Day 1

NAPLES, ITALY - MOUNT VESUVIUS
Embarkation at the scenic port of Naples begins promptly at 14:00. After the essential safety drill conducted by our dedicated VARIETY CRUISES crew, join us for a delightful welcome cocktail and dinner. Join our optional excursion in Pompeii and learn about what happened during the catastrophic eruption of 79 A.D., how entire cities were preserved in ash, and why Mount Vesuvius remains one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world today, despite its current calm appearance. Spend the night in Naples, marking an enchanting star to your cruise adventure.

Day 2

CAPRI - CAMPI FLEGREI
Our morning journey, set against the stunning backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea, brings us to the illustrious island of Capri. With its breathtaking vistas, azure skies, and perfect climate, Capri is truly the "jewel" of the Bay of Naples. Learn about Campi Flegrei and discover why this area near Naples is not just a volcano—but a supervolcano, comparable in scale and potential to Yellowstone, and what makes it one of Europe’s most closely monitored geological zones. Upon anchoring, join our optional half-day excursion on the island. In the late afternoon, we bid farewell to Capri and set sail for Lipari. Before dinner, participate in one of our most popular onboard events: the Cocktail Demonstration. Led by our skilled Bar Manager, this hour-long session features the creation of two signature cocktails, complete with recipes to recreate at home!

Day 3

LIPARI - STROMBOLI
After a delightful breakfast, our ship anchors at Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Rich in mythology and stunning scenery, Lipari is irresistibly charming. Join our optional half-day tour from the pier: a scenic coach ride to Quattrocchi for panoramic views, then to Quattropani with its picturesque church and vistas of Salina. After the tour, enjoy free time in the village for lunch. Learn why this region is far more volcanic than the rest of Europe and how tectonic forces shaped its dramatic landscapes. The afternoon is yours for personal exploration and relaxation. Dinner awaits you back on board as we bid adieu to Lipari and set course for the enchanting shores of Taormina. Before we arrive, we will cruise by the impressive eruptions of Stromboli — with our volcanologist, George Kourounis, on deck to guide the experience. He’ll explain how Stromboli works, why it has been erupting every hour for the past 2,000 years, and share his experience climbing the volcano while filming Angry Planet.

Day 4

TAORMINA
In the morning, we arrive at the captivating shores of Taormina. Join our optional tour to explore its charming narrow alleyways, fifteenth-century Palazzo Corvaja, and the remarkable Greek amphitheater with its exceptional acoustics. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Corso Umberto, a bustling pedestrian street with upscale boutiques, often called the "Sicilian Saint Tropez." Lunch is at your leisure, allowing time for personal exploration and culinary delights. At 7:30 PM, join our included Wine Tasting Experience, featuring a selection of Italian and Greek wines, before our four-course dinner on board. Return to the ship for dinner as we anchor for the night, surrounded by Taormina's enchanting beauty.

Day 5

CATANIA - MOUNT ETNA
The depart from enchanting Taormina early in the morning, heading to Catania. After a hearty breakfast, join our optional full-day excursion to Mount Etna-Italy’s most famous volcano. Explore diverse landscapes, from bustling towns to citrus orchards, vineyards, and ancient lava fields. Learn about the region's volcanic history from George Kourounis and folklore while visiting picturesque villages. Ascend to 2000 meters to stroll around the Silvestri craters or enjoy local delicacies like honey. The tour concludes at a renowned winery on Mount Etna's slopes, where you'll sample exquisite wines and savor Sicily's rich flavors.

Day 6

SYRACUSE
Upon our early morning arrival in Syracuse, explore the enchanting "White City" after a satisfying breakfast. Opt for our guided tour to delve deeper into Syracuse's rich history and cultural treasures. Lunch is at your discretion, allowing you to savor local flavors at your own pace. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether wandering charming streets, relaxing seaside, or delving into Syracuse's captivating past. Before dinner, our chef will share the recipe for Pesto a la Trapanese, a perfect addition to your home gatherings. Tonight, enjoy our Captain’s Italian Night Dinner with delicious dishes and music. Around midnight, we bid farewell to Syracuse and sail for the enchanting shores of Gozo Island.

