Italy: Scenes of Sicily

2025 wild earth travel

ITALY ITALY Scenes of Sicily Scenes of Sicily

18 - 25 18 - 25 JUNE 2025 | 8-DAY hosted sailing cruise JUNE 2025 | 8-DAY hosted sailing cruise

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PRICE FROM €5,025*pp twin share to save 5%*

PRICE FROM €5,025*pp twin share

Discover Italy‘s Rich Cultural Tapestry and Breathtaking Landscapes...

FROM MAGNIFICENT PALACES TO ANCIENT SITES WITH VIEWS OF VOLCANOES LOOMING LARGE...

Join us Wild Earth Travel on an unforgettable journey through Italy's captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the cathedral of Ortigia to the vibrant streets of Palermo, each day promises new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. Indulge in the diverse flavours of Italian cuisine, sample world-class wines at local vineyards, and immerse yourself in the traditions of each region visited. With expert guides leading the way, you'll uncover hidden gems, explore historic landmarks, and create memories to last a lifetime. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or wanting to relax and learn about Southern Italian culture, this trip offers something for everyone. Don't miss out— reserve your spot today!

See more on this voyage:

Aboard Sea Cloud Spirit

Sea Cloud Spirit at full sail

Palermo Cathedral, Getty Images

Lipari

Erice Trapani Marsala

Mediterranean Sea

Palermo Malta

Sicily

ITALY

Taormina

Naxos Syracuse

Noto

TRAVEL STYLE:

EARLY BIRD PRICE FROM: TRIP DATES:

HIGHLIGHTS:

Sailing cruise aboard Sea Cloud Spirit

€5,025pp* twin share (includes early bird saving of 5%) 18 to 25 June 2025

> Historic Elegance: Prepare to be wowed by Palermo’s palazzi and the gold mosaics of the Cappella Palatina

> Little Island, Big Beauty: Lipari leaves a lasting impression with its volcanic landscapes and lively harbor town

> Europe’s Most Spirited Mountain: Stand in awe and fiery fascination of the majesty of Mount Etna

> Where Ancient Meets Baroque: Stroll through history with Ortigia’s Old Town and the grandeur of Noto

> Feel at one with the sea as you sail aboard the beautifully crafted Sea Cloud Sprit

PRICES: EURO PER PERSON

Cabin Category A

Cabin Category B

Cabin Category C

Cabin Category D

Cabin Category E

Guaranteed Double Cabin

Superior Single Staterooms

Early Bird Price SAVE 5%* Regular price

€10,090

€8,795*

€7,455*

€6,525*

€5,645*

€5,295*

€6,995*

€9,585*

€8,355*

€7,075*

€6,195*

€5,355*

€5,025*

€6,645*

INCLUSIONS

Voyage on board in selected cabin category

Welcome champagne in suite/stateroom

Daily fresh fruit basket in suite/stateroom

All meals including nightly 4course menu and a 5-course gala dinner

Fine wines from renowned winemakers and beer for lunch and dinner

All non-alcoholic coffee and tea specialties

All soft drinks

Welcome and farewell cocktail

Bottled water on excursions

Gratuities and port fees

Curated moments

Beach barbecues in select destinations

Marina platform with use of water sports equipment such as snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, and towable tube (weather permitting)

*NOTE: Rate per person for double cabin occupancy (except for the single staterooms, which is the price quoted for one person). Subject to availability. Early bird price available until 30 Nov 2024 or sold out. Category A and Superior Single Staterooms available on request. Guaranteed cabin category allows you to book our voyage at a lower rate. A specific cabin number or category cannot be selected. You will receive your exact cabin number when arriving on board. The range of accommodation starts from Cat. E. The allotment for this category is very limited.

Itinerary: Scenes of Sicily

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE

VALLETTA, MALTA

Transfer to Sea Cloud Spirit where you will be greeted by Wild Earth Travel host, Tomasa.

DAY 2: THURSDAY 19 JUNE

DAY UNDER FULL SAIL

today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and r in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.

DAY 3: FRIDAY 20 JUNE

TRAPANI, SICILY

The old town and port of Trapani lies on a pictures crescent-shaped headland at the foot of Monte Erice You will discover many little treasures browsing through the beautiful town centre. For the last 1,0 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 idylli 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.

