DETAILS
Delight in an eight-night private charter circumnavigation of Sicily aboard the iconic Sea Cloud II. Beginning and ending in Malta, the journey includes one night in Valletta, the capital of the island nation and one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Visit Sicily’s treasures with stops in Trapani, Palermo, Giardini Naxos, and Syracuse. Sample the rich flavors of Marsala with a guided tasting and enjoy a specially timed sunset sailing through the Strait of Messina. An optional two-night pre-trip extension is available, offering an unforgettable introduction to Malta and Gozo.
- Pricing from
- $7,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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May 24, 2027 - Jun 2, 2027
ITINERARY
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day 1&2
Overnight flight to Valetta, Malta. Meals
Overnight flight to Valletta, a city known for its Baroque architecture, historic fortifications, and charming cafés that reflect its rich heritage. Upon arrival, transfer to Sea Cloud II and meet fellow travelers at a welcome orientation and reception.
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day 3
Valletta, Malta
Start the day with two full-day excursions to choose from. Explore Malta’s prehistoric and archaeological treasures with visits to the National Archaeological Museum, Tarxien Temples, and the Hypogeum, an underground site renowned for its prehistoric significance. Alternatively, tour Valletta’s architecture, including the ornate interiors of St John’s Cathedral and modern works by Renzo Piano. Depart in the evening, sailing from the historic harbor toward Sicily.
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day 4
Day at Sea
Enjoy a full day under sail. As part of the educational program, attend a lecture, take a guided tour of the ship, or, weather permitting, use the tenders to photograph Sea Cloud II. In the evening, the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner provide the perfect opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers.
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day 5
Trapani
Begin the day exploring the Greek Doric temple of Segesta, perched on Mount Barbaro with panoramic views over Sicily’s countryside. Later, choose between two afternoon excursions, one being a visit to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, known for its cobbled streets and Norman castle, or sample the fortified wines of Marsala with a guided tasting.
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day 6
Palermo
Spend the morning visiting Palermo’s Norman castle, Capella Palatina with its stunning mosaics, and Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy lunch in Palermo’s Old Town, followed by two afternoon options: the Abatellis Art Museum, which houses Sicilian and Renaissance masterpieces, or the Archaeological Museum, featuring an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.
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day 7
Lipari, Aeolian Islands
Discover Lipari with a walking tour that includes the Archaeological Museum, or take a scenic drive with free time to wander the town’s charming streets and coastline. In the afternoon, enjoy swimming, sailing, and educational programming, followed by a sunset cruise past Stromboli to see its volcanic activity.
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day 8
Giardini Naxos
Embark on one of two morning excursions to Mount Etna, visiting Silvestri Crater and riding the cable car to the summit, or head to Taormina to tour the 3rd-century B.C. Greco-Roman amphitheater and enjoy free time in town. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation on deck while taking in Sicily’s coastline.
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day 9
Syracuse
Tour Syracuse Archaeological Park, then stroll through Ortygia Island, experiencing the morning market and Cathedral Square. In a private Baroque palazzo, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a nobleman. The afternoon is spent cruising to Malta, concluding with the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
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day 10
Valletta, Malta
Disembark for flights home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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Sea Cloud II blends the romance of a classic windjammer with the comforts of a modern boutique cruise ship. Built in 2001, this three‑masted barque carries just 94 guests with 65 crew and offers a unique sailing experience with 23 hand-set sails, elegant accommodations, and a timeless nautical atmosphere. Guests enjoy a panoramic lounge with full A/V capabilities for lectures, library, formal restaurant, and al fresco dining areas. Other onboard amenities: sauna, fitness room, massage treatments, and swim platform. Elegant accommodations throughout from Owner’s Suites with four-poster beds and marble bathrooms to Junior Suites and Outside Cabins, all with en-suite facilities, TV, minibar, desk, safe, & air conditioning.
SICILY CIRCUMNAVIGATION Malta Pre-Trip Extension May 22–25, 2027
This two-night pre-trip extension offers the chance to experience the sites, stunning landscape and local charm of this island nation beyond its capital city, including a day trip to the idyllic island of Gozo to see the oldest megalithic temples on Earth.
PRE-EXTENSION ITINERARY OUTLINE
May 22 Overnight flight to Valetta, Malta. Meals aloft
May 23 Arrive Valletta
Arrive Valletta and transfer to the Excelsior Hotel; welcome dinner at the hotel
May 24 Valletta
Explore Malta’s south coast beginning with the megalithic complex of Hagar Qim. Continue to fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Enjoy dinner in the ancient walled city of M’dina. BLD May 25 Valletta Excelsior Hotel Take ferry to Gozo for UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ġgantija and the charming city of Victoria. Return to Valletta to begin main tour.
Extension Fee and Staffing: Per person, sharing accommodations……………………………………………………………… $2,290
Single occupancy…………………………………………………………………………………………..$2,890
Above extension fee includes one Criterion tour manager but no organization staff. Fees and services are based on current exchange rates and are subject to change. Extension Capacity: Minimum capacity: 6; Maximum capacity: 20
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John Meffert
John Meffert, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States, responsible for preserving the historic resources of Charleston, S.C. John has delighted many study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation, and receives rave reviews as study leader.
Passenger Cancellations & Refunds Upon payment of a deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be effective until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person admin fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of booking; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After the final payment deadline: All payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. For this reason, we strongly urge participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance. No refunds will be made for any part of this program on which you choose not to participate. NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation not Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of nonrefundable tickets. Travel Insurance National Trust Tours strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to covered illness or accident. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. USI Travel Insurance Services offers a plan designed specifically for National Trust Tours travelers, providing coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and more. Plus, you can upgrade your plan with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage for the utmost flexibility. CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for ANY reason at all and be reimbursed up to 75% of your pre-paid, nonrefundable trip costs (conditions apply, see plan for details). To purchase travel insurance today, call: (866) 322-9970.
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