fbpx

Half Around Sicily, All-Around Italian Sailing Cruise

Half Around Sicily, All-Around Italian Sailing Cruise

From EUR €3,774

Description

This Mediterranean sailing traces a historic route from mainland Italy to Sicily and Malta, blending dramatic volcanic landscapes with layers of ancient civilisation. Departing from Rome, the voyage calls at Palermo with its grand palazzi and Norman-Arab architecture, continues through the Aeolian Islands to Lipari’s striking volcanic scenery, and explores eastern Sicily with stops in Taormina and Syracuse, where Greek, Roman, and Baroque influences shape elegant old towns. The journey concludes in Valletta, a fortified harbour city rich in Knights of St John heritage, offering a fitting finale steeped in history and culture.

Trip Name
Half Around Sicily, All-Around Italian Sailing Cruise
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing) Length: 105 metres Passenger Capacity: 88 Built: 2001 Sea Cloud II is a romantic tall ship that masterfully blends the elegance of classic sailing with the comfort and convenience of modern luxury. Inspired by her legendary predecessor from the 1930s, this three-masted barque is fitted with 23 sails and is hand-sailed whenever possible, adding a sense of theatre and tradition to every voyage. With 44 cabins accommodating just 88 guests, the atmosphere aboard remains intimate and relaxed, while the interiors evoke the charm of a bygone era—polished wood, sweeping staircases, and vintage nautical style—all paired with the contemporary standards of a premium expedition ship. Guests aboard Sea Cloud II enjoy spacious decks for sun-soaked sailing days, al fresco dining on the Lido Deck, and a wellness area featuring a sauna, massage therapy, and fitness facilities. The ship’s welcoming indoor spaces include an elegant dining room and a comfortable lounge for evening Recaps hosted by expert field staff such as historians and photo instructors. Meals focus on locally sourced ingredients and regional cuisine, served in an informal yet refined setting. With an open Bridge policy and wide, accessible passageways, Sea Cloud II invites guests not just to relax, but to immerse themselves fully in the experience of life under sail.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
All roads lead to Rome. The stunningly beautiful city on the Tiber is around 70 kilometers (44 miles) from the port of Civitavecchia. The highlights of the "Eternal City" are not limited to the seven hills of antiquity. The historic center and the Vatican State in Rome are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the city of Vespas and "la dolce vita", painters, sculptors and architects have left behind innumerable works of art over three millennia. Ancient sites, Renaissance palaces, Baroque squares and fountains create a splendid backdrop for enjoying life in between the daily routine and eternity.
Day 2 - Day 2 Day under full sails
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
Day 3 - Day 3 Palermo, Sicily
The character of Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, was mainly forged by the Arabs, Swabian dynasty and Normans. Noble palaces line the magnificent streets, cheerful-looking Art Nouveau houses stand next to Baroque buildings and a little further on you are faced with pure Gothic facades. The medieval quarter towers above the huge Palazzo Reale with its "Capella Palatina", a masterpiece in the Arab-Byzantine-Norman style. The small mountain town of Monreale gives you a breathtaking view over the town and the bay, as well as the 12th century cathedral whose interior combines Romanesque, Byzantine and Arab art with rich gold mosaics.
Day 4 - Day 4 Lipari, Aeolian Islands
Lipari is a tranquil little spot and the largest of the Aeolian Islands, with a cultural heritage stretching back over 6,000 years. Right from first glance you can see its volcanic heritage, with some of the rock formations resembling sculptures, and the entire group of islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Aeolian Museum is set on the castle hill and holds an impressive collection of prehistoric and ancient artefacts from this volcanic group of islands. You will find the southern Italian way of life in this little port infectious.
Day 5 - Day 5 Taormina (Naxos), Sicily
Taormina is perched on a rock with a majestic view over the sea. In the 19th century, this small town had already developed into a dream destination for well-heeled travellers and artists. The town's fascination lies in its elegance, the many ancient buildings, the stunningly beautiful coastline, the mild climate, and the view over the silhouette of Etna. Europe's largest volcano is over 9,843 feet high, has four summit craters and around 400 subsidiary craters, and is covered with snow almost all year round. In ancient times it was considered the seat of the gods, but nowadays large sections of it are a nature reserve.
Day 6 - Day 6 Syracuse, Sicily
The municipal area of Syracuse boasts relics from cultural history going back more than three millennia. In ancient times, the city was the most powerful in the known world and was famed for its splendour. The island of Ortigia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where Syracuse began its rise as an ancient city. The huge cathedral is at the heart of the old town, magnificent palaces line the Piazza and wide promenades invite you to take a stroll. The archaeological park brings Greek and Roman history back to life. Yet Syracuse exudes southern Italian charm, with washing drying outside the windows.
Day 7 - Day 7 Valletta, Malta
This strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. More than 7,000 years ago, a civilisation existed here, leaving behind enormous temple complexes. Just like proud Valletta, these are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St John, founded a modern fortified city on a rock in 1566, between the two splendid natural ports of Marsamxett and Grand harbor. Long rows of facades made from golden-yellow blocks of chalk stretch along the straight streets. Splendid Renaissance and Baroque buildings are evidence of riches and power, such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the impressive St John's Co-Cathedral.
Day 8 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-08-202720-08-2027EUR €3,774Category F Upper/Lower Beds. From
14-08-202720-08-2027EUR €4,242Category E. From
14-08-202720-08-2027EUR €5,092Category D. From
14-08-202720-08-2027EUR €5,253Category C. From
14-08-202720-08-2027EUR €5,814Category B. From
14-08-202720-08-2027EUR €6,698Category A. From

Inclusions

    • Historic Elegance: Prepare to be wowed by Palermo’s palazzi and the gold mosaics of the Cappella Palatina.
    • Little Island, Big Beauty: Lipari leaves a lasting impression with its volcanic landscapes and lively harbor town.
    • Heart of History, Soul of Sicily: Taormina is a mosaic of cultures, cliffs, and cuisines.
    • Where Ancient Meets Baroque: Stroll through history with Ortigia’s Old Town and the grandeur of Noto.

Map