Timeless Islands of the Mediterranean: Palermo to Nice aboard Sea Cloud II

Independent departures for Palermo, Italy, on overnight flights.

Arrive in Palermo, Sicily, with early guests gathering for lunch. This afternoon, board the elegant Sea Cloud II.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: L, D

On the way to Sardinia, savor the thrill of cruising aboard the legendary Sea Cloud II under a full set of billowing sails. This evening, gather for the captain’s welcome reception and dinner.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, R, D

Arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, along the island’s southern coast. Take an expert-guided walking tour through the maze-like streets of the Old Town, also known as Castello. Highlights include the Piazza del Palazzo, home to the 13th-century Duomo di Cagliari. 

Alternatively, transfer to Nora, beautifully situated on a promontory overlooking the sea. Conquered by the Romans in 238 B.C., Nora holds marvelous ruins including a theater, an aqueduct, a nymphaeum, baths with amazing mosaic floors, and a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

In the morning, stand on deck as the ship navigates the scenic, fjord-like waterway into Corsica and arrives at the awe-inspiring port of Bonifacio. Built on impressive, white limestone cliffs, stroll through this hilltop town, with its ninth-century citadel, winding medieval lanes, Gothic architecture, and dramatic views.

On a walking tour, see two remarkable churches. First, take a guided look at Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure, Bonifacio’s oldest building, constructed by Pisan hands in the 12th century. The church’s plain exterior masks an unusual interior that will spark your curiosity about Corsica’s medieval era. Then take an inside look at the Église Saint-Dominique de Bonifacio, Corsica’s biggest church, built between 1270 and 1343 on ground once held by Templars.

Stop at the imposing Porte de Gênes, a 12th-century Genoese fortification that stood guard over Bonifacio’s citadel for hundreds of years. Pause to gaze at the sea-and-sky panorama that has awed travelers for centuries. Set sail in the evening, and head north to Elba.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

Step ashore on Elba, best known as Napoleon’s island of exile from 1814 to 1815. From Elba’s capital of Portoferraio, set out for a delightful drive through the southern region, with superb views over the coastline. The first stop will be Villa San Martino, which was the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and is now a museum. Later, enjoy some time at leisure browsing the boutiques of Porto Azzurro, dominated by a 16th-century Spanish fortress and a picturesque harbor.

Continue along the coast to Tenuta La Chiusa, an 18th-century vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the ocean. Enjoy a private look at the estate’s cellar, built in 1700, to learn how the wine is handled and produced. In the garden facing the sea, enjoy a delicious sampling of the local product.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

In the late morning, step ashore in the Italian Riviera village of Portofino, where the hills and verdant harbor have inspired generations of artists. Opt for a light hike for some spectacular views of the coastline along with the colors and scents of the Mediterranean vegetation. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration of this coastal village.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, D

As your ship docks in Genoa, Italy’s busiest port, prepare for a day of Renaissance grandeur mixed with modern innovation. Begin at the Porto Antico, where native architect Renzo Piano transformed the ancient harbor into a vibrant waterfront. Ascend 131 feet in Piano’s Il Bigo lift for breathtaking views of the city and sea.

Your expert guide will lead you to the San Lorenzo Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Marvel at its distinctive black-and-white striped façade, intricate portals, and the unexpected sight of a preserved World War II bomb inside—a poignant reminder of Genoa’s resilience.

Next, step into the Baroque splendor of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato. Here, 17th-century Genoese artists have created a luminous wonderland of frescoes, gilded stuccoes, and inlaid marble. Your guide will point out works by masters like Giovanni Andrea Ansaldo and Domenico Piola.

The afternoon takes you behind the scenes at Villa del Principe, the grand palazzo of Andrea Doria, Genoa’s powerful 16th-century admiral. Wander through formal gardens that stretch to the sea, then enter rooms adorned with magnificent tapestries and frescoes. In the Salone dei Giganti, your guide will decode Perino del Vaga’s elaborate frescoes, revealing how they celebrate Doria’s achievements and lineage. Return to Sea Cloud II for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

Overnight: Sea Cloud II

Meals: B, L, R, D

Disembark Sea Cloud II in Nice this morning, and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Meals: B