Sicily, Amalfi & Beyond

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.

• Mgarr Harbour, Gozo
  

• Trapani, Sicily
  

  Trapani is a city on the west coast of Sicily in Italy and was founded by Elymians. SeaDream docks in the center of town and allows incredible access for strolling into town or meeting the motor coach for the scheduled land adventures. The city is still important for fishing and is the main gateway to the nearby Egadi Islands. This Carthaginian and later Roman city is an exciting gateway to Sicily's historic, gastronomic and natural attractions, offering access to beautiful medieval towns as well as Greek archaeological sites. We highly recommend that you participate on one of our interesting land adventures and not miss the amazing sites located about 30 minutes by road from Trapani including Erici, Segesta, Marsala and more.

• Lipari, Sicily
  

  Lipari, Sicily is the largest of the Aeolian group of seven islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily. Everyone should check out the fortified castello as well as the Aeolian Archaeological Museum. The island was for centuries the world centre for pumice production, and although the mining has left scars on the hillsides, it has also deposited the finest white pumice dust on the sea bed. The water off Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach) is as clear and as turquoise as in the Bahamas and Caribbean. There’s also black sand beaches on the island as well. SeaDream has arranged a Pizza Demonstration as a Land Adventure option as well as the Island Overview. Water sports in the crystal waters is also a great activity option.

• 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.

• 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.

• Porto Santo Stefano
  

  Porto Santo Stefano is a seaport town located in the municipality of Monte Argentario, in the Province of Grosseto, Tuscany. It is one the two major towns that form the township, along with Porto Ercole located on the opposite side of this unique peninsula. It’s a very picturesque marina with sidewalk boutiques, cafes and restaurants. This is a great start for the Land Adventure traveling to Montalcino for the tasting of fantastic Brunello in one of the most famous Italian wine regions. Guests may want to bike ride to Porto Ercole or for the really energetic to the old convent on top of the mountain which has spectacular views of the coast line as well as Giglio and Gianutri. There’s also a great golf course and a fantastic boutique hotel called Il Pelicano where guests can enjoy a nice atmosphere and lunch. As we are anchored guests will also enjoy water sports from the marina platform (Pending local conditions and approvals).

• Portofino
  

  The picturesque fishing village of Portofino can be found along the Italian Riviera, and is one of the most popular resort getaways in all of Italy. Portofino has been a staple of tourism in Italy since the 19th century, officially replacing fishing as its chief industry in 1950. Portofino is twinned with Kinsale, Ireland, and Palma (de Mallorca), Spain. Roman philosopher and military commander Pliny the Elder declared that Portofino was founded by the Romans, and with the high concentration of dolphins found in the Tigullian Gulf, it was named the “Port of the Dolphin” - Portus Delphini. Portofino was primarily a member of the Republic of Genoa in early days, and never provided more than a resting area for the merchant navy due to its naturally cramped harbor. The Republic of Florence purchased Portofino in 1409 from French King Charles VI, yet returned when the Florentines were ousted. Portofino became a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815, and during Risorgimento, it became a member of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Aristocratic visitors from Northern Europe began visiting the town in the 19th century, leading to eventual vacation homes and celebrities appearing in Portofino. Portofino is naturally beautiful port with colorful, iconic architecture that was even replicated as a hotel resort at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando. The Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan also created a seaside town based on Portofino. Tourists like to visit the museum Castello Brown, which provides a great view of the town, as well as the churches of St. Martin, Oratorio di Nostra Signora Assunta, and St. George - the latter containing some relics of saints. When visiting Portofino, be sure to take a guided dive to the Portofino Marine Park, as well as take a glimpse at the recently restored famous underwater statue, the Christ of the Abyss.

• Antibes
  

  Historians indicate that Antibes was the first town founded by the Greeks on the Riviera coast. For a very long time, Antibes was the only town between Marseille and Italy. The temples, monuments and an immense 3500 seat amphitheater bear testimony to its ancient origins. Much of the protecting walls have remained intact including Fort Carre, which is one of the most beautiful examples of military architecture in Europe. Today the port is taken over by an incredible array of mega yachts. The historic town center is full of pretty squares and narrow streets, ideal for wandering and people-watching. Make sure you check out the cathedral and the old ramparts. Nearby Cap d'Antibes, there is a small peninsula of paradise, you can visit it by taking the sign-posted path following the coastline. The famous "Eden Roc" hotel is at the point of the "Cap". Ask one of the officers to lead a crew shoreside casual hike – you will not be disappointed. If that isn’t appealing, we are certain one of the organized land adventure will be.

• Nice
  

  Nice is the fifth most populous city in France and the second largest on the Mediterranean coast. The city's famous seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais ('the Walkway of the English') owes its name to the earliest settlers to this seaside resort. For over a quarter century, the picturesque Nicean surroundings have attracted not only those in search of relaxation but also those seeking inspiration. SeaDream docks in the small port and offers several land adventure options as well as private arrangements and transfers.