Sicily Golf Cruise

Sicily Golf Cruise Itinerary:

September 14/15: Home – Rome, Italy

Depart your home city on September 14 for an overnight flight to rome, italy. upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transported to our gathering point at the regina Hotel baglioni. travelers will have  the opportunity for lunch and some free time in  rome before our group departs for Sea Cloud II later that afternoon.

September 16: Day at Sea

What better way to settle in aboard Sea Cloud II than to delight in a full day at sea? Sit back and watch skilled deckhands as they scale the masts that reach 180 feet high and set the sails on what is the finest hand-sailed square-rigger of our age. if the winds are favorable, we should be sailing by the Aeolian island of Stromboli where we can see the regular, and mild, eruption of the island’s famous volcano

September 17: Taormina, Italy

Golf: il Picciolo  Golf Club

Located in a natural amphitheater on the Northeastern region of Mount Etna, il picciolo meanders through ancient lava flows, and offers spectacular views of snow-covered mount etna. Hazelnut trees, oak woods, pine trees, eucalyptus, and vineyards surround the holes. This parkland layout, which opened in 1989, makes full use of the natural topography, creating a unique and unforgettable playing experience, and presenting a fine test of golf for our first round on the island. 

Tour: Mount Etna

Our tour of Mount Etna leads us up the lava flows and snow-covered slopes to explore one of europe’s natural wonders. After our memorable visit there, we have plenty of time to explore the romantic winding streets of taormina, a town often compared to positano and eze, france.

September 18: Siracusa, Italy

Golf: Siracusa Golf Club

A short ride inland from historic Siracusa sit s a hidden gem of Sicilian golf. This scenic course meanders through orange and lemon groves, presenting a fresh challenge on every hole. The beautiful views of the Hyblaean mount ai ns and many well-crafted holes are sure to make Siracusa golf club a favorite among Kalos golfers.  

Tour: Siracusa

Our docking location in Siracusa’s ancient harbor gives us easy access to this city steeped in history. This morning’s tour leads us through the catacombs of San Giovanni and its maze of passages and tunnels with impressive tombs and frescoes. After lunch, there is time to stroll the streets of the old town on the island of Ortigia, where baroque-style palaces line piazza Archimede and elegant shops can be found along the streets.

September 19: Ragusa, Italy

Golf: Donnafugata Golf Resort

The fairways of this links layout are carved out of natural rolling hills, accentuated by the seasonal colors and scents of the region. Players feel isolated on fairways hidden by mounds that offer captivating views of the sea and coastline. The serene setting belies the challenges presented by the Sirocco winds that come from Africa.

Tour: Modica

Our tour leads us  t o  the charming hill top town of Modica. This UNESCO World Heritage site, which is home to 100 baroque churches, is recognized for some of the most beautiful architecture in Sicily. Lunch is at La Gazza Ladra, a michelin starred restaurant in the heart of the upper town. After lunch, we learn about the 400-year tradition of Sicilian chocolate making. As a part of Spain for many years, Sicily was one of the first european regions to gain access to cacao imported from South America. One of the results is the delicious chocolate specialties for which Modica is known.

September 20: Porto Empecocle, Italy

Golf: Verdura Golf Resort (East Course)

Verdura is the culmination of Sir Rocco Forte’s dream of creating europe’s finest golf destination. He brought noted golf architect Kyle Phillips to this beautiful site to design two challenging golf courses set along  pristine beach frontage. Phillips decided to incorporate the best holes and terrain across both courses giving them both tremendous seaside closing runs. Our first round is on the east course where natural undulations make this a memorable layout. Number 17 leads you to the foot of a hillside, before your dramatic finish along the craggy coastline.

Tour: Mandranova

A Sicilian cooking school is sure to be a highlight of our touring schedule as we visit mandranova in Palma di Montechiaro. We visit this stylish, country farmhouse just before the start of the olive harvest season when the farm’s 10,000 olive trees are bursting with fruit and delicious aromas. We’ll start our morning with our hosts, Sylvia and Giuseppe di Vincenzo gathering fresh produce and ingredients to help us prepare some authentic Sicilian cuisine that we can easily reproduce at home. Giuseppe’s enthusiasm is infectious as he introduces us to the estate’s award winning olive oils, which enhance our appreciation for this staple of Italian cooking.

September 21: Porto Empedocle, Italy

Golf: Verdura Golf Resort (West Course)

Golfers will not be disappointed as they return to Verdura for a second round of golf—but this time on the West course. The West garnered the highest rating among Italy’s golf courses in the newly published “Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses.” the highlight of the day is certain to be the final four holes, a stirring collection of seaside holes culminating with the spectacular 18 played from a tee built on a promontory next to the sea.

Tour: The Valley of Temples

Today’s tour is a short drive away at the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. A walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to seven ancient temples, offers a glimpse of the beauty of this ancient cultural center that has inspired writers, poets and painters for centuries.

September 22: Valletta, Malta – Home

We bid farewell to Sea Cloud II and her crew as we disembark and transfer to the Valletta Airport for return flights home.