Embark on a new, singular expedition, so multifaceted, so rich in experience, and extraordinary, that it is sure to be remembered as one of the most remarkable journeys you’ve ever taken. Sailing aboard the Sea Cloud for 16 days, the most beautiful sailing vessel in the world, begin in Malta and focus on the island of Sicily, taking in its many aspects. There's a treasure trove of some of the world’s greatest ancient places. Visit no fewer than five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the city of Valletta, Malta’s megalithic temples, Agrigento, Siracusa, and the Aeolian Islands, and take in views of a sixth, Mt. Etna. Conclude in the Greek capital of Athens, with opportunities for still further exploration.
Highlights
Explore some of the world’s greatest Greco-Roman sites and vibrant culture
Discover five UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the city of Valletta
Enjoy Sicily’s celebrated foods, wines, herbs, olive oils, and music
Spend exhilarating time at sea under sail on the historic 4-masted Sea Cloud
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Valletta, the capital of the Republic of Malta, a nation of Mediterranean islands that has had extraordinary importance throughout recorded history because of its strategic location, with myriad rulers and influences. It is today part of the European Union. You’ll have a short orientation in Valletta and its grand fortification of Fort St. Elmo, including an outstanding multimedia introduction at “The Malta Experience.” Embark Sea Cloud in the late afternoon. The ship will remain docked through the night, and there will be an evening shuttle the short distance to town, if you'd like to explore Valletta further during the evening. (D)
Sea Cloud casts off at sunrise to pass under the limestone bastions of Fort St. Elmo in the first light. Sea Cloud’s sailors then go aloft to set the sails, as you enjoy the magnificence of true square-rig sailing. This afternoon visit Malta’s second island, Gozo, with our focus on the ancient megalithic temples of Ġgantija, a World Heritage site. Older than both the pyramids and Stonehenge, the giant structures of Ġgantija were built by civilizations that thrived here more than 5,000 years ago. This evening meet the Captain and the ship’s officers for Sea Cloud’s welcome cocktail party and dinner, under a full moon.
Have the full day for sailing, with our Expedition Leader giving a “play-by-play” description of the sail activity and maneuvers on the decks of Sea Cloud. Take time to get familiar with Sea Cloud’s four masts and 29 sails, and find your favorite spots on her comfortable teak decks. Join our expedition staff for talks on the Lido Deck, as the captain takes best advantage of the winds. You’ll have the first of our Sicilian wine tastings of the voyage this afternoon.
Our first call in Sicily is devoted to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a collection of some of the most magnificent Greco-Roman temples of antiquity. Founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks, the area was subsequently ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. Its temples are monumental and extraordinarily beautiful. Return to Sea Cloud in Porto Empedocle, and cast off for a relaxing afternoon under sail.
Anchoring at the fishing town of Mazara del Vallo, make a morning visit to the archaeological park of Selinunte. The giant columns, temples, stairways and city walls are a delight for photographers and explorers of all interests, and the natural setting is spectacular. The site has some of the finest architecture of the ancient world. In the afternoon, explore the town of Marsala. Famous for its fortified wines, this port city also houses an excellent museum devoted to its Punic (Carthaginian) history, as well as an excavated Punic warship. After seeing these places, have a visit and tasting at one of Marsala’s wineries. Continue to Trapani, where you rejoin Sea Cloud.
After Sea Cloud docks at the regional hub of Trapani, depart this morning up nearby Mount Erice to the intriguing medieval town of Erice. Perched 750 meters above Trapani and Sicily’s western coast, both the walled town and the views are unforgettable. It’s a place full of ancient history and also a vital, living town. You’ll explore Erice with local guides and also have time to wander on your own, before you reunite at the renowned pasticceria of Maria Grammatico for coffee and pastries.
The deck crew heads back aloft to set sails for the afternoon, with hopes for steady winds and an overnight sail along Sicily’s north coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This evening we’ll feature a talk on the history of the legendary Sea Cloud, followed by an “open house” viewing of some of the original staterooms.
Adding sails in the morning, continue with our on-board presentations and photography workshops. This afternoon anchor off the stunning coastline promontory of Cefalù, whose name derives from the Greek wordkefalo, or “head.” This is one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns, dominated by the 12th-century Norman cathedral with the headland rock La Rocca as its backdrop. You’ll explore the town on foot, and the more adventurous can hike to the top of 278-meter-high La Rocca for astonishing views over the town and the sea. Sea Cloud remains anchored at Cefalù through the evening, so you can return to this beautiful town at night, or even dine ashore if you wish.
