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Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta aboard Sea Cloud II

Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta aboard Sea Cloud II

From AUD $18,218

Description

Set sail aboard the majestic tall ship Sea 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. 

Trip Name
Sailing the Ancient Shores of Sicily and Malta aboard Sea Cloud II
Days
10
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 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. Embark Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon, settle in and enjoy the first night onboard. Arrival Time: Arrive before 4:00 p.m. local time.Arrival City: Valletta, MaltaMeals Included: Dinner 
Day 2 - 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 as Sea 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. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Day 3 - Day 3 Agrigento, Sicily, Italy / 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 to Sea Cloud II and cast off for a relaxing afternoon under sail.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Day 4 - Day 4 Erice / Marsala
 After Sea 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 to Sea Cloud II in Trapani.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Day 5 - 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 of Sea Cloud II’s riggings to handset her sails. Or attend a presentation by your historian or cultural expert about the region’s rich history. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Day 6 - 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 in The Godfather films. Return to Sea Cloud II, anchored off the town of Giardini Naxos, and enjoy happy hour and dinner as we sail to our next destination.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Day 7 - 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 to Sea Cloud II for 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. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Day 8 - 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. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Day 9 - Day 9 Valletta
 Be on deck this morning with cameras ready as you enter one of the most attractive harbors in the Mediterranean by tall ship. Disembark and drive to the city’s highest point, the Upper Barracca Gardens, and take in the sweeping view. Tour St. John’s Co-Cathedral with its elaborate inlaid marble tombstones and monumental artwork. After lunch onboard, opt for free time in Valletta, or continue your exploration with a visit the old capital of Mdina: walk along the ancient city walls and marvel at the feat of engineering undertaken to build the Rotunda of Mosta, one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Enjoy a final dinner aboard Sea Cloud II this evening. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Day 10 - Day 10 Valletta / Disembark Ship
 Disembark in the port of Valletta this morning and transfer to the airport for your flights home.Departure Time: AnytimeDeparture City: Valletta, MaltaMeals Included: Breakfast 
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-05-202608-06-2026AUD $20,230Category 01
29-05-202608-06-2026AUD $22,779Category 02
29-05-202608-06-2026AUD $27,309Category 03
29-05-202608-06-2026AUD $28,767Category 04
29-05-202608-06-2026AUD $31,621Category 05
29-05-202608-06-2026AUD $34,200Category 06
29-05-202608-06-2026AUD $39,036Category 07
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $27,422Category 04
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $30,143Category 05
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $34,279Category 06
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $37,212Category 07
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $19,285Category 01
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $21,713Category 02
07-06-202617-06-2026AUD $26,033Category 03
16-06-202626-06-2026AUD $21,131Category 01
16-06-202626-06-2026AUD $23,666Category 02
16-06-202626-06-2026AUD $28,372Category 03
16-06-202626-06-2026AUD $29,894Category 04
16-06-202626-06-2026AUD $32,846Category 05
16-06-202626-06-2026AUD $37,367Category 06
16-06-202626-06-2026AUD $40,563Category 07
02-06-202711-06-2027AUD $22,478Category 01
02-06-202711-06-2027AUD $25,179Category 02
02-06-202711-06-2027AUD $30,179Category 03
02-06-202711-06-2027AUD $31,806Category 04
02-06-202711-06-2027AUD $34,940Category 05
02-06-202711-06-2027AUD $39,746Category 06
02-06-202711-06-2027AUD $43,149Category 07
11-06-202720-06-2027AUD $18,218Category 01
11-06-202720-06-2027AUD $20,400Category 02
11-06-202720-06-2027AUD $24,460Category 03
11-06-202720-06-2027AUD $25,767Category 04
11-06-202720-06-2027AUD $28,316Category 05
11-06-202720-06-2027AUD $32,212Category 06
11-06-202720-06-2027AUD $34,964Category 07

Inclusions

    • 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

Map