Sicily by Sail: Palermo to Valletta on Sea Cloud II

We are looking forward to safely traveling once again with alumni and faculty. Our hopeful planning is informed by University precautions and protocols. Due to the pandemic, Harvard has prohibited all University-related travel, both international and domestic, until further notice. Since group travel is planned far in advance, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to confirm your study leader’s participation before cancellation fees begin for your program.

Date: September 24, 2021 - October 2, 2021
Trip Type: By Sea

Group Size: Up to 94 guests
Price: Starting from $8,999 per person double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: To be announced

Activity Level 3

Trip Itinerary

General Terms and Conditions

More information coming soon.

Some of the world’s most extraordinary Greek temples grace the rugged landscape of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Discover these pearls of antiquity as you circumnavigate the island aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II. Embark this three-masted sailing yacht in Palermo, where a highlight will be the mesmerizing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Norman Kings. One after the other, marvels follow, from the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to the well-preserved vestiges of one of the world’s most important cities of antiquity, Syracuse.

Throughout your journey, Sicily will reveal her rich and unique culture as you walk in storied cities that were once centers of the Greco-Roman, Carthaginian, and Byzantine worlds, and are received in the dazzling private palazzi of local nobility. Disembark in Valletta, Malta, where an optional postlude is offered.

Schedule by Day

Sep 24: Depart U.S.
Sep 25: Arrive in Palermo, Sicily, Italy / Embark Sea Cloud II
Sep 26: Palermo / Trapani
Sep 27: Porto Empedocle
Sep 28: Pozzallo / Noto
Sep 29: Syracuse
Sep 30: Catania / Piazza Armerina
Oct 1: At sea
Oct 2: Valletta, Malta / Disembark / Return

Pricing

Per person double occupancy

Cabins 204-206: $8,999
Cabins 207-210: $10,999
Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231: $11,999
Cabins 218-223: $13,999
Cabins 301 & 302: $15,999
Cabins 303-319: $17,999
Owner's Suite (401 & 402): $19,999

Single occupancy:

Cabins 204-206: $10,999
Cabins 207-210: $16,499
Cabins 211 to 217 & 224 to 231: $17,999
Cabins 218-223: $20,999

Accommodations

Seven nights aboard Sea Cloud II

Optional Extensions

Post-Extension: Malta

Information forthcoming

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

This is an active program that involves extensive walking and standing during visits to museums and historic sites. Please note that Sea Cloud II does not have an elevator. At certain ports of call, Sea Cloud II may not be able to dock at a pier for disembarkation. In these cases, a tender service, and/or Zodiac inflatable boat, will be employed as a transfer from Sea Cloud II to shore. Sea Cloud II staff will be there to assist you getting in and out of the tenders/Zodiacs. The temperatures during your stay in Sicily should range from the mid-50s to low 70s °F. As rain showers are not uncommon in October, we suggest that you bring a lined raincoat and a folding umbrella. We also recommend you pack a hat, sunblock, and insect repellant. Casual dress is appropriate most of the time, and the emphasis is on layered clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential! For welcome and farewell dinners, jacket and tie is customary for gentlemen, with comparable evening attire for ladies. Smart casual clothing is suggested for other dinners aboard Sea Cloud II.

Study Leader(s)

Harvey V. Fineberg MD, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management
Mary Elizabeth Wilson MD

Adjunct Professor of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Mode of Travel

Sea Cloud II

The sailing yacht Sea Cloud II is a three-masted barque steeped in the elegance of yesteryear and complemented with the most modern amenities.