The Best of the Mediterranean with Malta and Sicily

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board this evening. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

In the morning, join us for a tour of Catania. Located on the banks of the Ionian Sea and dominated by Mount Etna, you'll discover vast squares, wide streets, and lava rock buildings in this splendid city. Its historical and artistic heritage is just waiting to be discovered.
OR join us on an excursion to Mount Etna(1). We'll set out to visit the largest active volcano in Europe. When we reach 7.000 ft., we'll take a walk together to visit the "Silvestri” craters and enjoy the desert moon atmosphere. From there, we'll enjoy a wonderful view over the gulf of Catania.
We'll spend this afternoon cruising.

Come with us on an optional excursion to Ragusa and Modica this morning. Travel back in time when visiting these lovely UNESCO World Heritage sites. In Ragusa, you'll discover two cities in one: modern Ragusa rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and ancient Hybla Heraia. The city's architectural gem is the Duomo of San Giorgio (outsides only). We'll then continue on to Modica, a charming inland village snuggled on a hillside. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, Modica is now a lively and dynamic city with over-sized churches and steep stairs running from the bottom of the village to the top of the slope.
This afternoon, we'll cruise towards Malta.

Join us for an included excursion to Gozo (lunch included). We'll set out on a full-day trip to a calm, heavenly oasis. We'll take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo, admiring the gorgeous landscapes and scenery along the way, including the impressive, fortified citadel in the capital city of Rabat. You'll discover remains of the Azure Window, a 92-foot (28 m) limestone natural arch that collapsed completely in March 2017. In the afternoon, we'll visit the megalithic temple complex of Ggantija, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.

This morning, join us for a tour of Valletta. The splendid Maltese capital deserves a special visit. Perched on top a steep cliff, its layout and architectural structures are remarkable. The city was built stone-by-stone by and for the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. We'll make a special stop at Saint John's Co-Cathedral.
Enjoy time at leisure in Valletta this afternoon(2).
Tonight's festivities will have a Maltese flair!

This morning, join us for a tour of Mdina and Rabat. Mdina is a veritable open-air museum. The ancient Maltese capital holds many treasures, among them several of the most beautiful homes in the country. You'll step back in time strolling through the labyrinth of streets lined with impressive palaces. We'll then head to Rabat, with archaeological relics testifying to the town's importance during the Roman period. We'll visit Saint Paul's Catacombs, the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.
In the afternoon, we'll set out on an excursion to discover some of Malta's treasures. We'll visit the Hagar Qim temple complex dating back to the beginning of the Bronze Age. We'll then head to Marsaxlokk, a small, traditional fishing village with a lovely harbor and picturesque seafront.
We'll cruise through the night towards Sicily.

In the morning, join us for a tour of Syracuse and Ortigia. One of the most fascinating cities in Sicily awaits us today. The 2,700-year-old city of Syracuse played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. We'll discover the unique site of the Necropolis of Pantalica, and visit Ortygia, the small island which is the historical center of the city. You'll come across the majestic ruins of the Greek Temple of Apollo, the Piazza Archimede, and the Piazza Duomo, an elliptical open space lined with harmonious and impressive buildings.
This afternoon, come with us on an included excursion to Noto. Noto and its church were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Totally destroyed by the 1693 Sicilian earthquake, the current town was built on the left bank of River Asinaro, about 8 miles from the previous town. Enjoy a stroll through the historical center and admire the buildings, do a bit of souvenir shopping, or enjoy a snack at a local cafe.
Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.