October 10-18, 2014

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Sea Cloud II
Boasting a friendly staff, luxurious staterooms, and fine dining, the magnificent Sea Cloud II create an ambiance of relaxed elegance and luxurious living. Sister ship of Marjorie Merriweather Post's legendary Sea Cloud, the sailing yacht Sea Cloud II is a three-masted barque steeped in the elegance of yesteryear and complemented with the utmost in modern amenities. From the mahogany-paneled library and gracious lounge to the fitness area and water-sports platform, no detail has been overlooked. Each exquisite sea-view cabin features a marble bath with brass accents, direct-dial telephone, and television. Generous deck space invites sunning, enjoying sea breezes and watching the crew practice the age-old art of setting the sails by hand. Enjoy friendly and accommodating service and five-star dining. Dinner each evening in the elegant dining room is the perfect culmination to the day's activities.

Study Leader Information
Leading this program, Barbara Boehm is the Curator of Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her expertise in sacred art and Mediterranean trade will enhance the visits to medieval churches and other important sites.

Tour Itinerary
October 10 - Friday - New York
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Catania, Sicily.

October 11 - Saturday - Sea Cloud II
Upon arrival in Catania, transfer to the awaiting Sea Cloud II. Enjoy a bon voyage toast on deck and dinner on board as the cruise begins through the Strait of Messina, between Sicily and the Italian mainland.

October 12 - Sunday - At Sea
Experience the thrill of cruising aboard the three-masted Sea Cloud II as she travels through gentle waters under a set of billowing sails. Attend onboard lectures and admire the passing panorama of Sicily’s volcanic Aeolian Islands. In the evening, celebrate the beginning of the journey at the captain’s welcome dinner.

October 13 - Monday - Palmero
Dock in Palermo for a morning visit to the 12th century Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Norman Kings. Described by Guy de Maupassant as “the most surprising religious jewel ever dreamt of,” the chapel is known for its extraordinary golden mosaics. Then experience an exclusive visit the Regional Gallery when it is closed to the public. After lunch on board, drive to Monreale to discover the magnificent Norman cathedral, whose brilliantly colored mosaics depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Return to Palermo for a special reception at Palazzo Gangi.

October 14 - Tuesday - Trapani
From the port of Trapani drive to Segesta to view its splendid Greek temple and theater. Following lunch on board, explore the area independently. Perhaps, visit the medieval hilltop town of Erice or, alternatively, the village of Mazara del Vallo to see its spectacular seven-foot bronze statue, only recently retrieved from the sea by local fishermen. With his flying hair and goat ears, the 2,400-year-old figure was quickly dubbed the “Dancing Satyr.”

October 15 - Wednesday - Porto Empedocle
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board. Following lunch, arrive in Porto Empedocle and drive to Agrigento, which Pindar called “the most beautiful city built by mortal men.” Tour the Valley of the Temples, with some of the finest Greek ruins in the world. Return to the ship and set sail for Syracuse.

October 16 - Thursday - Syracuse
Today, explore Syracuse, one of the most important cities in antiquity and discover the dramatic well-preserved Greek and Roman theaters of the Archeological Zone. On Syracuse’s Ortygia Island, see the cathedral built on the ruins of the Temple of Athena as well as Caravaggio’s prized painting, The Burial of St. Lucy, in the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia. By special invitation, visit the baroque palazzo of Barone Beneventano where he will welcome the group for a tour and afternoon refreshments.

October 17 - Friday - Syracuse
Drive to the 4th century Villa del Tellaro, where artful mosaics depict hunting scenes and the story of Hector. Continue to the lovely town of Noto, set amid olive groves and almond trees on a plateau overlooking the Asinaro Valley. A walking tour will uncover the town’s baroque treasures.

October 18 - Saturday - Valletta, Malta/New York, U.S.
In the morning, disembark in Malta and transfer to the airport for flights to New York.

Tour Price*
Per person, based on double occupancy.

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour please contact our tour VIP desk at +1 202 772 8000 or scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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*Per Person, based on double occupancy. State Rooms are available at no single supplement. Additional singles will be calculated at a supplement ranging from of 30% to 100% of the cruise rate.
Included in tour cost: Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Cloud II; All meals during the cruise and receptions as noted; Wine with lunches and dinners; Enrichment program of lectures and special events; Escorted sightseeing by private motorcoach and entrance fees for included visits; Airport, pier, airport group transfers and porterage; Taxes and service charges; All gratuities aboard and ashore.
Not included in tour cost: International airfare; passport fees; Beverages other than wine at lunches and dinners; Personal items and expenses; Airport transfers for those not on group flights; Baggage in excess of one suitcase; Optional prelude and postlude; Trip insurance; Any others items not specifically mentioned as included.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.