Sicily's Rich Cultural Heritage

On a scenic, crescent-shaped headland beneath Monte Erice, you will find Trapani, a historic port town. As you wander the beautiful centre, you will find hidden gems and treasures, including the delicate black and red coral jewellery that the town has been famous for making for the past 1,000 years.

Just a short distance from Trapani, the mountain settlement of Erice is an architectural marvel. This secluded, idyllic town perches on a scenic hilltop, commanding views of the sea and countryside. The town retains its powerful medieval ambience, safely enclosed by its ancient, protective walls.

Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, has roots in a multitude of cultures and its grand streets are a catalogue of design, featuring noble palaces, cheerful Art Nouveau houses, Baroque structures, and bold Gothic facades. The smaller mountain town of Monreale overlooks the capital, offering a spectacular view of the city and bay. Monreale's 12th-century cathedral is an absolute highlight, its interior marrying many influences in a stunning display of rich gold mosaics.

As the largest and most tranquil of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari offers a rich cultural legacy extending back over six millennia. While the entire group of islands is a UNESCO World Heritage site, its volcanic heritage is immediately visible in the dramatic rock formations, many of which look like striking sculptures. Spend your day exploring the island's history at Aeolian Museum on the castle hill, or simply enjoying the relaxed, southern Italian way of life found in this little port.

Perched high on a rocky outcrop, Taormina offers truly stunning views over the sea. The small town established itself as a favoured retreat for wealthy visitors and artists in the early 19th century and is home to ancient buildings, a gentle climate and the striking sight of Etna's outline.

Standing over 9,843 feet tall, the continent's largest volcano features four main summit craters and some 400 smaller ones, with snow covering its peaks almost year-round. Revered in ancient times as the abode of the gods, Etna is now largely preserved as a nature reserve.

With a cultural history stretching back over three millennia, Syracuse was once the most powerful and celebrated city in the ancient world. Its origins are traced to the island of Ortigia, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The large cathedral dominates the old town, complemented by the grand palaces surrounding the Piazza and wide promenades perfect for walking, while the archaeological park offers a vivid experience of Greek and Roman history. Today, Syracuse seamlessly blends this ancient legacy with an alluring southern Italian character.

Your cruise ends back in Malta’s Valetta, a city known for its extraordinary Baroque architecture and fortifications. The capital of Malta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular jewel box of steep streets, grand auberges, and historic churches. Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565, the city is a testament to military engineering and 16th-century planning. Spend the day exploring before your return flight to the UK.