Embark on a 10-day cruise around the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta, sailing roundtrip from Malta aboard the Sea Cloud II. Discover the rich history and culture of Sicily and Malta as you explore ancient cities, visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, and admire landscapes influenced by the Romans, Greeks, and Carthaginians.
Key stops on the itinerary include the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the prehistoric Ggantija Temples, and the walled city of Valletta. Wander through the medieval streets of Erice, sample delicious Marsala wines, and tour Castello degli Schiavi, a famous filming location for The Godfather.
Visit the Greco-Roman theater in Taormina and the ruins of Siracusa, followed by a scenic sail along Sicily’s stunning coastline.
Highlights
Visit Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, Ggantija Temples, and Valletta
Visit historic cities and ruins shaped by Romans, Greeks, and Carthaginians
Stroll medieval streets and take in panoramic views of Sicily’s coastline
Enjoy Marsala wine and lunch at Castello degli Schiavi from The Godfather
Discover the Greco-Roman theater and the remarkable ruins of Siracusa
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Valletta, the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its impressive limestone fortifications from the 16th century. Board Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon, get settled, and enjoy your first evening onboard.
Meet your expedition leader for a detailed narration as the crew climbs the rigging and sets the square sails, staysails, and jibs, showcasing Sea Cloud II in all her splendor. Relax aboard this unique square rigger, savor delicious meals and complimentary drinks, and enjoy engaging talks from the expedition staff as you sail north to Sicily.
Dock in Porto Empedocle this morning for the next call: Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a collection of some of antiquity’s most magnificent Greco-Roman temples. Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century B.C., the site served as a prominent city in Magna Graecia before eventually changing hands between the Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. Explore the valley’s grand row of Doric temples devoted to the likes of Zeus and Heracles. Return to Sea Cloud II and cast off for a relaxing afternoon under sail.
After Sea Cloud II docks in Trapani this morning, depart on an excursion to the nearby medieval town of Erice. Perched 750 meters (about 2,461 feet) above Sicily’s western coast, the panoramic views from the walled town are spectacular. Explore Erice with local guides and take time to wander on your own. Perhaps stop in at the renowned Pasticceria Maria Grammatico, or one of the many other local favorites, before continuing to the town of Marsala. Famous for its fortified wines, this port city also houses an excellent museum devoted to its Punic (Carthaginian) history, as well as an excavated Punic warship and a recently opened excavated Roman merchant vessel. Finish with a visit and tasting at a winery before returning to Sea Cloud II in Trapani.
Grab your favorite deck chair, indulge in a delightful book and listen to the ship part the surf as you sail along Sicily’s northern coast. Weather permitting, stand on deck and watch the orchestrated frenzy of crew members go aloft in the web of Sea Cloud II’s riggings to handset her sails. Or attend a presentation by your historian or cultural expert about the region’s rich history.
Disembark Sea Cloud II in Messina and drive up to the beautiful town of Taormina, which spills across the slopes at the foot of Mount Etna, dominating to the south. This medieval town boasts the pedestrian-friendly Corso Umberto, lined with exquisite buildings, and one of the world’s most interesting cultural sites: the Greco-Roman Theater. This remarkable theater was built right into the cliffside, overlooking the vast sea below, in the third century B.C.
From Taormina, continue to the Castello degli Schiavi, an 18th-century privately owned villa, for a special private lunch. Meet members of the family that still owns the villa and explore the extensive buildings and grounds that served as the setting for many scenes in The Godfather films. Return to Sea Cloud II, anchored off the town of Giardini Naxos, and enjoy happy hour and dinner as you sail to your next destination.
Wake this morning to Siracusa, a city that once rivaled Athens in cultural and economic wealth. Explore the archaeological park which showcases one of the world’s largest theaters of antiquity, a 15,000-seat arena hewn from bedrock, which is still in use today. Visit the nearby limestone quarry, the cave of “Dionysus’ Ear” and the Roman amphitheater before returning to Sea Cloud II for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a break from the action-packed voyage by taking time to reflect and relax as you sail to Gozo. Join your expedition staff for talks, sample a collection of Sicilian wines or simply enjoy the thrill of an extended sail on this remarkable square-rigged tall ship.
