Cruising Malta, Sicily & the Aeolian Islands (Harmony G)

Welcome to Malta! After arriving to Malta International Airport, you will be collected by an Intrepid representative and transferred to Valletta’s Grand Harbour, where your ship awaits. Embarkation for your Adventure Cruise is at 3pm, but if you arrive early, a stroll along the promenade will reveal a swathe of historic buildings now housing lively restaurants and unique shops. Board your ship and settle into your cabin, then enjoy a welcome drink on board and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner this evening.

Set sail this morning and cruise towards Gozo, the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago. Stop along the way for a swim in Malta’s famously blue waters before arriving to Gozo and disembarking. Transfer to Victoria where you’ll meet with a local guide for a walking tour of the city, learning about its fascinating history and taking in the medieval citadel and intricate baroque cathedral. Then, pay a visit to a beloved local winery to learn about production on the island, and of course try some of their wonderful wine yourself. Return to Malta’s main island, where the evening is yours to explore on land and discover the excellent traditional restaurants on offer.

Included Activities:
-Gozo - Guided walking tour
-Gozo - Guided Winery Tour

After cruising from Malta to Sicily, the large island and the toe of Italy’s boot, enjoy a morning to explore the city of Syracuse, brimming with ancient riches. Perhaps take a trip to the local market, where cannoli, arancini and granita beckon. Wandering the streets of Syracuse is an adventure in itself – crumbling facades, stone balconies and hidden courtyards make this storied city a joy to explore. In the afternoon, travel by bus to the city of Noto in southeastern Sicily (approximately 1 hour). Here you’ll meet with a guide to see this dazzling city through the eyes of a local, exploring streets lined with well-preserved examples of Baroque architecture. Visit the Piazza Municipio, fringed by grand historic buildings, and perhaps pop into Caffe Sicilia, home to some of the best coffee and pastries on the island. After an exciting day exploring, return to the ship for dinner.

Included Activities:
-Noto - Guided Walking Tour

After breakfast on board, disembark on Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Meet with a local guide and get to know the history and culture of the island while exploring Lipari town. With a human history stretching back more than 6000 years and spanning the Neolithic, Bronze and Hellenistic Ages, there’s so much to uncover here! Stroll narrow streets with houses clad in bougainvillea and visit the two bustling ports that are the lifeblood of the town. After your walking tour, enjoy some downtime to grab a bite to eat, wander more of Lipari’s charming streets, or if you’re up for a bit of a climb, perhaps pay a visit to Castello di Lipari, ancient castle ruins overlooking the town and harbour (the views from up here are unbeatable!).

Included Activities:
-Liparis - Guided walking tour of Lipari Town

Just north of Sicily you’ll find Vulcano, an island named for its bevy of bubbling and steaming volcanoes. Sail here this morning and disembark on the island, where you’ll have the morning to discover its geothermal wonders. You may like to join an optional walking tour of a volcanic crater, kick back on the beach, or soak in a natural mud bath. In the afternoon, sail towards Panarea, the smallest inhabited Aeolian Island. This little-visited island is the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon, whether you fancy challenging yourself with a hike to a secluded bay, stretching out on a sun lounger or wandering the winding streets dotted with delightful little cafes and shops. This evening, back on board the ship, circumnavigate Stromboli Island, home to the active Mount Stromboli volcano. Watch from the water for minor eruptions lighting up the night sky.

Back on Sicily’s main island, this time on the north east coast, today will be spent discovering Mt Etna and its surrounds – this famous volcano is Europe’s most active and one of the largest in the world. First, travel by vehicle past vineyards, ancient forests and evidence of past lava flows before setting off on foot for a gentle 45-minute hike over volcanic craters as a local guide shows you the impact the volcano has had on the landscape. Next up, an activity worth raising a glass to. Pay a visit to a local vineyard where you’ll learn about production processes and how the region’s uniquely fertile volcanic soil leads to some seriously fantastic wine. Sample a range of Etna DOC wines before sitting down to a traditional lunch of local specialties, such as seasonal vegetables, Sicilian sweets, and of course more wine! Return to the ship for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Included Activities:
-Mt Etna - Mt Etna tour & agirturismo dinner at winery

Nestled on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most celebrated and glamourous towns, and it’s not hard to see why. Hop off the boat in this super scenic spot this morning and join a local guide for an informative walking tour, taking in examples of Greek architecture while learning about the region’s layered history. Marvel at the impressive Greek Theatre and the medieval cathedral before slipping into back streets hiding gorgeous gardens, courtyards and houses. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries of Taormina, and there’s certainly no shortage of wonderful things to see and do here. Head to a local cafe to cool off with a refreshing granita, soak in the scenery from the Piazza IX Aprile, sip an espresso at the gorgeous Piazza del Duomo or visit the fabulous gardens of Villa Comunale di Taormina. On board the ship this evening, reminisce about your adventure with your group over a final dinner.

Included Activities:
-Taormina - Guided walking tour of Taormina

Returning to where your journey began, disembark the ship in Valletta after breakfast this morning. Bid farewell to your newfound friends, as your adventure comes to an end at around 9am.