DETAILS
Step aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II for a seven-night voyage through Sicily and Malta, both crossroads of ancient
civilizations. Set sail from Catania, Sicily, to Syracuse, the greatest Greek colonial city of its time, with its striking Baroque
palazzos and awe-inspiring ancient theaters. In Malta, discover the island’s prehistoric marvels, including the Tarxien and
Hagar Qim Temples, among the world’s oldest freestanding structures, and immerse yourself in the intricate art and history
of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with monuments.
- Pricing from
- $7,999
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 9, 2026
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1&2
DEPARTURE/CATANIA, SICILY, ITALY / EMBARK SEA CLOUD II
Depart for Catania, Italy, on an overnight flight.
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day 3
SYRACUSE
Explore Syracuse, one of the most important cities in antiquity, touted by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city.” On beautiful Ortygia Island, Syracuse’s historical center, see the Duomo di Siracusa (the Cathedral of Syracuse), a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on the ruins of the Tempio di Athena. Then, by special invitation, join a Sicilian baron at his glamorous Baroque home, Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, for a tour and light refreshments. This afternoon, discover the well-preserved Greek and Roman theaters of the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. Return to the ship and attend the captain’s welcome reception and dinner as the ship heads to Pozzallo.
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day 4
POZZALLO / NOTO
This morning, arrive in Pozzallo and drive to Noto, a sunbaked Sicilian town draped across a plateau surrounded by olive and almond groves. Meet your expert guide to explore this exquisitely preserved Baroque haven whose golden limestone buildings were so beautifully featured in the HBO series The White Lotus. You will see this treasure map of architectural wonders along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. On this elegantly manicured walkway, every façade is embellished with sculptures of gods, mythical beasts, saints, and angels. Pass under Porta Reale’s triumphal arch and gaze at Noto Cathedral’s imposing silhouette against the azure sky. Before returning to the ship, take a private visit to a meticulously restored 18th-century palazzo with its collection of furniture and paintings.
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day 5
VALLETTA, MALTA / TARXIEN / QRENDI or MDINA / RABAT
Arrive in Valletta, Malta, for an inside look at the only national capital that UNESCO has designated a World Heritage Site in its entirety. Discover why: Valletta packs 320 monuments in just 135 acres, making it one of the world’s richest concentrations of historic treasures. Founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John, Valletta’s grid layout and fortified walls blend seamlessly with the rugged landscape. An incredible highlight will be a guided look at St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a Baroque gem built between 1573 and 1578. Inside, see Mattia Preti’s intricate carvings and marble floors. Move up close to two remarkable Caravaggio masterpieces in the Oratory: The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, notably the Italian artist’s only signed work, and Saint Jerome Writing. Continue to Tarxien, where you will have an inside look at megalithic temples from 3600-2500 B.C. that stand as some of Earth’s oldest freestanding structures. Marvel at the complex’s spirals, animal reliefs, and altars. In the afternoon, choose between optional guided visits: Option 1: Head to Qrendi and the UNESCO-recognized prehistoric Hagar Qim Temples, which date back to 3,200 B.C. This hilltop temple complex overlooks the sea and the islet of Fifla. Continue to the nearby Mnajdra Temples, one of the oldest religious sites in the world, built between 3600 and 2500 B.C. These ancient megaliths feature precise solar alignments that mark the equinoxes. Option 2: Explore the villages of Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital known for its medieval fortifications and Baroque architecture, and Rabat, home to early Christian catacombs and the legendary St. Paul’s Grotto, where St Paul the Apostle is believed to have founded the first Christian Community on the island. In Rabat, explore the Wignacourt Collegiate Museum, a Baroque residence built in the 17th century for the Chaplains of the Knights of St. John. Peruse its impressive art collection, including works by Mattia Preti and Francesco Zahra, and rare religious artifacts like a portable altar used on galleys. All guests will return to Sea Cloud II in Valletta.
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day 6
GOZO, MALTA / AFTERNOON AT SEA
Venture to the Maltese island of Gozo and explore the UNESCO-recognized Ġgantija Temples, some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating back to 3600 B.C. These two massive Neolithic temples, more than 20 feet tall and made from limestone blocks weighing up to 57 tons, were likely used for religious rituals. Continue to the Citadel of Victoria, a fortified city inhabited since the Bronze Age and was later fortified by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century to defend against Ottoman attacks. Its towering bastions offer panoramic views of Gozo. Inside, discover the Baroque Cathedral of the Assumption and remnants of the island’s medieval history. Return to the ship for lunch as we set sail for Sicily.
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day 7
PORTO EMPEDOCLE, SICILY, ITALY / AGRIGENTO OR PIAZZA ARMERINA
Return to Sicily for an immersive experience of the lavish world of Magna Graecia, a once-thriving ancient Greek colony here. Sea Cloud II arrives in Porto Empedocle, where you will transfer to beautiful Agrigento, formerly the ancient Greek city of Akragas. Prepare yourself for a treat with a guided tour of the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will explore some of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece itself. Wander amid the eight massive Doric temples, each dedicated to a different deity. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of Piazza Armerina and its imperial Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose stunning Roman mosaics, which span nearly 3,500 square feet and date to 310–340 A.D., are among the most exceptionally well-preserved of their kind.
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day 8
TRAPANI / SEGESTA or MAZARA DEL VALLO / AFTERNOON AT SEA
Continue your exploration of Magna Graecia, arriving in the Sicilian port of Trapani. Transfer for an excursion to Segesta and its unfinished yet majestic and extraordinarily well-preserved Doric temple, constructed by the Elymian people around 420 B.C. You will also see the adjacent ancient Greek theater, built in the late fourth or early third century B.C., once seating more than 3,000 spectators.
Alternatively, transfer to the village of Mazara del Vallo to see its spectacular seven-foot bronze statue, retrieved from the sea by local fishermen. With his flying hair and goat ears, the figure was quickly dubbed The Dancing Satyr. Return to the ship for lunch, followed by an afternoon at sea. Tonight, gather aboard Sea Cloud II for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner. -
day 9
PALERMO / DISEMBARK / RETURN
Disembark Sea Cloud II this morning in Palermo and transfer to the airport for your flights home.
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