EXPLORING VALLETTA

This strategically important location has always attracted foreign conquerors. More than 7,000 years ago, a civilisation existed here, leaving behind enormous temple complexes. Today, you can wander through its ancient streets lined with honey-hued limestone buildings, witnessing the grandeur of Baroque architecture at every turn. Discover hidden courtyards, ornate churches, and majestic forts that whisper tales of knights and empires past. Dive into bustling markets, savoring the aroma of freshly baked pastizzi and the sight of colorful produce.

DAY 4: SATURDAY 21 JUNE

PALERMO, SICILY

Arancini. One of the most famous foods from Sicily is arancini. There is a hot debate between Sicilians in the town of Catania, who call them arancino, and Sicilians from Palermo, who call them arancina on the correct spelling... Either way, they are delicious!

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.

MOUNT ETNA:

Standing at 3,330m, Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and dominates the surrounding landscape. For millennia, Etna's explosive and effusive eruptions have shaped the region, including the soil, which is subsequently mineral-rich and produces some of the best Sicilian wines.

DAY 5: SUNDAY 22 JUNE

LIPARI, AEOLIAN ISLANDS

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.

DAY 6: MONDAY 23 JUNE

TAORMINA (NAXOS), SICILY

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 Mount Etna, which has four summit craters, 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.

DAY 7: TUESDAY 24 JUNE

SYRACUSE, SICILY

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.

DAY 8: WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE

VALLETTA, MALTA

After breakfast, we disembark in Valletta.

Please note this itinerary is indicative and subject to change.

MEET YOUR HOST: TOMASA DEMARCHI

Wild Earth Travel Reservation Expert & Sales Coordinator

Tomasa has worked in the travel industry for more than 20 years, enjoying various roles, including her current position in the reservation team at Wild Earth Travel where she has a variety of responsibilities, including hosting trips. “Whether we come together at the end of the day or go out on a shared excursion, I believe having a host to assist with day-to-day questions and interacting with a small group truly enhances the trip experience,” says Tomasa.

On this journey, Tomasa is excited to return home to Italy, as she does most years. “I was fortunate to spend a few weeks in Sicily a couple of years ago and can’t wait to return to explore more of this amazing region, which offers so much history, local food, wine, and beautiful beaches,” explains Tomasa.

“Experiencing Sicily via a small ship is the best way to explore this part of the world, as most cities and attractions are coastal (plus, the roads are not the best, and Sicilian drivers can be a little scary!),” she adds.

SEA CLOUD SPIRIT

Vessel Type: Three-mast full-rigged ship Length: 138 metres

Passenger Capacity: 136 Built: 2021

With her clear, classic line Sea Cloud Spirit follows the example of her elegant windjammer sisters, but building this piece of sailing splendour in the 21st century has enabled modern-day touches that only increase comfort and enjoyment.

There is an entire deck with balcony cabins, an exclusive wellness and spa area and a fitness room with a sea view.

Other public areas include a lido Bar and bistro, lounge with Steinway grand piano, library with comfortable sitting area, sun deck with sunbeds and shower and a boutique. In addition, there is a swim platform, watersports equipment and four zodiacs.

Extend your Italian odyssey after the cruise with a 6-night stay in a beautifully renovated traditional masseria (ll Melograno) in Bari, a 90-minute flight northeast of Malta. Experience seaside charm, historic streets, delectable cuisine, enchanting architecture, and warm hospitality under the Mediterranean sun. Bellissimo!

BARI

Fly from Malta to Bari. Transfers from Bari airport to the hotel, ll Melograno. Welcome dinner in the evening.

ALBEROBELLO

Enjoy a cooking class over lunch before a guided visit of charming Alberobello in the afternoon. Alberobello is known for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, and it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dinner at Il Melograno.

MONOPOLI

Winery visit including lunch. After a break at the hotel in the afternoon, enjoy an evening out in Monopoli.

LECCE

Guided visit of Lecce, which is known as the "Florence of the South". Lecce’s best points of interest are the archaeological remains of Roman rule and the 17th-century baroque buildings. Lunch in Lecce. Dinner at Il Melograno.

LOCOROTONDO

If you're seeking an authentic Italian experience, you will enjoy the narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and picturesque countryside of Locorotondo, which remains relatively unknown to many tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination. Lunch in Locorotondo. Evening out in Ostuni.

MATERA

Guided visit of Matera, a rocky outcrop in the region of Basilicata, in southern Italy. It includes the Sassi area, a complex of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside. Lunch in Matera. Dinner at Il Melograno.

BARI

Transfer to Bari airport for departure.