Sorrentine Peninsula Sojourn

Ports

• Valletta
  

  Valletta, The Fortress City, is Malta's capital city: a living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. Valletta is named after its founder, the respected Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Valette. The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Ottoman forces numbering 40,000 laid siege to the island from May to September 1565, without success. The heavily outnumbered army of 700 knights and around 8000 Maltese regular troops took refuge in the fortified town on the Grand Harbour. Started in 1566, the city of Valletta was completed, with its impressive bastions, forts, and cathedral, in the astonishingly short time of 15 years. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces. Walking around Valletta you'll come across an intriguing historical site around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafes, while Valletta's main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewelry and much more.

• Taormina (Etna) Sicily
  

  SeaDream yachts anchor in the bay of Giardini Naxos and offer fantastic views of recently awarded UNESCO Natural Site of Mt. Etna (2013) as well as Taormina perched on the cliffside. Shuttle bus service has been arranged to transport guests from Giardini Naxos to the entrance gate of Taormina town. For the SeaDream active guests, office led hikes and bike rides could also transport you to Taormina town or continue up to Castelmola which provides amazing views of the surrounding areas. Perhaps the “must do” adventure here would be to ascend Mt. Etna with your fellow SeaDreamers. Kindly check the Land Adventure tab for the specifics. Other options include an incredible and authentic feast at the Godfather Villa. This “SeaDream Exclusive” Land Adventure requires a high minimum to operate, but it’s worth every penny! As we are anchored and if conditions allow, we will offer water sports both in the morning and in the afternoon. Multo Bene!

• Capri
  

  Capri may very well be the most popular island on the planet. It is a beautiful Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Bay of Naples. Capri town is the island’s main population center. The island has two harbors, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande (the main port of the island). The separate village of Anacapri is located high on the hills to the west. From there, visitors can continue up to the highest point Mt. Solero. Besides some simply amazing shopping boutiques, the island has so much to offer including the famous Grotta Azzurra, Villa Jovis, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa di San Giacomo, Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe and the uniquely shaped Faraglioni rocks. SeaDream has put together most of the sights into one adventure called “Discovering the Island of Love” Kindly check the Land Adventures tab for more information. There’s also some great hikes available on the island, check with the activities team on board for details.

• Positano
  

  Positano is one of the most picturesque villages along the UNESCO awarded Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana), in Campania, Italy. The town itself is perched on an enclave on the face of a hill and winds down towards the sea. This incredible setting has been enjoyed by writers, movie stars and millions of tourist each year. John Steinbeck visited in the 50's and stated “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” The movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" and several others have been shot on location here. Besides the incredibly romantic atmosphere, it offers excellent shopping, beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a few world recognized and award winning hotels such as Le Sirenuse and Il San Pietro di Positano amongst others. As large coaches cannot navigate down to the pier, only private arrangements are available here. You can book a very nice sedan or van to take you to the neighboring villages or even to Pompeii. As SeaDream anchors just of the pier, you may have the opportunity to access the yachts marina and water toys (conditions and local approval permitting).

• Amalfi
  

  Amalfi is a picturesque town in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of Italy. With its incredible views, it is the central town that makes up the very famous and UNESCO awarded Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana). Amalfi sports some impressive medieval architecture including; its cathedral of Sant'Andrea (St. Andrew), the church tower, the convent of the Cappuccini, founded by the Amalfitan Cardinal Pietro Capuano. They richly represent the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy. From Amalfi, we have created two exciting land adventures for you. One to Scenic Ravello and the other to Fascinating Pompeii. You may also choose to play from the yacht’s marina (Permission and conditions pending) or go on a very scenic hike with one of the officers.

• Ponza
  

  Ponza is a truly delightful island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is part of the Pontine Island group and located in the region of Lazio. The island is uniquely shaped like a crescent moon. Its glistening blue coastline is varied and dramatic with several rocky coves and sandy beaches as well as numerous grottos, caves and craggy cliffs. The island has crystal clear waters and is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You may want to explore some of the magnificent beaches or ask the officers to lead a nice bike ride across the island. Depending on the sea conditions and approval from the local authorities, we plan on offering full water sports anchored off this Italian gem.

• Bonifacio, Corsica
  

  Bonifacio is one of our favorite arrivals! As we approach, the Captain navigates along the limestone cliffs giving guests a sea view of incredible Bonifacio as well as the great Aragon steps leading to the water’s edge. Shortly after the pilot will embark and the Captain will turn the yacht around and back into this very impressive fjord-like marina. This could be one of our highest rated arrivals as the guests always find it both impressive and awe inspiring.

• Civitavecchia (Rome)
  

  Civitavecchia is a major port located in Rome, primarily utilized for maritime transportation of goods, as well as a fishing port. The commune’s name means “ancient town” and is one of the “Motorways of the Sea” in the Mediterranean, functioning as one of the main links between the mainland of Italy and Sardinia. The ancient name of the port was “Centumcellae,” first mentioned in a letter written by Pliny the Younger in 107 A.D., although scholars debate on whether the name was about the number of rooms of the Trajan Villa, or the number of natural creeks on the coast. Civitavecchia is a part of the Lazio Territory, an area which was confirmed to have social groups since pre-historic times, and the modern town was built over a pre-existing settlement of the Etruscan people in 107-108 B.C.E. (who debated to have founded Rome). In the beginning of the 2nd century, the harbor and town of Centumcellae were simultaneously developed by Emperor Trajan in the territory of Aquae Tauri. As the town became more popular for ships traveling westbound, the Thermal Baths were constructed on the hill of Ficoncella. Centumcellae flourished in the Imperial Age, and by 538 A.D., it had become a Byzantine stronghold. In 728 A.D., it became a member of the Papal States. The Saracens raided Centumcellae many times in the 9th century, prompting Pope Leo VII to have a newer and more secure settlement built by 854. The town, then known as Civita Vetula, was under the rule of several lords, and the Popes temporarily lost control during the French Rule in 1798-1815. In 1870 it entered the Kingdom of Italy. Civitavecchia was severely damaged during WWII, destroying many of the ancient monuments including Forte Michelangelo, which would be rebuilt in the 1950’s. Popular points of interest include the Forte Michelangelo, Terme Taurine, and Cattedrale di San Francesco. There is a wealth of Roman and Vatican architecture and tourists are encouraged to visit many of the museums and take the cultural tours available in this important sea port.