Sicily: A Circumnavigation aboard Sea Cloud II

Saturday–Sunday, June 4–5
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Valletta, arriving on Sunday, June 5. Transfer to the hotel and gather for a welcome reception this evening. GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR (R)
Monday, June 6
VALLETTA / EMBARK
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 is dedicated to several archaeological highlights: the Neolithic temples of Tarxien; Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (permission pending), a prehistoric burial complex; and the National Museum of Archaeology; including lunch at a historic palazzo. Embark Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)
Tuesday, June 7
FULL DAY OF SAILING
Sit back and observe skilled deckhands as they scale the masts that reach 180 feet high to set the sails on what is the finest hand-sailed squarerigger of our age. Enjoy the continuation of the lecture series and free time to take advantage of the ship’s many amenities. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)
Wednesday, June 8
TRAPANI, SICILY
Begin your exploration of Sicily with a visit to the two main monuments of Segesta: The well-preserved Doric Greek temple, thought to have been designed by an Athenian architect, and the semicircular theater, located on top of a nearby hill boasting wonderful views that made stage scenery unnecessary. Then choose between: 1) An ascent to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, where an impressive Norman castle sits atop the ruins of a temple of Venus and tiny treasure-filled churches dot the 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. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)
Thursday, June 9
MONREALE & PALERMO
Begin today with a visit to Monreale, home to a stunning 12th-century cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized as one of the world’s greatest surviving examples of Norman architecture. Continue to
Sicily’s capital city of Palermo to marvel at its diverse architectural treasures, including the Royal Palace with its dazzling Cappella Palatina (Royal Chapel), also designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a lunch that samples traditional Sicilian street food in the city’s atmospheric Old Town, and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring its narrow and lively streets including a visit to Palazzo Abatellis, a medieval palace
sensitively renovated as an art museum, or explore Palermo’s famed Archaeological Museum, which features artifacts from the island’s major sites. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)
Friday, June 10
LIPARI, AEOLIAN ISLANDS
Sail to the small volcanic islet of Lipari, part of the Aeolian Islands, another UNESCO World Heritage site, whose cultural history stretches back 7,000 years. While ashore choose between an e-bike excursion through Lipari’s stunningly beautiful landscape; a leisurely drive around the perimeter of the island with spectacular views of the other Aeolian volcanoes; or an in-depth walking tour of the town center with a visit to the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, displaying an impressive collection of ancient local artifacts. This evening, gather on deck for a cocktail reception as the ship cruises past the active volcano on the neighboring island of Stromboli. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)

Saturday, June 11
TAORMINA / MOUNT ETNA
Spend the morning exploring the cliffhanging, old-world resort town of Taormina. See the charming market, buzzing shops and cafés on the fashionable pedestrianonly Corso Umberto, and the ancient Greek theater, hosting performances for more than two thousand years. Weather permitting, choose to forgo Taormina for a trip up Mt. Etna, ascending the slopes via cable car for stunning views from the top of Europe’s largest active volcano. Return to the ship and set sail for Siracusa, arriving in time to join Sicilians for La Passeggiata, the Italian tradition of taking a walk in the evening. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)
Sunday, June 12
SIRACUSA
Founded around 734 B.C. by Greek Corinthians, Siracusa 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 to take  in the sights and smells of the bustling food market before strolling through the beautiful alleyways and piazzas to the Piazza del Duomo, home to the city’s monumental cathedral. Take a private tour of the Santa Lucia alla Badia church, home to Caravaggio’s arresting masterpiece Seppellimento di Santa Lucia (Burial of St Lucy, 1609). In a nearby palazzo dating back to the Middle Ages, enjoy a wine tasting in the owner’s cellar and a private viewing of the family’s collection of etchings of Siracusa and Sicily. Gather aboard Sea Cloud II for a farewell dinner en route to Malta. SEA CLOUD II (B,L,D)
Monday, June 13
VALLETTA, MALTA /DISEMBARK / HOME
Gather on deck this morning as the Sea Cloud II returns to Valletta’s spectacular Grand Harbor. Following breakfast, prepare to disembark for flights home. (B)