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Italy & Malta
Mediterranean Serenade
Cruise in East Sicily & Malta
The distinctive and diverse peninsulas of these countries provide a natural playground best explored by a small ship. We've crafted the ultimate itinerary to ensure you experience our destinations thoroughly, prioritizing your comfort and safety. Situated amidst the cobalt-blue seas off Sicily's northeastern coast, the UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands (including Gozo Island, sailing around Stromboli, and Lipari Island) are a true paradise—a seven-island archipelago brimming with opportunities for relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Highlights include: Valletta - Gozo island - Syracuse – Lipari – Catania
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Price per person
31 May 2025 | 25 Jul 2026
Travel period
8 days
Duration
Highlights
The Ggantija Temples on Gozo Island!
Discover the Ggantija Temples, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site on Gozo Island! These megalithic structures, older than the Egyptian pyramids, are among the world's oldest free-standing buildings. As one of Malta's most treasured archaeological sites, they offer a glimpse into prehistoric Malta and the lives of our ancient ancestors. Explore these awe-inspiring wonders and step back in time.
The Belvedere Quattrocchi - Lipari
Belvedere Quattrocchi, is one of the most stunning viewpoints in the Aeolian archipelago!
The name implies that you need "four eyes" to fully appreciate the breathtaking views. Overlooking Valle Muria beach, it provides a panoramic vista of Lipari, the Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda volcanoes, and Vulcano Island. On clear days, you can even see Mount Etna.
Catania, the "Black City"
Nestled against the sea on its eastern flank and overlooked by Mount Etna, we greet the captivating city of Catania. Recognized as "the black city" due to its distinctive building hue, it boasts a UNESCO World Heritage city center adorned with magnificent baroque palaces and churches erected following the catastrophic eruption of 1669. With a rich and storied past, Catania exudes an ancient allure!
Day by Day
VALLETTA, MALTA
Day 1
Valletta, Malta (2pm): Enjoy a welcome drink on board, and a chance to settle in as well as meet your crew and fellow passengers. Overnight in port before we set sail on our adventure the following morning.
VALLETTA - GOZO ISLAND, MALTA - SYRACUSE, ITALY
Day 2
In the morning, the boat departs from Valetta port, heading to Malta’s cherished Gozo Island, famous for the Ggantija temples. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are among the oldest free-standing megalithic monuments in the world, dating back 5,500 years. Enjoy a refreshing morning swim in the tranquil Maltese waters before having lunch on board. Early in the afternoon, we arrive at Gozo Island, where you’ll have the afternoon free for exploration and dinner ashore. After dinner, the ship will depart Gozo for the glorious Sicily.
SYRACUSE - LIPARI, ITALY
Day 3
Early in the morning, we arrive in Syracuse. After breakfast, join our optional tour to explore the “White City.” Enjoy lunch and a free afternoon at your leisure. At 7 PM, join our popular "Cocktail Demonstration," where our Bar Manager will create two signature cocktails and share the recipes. After the demonstration, enjoy a four-course dinner on board. We depart Syracuse around 9 PM, heading to the charming Lipari Island for an overnight voyage.
LIPARI, ITALY
Day 4
After a leisurely breakfast, spend your day on deck enjoying the sun and sea breeze. We will sail around Stromboli, one of the Aeolian Archipelago’s volcanic islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its continuous volcanic activity over the past 2,500 years. We anchor at Lipari Island around noon. Before our included BBQ lunch on board, our chef will share the Pesto a la Trapanese recipe. The afternoon is free for you to explore Lipari and enjoy dinner ashore at your leisure. The boat will overnight at Lipari.
LIPARI - CATANIA, ITALY
Day 5
After breakfast, join our optional tour to Quattrochi Belvedere, Quattropani, and the Lipari Castle. Enjoy lunch on your own at your leisure. At 7:30 PM, participate in our included Wine Tasting Experience, featuring a delightful selection of Italian and Greek wines, preparing your palate for our four-course dinner on board. We will spend the night at sea!
CATANIA, ITALY
Day 6
Our boat reaches Catania early in the morning. Enjoy the view from the deck before breakfast. Join an optional tour of Mt. Etna’s southern slopes, ascending to 2000 meters, with wine tasting and lunch included. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy our Captain’s Italian Night Dinner with Italian dishes and music. The boat overnights in Catania!
CATANIA, ITALY
Day 7
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast. For assistance with airport or hotel transfers, speak with your Cruise Manager in the morning, ideally providing your preferred transfer time 24 hours in advance. Join our optional tour to explore Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city, founded by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C. at the foot of Europe's highest volcano. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore or have lunch on your own. Our boat departs Catania around 6 PM.
VALLETTA, MALTA
Day 8
We arrive in Valletta at 7:30 am. Have a leisurely breakfast with your fellow travelers. Your Cruise Manager will be on hand to help with your pre-booked transfers. We can't wait to welcome you back on another VARIETY CRUISES journey around the globe!
In case of severe weather conditions our expertly designed routes are adjusted ensuring your safety & comfort by applying our rich marine knowledge, garnered since 1949. Stay flexible – Adventure on.
Dates & Rates
Adults2
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What’s included
Included
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
- Half-board: Buffet breakfast and 1 meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a Captain’s Italian Night dinner, fun BBQ (weather permitting).
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
- English-Speaking Chief Experience Officer.
Not included
- Beverages (except those mentioned above).
- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
- Crew tips.
- Passenger personal expenses.
- Wi-Fi (available at charge).