Day 7

GOZO ISLAND - VALLETTA
Morning brings our enchanting arrival at Gozo Island, beloved for its awe-inspiring Ggantija temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 5500 years. Enjoy a revitalizing swim in Malta's serene waters before reaching Gozo at noon. Here, explore the island's treasures and arrange a leisurely lunch. For airport or hotel transfers, our Cruise Manager is available to assist; please provide your preferred transfer time at least 24 hours in advance. In the afternoon, we bid farewell to Gozo and head for Valetta, Malta's majestic capital. Indulge in a delectable dinner served onboard as we glide through tranquil waters.

Day 8

VALLETTA, MALTA
We arrive in Valletta early in the morning. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with fellow travelers. Your Chief Experience Officer will be available to assist with your pre-booked transfers. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you back aboard one of our VARIETY CRUISES around the globe!

Day 1

VALLETTA, MALTA
Valletta, Malta (3pm):
Enjoy a welcome drink on board, and a chance to settle in as well as meet your crew and fellow passengers. Overnight in port before we set sail on our adventure the following morning.

Day 2

VALLETTA - GOZO ISLAND, MALTA
Morning sail to Gozo Island, stopping for our first swim stop on the way.. We’ll arrive after lunch, ready for an afternoon of exploration. Join us on our optional excursion to sightsee the Citadel and its beautiful Baroque Cathedral, or tell us what you want to sightsee and we’ll be happy to arrange it. Come afternoon, celebrate the fruits of the local vineyard’s labour with a wine tasting session, then back to the ship for departure to Sicily. Overnight at sea.

Day 3

SYRACUSE, ITALY
Syracuse, on the Sicilian Ionian Coast, is rich in Greek and Roman history. Indeed it’s one of the most prestigious cities of the Hellenic Word, and was once a rival to Athens! Today’s optional excursion explores this heritage: we’ll visit a spectacular 15,000-seat Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheatre, the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa, and more. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO protected town of Noto, known for its Baroque architecture. Reboard the ship in time for our evening sail to the Aeolian Islands. Overnight at sea.

Day 4

LIPARI, ITALY
Morning arrival in Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian islands and scattered with important archeological sites; ruins and remains here date back to 1700 BC and include Neolithic stones, ancient tombstones, Greek walls, and Roman villas. Join our optional morning tour to learn about them, as well as the 16th Century Spanish castle and 12th Century harbour Cathedral. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Lipari.

Day 5

VULCANO ISLAND - PANAREA - STROMBOLI, ITALY
From Lipari to Catania stopping at the striking Vulcano Island. No points for guessing this is home to a majestic volcano, but we will give you some credit if you know that it’s famous for its therapeutic mud baths. Optional walking tour towards the volcano crater. Afternoon sail to Panarea, a quaint Aeolian Island. Enjoy time the in port before we up anchor for Catania, sailing past Stromboli, an active volcano. The sight of live lava eruptions is something you’ll never forget. Overnight at sea.

Day 6

CATANIA (FOR MT. ETNA), ITALY
Breakfast followed by a volcano. We bet there aren’t many days in life where you can say that - but today is one of them. Our optional morning tour is to Mount Etna, with a resident volcanologist to talk you through the volcanic activity across Italy’s south. Wander nearby Catania in the afternoon to get a feel for the laid back lifestyle of the historical Italian city influenced by Romans, Arabs, and Normans.

Day 7

CATANIA (FOR TAORMINA), ITALY
Today starts with an optional tour of hill-top town, Taormina - where mediaeval streets meet secluded gardens. Stroll the vibrant main street - Corso Umberto - lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. Explore the nearby 14th Century Palazzo Duchi Di Santo Stefano, once home to Spanish aristocrats. Or tour the nearby ancient Greek Theatre (side note: it’s worth it for the sea views alone). In the evening we’ll gather on board for our signature Captain’s Farewell Dinner, before sailing back to Malta. Overnight at sea.

Day 8

VALLETTA, MALTA
Breakfast in Valletta Port, then time to say goodbye. For now. We hope to see you on another one of our cruises soon!