DETAILS
On this Mediterranean Sea adventure touching two continents, cruise to the temples and cities left behind by waves of civilizations, including prehistoric peoples and the ancient Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. Sail aboard Sea Cloud II as it travels from Malta to rugged yet beautiful Sicily, Tunisia, and Spain’s Balearic Islands. In Sicily, visit the magnificent Greek ruins of Agrigento and Segesta. In the North African country of Tunisia, experience Tunis and the ancient city of Carthage. In Sardinia, wander through Su Nuraxi di Barumini to see nuraghi, imposing Bronze Age structures only found on this island, and tour Cagliari, Sardinia’s ancient capital. Sail to the island of Menorca and its picturesque capital Mahón. After a memorable day at sea, disembark in Barcelona.
- Pricing from
- $9,999
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1
DEPARTURE
Depart for Valletta, Malta on an overnight flight.
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day 2
VALLETTA, MALTA / EMBARK SEA CLOUD II
Arrive this morning in Valletta and gather for lunch. After lunch, board the elegant Sea Cloud II and set sail for Sicily. L,D
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day 3
PORTO EMPEDOCLE, SICILY, ITALY / AGRIGENTO
Morning arrival into Porto Empedocle for a drive to Agrigento, which Pindar called “the most beautiful city built by mortal men.” Delve into the lavish legacy of Magna Graecia, the ancient Greek colony in what would become southern Italy. Discover the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples), and marvel at the nearly intact Tempio della Concordia (Temple of Concordia), perhaps the best-preserved Greek temple in the world. Tonight, gather for the captain’s welcome reception and dinner. B,L,R,D
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day 4
TRAPANI / AFTERNOON AT SEA
Arrive at the port of Trapani and depart on a morning excursion to Segesta to view its splendid Greek temple and theater. Alternatively, drive 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 2,400-year-old figure was quickly dubbed The Dancing Satyr. B,L,D
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day 5
TUNIS, TUNISIA
From the Tunis port of La Goulette, discover the ancient ruins of storied Carthage, founded by Phoenicians in the ninth century B.C. and once Rome’s greatest rival. Continue to the National Bardo Museum, renowned as having the world’s greatest collection of Roman polychrome mosaics. Along with its spectacular collection of mosaics, the museum holds many splendid artifacts ranging from the Carthaginian through the Arab-Islamic periods. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour through Tunis’ historic medina, a maze of narrow streets where vendors sell a variety of handicrafts. B,L,D
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day 6
CAGLIARI, SARDINIA, ITALY
After a morning at sea, Sea Cloud II sails to Sardinia’s southern coast and the island’s capital, Cagliari. Spend the afternoon exploring this ancient city that has been ruled by several civilizations, including the Phoenicians and Romans. On a walking tour, stroll the narrow streets around Cagliari’s old town, and see the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 13th-century Cattedrale di Santa Cecilia, also known as Cagliari Cathedral. Alternatively, drive along the southwestern coast to reach Nora, beautifully situated on a promontory overlooking the sea. Settled initially by Phoenicians in the ninth century B.C., Nora came under the control of Carthage in the sixth century and developed into the island’s largest urban and commercial center. In 238 B.C., the city fell to the Romans, who made it Sardinia’s capital. Remains from the Roman city include a theater, an aqueduct, a temple of Juno, a nymphaeum, baths, and private villas. B,L,D
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day 7
DAY AT SEA
Today, discover the thrill of sailing aboard the legendary Sea Cloud II. As she carries us under a full set of billowing white sails, experience the grace and romance of a bygone era of travel, and sit down for fascinating talks rom our lecturers. B,L,D
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day 8
MAHÓN, MENORCA, SPAIN
A visual delight with its lush flora and fauna, the island of Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Arrive in Mahón and drive through the scenery to a lovely country estate, whose owners will lead us on a walk through the extensive gardens and host us for a private reception. There will be time to view the Museo de Menorca’s collection of antiquities and artifacts dating from Roman times, all housed in a 15th-century monastery. Sea Cloud II remains in Mahón until the early evening. B,L,D
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day 9
DAY AT SEA
Today, enjoy the continuation of the educational program with talks from the lecturers. Gather for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner. B,L,D
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day 10
BARCELONA / DISEMBARK / RETURN
Disembark Sea Cloud II this morning, and transfer to the airport for flights home. B
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