DETAILS
The program begins with one night in Valletta, the capital city of the island nation of Malta and one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, before embarking the Sea Cloud II for a seven-night private charter that will take travelers on a circumnavigation of Sicily. The itinerary includes the first day on board at sea, under sail, before reaching the island’s treasures with stops in Trapani, Palermo, Giardini Naxos (for Taormina and Mt. Etna), and Syracuse. This itinerary also spends a day in the Aeolian Islands, one of seven UNESCO sites visited, as well as a specially timed sailing through the Strait of Messina at sunset. Return to Malta and disembark at Valletta.
- 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
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.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1&2
Overnight flight to Valetta, Malta. Meals
Arrive Valletta and transfer to hotel; welcome orientation & dinner.
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day 3
Valletta, Malta
Morning lecture, then choice of full day excursion: 1) Malta Archaeology: National Archaeological Museum, Tarxien Temples, & Hypogeum; 2) Architecture Tour of Valletta with St John’s Cathedral & Renzo Piano’s new works. Board Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon and set sail for Sicily
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day 4
Day at Sea
Full day under sail; education program continues, tours of the ship are offered, and tenders are used to photograph the ship (weather permitting); Captain’s welcome evening.
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day 5
Trapani
Visit the Greek Doric temple of Segesta, sitting high atop Mount Barbaro, followed by choice of tours: 1) the hilltop fortress of Erice; or 2) wine tasting in Marsala. Afternoon at sea, with sailing opportunity (weather permitting) and continuation of lecture program.
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day 6
Palermo
Visit to Palermo’s Norman castle, Capella Palatina and Monreale’s stunning UNESCO listed Cathedral followed by lunch in Old Town Palermo; PM choice of excursions: 1) Abatellis Art Museum; 2) Archaeological Museum.
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day 7
Lipari, Aeolian Islands
Choice of walking tour with Archaeological Museum visit or a scenic drive with free time in town; lunch onboard; PM swim, sailing, and lectures before cruising past Stromboli at sunset to witness its volcanic firework.
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day 8
Giardini Naxos
Choice of tours: 1) Early departure for the slopes of Mt. Etna to see Silvestri Crater and ride the cable car to the summit; 2)Visit 3rd c. B.C. Greco-Roman amphitheater of Taormina w/free time in town.
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day 9
Syracuse
Syracuse Archaeological Park with guided walk of Ortygia Island including lively morning market & Cathedral Square. In a lovely private palazzo, enjoy wine tasting hosted by nobleman. Afternoon cruising to Malta. Captain’s farewell reception and dinner cruising to Valletta.
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day 10
Valletta, Malta
Disembark for flights home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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