Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Malta with Windstar

Fly from the UK to Rome today. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Civitavecchia to board the Windstar Wind Surf, the world’s largest sailing ship. Dinner will be served onboard, and you will depart the port early this evening.

Stay: Wind Surf

Enjoy the day at sea on your tall ship vessel. Pamper yourself with a day at the spa, spend time relaxing in your stateroom, or explore the ship’s dining and entertainment spaces.

Stay: Wind Surf

Catania combines the best of modern and ancient times. Its downtown area is a bustling city centre, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating city is nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, and your shore excursion options are varied for today. Explore the volcano itself, which has reshaped Catania many times over. Visit the lovely Taormina for stunning views, or head to the UNESCO site of Tantalica. If you prefer, explore ancient Syracuse, another UNESCO site and one which Cicero called “the most beautiful of all.” 

Stay: Wind Surf

Gozo has long-since been thought to be the mythical Ogygia of Homer’s Odyssey, the place where Odysseus was held captive for seven years by Calypso. The island is full of intriguing caves, but Calypso’s Cave is probably the most fascinating of all. You may also want to visit Caroline’s Cave, a natural grotto where nuns once went to swim. Gozo is also home to the Ggantija Temples, the world’s oldest freestanding temples. Make time to explore the Citadella, a small, fortified town housing the island’s cathedral, the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, and the Old Prisons.

Stay: Wind Surf

Today, you’ll leave Italy momentarily to discover Malta. The capital city, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is among the smallest and most charming capital cities in the world. Here, you’ll find paintings by Caravaggio and staggering shorelines. The stately Palazzo Parisio gives you a glimpse at the lifestyle of Malta’s nobility. Everywhere you turn, you will want to take a photo. Don’t forget your camera!

Stay: Wind Surf

History buffs will rejoice at the chance to visit Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is hailed by many as the best ancient ruins in the entire Mediterranean. Imagine combining the ruins in Athens, Ephesus, and Olympia together, and that is what you will find.

As you stare out at the Mediterranean Sea from the verdant ridge here, you might feel as though you have stepped back into the 5th or 6th century. Breath in the scents of olive, almond, and eucalyptus and take in one of the world’s most beautiful sites.

Stay: Wind Surf

Spend today exploring Trapani, where windmill-lined salt marshes produce a large percentage of the Mediterranean’s signature coloured salts and a raft of highlights include the intricate mosaics of Mozia. Spend the day sampling the famous wines of Marsala, or venture to the medieval hill town of Erice for the arguably the best view in all of Sicily. While you’re there, take in the gardens bursting with colour and sample a delicious cannoli - a local speciality.

Stay: Wind Surf

Today, you'll sail to Lipari, the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands – a spectacular island gem well-known in ancient mythology and, today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An optional tour will perfectly showcase the island's spellbinding coastlines, pretty villages and boat-dotted harbours, Or, strike out on your own.

Stay: Wind Surf

Perched high on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers exceptional views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound. You can choose to explore on your own or join in an optional shore excursion. One popular option will take you to the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Torre Annunziata, or the 4th-century B.C. city of Herculaneum. You can also choose a boat ride to Positano, from where the legendary sirens are meant to hail. 

Stay: Wind Surf

The town of Amalfi is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and some of the world’s best coastal scenery. As part of the Amalfi Coast, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This entire region is famed for its lemons, double the size of the fruit found elsewhere. The delectable result of this is limoncello liqueur, a local speciality. Be sure to sample some while you’re here. An optional tour takes you to the UNESCO archaeological areas of Pompeii, Positano, and Ravello.

Stay: Wind Surf

Your ship will dock in Civitavecchia early this morning. After breakfast onboard, you will transfer to the airport in Rome for your onward flight home. We would encourage you to make the most of your time exploring Italy by adding a pre- or post-cruise stay in Rome. Please speak to one of our specialists to learn more.