Make Summer Last Longer with Aeolian Island Cruise

Libertyville, IL, August 31, 2011—You’ve read about those sexy, sun-splashed islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, where Italian celebrities have vacation homes and moor their yachts.  Now TourCrafters has made it easy for Americans to cruise the Aeolian Islands on a sailboat called Sundream.  Make summer last longer with an 8-day/7-night Sicily Seven Pearls cruise (with skipper and crew) that starts at the Catania, Sicily airport every Saturday.

The fun begins with a transfer to Lipari, the main island, and a welcome cocktail and dinner on board Sundream.  Then there’s a sail along the east coast of Lipari, with stops for a swim and lunch, before anchoring at the picturesque village of Rinella on the lush and hilly island of Salina, where Il Postino was filmed.  More sailing and swimming brings Sundream and its passengers along the southern coast of Salina and around the islands of Alicudi and Filicudi. Then it’s off to see—and swim in--the beautiful bays of tiny Panarea, with an afternoon to explore the island’s shops and byways.  Day 6 features spectacular Stromboli, an active volcano that rises from the sea, and Day 7 brings the cruise to Vulcano, popular for its beaches and mud baths.  Then it’s back to the Catania airport.

The 88-foot ketch Sundream has five air-conditioned guest cabins with private shower, plus a crew cabin and a captain’s cabin.  Individuals, families or groups are welcome to book a cabin, cabins or the whole sailboat.  The cruise, which includes all meals on board except for one dinner, costs $2,314 per person in a double cabin until September 16 or $2,121 from September 17 to October 9. The itinerary, of course, depends on the weather and is at the discretion of the captain.

All prices quoted are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability and do not include air fare or tax and harbor dues of 30 euros per person.  Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours of booking.

For additional information about the Sicily Seven Pearls cruise and other tours of Sicily, visit www.tourcrafters.it and click Italy.  For reservations, call 800-482-5995.

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