Luxury Sailing Cruise around Italy’s Southern Islands

Your Sailing Area

Sicily – Aeolian Islands, Italy

Join Rhea on the Italian island of Sicily in the ancient port of Palermo with its 12th-century architecture and quintessential Sicilian charm. You’ll spend a few days working your way along the coast before setting sail for the short journey over to the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands. Spend a few days exploring these stunning volcanic islands before sailing through the Messina Strait to finish in the Sicilian port of Syracuse.

The volcanic islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily are characterised by wild, unspoilt nature. They are called the “Aeolian Islands” because, according to Greek legend, the god of the wind, Aeolus, once lived here.

The jewel in the Mediterranean has seven inhabited islands, and each one is different. From lovely green hills to seething craters, you will find a wide variety of unique natural landscapes in a very small space. In 2000 the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regular volcanic eruptions of the Stromboli offer a true natural spectacle, and the volcanic mountains and Mediterranean landscapes are a true hiking paradise.

Although the island of Lipari has approx. 5000 residents, you will find yourself in a typical Sicilian village, with one of the most beautiful archaeological museums in Italy and a picturesque old town with many small shops that are perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Known as the Green islands, Salina was “rebuilt’ in the 1970’s as an agricultural mainstay. There are numerous vineyards, the dessert wine – Malvasia delle Lipari and, of course, the capers, which are considered to be some of the best in the world. Hikers can walk to the highest peak of the archipelago through beautiful pine and chestnut forests.

All voyages for Rhea

Rhea

Guest berths: 26 Rig: Bermudan Ketch

Elegant yacht Rhea offers guests a sailing holiday experience with luxury at the heart of everything she does. She spends her winters sunshine sailing in the Caribbean before moving to the Mediterranean in the Spring.

Like her sister Chronos, Rhea was built and designed in Bodrum, Turkey but is registered in Holland. Luxury yacht Rhea was purpose built as a charter vessel in 2016 and finished in 2017 as a two-masted, 54m staysail ketch.

Rhea was designed by Klaus Röder, who based his designs on the lines of a classic yacht whilst keeping up with the modern day ketch; built for performance sailing and guest comfort. The classic rig of a Bermuda Ketch with a large boom was conceptualised and designed by Klaas Huizinga.

The outline on deck is of teak and mahogany with plenty of space to sun-bath, read a book and enjoy the views. All the sails are electronically retractable, so no need to learn the ropes here! The crew are, however, more than happy for guests to get involved with the operating and sailing of Rhea as much as they would like!

An admiralty ladder provides the perfect place to jump off into crystal clear waters, have a swim or snorkel and climb back aboard with ease. Rhea also offers her guests the options of her water skiing, wake-board, tube riding, banana boat, 2 kayaks, 2 stand up Paddleboards, snorkelling equipment and even a sail dinghy (QubaRS).

The deckhouse offers its very own small bar whilst below decks offers still more space to relax with another dining area, as well as her on-deck dining area. Her private cabins, offering both double and single beds, all have air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.

The professional crew consists of the Skipper, first mate, mechanic, bosun, cook and 4 stewards, so you will most certainly be looked after during your time aboard Rhea.

Read more about what to expect from life on board here

Deck plan

LIFE ON BOARD

Our sailing holidays on board Rhea are ones of luxury, style and comfort while exploring sunshine destinations and unforgettable locations. A purpose-built charter vessel, Rhea was designed with the elegant sailing lines of a traditional classic boat but has been paired with all the comforts and luxuries of a modern yacht. 

Authentic Sailing Fun

Sailing with Rhea is certainly one of comfort and relaxation. Think of a boutique, intimate, classic sailing experience where nothing is too much trouble. Her dedicated and professional crew is highly trained and well-versed in smooth sailing operations. 

She has an impressive sail area, and her rig is electronically operated with retractable sails, so there is no need to “learn the ropes” here! That being said, traditional pin and tails are still available if guests want a taste of authentic sailing. 

Although there is less focus on the “hands-on” sailing of Rhea, the Captain and crew offer interesting sailing talks and information briefs for guests during the voyage. Learn about the boat’s history and sailing terms, and even take a tour of the engine room if you fancy! Understanding these elegant classic vessels and feeling their power with the wind is truly an unforgettable experience.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Every space on Rhea is considered, with the guests at the forefront of all design. From the spacious saloon and private ensuite cabins clad in tropical wood to the sweeping open decks with plenty of sun lounging spaces, the boat is certainly oozing 5* luxury.

The generously proportioned cabins all have plenty of luggage storage, full-size domestic showers and air conditioning units. Versatile beds mean that cabins can be made from a comfy double to a sharing twin and even a three-bed family cabin as needed. All bedding, towels and a robe per person are included in the ticket price. The winds of the sea name each cabin, and this matches the allocated swim towel set for guests, so if you leave it drying on deck, a member of the crew will deliver it back to your cabin when dry. 

Daily cabin service is also part of the offering. A crew member will make your bed and freshen up your bathroom every day, and if you want a towel change or a full cabin clean, just leave the relevant sign on the cabin door! 

