Sailing Around Sicily - Cruise from Valletta

Departure 11:00 pm
This strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. More than 7,000 years ago, a civilisation existed here, leaving behind enormous temple complexes. Just like proud Valletta, these are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St John, founded a modern fortified city on a rock in 1566, between the two splendid natural ports of Marsamxett and Grand harbor. Long rows of facades made from golden-yellow blocks of chalk stretch along the straight streets. Splendid Renaissance and Baroque buildings are evidence of riches and power, such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the impressive St John's Co-Cathedral.

Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.

Arrival 8:00 am, Departure 1:30 pm
The city of Porto Empedocle on Sicily’s sun-soaked southwestern coast is only six kilometers from Agrigento — making it the perfect base for visiting the legendary archaeological sites. With its 1,300 hectares, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples has an impressive ten Doric temples, three sanctuaries, a necropolis, statues, mosaics, and fortifications. The ruins of the ancient city are excellently preserved and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. If you need a little break after visiting the Hera, Concordia, and Demeter temples, you will find peace in the fragrant Garden of Kolymbethra among lemon trees and rosemary.

Arrival 1:30 pm
The old town and port of Trapani lies on a picturesque crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice. You will discover many little treasures browsing through the beautiful town center. For the last 1,000 years, fine black and red coral jewellery has been made here. The mountain town of Erice is a real architectural gem. Not far from Tapani, this idyllic little town is tucked away in a picturesque hilltop setting overlooking the countryside and the sea. Protected defiantly by a wall, the town retains its splendid medieval atmosphere.

Departure 1:30 pm
The old town and port of Trapani lies on a picturesque crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice. You will discover many little treasures browsing through the beautiful town center. For the last 1,000 years, fine black and red coral jewellery has been made here. The mountain town of Erice is a real architectural gem. Not far from Tapani, this idyllic little town is tucked away in a picturesque hilltop setting overlooking the countryside and the sea. Protected defiantly by a wall, the town retains its splendid medieval atmosphere.

Arrival 8:00 am, Departure 11:00 pm
The character of Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, was mainly forged by the Arabs, Swabian dynasty and Normans. Noble palaces line the magnificent streets, cheerful-looking Art Nouveau houses stand next to Baroque buildings and a little further on you are faced with pure Gothic facades. The medieval quarter towers above the huge Palazzo Reale with its "Capella Palatina", a masterpiece in the Arab-Byzantine-Norman style. The small mountain town of Monreale gives you a breathtaking view over the town and the bay, as well as the 12th century cathedral whose interior combines Romanesque, Byzantine and Arab art with rich gold mosaics.

Arrival 1:30 pm, Departure 7:00 pm
Lipari is a tranquil little spot and the largest of the Aeolian Islands, with a cultural heritage stretching back over 6,000 years. Right from first glance you can see its volcanic heritage, with some of the rock formations resembling sculptures, and the entire group of islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Aeolian Museum is set on the castle hill and holds an impressive collection of prehistoric and ancient artefacts from this volcanic group of islands. You will find the southern Italian way of life in this little port infectious.

Arrival 7:00 am, Departure 11:00 pm
Taormina is perched on a rock with a majestic view over the sea. In the 19th century, this small town had already developed into a dream destination for well-heeled travellers and artists. The town's fascination lies in its elegance, the many ancient buildings, the stunningly beautiful coastline, the mild climate, and the view over the silhouette of Etna. Europe's largest volcano is over 9,843 feet high, has four summit craters and around 400 subsidiary craters, and is covered with snow almost all year round. In ancient times it was considered the seat of the gods, but nowadays large sections of it are a nature reserve.

Arrival 8:00 am, Departure 2:00 pm
The municipal area of Syracuse boasts relics from cultural history going back more than three millennia. In ancient times, the city was the most powerful in the known world and was famed for its splendour. The island of Ortigia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where Syracuse began its rise as an ancient city. The huge cathedral is at the heart of the old town, magnificent palaces line the Piazza and wide promenades invite you to take a stroll. The archaeological park brings Greek and Roman history back to life. Yet Syracuse exudes southern Italian charm, with washing drying outside the windows.

