Join us aboard the Callisto for our voyage around the island of Sardinia as we explore its unspoilt coastline and cultural heritage including some magnificent nuraghic settlements. Sardinia is endlessly fascinating and what better way to explore her treasures, than from aboard our superbly comfortable small ship. We will avoid tiresome road journeys and be able to appreciate in comfort the rich legacy of so many invading civilisations.
If you have promised yourself that one day you will visit Sardinia, this is the time to go. The geography of the island lends itself beautifully to exploration by ship as most points of interest are close to the sea. In addition there is a visit to the little known and timeless Egadi Islands and the opportunity to see something of Corsica. Once visited it is an area you will never forget and wish to return to time and time again.
Joining us onboard as guest speaker is Stephen Phillips who along with our local guides will add much to our enjoyment and understanding of the region.
Circumnavigation of Sardinia itinerary:
Day 1 - LONDON TO PALERMO.
Fly by scheduled flight via Rome. Upon arrival, embark the Callisto and sail this evening.Welcome drinks and dinner onboard this evening
Day 2 - EGADI ISLANDS.
It is on days like these that you really appreciate our small ship and our ability to visit small, out of the way islands. This morning, we call into Levanzo with its brilliant white houses complemented by a turquoise sea reminiscent of a Greek island and later sail to nearby Marettimo, an enchanting and untouched island where tourists are a rarity. Afternoon relaxing at sea.
Day 3 - CALA GONONE, SARDINIA.
Today we visit the unspoiled eastern coast of Sardinia and the Gulf of Orosei, very possibly the most beautiful stretch of Italian coast and without a shadow of a doubt, the wildest and steepest. The coast presents a series of beaches, small inlets, cliffs rising steeply out of the sea, rocky spires and pinnacles, small ravines and large caves. During a panoramic cruise of the Gulf you will see “Cala Goloritze”, and some of the stunning beaches along the coast. Return to the Callisto for lunch and this afternoon spend some time exploring the charming village.
Day 4 - LA MADDALENA & BONIFACIO, CORSICA.
This morning arrive in La Maddalena for a short walking tour including the Museo Diocesano where it is possible to admire two silver candlesticks and a crucifix given by Lord Nelson to La Maddalena together with a letter with his autograph. Over lunch we sail to Corsica and our berth in Bonifacio’s stunning natural harbour.Well known by Odysseus as the home of the savage and giant Laestrygonians, today Bonifacio's breathtaking cliff-top setting and relaxed pace make it one of the most welcoming ports in the Mediterranean.
Day 5 - PROPRIANO.
Today we continue our exploration of Corsica visiting some of the island’s extraordinary prehistoric sites including Filitosa which comprises a wonderful array of megalithic monuments encapsulating 8000 years of history and bear witness to the great civilisations which flourished on the island.We will also explore Palaggiu, which is the largest concentration of menhirs in Corsica. Before returning to the vessel we will enjoy some free time in the seaside village of Campomoro.
Day 6 - ALGHERO & SASSARI, SARDINIA.
Arrive into Alghero at lunchtime and take an afternoon excursion to Sassari the capital of Capo di Sopra. Visit the Archaeological Museum which features remains dating back to prehistoric times passing through the pre-nuraghic period, up to the times of the Phoenicians and Romans in Sardinia. We will then continue to Piazza d’Italia with its huge Ducal Palace and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari, built in the 13th century and enlarged in Catalan Gothic style from 1480.We return to the Callisto which will remain moored in Alghero overnight.
Day 7 - ALGHERO & BOSA.
Our morning tour starts with a panoramic drive to Nuraghe Palmavera. The main tower of the Nuraghe which still has its dome shaped ceilling dates back to 1100 years B.C. The complex, which was abandoned in the 5th century B.C., due to fire shows the different phases of social life and political organisation of the tribal community.We return to Alghero with a panoramic drive past Capo Caccia and will tour this interesting town with Catalan origins including San Francesco Church. After lunch onboard you have the chance to spend an afternoon at leisure in Alghero or join an excursion to Bosa which is situated at the mouth of the river Temo and is a charming little town of ancient Carthaginian origin.
Day 8 - ORISTANO & CARLOFORTE.
This morning we moor in Oristano for an excursion to Tharros and S.Giovanni. The ancient town of Tharros was erected by the Phoenicians in the 8th century B.C. on the ruins of a nuraghic settlement. In the 6th century B.C. it became a Punic stronghold and trading centre and grew further in importance under the Romans. The site still shows chamber and cremation burial grounds, temples and Roman baths together with buildings belonging to the early Christian period. The Church of San Giovanni di Sinis is a small early Christian structure of the sixth century AD, and one of the oldest in Sardinia. Return to the vessel for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board as we sail to Carloforte on Isola di San Pietro where we will have a couple of hours to wander in the town.
Day 9 - CAGLIARI.
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Cagliari, an ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans. Stroll around the old town with its narrow streets running along a steep hillside. See the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 14th century cathedral of St Cecila. After lunch aboard, either relax onboard or ashore in Cagliari or join the excursion to ruins of Nora which are in a lovely setting overlooking the sea. Here history can be viewed from Bronze Age Nuragic civilisations to Roman and Cartaginian in well preserved ruins including the remains of a Carthaginian warehouse, Roman baths with splendid mosaics and a theatre, almost completely intact, dating from the height of the Empire.
Day 10 - CAGLIARI TO LONDON.
Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight via Rome.
Callisto
The MS Callisto has a guest list which is limited to 34, a party large enough to bring together an interesting mix, but small enough to foster a true spirit of community. Beautifully appointed and filled with amenities one would expect to find in a fine country house, the 17 cabins feature large windows (portholes on the Daphne Deck) that look out to sea. Cabins also feature:
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, the yacht’s public spaces are warm and inviting. These include:
• Library with Internet access
• Lounge with audiovisual facilities
• Dining room
• Two sun decks
• Jacuzzi
• Swimming platform
Fine Dining
MS Callisto’s steward and kitchen staff seek fresh provisions from many ports of call. Guests savour just caught fish and perfectly ripened produce from local markets, resulting in menus of classic regional specialties as well as creative Continental fare. Select regional wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner (wine is not permitted to be served in Libyan waters). Meals are served at a single, unassigned seating in the elegantly-styled dining room, surrounded by large picture windows. Weather permitting, guests may also dine al fresco on the broad sun decks.
An Uncommon Advantage
MS Callisto’s compact size allows visits to unspoiled islets, pristine beaches and intimate coves inaccessible to larger cruise-liners. She is both large enough to offer every possible comfort and small enough to navigate tiny inlets and berth in exclusive harbours, taking travellers where few have gone before.
