History rich Malta and Sicily welcome you for your next small ship cruise adventure. The unique and varied peninsulas of both countries offer a natural playground to be best experienced by a small ship, and so we have designed the ultimate itinerary for you to experience the destinations we visit in depth, always keeping in mind your comfort and safety. Rising out of the cobalt-blue seas off Sicily's northeastern coast, the Unesco-protected Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi) are a little piece of paradise, a seven-island archipelago offering a wealth of opportunities for relaxation and outdoor fun. Stunning waters provide sport for swimmers, sailors, kayakers and divers, while trekkers can climb hissing volcanoes and gourmets can sip honey-sweet Malvasia wine.

Day By Day

Day 1
Valletta, Malta
Embarkation at 3:00 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Overnight in port.

Day 2
Valletta - Gozo Island, Malta
Morning sailing to Gozo Island. Morning swim stop at one of Gozo's beautiful beaches. Arrival in Gozo harbor after lunch. Optional excursion with visits of the Citadel and its baroque Cathedral, our Lady of Ta Pinu Basilica, the St George Basilica and the Cathedral Museum. Late in the afternoon, after a short wine tasting, we will return to the ship. Late night departure for Syracuse, Sicily. Overnight at sea.

Day 3
Syracuse, Italy
Early morning arrival in the port of Syracuse. Syracuse, one of the most and prestigious cities of the Hellenic World, was a rival of Athens. Our morning optional excursion will bring us to the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theatre, the elliptical Roman amphitheater, the Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa, and the Cathedral, which incorporates the remains of the famed Temple of Athena. After lunch you can take our afternoon optional excursion taking you inland, into Sicily's southeast region, known for its baroque towns. You will visit exquisitely-preserved Noto, a jewel of a town situated on plateau. Late in the evening we leave Syracuse for the Aeolian Islands. Overnight at sea.

Day 4
Lipari, Italy
Morning arrival in Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, sitting on the red volcanic rock looking like a "wall of bronze", according to the Greek poet Homer. Archaeological remains found here have yielded clues to civilizations which date back to 1700 BC, including the Neolithic stones that sit alongside ancient tombstones, and ruins of Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century, building the Castello (castle) and the 17th century cathedral that is perched above the harbor; All these sights will be available for seeing them on your morning optional sightseeing excursion. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Lipari.

Day 5
Vulcano Island - Panarea - Stromboli, Italy
We leave Lipari in the morning to reach Vulcano Island, famous for its majestic volcano crater and the mud baths. In the afternoon we sail to Panarea, a quaint old style Aeolian Island. Late in the afternoon, we reach Panarea. After time at leisure in port, we gather for our traditional farewell dinner at anchor. In the evening we start our return trip to Catania and sail slowly past the island of Stromboli, famous for its live volcano. The sight of live lava eruptions is not to be missed. Overnight at sea.

Day 6
Catania, Italy
Morning optional excursion to the Etna Volcano, the highest point in Sicily and a live volcano. A resident volcanologist will provide you with full details on its activity and volcano activity in South Italy. In the afternoon you can take our optional walking tour of Catania and discover the hidden treasures of this old Italian city. Overnight in port.

Day 7
Catania - Taormina, Italy
Our day starts with an optional tour at nearby Taormina, a city with endlessly winding medieval streets and secluded gardens hidden by stone walls. Our optional full day excursion to this city boasting such beauty and history, features a stroll along the Corso Umberto, lined with piazza, Duomos and palazzo such as the Palazzo Santo Stefano. Later you will take a guided tour of the ancient Greek Theatre with wonderful uninterrupted views of the seal. Our lunch break is followed by time at leisure explore the city and its shops. After our farewell dinner, we start our return sailing to Malta. Overnight at sea.

Day 8
Valletta, Malta
Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast.