Western Mediterranean Civilizations

Depart for Valletta, Malta on an overnight flight.

Arrive this morning in Valletta and gather for lunch. After lunch, board the elegant Sea Cloud II and set sail for Sicily. L, D

Morning arrival into Porto Empedocle for a drive to Agrigento, which Pindar called “the most beautiful city built by mortal men.” Delve into the lavish legacy of Magna Graecia, the ancient Greek colony in what would become southern Italy. Discover the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples), and marvel at the nearly intact Tempio della Concordia (Temple of Concordia), perhaps the best-preserved Greek temple in the world. Tonight, gather for the captain’s welcome reception and dinner. B, L, R, D

Arrive at the port of Trapani and depart on a morning excursion to Segesta to view its splendid Greek temple and theater. Alternatively, drive to the village of Mazara del Vallo to see its spectacular seven-foot bronze statue, retrieved from the sea by local fishermen. With his flying hair and goat ears, the 2,400-year-old figure was quickly dubbed The Dancing Satyr. B,L,D

From the Tunis port of La Goulette, discover the ancient ruins of storied Carthage, founded by Phoenicians in the ninth century B.C. and once Rome’s greatest rival. Continue to the National Bardo Museum, renowned as having the world’s greatest collection of Roman polychrome mosaics. Along with its spectacular collection of mosaics, the museum holds many splendid artifacts ranging from the Carthaginian through the Arab-Islamic periods. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour through Tunis’ historic medina, a maze of narrow streets where vendors sell a variety of handicrafts. B,L,D

After a morning at sea, Sea Cloud II sails to Sardinia’s southern coast and the island’s capital, Cagliari. Spend the afternoon exploring this ancient city that has been ruled by several civilizations, including the Phoenicians and Romans. On a walking tour, stroll the narrow streets around Cagliari’s old town, and see the terraced Piazza del Palazzo and the 13th-century Cattedrale di Santa Cecilia, also known as Cagliari Cathedral. Alternatively, drive along the southwestern coast to reach Nora, beautifully situated on a promontory overlooking the sea. Settled initially by Phoenicians in the ninth century B.C., Nora came under the control of Carthage in the sixth century and developed into Doric Temple, Segesta, Sicily Carthage, Tunisia, photo by Audrey Golden Agrigento, Sicily, photo by Francesca Gallina the island’s largest urban and commercial center. In 238 B.C., the city fell to the Romans, who made it Sardinia’s capital. Remains from the Roman city include a theater, an aqueduct, a temple of Juno, a nymphaeum, baths, and private villas. B,L,D

Today, discover the thrill of sailing aboard the legendary Sea Cloud II. As she carries us under a full set of billowing white sails, experience the grace and romance of a bygone era of travel, and sit down for fascinating talks from our lecturers. B,L,D

A visual delight with its lush flora and fauna, the island of Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Arrive in Mahón and drive through the scenery to a lovely country estate, whose owners will lead us on a walk through the extensive gardens and host us for a private reception. There will be time to view the Museo de Menorca’s collection of antiquities and artifacts dating from Roman times, all housed in a 15th-century monastery. Sea Cloud II remains in Mahón until the early evening. B,L,D

Today, enjoy the continuation of the educational program with talks from the lecturers. Gather for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner. B,L,D

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