Embark on a captivating journey beginning in the charming capital of Malta, Valletta, and explore the wonders of Sicily and Southern Italy. Your adventure starts with a visit to Agrigento, home to the UNESCO-listed Temple Valley. Wander the medieval city of Erice, near Trapani, with its narrow cobblestone streets and timeless charm. In Palermo, delve into the intriguing origins of the Mafia and savor the flavors of Sicilian cuisine. Continue to the Aeolian Island of Lipari, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs, before arriving in Sorrento. Here, amidst fragrant lemon groves adorning the hillsides, taste the renowned limoncello, capturing the essence of Sorrento's citrus bounty.
Highlights include: Valletta – Agrigento – Trapani – Palermo – Lipari – Sorrento – Napoli
Day 1 – Saturday, Valetta, Malta
Embarkation at Valletta's charming port begins at 14:00. The dedicated Variety Cruises crew will conduct an essential safety drill before the sail is set. Join us for a delightful welcome cocktail and dinner as we prepare to depart for the next destination, Port Empedocle, around 21:00. This enchanting start to your cruise adventure promises unforgettable moments against the backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea!
Day 2 – Sunday, Port Empedocle
Awake in the serene embrace of Port Empedocle, a coastal gem on Sicily's southern shore, where tranquility meets storied maritime legacy. Opt for the exclusive tour to Agrigento, home to the UNESCO-listed Temple Valley, where ancient Greek ruins whisper tales of antiquity. Traverse this archaeological wonderland before visiting the famed "Turkish Stairway," a spectacle of white cliffs by the sea. With the afternoon yours to explore or unwind, join the Cocktail Demonstration before tonight's onboard dinner. Led by the skilled Bar Manager, uncover the secrets behind crafting signature cocktails to impress loved ones back home. Bid farewell to Port Empedocle as dusk descends, setting course for the next stop: the charming town of Trapani. Departure is around 22:00, promising another night of adventure on the shimmering Mediterranean waters!
Day 3 – Monday, Trapani
At 7 am, the vessel docks at Trapani, an idyllic coastal enclave steeped in maritime history. Explore the charming old town and lively harbor, filled with the legacy of its seafaring past. Navigate cobblestone streets adorned with pastel facades, discovering hidden gems like quaint piazzas and ornate churches. Alternatively, join the optional tour to the medieval town of Erice, offering panoramic views and iconic landmarks like the Castle of Venus. Enjoy leisurely moments at the port, relishing lunch at your own pace. As evening approaches, savor a sumptuous dinner onboard!
Day 4 - Tuesday, Trapani- Palermo
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Trapani. At approximately 13:30, the boat sets sail for Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Spend the afternoon as you please before joining our Wine Tasting Experience, featuring a selection of Italian and Greek wines, to prepare your palate for the four-course dinner on board. We will arrive in Palermo around 20:00, giving you the opportunity to continue your evening with an aperitivo at a trendy bar, sipping on a refreshing Aperol spritz or sampling local wines paired with savory snacks!
Day 5 – Wednesday, Palermo
Palermo, a captivating blend of ancient legacies and modern vitality, invites you to explore its rich cultural heritage and vibrant energy. The city's streets echo with influences from Phoenician, Roman, Arab, and Norman eras, creating a dynamic urban mosaic. Wander through the historic center, where narrow alleys lead to Baroque wonders, majestic palaces, lively markets, and bustling piazzas. Enhance your Palermo experience with our optional tours: trace the origins of The Godfather on an intriguing journey or indulge in a Sicilian food tour, sampling local delicacies like cannoli and arancini. After a delightful dinner onboard, it is bid farewell to Palermo as the boat sets sail for the enchanting island of Lipari.
Day 6 – Thursday, Lipari
Today, it is awakened to the tranquil shores of Lipari, the crown jewel of the Aeolian Islands, steeped in myth and embraced by stunning natural beauty. Dive into the island's allure with our optional half-day tour, starting with panoramic vistas at Quattrocchi and a visit to Quattropani, offering captivating views of Salina. Explore a Spanish-built castle-turned-cathedral and museum, where artifacts from prehistoric to ancient Greek & Roman times await discovery. After the tour, relish leisure time in the village for a personalized lunch experience. Tonight, indulge in a culinary journey inspired by Sicilian and Italian flavors, accompanied by captivating music. As it is bid farewell to Lipari at 6:30 pm, its voyage continues towards the enchanting shores of Sorrento, promising another unforgettable chapter in the maritime adventure.
Day 7 – Friday, Catania - Sorrento
As morning breaks, it is glided into the enchanting embrace of Sorrento, a jewel along the Amalfi Coast renowned for its Mediterranean allure. Perched majestically atop cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento captivates with breathtaking vistas and timeless charm. Wander its winding streets, adorned with vibrant bougainvillea-draped buildings, beckoning exploration at every turn. Opt for the morning tour to Pompeii, a poignant journey into the past of the Roman Empire, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Upon return, savor leisurely moments for your own exploration. Indulge in Sorrento's delights, from sipping limoncello to enjoying fresh seafood by the marina, offering a feast for both palate and soul. As night falls, relish a delightful dinner aboard. For evening enchantment, wander the streets of Sorrento for a cocktail or a sumptuous gelato, adding a perfect finale to your day in this captivating coastal haven.
Day 8 - Saturday, Napoli
Arriving in Naples at dawn, indulge in a leisurely breakfast with fellow travelers. The Cruise Manager will coordinate your pre-arranged transfers for a seamless transition to your next adventure. You are being waited for another unforgettable journey with VARIETY CRUISES, wherever the world may beckon next!