Wednesday, April 10, 2024

9-day Circumnavigation Cruise of Sicily with Smithsonian Journeys aboard Le Bougainville

cruise sicily

Many travelers stay close to the city center and walk to the major sights. The Palermo cruise port is well equipped with critical amenities like an ATM, phones, a bar, luggage storage, shopping, souvenirs, and more. You’ll find a tourism information desk where you can get maps or ask about rental services if you’re looking to rent a car or take a taxi.. Or, if the city doesn't interest you, try an excursion that takes you further afield. High on a hill outside Palermo, Monreale also has a gorgeous Arab-Norman cathedral, along with cafes.

What cruise lines depart from Palermo?

The markets here are high energy and bustling, so be prepared for crowds. Otherwise, you’ll find Palermo’s boutiques and higher-end shopping in the historic city center. Vintage shops and leather goods provide a peek into Italian fashion and glamor, featuring uniquely Sicilian patterns and objects.

Cruises to Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Palermo cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. If you’re tired of pasta and pizza, head to FUD for comfort foods like burgers and fries mixed in with traditional Sicilian treats like arancini. Its modern and sleek design might make you feel like you’re back in the U.S. instead of at a neighborhood burger joint.

cruise sicily

Amazing experiences coming soon.

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A little under a mile’s walk away is a train station, which is frequently used by locals to get to neighboring towns. There’s also a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus you can take to see as much of the area as possible. Some duty-free shopping is available at the terminal where cruises to Palermo, Sicily dock. Popular markets open each day, like Vucciria Market, where local artisans and farmers hawk their wares and produce.

The hilltop town of Taormina outside Messina is a Sicilian village like no other. A multitude of dramatic cliffs and coves make it impossible to see all the natural beauty of Taormina in just a day. The shining jewel is the Isola Bella, an environmentally protected island just off of Taormina’s coast.

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Also known as the Quattro Canti or “four corners,”  this famous piazza in Palermo is emblematic of Palermo’s history of being conquered and overtaken by different groups over the centuries. The piazza is a free attraction, and you can typically find tour guides who will explain what to look for in each of the four corners. Messina is easy to see on foot, but there are also free shuttle buses to take you to destinations further off the beaten path. At the tender port for Messina cruises, you can grab a cold drink, but otherwise there are minimal amenities here. Built nearly a thousand years ago by the Normans, the Cathedral of Messina is a must-see for travelers who want to understand the history of the city and the cultural significance of this sight.

Day 1: Valleta Embark

cruise sicily

As you stroll, make time to try Palermo's excellent street food (and there's plenty of yummy Italian favorites such as pizza and gelato to be had too). Sicilian cuisine is a delightful blend of Middle Eastern, Spanish and Italian flavors based on fresh vegetables, seafood, spices and nuts. Seek out local specialties like pasta con le sarde — pasta with fresh sardines, onion, fennel, raisins and pine nuts — or sfincione, Sicilian focaccia with tomatoes, onions and anchovies. For dessert, try cassata, an Arabic-influenced dish of pistachios, candied fruit and sweetened ricotta cheese. The local cuisine of Italy and Malta is rooted in the concept of "cucina povera", which refers to the cooking of the poor.

Its population comes in at over a half a million residents, and locals in Palermo are proud of their history. Designed for voyages to far-flung places and remote polar regions, the SH Minerva incorporates stylish, sophisticated interiors with the latest in cruising technology. This elegant 5-star expedition ship has a special PC5 ice-strengthened hull, and extra-large stabilizers, to make sailing with us as smooth as possible. Messina may not be as well known as Florence or Rome, but it possesses an age-old spirit that has endured despite centuries of occupations, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.

With its history dating back to the 12th century, this stunning palace has beautifully diverse architecture and hand-painted ceilings to keep you in awe. The Norman Tower is the oldest part of the palace and has a deep cultural heritage for Arabs and Italians alike. As you may have guessed, Sicily is famous for its cuisines and wines. However, it is known best for its plentiful fish, such as tuna, sea bass, and sardines. Indulge with Sicilian pizza topped with the native Pecorino cheese or an Arancini rice ball filled with ragú, but leave room for the world-famous CANNOLI! This delicious treat originated here and has spread worldwide as one of the most recognized Italian desserts.

A Sicily cruise is the perfect way to enjoy the splendors of Italy's southern Mediterranean coastline, all with the service, convenience, and luxury amenities that Celebrity offers. On an Italy cruise, you’ll get the chance to see new destinations and experience everything the island of Sicily has to offer. It evokes summertime sun, gorgeous piazzas, and the clinking of glasses in celebration. Palermo itself was declared the Italian Capital of Culture in 2018, bringing new life and excitement to the region. On a Palermo cruise, you’ll tour both city and sea, whether you’re strolling around the Foro Italico or staring up at the architectural marvels of the Piazza Vigliena.

Four dolphin species, like the Striped and Bottlenose, will inevitably join your day, commonly playing in boat wake and curiously swimming with snorkelers. Explore one of the most photographed volcanoes in Europe, as well as some of the world’s best-preserved temples and amphitheaters. Visit antiquities, taste authentic Sicilian cuisine, indulge in exquisite local wines, and enjoy gelato on the island that came up with frozen desserts in their earliest form. Experience all of this with the world-class service that Celebrity Cruises is known for on a luxury vacation to remember. As a cultural capital, Palermo is home to many exciting shows, from opera to dramas and ballets. Teatro Massimo is a sight to behold and an example of some of the best acoustics in the world.

Foro Italico is a stretch of walking trails and a seaside path designed to make you forget your troubles and relax. On one side, there’s the ocean, and on the other side, the city of Palermo welcomes you. Take a long walk, pack a picnic to eat in the grassy field, and stay to watch a seaside sunset. When you sail with Swan Hellenic, as well as visiting remote, unusual destinations, you’ll be traveling with friendly onboard experts. When traveling on cruises to Messina, you’ll use the euro as the official currency. It’s recommended you carry a bit of cash whenever you’re in Italy, because some merchants prefer it and won’t accept credit cards.

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