Discover a region that is uniquely rich in history and culture during a seven-night cruise circumnavigating Sicily aboard the luxurious, 47-cabin Sea Cloud II. This journey begins and ends in Malta which, together with Sicily, bears the stamps of all the major civilizations cradled by the Mediterranean: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Christians, Jews, Byzantines, and Muslims. Each civilization left important stylistic traces in major architectural, urban, and artistic monuments. In this region, classical temples, open-air theaters, villas adorned with mosaics and frescoes, magnificently adorned churches and chapels, Islamic cloisters, and Baroque cathedrals are all found in abundance. Begin in Valletta, the vibrant capital city of Malta, and then embark Sea Cloud II for a splendid seven-night cruise circumnavigating Sicily. Sea Cloud II offers excellent, modern cruise accommodations while capturing the timeless elegance of sailing. Explore the island’s treasures with stops in Trapani, Palermo, Giardini Naxos, and Syracuse. In addition, this itinerary includes a day in the Aeolian Islands, one of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites visited during this cruise, as well as a specially timed sailing to enjoy up-close views of the active Stromboli volcano. A robust educational program rounds out this outstanding journey, as expert study leaders offer a series of illustrated lectures and informal discussions along the way. An optional, pre-trip extension in Malta and Gozo, with visits to remarkable Neolithic and medieval sites, is also available.