Sicily Circumnavigation

SATURDAY—SUNDAY, JUNE 15-16: HOME / VALLETTA, MALTA
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Valletta, Malta. Arrive on Sunday, June 16th, and transfer to the Grand Excelsior Hotel. After settling in, gather for a welcome orientation and reception in the evening. GRAND EXCELSIOR HOTEL (R)

MONDAY, JUNE 17: VALLETTA / EMBARKATION
Start the day with a morning lecture, followed by a choice of excursions. The entire city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Knights of St. John to defend against Ottoman invasions in the 16th century. Today choose from three excursion options: 1) An archaeological tour featuring the Tarxien Temples, Hypogeum (pending availability), and the National Museum of Archaeology, 2) An exploration of Malta’s military history including the city’s underground tunnels and the National War Museum at Fort St. Elmo, or 3) An architecture tour of Valletta highlighting St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the new works of Renzo Piano, followed by lunch in a historic palazzo. Embark Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon and set sail for Sicily. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, JUNE 18: AT SEA
Experience a full day under sail in the southern Mediterranean and sit back and observe deckhands as they scale masts reaching 180 feet high to set sail on one of the finest hand-sailed square-riggers of our age. Enjoy the continuation of the education program and take advantage of the ship’s many amenities during free time between lectures. Tours of Sea Cloud II are offered, and, weather permitting, tenders are used to photograph the ship at sail. In the evening, attend the Captain’s welcome reception. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,R,D)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19: TRAPANI, SICILY, ITALY
Begin your exploration of Sicily with a visit to the well-preserved Doric Greek temple at Segesta, thought to have been designed by an Athenian architect. Then choose between: 1) An ascent to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, where an impressive Norman castle sits atop the ruins of a Venusian temple and tiny treasure-filled churches dot cobbled alleyways, or 2) A jaunt to seaside Marsala, an ancient city famous for its wine, to visit the oldest winery in the region and delve into its history on a private tour and tasting. Later, enjoy an afternoon at sea with the continuation of the lecture program and a sailing opportunity, weather permitting. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, JUNE 20: PALERMO
Begin today with a visit to Monreale, home to a stunning 12th-century cathedral (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) recognized as one of the world’s greatest surviving examples of Norman architecture. Next, enjoy an exploration of diverse architectural treasures of Sicily’s capital city, Palermo, featuring the Royal Palace of Palermo (Palazzo dei Normanni) with its dazzling Cappella Palatina (Royal Chapel), a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch in atmospheric Old Town Palermo, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring its narrow and lively streets with a choice of three excursions: 1) Visit the 15th-century Palazzo Abatellis, now a museum housing such works as Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina’s Virgin Annunciate, 2) Explore Palermo’s famed Archaeological Museum, which features artifacts from the island’s major sites, or 3) Enjoy a unique puppet show at The Antonio Pasqualino Puppet Museum of Palermo. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, JUNE 21: LIPARI, AEOLIAN ISLANDS
Sail to the small volcanic islet of Lipari, part of the Aeolian Islands, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose cultural history stretches back 7,000 years. While ashore choose between: 1) An in-depth  walking tour of the town center with a visit to the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, or 2) A leisurely driving tour around the perimeter of the island with spectacular views of the other Aeolian volcanoes, ending in Lipari center. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon of sailing and lectures. At sunset, gather on deck and witness Stromboli’s natural pyrotechnics. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, JUNE 22: GIARDINI NAXOS
This morning either: 1) Explore the old-world resort town of Taormina, home to a charming market, buzzing shops, and cafés on the fashionable pedestrian-only Corso Umberto, and an ancient Greek theater that has hosted performances for more than two thousand years, or 2) Weather permitting, visit the Silvestri Crater and ascend the slopes of Mt. Etna via cable car for stunning views from the summit of Europe’s largest active volcano. This afternoon, return to the ship in time for lunch and set sail for Syracuse. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, JUNE 23: SYRACUSE
Founded around 734 B.C. by Greek Corinthians, Syracuse was conquered and ruled by Romans, Saracens, Byzantines, Normans, and Ottomans, who each left a legacy of archaeological treasures that have earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status. Tour the expansive archaeological park, home to the stunning Greek theater and Roman amphitheater that combine to make this one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy. Continue to the adjacent fortified island of Ortigia and take in the sights and smells of the lively food market before strolling through beautiful alleyways and piazzas to the Piazza del Duomo, home to the city’s monumental cathedral. In a nearby private palazzo dating back to the Middle Ages, enjoy a reception hosted by a nobleman and view a collection of etchings of ancient Syracuse and Sicily. Return to the ship and set sail for Malta in the afternoon. This evening, attend the Captain’s farewell reception and enjoy dinner en route to Valletta. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,R,D)

MONDAY, JUNE 24: VALLETTA, MALTA / DISEMBARKATION
Gather on deck this morning as Sea Cloud II returns to Valletta’s spectacular Grand Harbor. Following breakfast, prepare to disembark for flights home. (B)

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OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION IN MALTA  –  JUNE 13-16, 2024

BEYOND VALLETTA: MALTA’S: SOUTHERN COAST & GOZO ISLAND
This two-night pre-trip extension offers the opportunity to experience the sites, stunning landscape, and local charm of this island nation beyond its capital city, including the megalithic complex of Hagar Qim, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, and a day trip to the idyllic island of Gozo to see some of the oldest megalithic temples on Earth. Further details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants.