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Sicily Luxury Small Ship Cruises

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Just off the southern coast of Italy you'll find the largest island in the Mediterranean, home to a wealth of culture and numerous exciting sites. We offer several tours that focus exclusively on this island, on which you will see the active and majestic Mt. Etna volcano, the exquisite Greek and Roman ruins of Agrigento and Syracuse, the Aeolian Islands & Stromboli Volcano, and Monreale’s impressive and beautiful 12th-century Norman cathedral, among other sites. You might even learn how to cook in traditional Sicilian style. Other cruises simply make a stop in Sicily en route to other destinations around the Mediterranean, including Civitavecchia (Rome), Malta, and even Italy's neighboring countries like Greece, Croatia, France, and Spain. Contact us when you're ready to start planning your luxury cruise to Sicily.
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10 Best Small Ship Cruises to Sicily for 2025-2026

All Cruises Visiting Sicily
Luxury Italy

4 Best Luxury Small Ship Cruises Visiting Sicily for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys $7,790 8 May 26, 2025 Explore the heart of the Mediterranean on this 8-day Mediterranean Island Cruise with Smithsonian Journeys from Valletta to Nice aboard Le Bougainville. Discover Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba's historical civilizations that left mark on these islands' language, cuisine, art, and architecture.
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From the City of Gods to the Eternal City $7,590 12 Apr 22, 2025 Join Le Bougainville on this 12-day journey from Athens to Civitavecchia, exploring the Mediterranean. Enjoy diverse experiences with included excursions at each port of call. Highlights include marveling at Taormina, exploring Chania, and visiting Phaestos Palace. Discover ancient cities, coastlines, and historical treasures.
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From Malta to the Adriatic Coast $6,220 9 Aug 13, 2025 Embark on a 9-day cruise on Le Bougainville, visiting Malta, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Venice, Dubrovnik, and Valletta—benefit from expert-curated excursions at each port, including Tivat's heritage and Lecce from Otranto.
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Italy, Montenegro & Croatia $3,450 12 May 31, 2025 Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard Star Flyer, cruising through Italy, Montenegro, and Croatia. Experience historic ports, Mediterranean cuisine, and scenic beauty while enjoying the comfort of a traditional sailing ship.
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Sicily Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

Fun Facts About Sicily

  • Mount Etna Majesty: Sicily boasts the presence of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes globally, offering a dramatic and ever-changing landscape. Etna's eruptions have shaped the island's history and continue to captivate with their awe-inspiring displays of natural power.
  • Greek Temples in Agrigento: Agrigento is home to the Valley of the Temples, an extraordinary archaeological site with well-preserved ancient Greek temples. These magnificent structures, including the Temple of Concordia, showcase the enduring influence of Greek civilization on Sicily.
  • Palermo's Markets: Palermo's bustling markets, such as Ballarò and Vucciria, offer a sensory explosion of colors, scents, and flavors. From fresh seafood to vibrant produce, these markets are a vibrant reflection of Sicily's culinary richness and cultural diversity.
  • Cosa Nostra Legacy: Sicily has been the historical epicenter of the notorious Mafia, with its complex history and influence on the island's society. Efforts to combat organized crime continue, showcasing the resilience and determination of the Sicilian people.
  • Unique Sicilian Dialects: Sicily boasts a variety of unique dialects and languages influenced by its diverse history, including Greek, Arabic, and Norman. This linguistic tapestry reflects the island's rich heritage and the numerous civilizations that have left their mark.
  • Sicilian Marionette Theater: Sicily is home to an ancient form of storytelling known as Sicilian marionette theater. Performers bring tales of chivalry and heroism to life using elaborately crafted puppets, preserving a centuries-old tradition that still captivates audiences today. his unique form of storytelling is an artistic treasure that has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance.
  • Zibibbo Grapes and Marsala Wine: The sun-drenched vineyards of Sicily produce the Zibibbo grape, known for its sweet and aromatic qualities. This grape variety is the foundation of the world-renowned Marsala wine.
  • Caltagirone's Ceramic Staircase: The town of Caltagirone is famed for its intricate ceramics, and its Santa Maria del Monte staircase is adorned with vibrant, hand-painted tiles. Each step is a canvas, creating a stunning mosaic that celebrates Sicily's artistic heritage.

Must-Try Sicilian Dishes

  • Arancini: These golden, deep-fried rice balls are a Sicilian delight. Filled with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, and peas, arancini are a savory treat with a crispy exterior and a flavorful, gooey center.
  • Caponata: A flavorful eggplant dish, caponata is a sweet and sour Sicilian appetizer made with eggplants, tomatoes, olives, and capers. It's often enjoyed as a spread on bread or as a side dish.
  • Cannoli: Sicily's iconic dessert, cannoli are crisp pastry tubes filled with a sweet ricotta cheese mixture. The ends are usually dipped in chopped pistachios or chocolate chips, adding a delightful crunch to the creamy filling.
  • Pasta alla Norma: Named after Bellini's opera "Norma," this pasta dish features eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta salata (salted ricotta). It's a simple yet flavorful representation of Sicilian cuisine.
  • Sarde a Beccafico: Stuffed sardines, or "sarde a beccafico," are a Sicilian delicacy. The sardines are filled with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and sometimes a hint of citrus, creating a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Panelle: These chickpea fritters are a popular Sicilian street food. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, panelle are often served in a bread roll or on their own with a sprinkle of salt.
  • Spaghetti alla Siciliana: A classic Sicilian pasta dish, spaghetti alla Siciliana features a sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, olives, and capers. It's a simple yet vibrant representation of Sicily's love for bold flavors.
  • Pasta con le Sarde: This pasta dish combines sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts, and raisins, creating a symphony of contrasting textures and tastes. It reflects the island's rich culinary history and the influence of various cultures.
  • Cassata: A traditional Sicilian dessert, cassata is a rich sponge cake soaked in liqueur and layered with sweetened ricotta, candied fruit, and marzipan. It's often topped with a smooth layer of fondant icing.
  • Granita: A refreshing Sicilian dessert, granita is a semi-frozen treat made from water, sugar, and various flavorings such as coffee, almond, or lemon. Served with a brioche or on its own, granita is a perfect way to cool down on a warm Sicilian day.
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