Malta, Sicily & Aeolian Islands

Discover the rich and storied histories and landscapes of both Malta and Sicily on board your next small ship cruise adventure. The unique and varied coastlines of both countries offer a natural playground that is best experienced by a small ship, whilst the Unesco-protected Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi) are a little piece of paradise, a seven-island archipelago offering a wealth of opportunities for relaxation and outdoor fun, rising out of the cobalt-blue seas off Sicily's northeastern coast. Stunning waters provide sport for swimmers, sailors, kayakers and divers, while trekkers can climb hissing volcanoes and gourmets can sip honey-sweet Malvasia wine.

Itinerary Highlights:

  • Malta's magnificent capital city, Valletta
  • Gozo Island's baroque cathedral & vineyards
  • Historic Syracuse in Sicily, once a rival to Athens
  • Ruins, volcanoes and mudbaths on the paradise Aeolian Islands
  • Optional tour of Mt. Etna with expert volcanologist


  • Duration:

  • 8 Days, 7 Nights

  • Board Basis:

  • Full Board | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Departures:

  • Please contact us for departure dates

What's Included:

  • Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC and A/C

  • Full board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, loxal theme evening, BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.

  • Complimentary regular/filter coffee, tea and drinking water all day.

  • Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability)

  • English-speaking Cruise Escort


What's Not Included:

  • Beverages (except those stated as included)

  • Shore excursions on the islands or other land excursions

  • Crew tips or gratuities for drivers and guides

  • WiFi (additional charge)

  • Medical expenses

  • Port charges

  • Personal expenses such as drinks, other than those stated as included.

  • Expenditures incurred ashore

  • Passenger personal expenses

Full Itinerary

Valletta (Malta)

Day 1 | Saturday

Embarkation at 3 p.m. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Overnight in port.


  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Valletta - Gozo Island (Malta)

Day 2 | Sunday

Morning sailing to Gozo Island. Morning swim stop at one of Gozo’s beautiful beaches. Arrival in Gozo harbor after lunch. Optional excursion with visits of the Citadel and its baroque Cathedral, our Lady of Ta Pinu Basilica, the St George Basilica and the Cathedral Museum. Late in the afternoon, after a short wine tasting, we will return to the ship. Late night departure for Syracuse, Sicily. Overnight at sea.


  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Syracuse (Sicily)

Day 3 | Monday

Early morning arrival in the port of Syracuse. Syracuse, one of the most and prestigious cities of the Hellenic World, was a rival of Athens. Our morning optional excursion will bring us to the spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theatre, the elliptical Roman amphitheater, the Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa, and the Cathedral, which incorporates the remains of the famed Temple of Athena. After lunch you can take our afternoon optional excursion taking you inland, into Sicily’s southeast region, known for its baroque towns. You will visit exquisitely-preserved Noto, a jewel of a town situated on plateau. Late in the evening we leave Syracuse for the Aeolian Islands. Overnight at sea.


  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Lipari (Aeolian Islands)

Day 4 | Tuesday

Morning arrival in Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, sitting on the red volcanic rock looking like a “wall of bronze”, according to the Greek poet Homer. Archaeological remains found here have yielded clues to civilizations which date back to 1700 BC, including the Neolithic stones that sit alongside ancient tombstones, and ruins of Greek walls and Roman villas. The Spaniards found their way here in the 16th century, building the Castello (castle) and the 17th century cathedral that is perched above the harbor; All these sights will be available for seeing them on your morning optional sightseeing excursion. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Lipari.


  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Vulcano Island - Panarea - Stromboli (Aeolian Islands)

Day 5 | Wednesday

We leave Lipari in the morning to reach Vulcano Island, famous for its majestic volcano crater and the mud baths. Morning optional walking tour along the slopes of the volcano towards the crater, while enjoying gorgeous views over the sea and the archipelago. In the afternoon we sail to Panarea, a quaint old style Aeolian Island. Late in the afternoon, we reach Panarea. Time at leisure in port, and in the evening we start our trip to Catania and sail slowly past the island of Stromboli, famous for its live volcano. The sight of live lava eruptions is not to be missed. Overnight at sea.


  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Catania (Sicily)

Day 6 | Thursday

Morning optional excursion to the Etna Volcano, the highest point in Sicily and a live volcano. A resident volcanologist will provide you with full details on its activity and volcano activity in South Italy. In the afternoon you can take our optional walking tour of Catania and discover the hidden treasures of this old Italian city. Overnight in port.


  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Catania - Taormina (Sicily)

Day 7 | Friday

Our day starts with an optional tour at nearby Taormina, a city with endlessly winding medieval streets and secluded gardens hidden by stone walls. Our optional full day excursion to this city boasting such beauty and history, features a stroll along the Corso Umberto, lined with piazza, Duomos and palazzo such as the Palazzo Santo Stefano. Later you will take a guided tour of the ancient Greek Theatre with wonderful uninterrupted views of the seal. Our lunch break is followed by time at leisure explore the city and its shops. After our farewell dinner, we start our return sailing to Malta. Overnight at sea.


  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Valletta (Malta)

Day 8 | Saturday

Disembarkation at 9:00 a.m. after breakfast.


  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Note: Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of Variety Cruises and of the Vessel's Captain in case of adverse weather conditions - winds of 6/7 beaufort or more depending on the vessel- on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not automatically entitle passengers to any refunds, but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights. The tours are quite active and require good physical condition. Due to slippery sites, we recommend comfortable shoes, sun tan lotion, a hat and water. Dress code applies for Church and Monastery visits.

Our Cruises:


MY Harmony G

MY Harmony G

Italy & Malta

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