SICILY, MALTA & AEOLIAN ISLANDS

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

In 1883 a woman, Karmni Grima heard the voice of Our Lady at a small chapel. Today an architectural masterpiece, especially inside with its superb sculptures and craftsmanship in Maltese stone, was constructed in front of the original chapel that remains intact and still contains the painting from which the voice is said to have spoken to Karmni Grima. Accessible for persons with a disability.

The Aeolian Islands shaped from the eternal struggle between sea and the bowels of the earth, from the unstoppable strength of lava, which managed to win them against god Neptune from deep waters of the Tyrrhenian sea.  A millenary war still lasting as there are two active volcanoes – Stromboli and Vulcano. The volcanic activity of steaming fumaroles and thermal waters are on most of the islands.

Day 1 Valetta, Malta

Embarkation at 3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Overnight in port.

Day 2 Valetta – 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 Valetta, Malta

Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast.