SAILING THE SICILIAN COAST AND AEOLIAN ISLANDS

Join Rhea on the beautiful Italian island of Sicily in the historic coastal town of Syracuse. Discover the beauty of the Sicilian coast and the Lipari Islands from the sea – in the footsteps of the Greek King Odysseus. From the ancient cosmopolitan city of Syracuse via Mount Etna and Taormina to Lipari, Vulcano and Stromboli – the ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean’

Syracuse

The city of Syracuse is a fascinating place to begin your Mediterranean holiday and board Rhea. This historic town is oozing in culture and Greek history and was a key city in the ancient Mediterranean world. in  Dating back some 2,700 years, this coastal city is known for its ancient ruins amphitheatres, monuments, archaeological sites and architecture, and was also the birthplace of the famous mathematician Archimedes.

Once settled in aboard Rhea, set sail up the Sicilian coast, known for its sandy beaches, rugged cliff lines and beautiful coves. Passing Etna Nature Reserve witness the magnificent volcano of Mount Etna looming up in the clouds. Stop at the hilltop town of Taormina, sitting near Mount Etna, with trails leading to the summit. This town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theatre that is still used to this day. The coastline of Taormina sees cliffs drop dramatically to the sea forming picturesque coves with sandy beaches perfect for swimming and snorkelling with the chance to spot flamingos and sea turtles.

On from Taormina sees Rhea sail through the Strait of Messina known to be the home of the fascinating mirage of Fata Morgana and natural whirlpool linked to the Greek legends of Scylla and Charybdis. The currents of the Strait create a wonderful marine ecosystem and it is also known to be a key location for the migration of over 300 bird species.

Once through the strait, you will bear west toward the beautiful Aeolian Islands, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. This archipelago is made of seven islands with Chronos visiting Vulcano, the largest island of Lipari and the island of the active volcano, Stromboli. These volcanic islands provide an abundance of sheltered coves and picture-perfect anchorages for Rhea. Dive from the boat and swim in the turquoise blue waters, making use of her onboard watersports equipment. Wander the islands for that quiet spot, sip the local delicacy wine and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine. Visit the island of Stromboli, take a trek up the volcano and walk barefoot through the shimmery grey volcanic sand.

Rhea offers daily cabin service, a rich breakfast buffet, a light 2-course lunch at noon, coffee, tea and cake in the afternoon, and a 3-course dinner in the evening. Upon arrival, you will receive a welcome drink and on the last evening, the Captain’s Dinner will be served. One evening a week, all guests eat at their own expense on land to get to know the local cuisine.

With Rheaw as your base, great food included and some beautiful bucket list locations; this is a holiday experience of a lifetime and one not to be missed!

All voyages for Chronos

Chronos

Guest berths: 26 Rig: Bermudan Ketch

Our luxury sailing yacht Chronos was built and registered in Bodrum, Turkey but spends her days sailing the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Chronos was purpose-built as a charter vessel in 2013, with a two-masted, 54m staysail ketch rig.

Designed by Klaus Röder who based his design on a classic yacht whilst keeping up with the modern-day ketch; Chronos has been built for performance sailing and guest comfort.

Built with luxury in mind, 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 Chronos as much as they would like!)

An admiralty ladder provides the perfect place to jump off into the warm Caribbean waters, have a swim and climb back aboard with ease. Chronos also offers her guests the options of using her water skiing, wake-board, tube riding, kneeboard, banana boat, kayak and snorkelling & dive 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 a saloon with a plasma TV! 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 Chronos.

Read more about what to expect from life on board Chronos here

Deck plan

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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea). Alcohol and soft drinks are not included. One meal is eaten ashore at the customers own expense.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/German/Dutch

• Is there an age limit?

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

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Chronos has 1 Master Super King Cabin Ensuite(14 m²), 2 Standard Double Cabins Ensuite (11 m²) and 10 Deluxe Cabins Ensuite (12-13 m²) all sleeping 2 people.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  All cabins have their own ensuite.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Syracuse

To: Syracuse

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