Silversea’s baroque best

WHILE Silversea Cruises was extending the luxury of its Silver Spirit in Italy on the weekend

( CW Tue), the line was also busy seeking out opulence on land.

Industry guests and media were treated to a succession of indulgent dinners and one-off experiences as Silversea sought to exploit the Sicilian setting of Silver Spirit’s current overhaul.

Among the highlights was a gala dinner held at the spectacular Palazzo Gangi, a lavish baroque mansion owned by Sicily’s former royal family.

In a rare night of exclusive access, guests were hosted by Princess Carine Vanni Calvello Mantegna di Gangi and had an opportunity to explore the palazzo’s grand halls before dining beneath Venetian chandeliers to the strains of a string quartet.

Other occasions included a welcome dinner at the Grand Hotel Villa Igiea - a turreted waterfront property once frequented by royalty and now managed under Sofitel’s M Gallery brand.

Guests were also given a rare peek at the hidden passages and rooftops of the Santa Caterina baroque church and convent in the centre of Palermo.

Pictured at Palazzo Gangi are Silversea vp of fleet operations Christian Sauleau and vp of technical operations & crewing Andrea Zito with maritime architect Lorenzo Mortola.