Date
May 24, 2027 - Jun 2, 2027
Trip Type
By Sea

Group Size: Up to 79 participants across all sponsors
Price: Starting from $8,990 per person, double occupancy 
Co-sponsored with: Archaeological Institute of America, Cornell's Adult University, and National Trust Tours

Activity Level
3

Trip Overview

Delight in an eight-night private charter circumnavigation of Sicily aboard the iconic Sea Cloud II. Beginning and ending in Malta, the journey includes one night in Valletta, the capital of the island nation and one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Visit Sicily’s treasures with stops in Trapani, Palermo, Giardini Naxos, and Syracuse. Marvel at archaeological and architectural wonders, including the ancient city of Segesta, the riches of Palermo’s Norman Palace, and the Greek amphitheater of Taormina

The itinerary also features a full day in the Aeolian Islands, one of six UNESCO World Heritage sites visited, along with a specially timed sunset sailing through the Strait of Messina. Sample the rich flavors of Marsala with a guided tasting. Life aboard combines the romance of classic sailing with the highest standards of modern comfort.  

An optional two-night pre-trip extension is available, offering an unforgettable introduction to Malta and Gozo

itinerary map

calendar icon

Schedule by Day

Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select "print page".

Independent overnight departures to Valletta, Malta

Arrive in Valletta, a city known for its Baroque architecture, historic fortifications, and charming cafés that reflect its rich heritage. Transfer to Sea Cloud II and meet fellow travelers at a welcome orientation and reception. 

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: R, D

Start the day with two full-day excursions to choose from. Explore Malta’s prehistoric and archaeological treasures with visits to the National Archaeological Museum, Tarxien Temples, and the Hypogeum, an underground site renowned for its prehistoric significance. Alternatively, tour Valletta’s architecture, including the ornate interiors of St John’s Cathedral and modern works by Renzo Piano. Depart in the evening, sailing from the historic harbor toward Sicily. 

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a full day under sail. As part of the educational program, attend a lecture, take a guided tour of the ship, or, weather permitting, use the tenders to photograph Sea Cloud II. In the evening, the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner provide the perfect opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

Begin the day exploring the Greek Doric temple of Segesta, perched on Mount Barbaro with panoramic views over Sicily’s countryside. Later, choose between two afternoon excursions, one being a visit to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, known for its cobbled streets and Norman castle, or sample the fortified wines of Marsala with a guided tasting. 

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

Spend the morning visiting Palermo’s Norman castle, Capella Palatina with its stunning mosaics, and Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy lunch in Palermo’s Old Town, followed by two afternoon options: the Abatellis Art Museum, which houses Sicilian and Renaissance masterpieces, or the Archaeological Museum, featuring an impressive collection of ancient artifacts. 

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

Discover Lipari with a walking tour that includes the Archaeological Museum, or take a scenic drive with free time to wander the town’s charming streets and coastline. In the afternoon, enjoy swimming, sailing, and educational programming, followed by a sunset cruise past Stromboli to see its volcanic activity. 

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

Embark on one of two morning excursions to Mount Etna, visiting Silvestri Crater and riding the cable car to the summit, or head to Taormina to tour the 3rd-century B.C. Greco-Roman amphitheater and enjoy free time in town. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation on deck while taking in Sicily’s coastline. 

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

Tour Syracuse Archaeological Park, then stroll through Ortygia Island, experiencing the morning market and Cathedral Square. In a private Baroque palazzo, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a nobleman. The afternoon is spent cruising to Malta, concluding with the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

Disembark for flights home. 

Meals: B

price icon

Pricing

More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.

Cabin Category

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy

Category 1

$8,990 per person

$13,990

Category 2

$11,990 per person

$18,590

Category 3

$13,490 per person

$20,790

Category 4

$13,990 per person

Inquire

Category 5

$14,990 per person

Inquire

Category 6

$15,990 per person

Inquire

Category 7

$18,990 per person

Inquire

Eight nights aboard Sea Cloud II • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary • Comprehensive program of briefings and lectures • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions on board • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with all group lunches and dinners • Professional tour manager throughout the program

U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature

To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (January 24, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.

The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.

 

Accommodations

  • 8 nights aboard Sea Cloud II

Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Malta

May 22 - 25, 2027

This two-night pre-trip extension offers an unforgettable introduction to Malta beyond its capital. Discover the island’s stunning landscapes and local charm, including a day trip to the idyllic island of Gozo to see the world’s oldest megalithic temples. Explore the south coast, starting with the awe-inspiring Haġar Qim complex, then visit the colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Dine within the ancient walls of M’dina, and spend two nights at the centrally located Excelsior Hotel. Cross to Gozo to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ġgantija and the charming city of Victoria, then return to Valletta to join the main Sea Cloud II tour with the rest of the group. 

Overnight: Excelsior Hotel (2 nights)

Meals: 

  • $1,690 per person, double occupancy
  • $2,190 single occupancy

The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

activity iconThis promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level. This is a moderately strenuous program, at times physically demanding and busy, with considerable walking at some sites. You do not have to participate in all the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. Daily activities can involve up to two miles of walking, often on uneven surfaces; elevators may not be available and stairs may not have handrails. The ship does not have an elevator, so you will need to navigate stairs, possibly while on choppy seas. You will need to climb into and out of tenders for two shore excursions (staff and crew will be on hand to assist). Participants should be fit and in active good health. Limited medical facilities are available on board the Sea Cloud II. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate special diets and treatment, but medical service and treatment is generally not at the level found in the U.S.  Participants must be in good physical and mental health to keep up with the group's pace. Those requiring extraordinary assistance must bring someone to provide the necessary help. This program ranges from moderately active to very active, depending on your chosen activities. Travel will be by private motorcoaches or vans. We suggest to all participants to obtain a medical evacuation insurance policy. 

Study Leader(s)

To be announced

Mode of Travel

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

For More Information

Please email haatravels@harvard.edu or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.