The historic Navy School ship Amerigo Vespucci will dock in Palermo from May 8 to May 11, 2025, as part of its Mediterranean Tour, which is the final leg of a worldwide journey that has seen the vessel visit 35 ports across five continents.
This leg of the tour, the twelfth in total, will take place at Molo Vittorio Veneto in the Port of Palermo. Upon its arrival, the Amerigo Vespucci will be received with a Welcome Ceremony attended by both civil and military authorities. The ceremony will be accompanied by performances from the Fanfara of the 6th Bersaglieri Regiment and the Fanfara of the 12th Carabinieri Regiment “Sicilia,” alongside the Aosta mechanized brigade's musical band, which will entertain the public during the ship's stay.
Visitors eager to board the ship can make free reservations through the official website, www.tourvespucci.it. Starting May 5, 2025, at 15:00, an additional 1,500 spots will be available for the public to tour the vessel. These spots are part of a new booking slot due to the overwhelming interest in visiting the ship, which is often referred to as the "most beautiful ship in the world." Notably, two extraordinary time slots will be added on May 10, 2025, at 20:00 and 20:30.
The Amerigo Vespucci's Mediterranean Tour, initiated by Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, is supported by twelve ministries and aims to promote Italian excellence through cultural, scientific, and gastronomic exchanges. This public-private partnership, organized by Difesa Servizi Spa and Ninetynine, seeks to share the ship's international experience as an ambassador of Italy.
Throughout its stay in Palermo, a variety of events will accompany the ship's visit. On May 8, the Francesca Rava Foundation will host an educational visit for a group of children participating in the "Borse Blu" project, which aims to support youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
On May 9, the Ministry for Disabilities will organize the "Vela Terapia" conference at the Marina Convention Center, featuring a demonstration by differently-abled athletes from the Paralympic Defense Sports Group on Hansa boats near the Vespucci.
Furthermore, on May 10, from 9:00 to 19:00, the Health Inspectorate of the Navy will provide free ultrasound screenings for the public. These screenings will be conducted by both military and civilian doctors. On the same day, an ultrasound machine will be presented to the Amerigo Vespucci to enhance the medical capabilities on board.
In addition to health initiatives, a special exhibition dedicated to the Navy will be inaugurated at the Teatro Massimo on May 9 at 11:30. Later that day, the flag of the Red Cross will be presented to local representatives during a ceremony at the quay.
The grand finale of the events will occur on May 10 with the preparation of the famous Sicilian dessert, "Cassata Live," which will be showcased at the quayside as a tribute to the Amerigo Vespucci.
This Mediterranean Tour is not just a celebration of the ship itself but also a platform to highlight Italy's rich cultural heritage, scientific advancements, and culinary traditions. As the Amerigo Vespucci sails into Palermo, it carries with it the stories and accomplishments of a nation that has made significant contributions to the world stage.
For those interested in visiting the Amerigo Vespucci, it is crucial to make reservations in advance as access will not be permitted without prior booking. All updates and information regarding the tour can be found on the official website and through the tour's social media channels.
The Amerigo Vespucci will conclude its Mediterranean Tour in Genoa on June 10, 2025, coinciding with the celebrations for Navy Day, marking the end of a remarkable journey that has brought together people from different cultures and backgrounds through the universal language of maritime heritage.
