Sicily & Malta

Arrive in Valletta, Malta’s compact capital, founded in the 1500s by the Knights of St. John on a peninsula overlooking the Grand Harbor. Explore the walled city’s palaces, museums, and grand churches, and stroll through one of its gardens before boarding the Royal Clipper and setting sail for Sicily.

Arrive in Syracuse on Sicily’s Ionian coast, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world. Visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, one of Sicily’s great archaeological sites, then relax in a café on one of the baroque piazzas before wandering the medieval lanes toward the sea.

Barreling under full sail through the narrow Strait of Messina past Scylla and Charybdis, where rock and whirlpool almost claimed Ulysses, you arrive in lovely Taormina. Perched on the shoulder of Mt. Etna, Taormina inspired Goethe to say that 'It is the greatest work of art and nature.'

The Aeolian archipelago is made up of 7 islands of volcanic origin, of which only Stromboli and Vulcano are still active volcanoes. The main island is Lipari, which offers travellers arriving by boat a beautiful panorama of its Acropolis, presided over by the Cathedral. Its marina is bustling with shops, boutiques and stalls... it's an island where life is good.

Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, rising dramatically from the sea in a perfect cone of black lava. As the ship sails in the surrounding waters, passengers gather on deck to watch the island’s smoking summit and the famous Sciara del Fuoco, where glowing ash and stones occasionally tumble down the slope. Its gentle, frequent activity creates a mesmerizing natural spectacle. Whether at sunrise or sunset, sailing near Stromboli is an unforgettable moment of raw beauty and quiet awe.

Vibrant and full of character, Palermo is the spirited capital of Sicily - a city where history, culture, and cuisine blend in irresistible harmony. Passengers can explore its dazzling mix of Norman, Arab, and Baroque architecture, from the golden mosaics of the Palatine Chapel to the grand Teatro Massimo. The narrow streets bustle with markets overflowing with color and fragrance, while elegant piazzas invite a slower pace. Whether sampling authentic Sicilian street food, admiring ancient treasures, or simply soaking in the city’s southern warmth, Palermo captures the essence of the Mediterranean - bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.

On Sicily’s western coast, Trapani is a graceful port city where salt pans, sea breezes, and centuries of history blend in golden light. Passengers can explore the charming old town, with its baroque churches and bustling markets, or join an optional excursion to the medieval hilltop village of Erice (available at an additional cost). Reached by a scenic drive or cable car, Erice enchants with cobbled streets, stone houses, and sweeping views across the coast and the Egadi Islands. Whether exploring history, tasting Sicilian sweets, or strolling the seafront, Trapani offers a captivating blend of culture and coastal serenity.

The charm of Malta's sister island Gozo is immediately apparent. Steeped in myth Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey. It's green, rural and calm relying on fishing and agriculture as well as tourism. It is one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations with an incredible range of shore and boat dives including reefs, caves and wrecks. There are also Knights watchtowers, tiny chapels and beautiful peaceful beaches to explore.

Valletta is the tiny capital of the island of Malta. The walled city was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. It has a rich historical past and is a European Art City and a World Heritage City. It has an abundance of museums, palaces and grand churches to visit but be sure not to miss out on exploring one of its beautiful gardens.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.