The Aeolian Islands are not only famous for the winds of the god Aeolus, but also for some of the most well-known classical volcanoes. Set sails in the morning with the islands of Vulcano and Stromboli in view, anchoring for the afternoon at Lipari. Here you’ll go ashore for a drive around the perimeter of the entire island, with spectacular views of the other Aeolian volcanoes, before returning to the main town. Visit the small but surprising archeological museum that has an extensive collection of Neolithic artifacts made from the local obsidian, which was also the foundation of the island’s prosperity during the Greco-Roman era. This evening, you’ll have dinner on deck as Sea Cloud cruises the 25 miles to Stromboli, and with a little luck you’ll see some of the pyrotechnics of this active volcano.
In the early hours of the morning, pass through the narrow Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from the “boot” of Italy. It’s the purported location of Homer’s monsters Scylla and Charybdis, the rock and the hard place through which Odysseus had to sail. Then drive up to the intoxicatingly beautiful town of Taormina, perched 250 meters above. With Mount Etna dominating to the south, this stunning medieval town boasts the now-fashionable walk on the pedestrian Corso Umberto, lined with exquisite buildings, and ends at the Greco-Roman Theater. This unforgettable theater was built right into the cliffside, overlooking the vast sea below, in the 3rd century BC.
This evening, a special treat: a private dinner at a privately owned castle, the Castello degliSchiavi. This phenomenal 18th-century home was the setting for many scenes in the Godfather films, and you’ll meet members of the family that own it and explore the extensive buildings and grounds. Return after dinner to the Sea Cloud, which has been at anchor under the watchful gaze of Mount Etna.
Siracusa was the great rival to Athens, and its archaeological park features one of the largest theaters of antiquity. Its 15,000 seats are hewn out of bedrock, and the theater is still in use today. Also visit the nearby limestone quarry, the cave of “Dionysus’ Ear,” and the Roman amphitheater before returning to Sea Cloud for lunch. The afternoon features a walk through the medieval island town of Ortygia. The town is magical, with numerous little piazzas and narrow alleys, but the main feature is the Duomo, or Cathedral, which was built from the ruins of the ancient Temple of Athena. The history of Sicily can be told in the walls of this incredible construction. Ortygia is at its best in the evening, so you might want to have a Sicilian pizza in town tonight, or return for a walk after dinner aboard ship.
Leave the multitude of highlights of Sicily in your wake as we enjoy Sea Cloud doing what she does best: sail. These two days have plenty of time built in to work with winds of any directions for optimal sailing, and with some luck you’ll have westerly winds for an overnight sail too. Aboard Sea Cloud there will be time to catch up on journals, photo reviews, questions, to finish sampling Sicilian wines, and just enjoy the thrill of an extended sail on a historic square-rigged tall ship.
Today arrive at the other end of the Ionian Sea, at the Greek Peloponnesian port of Pylos. Visit the exceptionally well-preserved Palace of Nestor, the king of Pylos who is prominently mentioned in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. The palace dates from the 13th century BC. In the afternoon walk to Neo Kastro, an impressive 16th-century Turkish castle, with time to explore.
Day 14: Sailing and Exploring
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 116 Dinners
We will leave this day open to sail or explore, as the conditions suggest. We’ll assess the wind and sea conditions and the expedition as a whole to decide how best to use our final morning. We’ll then set sail for the final afternoon in the Aegean Sea, bound like Theseus for Piraeus and Athens.
Day 15: Piraeus | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Early this morning arrive at the port of Piraeus, Athens’ gateway to the Aegean Sea. You disembark in the morning for transfers to the airport for flights home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$19,790
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Category 1
Cabins 28-29 on Promenade Deck. Cabins have two single beds, a window and private bath facilities.
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Category 1S
Cabins 16-17, Promenade Deck. Upper and lower single beds, window. These cabins once housed the ship's officers.
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Category 2
Cabins 18-25 on the Promenade Deck. Cabins have two single beds, a window and private bath facilities.
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Category 3
Cabins 32-37 on Captain's Deck. Cabins have two single beds, a window and private bath facilities.
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Category 4
Cabins 30-31, Captain's Deck. Cabins have a queen bed, forward-facing window and private bath facilities.
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Category B
Deluxe Cabins 3-10, Main Deck. Large original cabins have a mix of bed types and decor motifs. All have portholes.
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Category A
Deluxe Cabins 3-10, Main Deck. Large original cabins have a mix of bed types and decor motifs. All have portholes.
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Category OS
Original owners suites 1-2, Main Deck. King sized beds, grand marble bathrooms with bathtubs.
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Included
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests (connectivity permitting)
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
