A Historic Visit to Darwin this October
Amerigo Vespucci – The Italian Navy’s renowned sailing ship, also known as an ambassador of “Made in Italy”, set sail from Italy’s Port of Genoa on July 1, 2023. Embarking on a 20-month voyage, the navy’s oldest training ship in Italy’s naval fleet promotes Italian excellence across the globe with the @tourvespucci.
In October 2024, the historic Amerigo Vespucci, often hailed as “the most beautiful ship in the world,” will make a much-anticipated stop in Darwin, Australia. This journey, celebrating Italy’s maritime heritage and fostering international diplomacy, has captured attention worldwide. For Darwin, the ship’s visit offers a unique opportunity to witness a piece of naval history and engage in cultural exchanges with the vessel’s distinguished crew.
AVION, the official freight forwarding partner of Villaggio Italia, is supporting the Amerigo Vespucci on its world tour. Marco Viglietta, Managing Director of Avion International Australia, stated, “The Avion team from around the globe is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of this project arrives safely and on time, which is our highest priority.”
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The Amerigo Vespucci – A Floating Ambassador
Launched in 1931, the Amerigo Vespucci stands as a symbol of Italy’s naval traditions. Named after the famed explorer, the ship still serves as a training vessel for the Italian Navy’s officers. With its elegant black-and-white hull, intricate rigging, and towering masts, it remains a maritime icon. More than just a ship, the Amerigo Vespucci acts as a floating ambassador of Italian culture, promoting diplomacy and goodwill in every port it visits.
The 2024 world tour is part of a series of events recognising the ship’s role in naval training and international collaboration. Darwin, a key stop in the Pacific, will host the vessel from October 3 to 7, 2024.
This visit is significant for the Italian-Australian community, who will gather to celebrate. Planned activities include ship tours and various cultural exchanges.
The Amerigo Vespucci will depart Darwin on October 7, 2024, and head to Singapore, the next destination on its world tour. A farewell ceremony featuring a blend of Italian and Australian customs will send the ship off in style.
When it returns to Italy in February 2025, the Vespucci will have sailed for 20 months, docking in over 30 ports in 28 countries and touching all five continents of the globe.
For the first time, during this incredible journey, Amerigo Vespucci will combine the training activity of the Officer Cadets with the promotion of the excellence of Made in Italy. The motto “We Are Vespucci” accompanies the Tour and the Villaggio Italia as a symbol of belonging and shared identity.
Avion proudly supports the delivery of this message of unity, facilitating the transportation of the exhibition to ports around the world.
Marco, an Italian native himself, emphasises the importance of welcoming the Amerigo Vespucci to Australia: “We are deeply honoured to be part of such a historical journey. The Amerigo Vespucci is not just a ship — it’s a symbol of Italy’s cultural heritage, and ensuring everything arrives on time and in perfect condition is a responsibility we take seriously. “l’ancora! – Heave up the anchor!”