Eating and Entertainment

Although the day is punctuated by meal times, you certainly don’t feel like you’re running on a schedule. The relaxed nature of both the boat and the crew gives a perfect balance. 

Depending on the voyage location, the daily routine can change and is flexible, depending on the wishes of the group. Perhaps sit back and relax as the crew set sails to another remote anchorage to enjoy a freshly cooked lunch and the onboard water toys! Or spend the morning swimming in a secluded bay or exploring an ancient port city before setting sails to a new location. 

Start the day with a rich buffet-style breakfast, and then move on to a light 2-course lunch at noon, with coffee, tea, and cake in the afternoon. Finish the day with a freshly cooked 3-course dinner aboard, and on the final night of the voyage, enjoy an authentic Captain’s dinner. For every voyage on Rhea, guests enjoy a meal ashore at their own expense to really immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine. Guests tend to go off in their groups but sometimes the crew can join in if guests are unsure of the best spots!

Depending on the mood of the group, the crew can arrange some light-hearted entertainment too – from local musicians over dinner to a friendly on-board music quiz (which is always amusing with international guests!) or even a wine-tasting session (at an extra cost).

Water-toys

For those water lovers with a sense of adventure, Rhea has many water-sport activities and equipment available for guests. Stand-up paddle boards and adult-size snorkelling equipment are free for guests to use. Water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, QubaRS dinghy sailing, banana boat and tube riding are all chargeable once on board.

Rhea offers this at a moderate price and suggests an average of 10% of the voyage price as a guide for consumption. The onboard currency is EUROS, and guests can open an onboard account, which can be paid at the end of their voyage.

Kit List

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items; these are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their preferences! We recommend you bring a foldable bag or suitcase since hard cases are difficult to store in the cabins.

• Flight tickets
• Identification cards: Personal ID card and/or passport, driver’s license recommended 
• Money: Cash, credit card
• Personal medication
• Sun protection gel, after-sun/sunburn lotion, sunhat or equivalent
• Glasses, sunglasses
• Your favourite book!

CLOTHING

• Swimwear
• T-shirts, polo shirts, blouses and dress-shirts (also long-sleeved)
• Long trousers for the journey and excursions to the shore, one or two long trousers for the dinners and the visit to the restaurant, shorts
• Trousers and shorts are also recommended for ladies due to the rather steep stairs and the transfer to land by boat
• A light pullover or a fleece for the evenings.
• Wind-/rain jacket and cap
• Sailing waterproofs – this is only recommended for crossings and the Azores in spring /autumn.
• We kindly ask you to only wear anti-skid sport/boat shoes on board.
• Bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals for visits to the beach
• For trips to the shore, we recommend you wear sturdy shoes
• Sailing boots are only advisable for the crossings and Azores in spring/autumn.(Bed linens, bath and beach towels, live jackets, diving goggles, and fins are on board.)

What’s included

• Full Board* (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet), wash and swim towels and bath robe per person
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Adult snorkelling equipment
• Stand-up paddle-boards

What’s not included

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Waterproofs
• *One meal is eaten ashore per week at the customer’s own expense
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel Insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses
• Water-skiing, wakeboarding and tube riding are all chargeable once on board. > Rhea offers this at a moderate price and suggests an average of 10% of the voyage price to serve as a guide for consumption.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will likely be more than 12 miles offshore.

*Please note passengers sailing on Chronos, Rhea or Kariós do not require personal accident cover, only health insurance. 

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals* on board are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea) *One meal per week is eaten ashore at the customers own expense.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Meat eaters and vegetarians only please.

• Are there any added extras?

  One meal is eaten ashore at the guests expense. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased on board. Water-sports are not included.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Rhea has 3 Standard Double Cabins Ensuite (11 m²) and 10 Deluxe Double Cabins Ensuite (12-13 m²) all sleeping 2 people.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have portholes.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  All cabins have their own ensuite.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding, a hand towel, bath towel, swim towel is included per person.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  Yes, there is a hair dryer in each cabin.

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Rhea does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?

  Yes.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew! There will be an honesty box available at the end of your voyage (as a general guide, a 5-10% tip based on your ticket price)

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.

• Is there WIFI on board?

  When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan. There is chargeable access to Starlink on all voyages. You can buy vouchers once on board if required.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes, there are 2pin EU sockets throughout the boat so please bring an adaptor if needed.

• What is the currency on board?

  Euro's.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Rhea is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. There is an admiralty ladder and there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not!

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• What water-sports can I do once aboard?

  Rhea has a multitude of water-sport activities and equipment available for guests. Stand-up paddle-boards and adult-size snorkelling equipment is free for guests to use. Water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, QubaRS dinghy sailing, banana boat and tube riding are all chargeable* once on board. * Free on Deluxe Plus voyages only

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. Minimum age of 5, and as long as the child can swim.

Travel Planning

From: Palermo

To: Syracuse

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

Palermo, Sicily

BY AIR

Flights go direct from the UK to Palermo Airport (PMO), which is a 40-minute journey to the port. Fly from London Gatwick or Stansted.