Ancient civilizations converged and flourished along the shores of Sicily, leaving a legacy of artistic masterpieces and important archaeological sites. Aboard Sea Cloud II, discover the island’s rich history as you circumnavigate its idyllic shorelines, enhanced by colorful spring wildflowers.
Sicily by Sea
Round-trip from Malta aboard Sea Cloud II
10 days from $6,990
Ancient civilizations converged and flourished along the shores of Sicily, leaving a legacy of artistic masterpieces and important archaeological sites. Aboard Sea Cloud II, discover the island’s rich history as you circumnavigate its idyllic shorelines, enhanced by colorful spring wildflowers.
Tour Details
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
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Grand Hotel Excelsior
Valletta, Malta
This 5-star property is centrally located two minutes from Valletta, a World Heritage Site. Rooms with a view of the sea are confirmed for the group, overlooking Marsamxett harbor and Manoel Island. This luxury resort offers a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, and spa. Business center and currency exchange are available. All rooms are non-smoking and provide an electronic safe, coffee maker, minibar, toiletries, hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Clothes pressing service is complimentary and laundry and dry-cleaning services are available for a fee.
Number of nights: 1
Activity Level 2: Moderate
Expectations: Land program followed by a sea-going sailing journey. The sailing vessel will pull into a pier for embarkation and shore excursions may use tenders at some ports. Excursions on land and from the ship will be at a moderately active pace during morning, afternoon, or full-day excursions and you can spend the good part of the day off ship. Some days will require early morning departures (8:00 or 8:30 a.m.). Daily activities of three to four hours each day. Some standing and walking (up to two hours) during outdoor activities and tours, city tours, and museum visits, often without places to sit. Walking two to three miles will be over sometimes difficult terrain, such as cobblestone streets in towns, some hills, and stairs without handrails.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.
Optional Pre-Tour Extension to Malta’s Southern Coast and Gozo Island - June 2-5, 2022
There has never been a better time to visit Malta since the country’s Renaissance following its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2018. In preparation for this historic moment regeneration projects were completed all over the country. After having explored the Malta’s capital city of Valletta during the main program, this two-night pre-trip extension offers the chance to experience the sites, stunning landscape and local charm of this island nation beyond its capital city, including a day trip to the idyllic island of Gozo to see the oldest megalithic temples on Earth.
Thursday-Friday, June 2-3 – ARRIVE MALTA
Depart the U.S. on your transatlantic flight to Malta. Arrive Valletta and transfer to the Grand Excelsior Hotel. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. (D)
Saturday, June 4 – MALTA’S SOUTH COAST
Head out today for an exploration of Malta’s south coast beginning with the megalithic complex of Hagar Qim, a World Heritage Site, that overlooks the wide expanse of the blue Mediterranean and islet of Filfla. Continue to picturesque Marsaxlokk, a fishing village since Roman times, with its artistic building facades and colorful boats bobbing in the harbor. Wander the local market, set right on the water, and enjoy lunch independently. Just before sunset, head to M’dina, one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture, best seen as the light fades. The lamp-lit streets of Malta’s oldest town radiate medieval intrigue. Celebrate being in Malta together during a festive dinner, followed by a moonlit amble when M’dina is at its most atmospheric. (B, D)
Sunday, June 5 – GOZO, MALTA
Travel by ferry to Gozo, one of the three main islands that make the Mediterranean nation of Malta. Gozo Island is full of stunning panoramas and historic sites, including one of Malta’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, the World Heritage site of Ä gantija. Following a guided visit to the temples, continue to the charming capital city of Victoria and a visit to the Citadel, the center of the Gozo since Neolithic times. Enjoy a seaside lunch before taking in the island’s extraordinary landscape of intricately carved salt pans and towering cliffs. Late this afternoon ferry back to Malta and join the main tour for a welcome reception and dinner. (B, L)
Grand Excelsior Hotel, Malta, 3 days / 2 nights
This 5-star property is centrally located two minutes from Valletta, a World Heritage Site. Rooms with a view of the sea are confirmed for the group, overlooking Marsamxett harbor and Manoel Island. This luxury resort offers a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, and spa. Business center and currency exchange are available. All rooms are non-smoking and provide an electronic safe, coffee maker, minibar, toiletries, hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Clothes pressing service is complimentary and laundry and dry-cleaning services are available for a fee. Check-in is 3:00 p.m.
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For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.
Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.