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Sicily and Malta Itinerary
Day 1 - Catania
We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 2 - Catania
Optional excursions proposed: - CLASSIC: Catania. Located on the banks of the Ionian Sea and dominated by Mount Etna, you’ll discover vast squares, wide streets, and lava-rock buildings in this splendid city. Its historic and artistic heritage is just waiting to be discovered. - DISCOVERY: Mount Etna. Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, and we’ll take you up to almost 6,400 feet (1950 m) to the Silvestri Craters near the top. The bleak lava wilderness around the summit of Etna is one of the most memorable landscapes you’ll ever see. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to the Italian coast.
Day 3 - Pozzallo
This morning, the optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion is: Ragusa and Modica. Travel back in time when visiting these lovely UNESCO World Heritage sites. In Regusa, you’ll discover two cities in one: modern Regusa rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and ancient Hybla Heraia. The city’s architectural gem is the Duomo of San Giorgio. We’ll then continue on to Modica, a charming inland village snuggled on a hillside. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, Modica is now a lively and dynamic city with oversized churches and steep stairs running from the bottom of the village to the top of the slope. We'll spend the afternoon cruising towards Malta.
Day 4 - Valletta
Optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion: Valletta.This afternoon, enjoy some free time in Valletta.(3) Tonight's festivities will have a Maltese flair!
Day 5 - Valletta
Optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion: Valletta. The splendid Maltese capital deserves a special visit. Perched on top of a steep cliff, its layout and architectural structures are remarkable. The city was built stone-by-stone by and for the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. We’ll make an exclusive stop at Saint John's Co-Cathedral. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in Valletta.(3) Tonight’s festivities will have a Maltese flair!
Day 6 - Valletta
Optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursions: A morning in Mdina and Rabat. Mdina is a veritable open-air museum. The ancient Maltese capital holds many treasures, among them several of the most beautiful homes in the country. You’ll step back in time strolling through the labyrinth of streets lined with impressive palaces. We’ll then head to Rabat, with archaeological relics testifying to the town's importance during the Roman period. We'll visit Saint Paul’s and Saint Agatha’s Catacombs, the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. In the afternoon, set out to discover Malta's treasures by visiting the island's most beautiful sites. We’ll visit the Hagar Qim temple complex, dating back to the beginning of the Bronze Age. Our next stop will be Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village. Its isolated location and deep waters have made it a strategic island location over the centuries. Our ship will cruise to Sicily overnight.
Day 7 - Siracuse, Sicily
This morning, the optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion is: Syracuse and Ortygia. One of the most fascinating cities in Sicily awaits us today. The 2,700-year-old city of Syracuse played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. We’ll discover the unique site of the Necropolis of Pantalica, and visit Ortygia, the small island which is the historical center of the city. You'll come across the majestic ruins of the Greek Temple of Apollo, the Piazza Archimede, and the Piazza Duomo, an elliptical open space lined with harmonious and impressive buildings. This afternoon, the optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion is: Noto. Noto and its church were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Totally destroyed by the 1693 Sicilian earthquake, the current town was built on the left bank of River Asinaro, about 8 miles from the previous town. Enjoy a stroll through the historical center and admire the buildings, do a bit of souvenir shopping, or enjoy a snack at a local café. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Day 8 - Catania
Disembarkation.