Arrival 8:00 am
This strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. More than 7,000 years ago, a civilisation existed here, leaving behind enormous temple complexes. Just like proud Valletta, these are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Order of St John, founded a modern fortified city on a rock in 1566, between the two splendid natural ports of Marsamxett and Grand harbor. Long rows of facades made from golden-yellow blocks of chalk stretch along the straight streets. Splendid Renaissance and Baroque buildings are evidence of riches and power, such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the impressive St John's Co-Cathedral.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing)

Length: 109 metres

Passenger Capacity: 58

Built / refurbished: 1931 / 2011

Travelling aboard Sea Cloud is a journey back in time to the golden age of sail, where opulence and adventure coexist in splendid harmony. This majestic four-masted barque, hand-sailed and rich in history, was originally built in 1931 by American heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband, E.F. Hutton. With 30 sails spanning 32,000 square feet and interiors adorned with antique furnishings, marble fireplaces, and gilded fixtures, Sea Cloud is as much a floating palace as she is a ship. Her 58 guests are attended to by a crew of 60, ensuring a level of service as refined as the ship herself.

Despite her grandeur, life aboard Sea Cloud is refreshingly relaxed. Guests enjoy gourmet meals in a single, unassigned seating, complemented by fine wines at lunch and dinner. The covered lido bar and the elegant Lounge offer comfortable gathering spaces, while the open Bridge invites guests to witness the art of traditional sailing. The “Blue Lagoon,” a semicircle of cushioned seating at the stern, is perfect for soaking in sea breezes and sunsets. Whether sailing the Mediterranean or exploring the Caribbean, Sea Cloud offers an unmatched blend of heritage, elegance, and maritime charm.

Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing)

Length: 105 metres

Passenger Capacity: 88

Built: 2001

Sea Cloud II is a romantic tall ship that masterfully blends the elegance of classic sailing with the comfort and convenience of modern luxury. Inspired by her legendary predecessor from the 1930s, this three-masted barque is fitted with 23 sails and is hand-sailed whenever possible, adding a sense of theatre and tradition to every voyage. With 44 cabins accommodating just 88 guests, the atmosphere aboard remains intimate and relaxed, while the interiors evoke the charm of a bygone era—polished wood, sweeping staircases, and vintage nautical style—all paired with the contemporary standards of a premium expedition ship.

Guests aboard Sea Cloud II enjoy spacious decks for sun-soaked sailing days, al fresco dining on the Lido Deck, and a wellness area featuring a sauna, massage therapy, and fitness facilities. The ship’s welcoming indoor spaces include an elegant dining room and a comfortable lounge for evening Recaps hosted by expert field staff such as historians and photo instructors. Meals focus on locally sourced ingredients and regional cuisine, served in an informal yet refined setting. With an open Bridge policy and wide, accessible passageways, Sea Cloud II invites guests not just to relax, but to immerse themselves fully in the experience of life under sail.

Vessel Type: Three-mast full-rigged ship

Length: 138 meters

Passenger Capacity: 136

Built: 2021

Building a three-mast full-rigged ship with traditional rigging in the 21st century may seem a little unusual. For SEA CLOUD CRUISES it is a commitment to true passion for sailing. With her clear, classic line she follows the example of her elegant windjammer sisters, but goes completely new ways. An entire deck with balcony cabins, an exclusive wellness and SPA area, a fitness room with sea view, a bistro on deck as an evening alternative to “fine dining” in the restaurant – the youngest member of the SEA CLOUD family offers plenty of room for individuality in addition to genuine windjammer romance.

The SEA CLOUD SPIRIT combines traditional windjammer experience with 21st century comfort with up to 136 passengers.

Cabins:

69 outside cabins (22 junior and 3 owner suites with balconies) and 7 de luxe lido outside cabins with panoramic windows that can be opened

Cabin equipment:

Bathrobes, hair dryer, telephone, adjustable A/C, private safe, minibar, coffee machine, TV with entertainment system, WI-FI, exclusive cosmetics, dressing table, bureau

Public areas:

Restaurant (180° panoramic view) with free seating and one sitting, lido Bar and bistro, lounge with Steinway grand piano, library with comfortable sitting area, sun deck with sunbeds and shower, boutique, hospital, WI-FI

Fitness, wellness & spa:

Generous wellness and spa area with two treatment rooms, Finnish sauna, steam bath, relaxation room, multi-sensory shower as well as various massages, beauty parlour and hairdressing salon, fitness area with ocean view and the latest cardio equipment, swim platform, watersports equipment, 4 zodiacs