town developed into a dream destination for well-heeled travelers and artists. The fascination of the town is and remains its elegance, the many ancient buildings, the stunningly beautiful coastline, the mild climate and the view of the silhouette of Mount Etna. On a tour of the town, you will learn about its millennia-old history. Of course, you will also see the world-famous theater high above the sea. From here you can enjoy what is probably the most famous postcard view in Italy: The Greek ruins in the foreground, the blue sea behind and the smoking Mount Etna with its snow-covered peak in the distance.
Day 8: Syracuse - a culture of millennia | 20 km bike
Syracuse is unique! Older than Rome, it already had half a million inhabitants in 500 BC! The famous mathematician Archimedes worked here. He was killed here by a Roman soldier in 212 BC. We all know his last famous saying “Don't disturb my circles!”. The city's ancient heritage is enormous. The Greek theater has a diameter of 138 m and 61 rows of seats. It could seat an incredible 18,000 spectators. Aeschylus' “Persians” had its world premiere here! The former quarries, called “Latomie”, are also famous. These are large caves dug deep into the limestone. They became the graves of 7,000 Athenian prisoners. This morning we will take you by bus to this archaeological area of Syracuse before cycling to a more peaceful spot outside the bustling city. Let us tell you about the ancient myth associated with the source of the river Kyane. Wild papyrus bushes grow here and give the spring sanctuary a special atmosphere. We will then take you to the old town of Syracuse. Admire the cathedral, which was built on the remains of an ancient Greek temple. In recent years, the city has been generously subsidized and has developed into a young and lively city.
Day 9: Disembarkation in Valletta/Malta
The ship arrives in Valletta at 8 am. This is where the cruise ends and you bid farewell to life on board the Windjammer. The strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. Over 7000 years ago, there was already a civilization that left behind gigantic temples, which today, like proud Valletta, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St. John, founded a modern fortress city on a rock between the two magnificent natural harbors, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour, in 1566: facades of golden yellow limestone blocks form long alignments on dead-straight streets. Magnificent Renaissance and Baroque buildings, such as the Grand Master's Palace and the impressive St. John's Co-Cathedral, bear witness to wealth and power. To round off your trip, a guided tour of medieval Valetta awaits you in the morning. Afterwards transfer to the airport at noon or individual extension of the trip in Malta.
ROUTE ASSESSMENT: The total distance of the six cycling and hiking days is 139 km. You will mostly cycle on flat terrain, on cycling and gravel paths, forest paths, and lightly trafficked side streets. The hike partly takes place on the island of Capri and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
*The planned route is always subject to change due to nautical, meteorological or organizational reasons. The captain may decide that the route must be changed for your safety in the event of a strong storm, for example. This is not a valid reason for canceling the trip free of charge.
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ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
We recommend that you travel by plane to Naples and back from Valetta. You can book the flight together with your travel registration with terranova.
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MEETING POINT
Your tour guide will be waiting for you at noon in the arrivals area of Naples airport for the joint transfer to the archaeological museum. Embarkation on the Sea Cloud SPIRIT in the port of Naples begins after the museum tour at around 17:00.
The name of the dock and the details of your terranova tour guide will be sent to you with the travel documents at least 2 weeks before the trip.
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PRE-NIGHT OR EXTENDED STAY
An extended stay in Valetta is highly recommended. The city offers a wealth of opportunities to fill several days with interesting programs. We are happy to book hotels for you in Valetta.
We can make extension reservations in our contract hotels (properties related to our trips) free of charge for you. For all other reservations, we charge EUR 10 for the first and EUR 5 for each additional booking (max EUR 25) to cover our communication costs (fax, telephone, postage, etc.). We appreciate your understanding!
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ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
During the day and cycling excursions, dress comfortably and casually. Rainwear is a "must" and should be included in your luggage as the temperature can change significantly within a day. The so-called "layering principle" of wearing layered sweaters and thin jackets has proven to be effective. If you wish to use a helmet, you can bring your own or reserve one of our helmets in sizes S/M/L (reservation required).
For evenings on board, you determine the style of your clothing, whether casual or summer-fine. Only during the traditional Captain's Dinner (twice per trip) is a bit more elegance a popular ritual.
Tour guide + ship's personnel: The onboard language is English and German, and the ship's personnel speak English and German as well. In addition to the ship's personnel, the familiar terranova tour guide will also be present, exclusively taking care of our guests. The reception on board is open continuously.
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*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, at times without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
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In deviation from our general terms and conditions, the following payment and cancellation conditions apply to this trip:
Processing fee € 300 per person up to the 180th day before departure
20 % of the tour price 179th - 150th day before the start of the tour
35 % of the tour price 149th - 50th day before the start of the tour
50 % of the tour price 49th - 22nd day before the start of the tour
70 % of the tour price 21. - 15. day before the start of the tour
85 % of the tour price 14th - 1st day before the start of the tour
95 % of the tour price on the day of travel or in case of no-show
*When you receive our travel confirmation and the security certificate, a deposit per person of 25% of the tour price is due.
The minimum number of participants of the Sea Cloud Spirit bike cruise is 8 persons.