This morning, visit Malta’s “second island,” Gozo, focusing on the ancient megalithic temples of Ggantija, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Older than both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge, the giant structures of Ġgantija were built by civilizations that thrived here more than 5,000 years ago. Visit the restored medieval windmill of Ta Kola—one of the many structures built by the Order of the Knights of Malta, who ruled the Maltese islands for centuries—before returning to Sea Cloud II. This evening, as you sail toward Valletta, celebrate your voyage with the captain’s farewell cocktail party and dinner at sunset.
Be on deck this morning with cameras ready as you enter one of the most attractive harbors in the Mediterranean by tall ship. Disembark and drive to the city’s highest point, the Upper Barracca Gardens, and take in the sweeping view. Tour St. John’s Co-Cathedral with its elaborate inlaid marble tombstones and monumental artwork. After lunch onboard, opt for free time in Valletta, or continue your exploration with a visit the old capital of Mdina: walk along the ancient city walls and marvel at the feat of engineering undertaken to build the Rotunda of Mosta, one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Enjoy a final dinner aboard Sea Cloud II this evening.
Day 10: Valletta | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in the port of Valletta this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$14,158
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Category 1
Cabins #207-210: These 236 sq. ft. outside-facing cabins, located on the Cabin Deck, have a double bed (which can be separated into two single beds) and two portholes. Cabin features include a couch, television, small table, dressing table with mirror, a closet, two nightstands, minibar, safe, temperature controls, and telephone. The beautiful marble bathroom is equipped with a shower. Note: Solo occupancy cabins are available in Category 1.
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Category 2
Cabins #211-212, 214-217, 224-231: These 247 sq. ft. outside-facing cabins, located on the Cabin Deck, have a double bed (which can be separated into two single beds) and two portholes. Cabin features include a couch, television, small table, dressing table with mirror, a closet, two nightstands, minibar, safe, temperature controls, and telephone. The beautiful marble bathroom is equipped with a shower. Note: Some Category 2 cabins have connecting doors.
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Category 3
Cabins #218-223: These 258 sq. ft. outside-facing cabins, located on the Cabin Deck, have a double bed (which can be separated into two single beds) and three portholes. Cabin features include two chairs, a small table, television, dressing table with mirror, writing desk, two closets, two nightstands, minibar, safe, temperature controls, and telephone. The beautiful marble bathroom is equipped with a shower.
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Category 4
Cabins #301, 302: These 249 sq. ft. outside-facing cabins, located on the Promenade Deck, have a double bed (which can be separated into two single beds) and three large panorama windows. Cabin features include two chairs, a small table, television, writing desk/dressing table with mirror, closets, two nightstands, minibar, safe, temperature controls, and telephone. The beautiful marble bathroom is equipped with a shower.
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Category 5
Cabins #303, 304: These outside-facing suites, located on the Promenade Deck, have a double bed (which can be separated into two single beds) and three large panorama windows. #303 is 271 sq. ft. and #304 is 265 sq. ft. Suite features include an electric fireplace, separate sitting area with two large chairs and large table, walk-in closet, television, dressing table with mirror, two nightstands, minibar, safe, temperature controls, and telephone. The beautiful marble and gold-fitted bathroom is equipped with shower bathtub and marble washbasin.
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Category 6
Cabins #305-312, 314-319: These 281 sq. ft. outside-facing suites, located on the Promenade Deck, have a double bed (which can be separated into two single beds) and three large panorama windows. Suite features include an electric fireplace, separate sitting area with two large chairs and large table, walk-in closet, television, dressing table with mirror, two nightstands, minibar, safe, temperature controls, and telephone. The beautiful marble and gold-fitted bathroom is equipped with shower bathtub and marble washbasin.
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Category 7
Cabins #401, 402: These 335 sq. ft. outside-facing suites, located on the Lido Deck, have a double four-poster bed and four large panorama windows. Cabin features include an electric fireplace, separate sitting area with a couch, two large chairs and large table, walk-in closet with four large wardrobes, television, dressing table with mirror, two nightstands, minibar, safe, temperature controls, and telephone. The large, beautiful marble and gold-fitted bathroom is equipped with separate shower and bathtub, and marble washbasin.
Initial deposit is 15% of cabin fare and may vary by program, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AmEx, or check. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests (connectivity permitting)
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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