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The Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta
Lindblad Expeditions | 10 Days | Roundtrip Valletta
May & June 2026 Departures
Set sail aboard the majestic tall shipSea Cloud II to explore the culture, history, and cuisine of Sicily and Malta. Step into the past in cities and temples left behind by the Romans, Greeks, Carthaginians, and prehistoric peoples. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Agrigento, Valletta, and Gozo island’s megalithic temples—and enjoy views of a fourth: Mount Etna. Plus, discover the unique flavors of the region, including the renowned Marsala wines.
AAA Member Benefits and Special Offers:
- Member Benefits
- Up to $200 shipboard credit per cabin
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1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
Highlights:
Sail the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian Seas aboard Sea Cloud II, a vessel that combines nostalgic elegance and modern comfort
Explore enchanting piazzas and winding alleyways in picturesque towns like Erice and Taormina
Visit the Greco-Roman ruins in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples—considered one of the finest examples of Greek architecture outside of Greece
Discover Malta’s ancient temples of Ġgantija, consisting of structures built between c.3600 and c.3200 B.C.
Experience Sicily’s unique cuisine at a wine tasting in Marsala and private lunch at Castello degli Schiavi—an 18th-century castle used in The Godfather films
Additional Information
Day 1: Valletta, Malta / Embark Ship
Arrive in Valletta, Malta’s capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by daunting limestone fortifications that date back to the 16th century. EmbarkSea Cloud II in the late afternoon, settle in and enjoy the first night onboard.
Day 2: At Sea
Join your expedition leader for a play-by-play description of the crew in the rigging and the action of the setting of square sails, staysails and jibs asSea Cloud II shows her full glory. Bask in the comfort and intrigue of this distinctive square-rigger—enjoy delicious meals, complimentary drinks and talks by the expedition staff as you sail north toward Sicily.
Day 3: Agrigento, Sicily / At Sea
Dock in Porto Empedocle this morning for the next call: Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a collection of some of antiquity’s most magnificent Greco-Roman temples. Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century B.C., the site served as a prominent city in Magna Graecia before eventually changing hands between the Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. Explore the valley’s grand row of Doric temples devoted to the likes of Zeus and Heracles. Return toSea Cloud II and cast off for a relaxing afternoon under sail.
Day 4: Enrice / Marsala
AfterSea Cloud II docks in Trapani this morning, depart on an excursion to the nearby medieval town of Erice. Perched 750 meters (about 2,461 feet) above Sicily’s western coast, the panoramic views from the walled town are spectacular. Explore Erice with local guides and take time to wander on your own. Perhaps stop in at the renowned Pasticceria Maria Grammatico, or one of the many other local favorites, before continuing to the town of Marsala. Famous for its fortified wines, this port city also houses an excellent museum devoted to its Punic (Carthaginian) history, as well as an excavated Punic warship and a recently opened excavated Roman merchant vessel. Finish with a visit and tasting at a winery before returning toSea Cloud II in Trapani.
Day 5: At Sea
Grab your favorite deck chair, indulge in a delightful book and listen to the ship part the surf as you sail along Sicily’s northern coast. Weather permitting, stand on deck and watch the orchestrated frenzy of crew members go aloft in the web ofSea Cloud II’s riggings to handset her sails. Or attend a presentation by your historian or cultural expert about the region’s rich history.
Day 6: Taormina
Disembark Sea Cloud II in Messina and drive up to the beautiful town of Taormina, which spills across the slopes at the foot of Mount Etna, dominating to the south. This medieval town boasts the pedestrian-friendly Corso Umberto, lined with exquisite buildings, and one of the world’s most interesting cultural sites: the Greco-Roman Theater. This remarkable theater was built right into the cliffside, overlooking the vast sea below, in the third century B.C. From Taormina, continue to the Castello degli Schiavi, an 18th-century privately owned villa, for a special private lunch. Meet members of the family that still owns the villa and explore the extensive buildings and grounds that served as the setting for many scenes inThe Godfatherfilms. Return toSea Cloud II, anchored off the town of Giardini Naxos, and enjoy happy hour and dinner as we sail to our next destination.
Day 7: Siracusa / At Sea
Wake this morning to Siracusa, a city that once rivaled Athens in cultural and economic wealth. Explore the archaeological park which showcases one of the world’s largest theaters of antiquity, a 15,000-seat arena hewn from bedrock, which is still in use today. Visit the nearby limestone quarry, the cave of “Dionysus’ Ear” and the Roman amphitheater before returning toSea Cloud IIfor lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a break from the action-packed voyage by taking time to reflect and relax as you sail to Gozo. Join your expedition staff for talks, sample a collection of Sicilian wines or simply enjoy the thrill of an extended sail on this remarkable square-rigged tall ship
Day 8: Gozo, Malta
This morning, visit Malta’s “second island,” Gozo, focusing on the ancient megalithic temples of Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Older than both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge, the giant structures of Ġgantija were built by civilizations that thrived here more than 5,000 years ago. Visit the restored medieval windmill of Ta Kola—one of the many structures built by the Order of the Knights of Malta, who ruled the Maltese islands for centuries—before returning to Sea Cloud II. This evening, as you sail toward Valletta, celebrate your voyage with the captain’s farewell cocktail party and dinner at sunset.
Day 9: Valletta, Malta
This morning, visit Malta’s “second island,” Gozo, focusing on the ancient megalithic temples of Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Older than both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge, the giant structures of Ġgantija were built by civilizations that thrived here more than 5,000 years ago. Visit the restored medieval windmill of Ta Kola—one of the many structures built by the Order of the Knights of Malta, who ruled the Maltese islands for centuries—before returning to Sea Cloud II. This evening, as you sail toward Valletta, celebrate your voyage with the captain’s farewell cocktail party and dinner at sunset.
Day 10: Valletta, Malta
Disembark in the port of Valletta this morning and transfer to the airport for your flights home.
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-Lindblad Expeditions
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