Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1 – July 20            Valletta, Malta

Your unforgettable cruise begins in the island-nation of Malta and its capital city, Valletta, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Here, you'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the start of your marvellous voyage through the Mediterranean. Please book your flight to arrive into Valletta prior to 07:00 PM.

 Day 2– July  21 Mgarr, Malta

Your first stop is Mgarr, a small Maltese village known for its picturesque countryside and agricultural landscape, with abundant vineyards and olive groves scattered throughout the area. The village has a quaint and traditional feel, with charming old stone houses and winding cobbled streets and offers a unique and authentic Maltese experience. (B,L&D)

Day 3– July 22 Porto Empedocle, Italy

Located on the southern coast of Sicily, Porto Empedocle is a charming port town, named after the ancient Greek philosopher, Empedocles, who, as local legend attests, was born in the area. Here, you'll discover a picturesque town with a lively waterfront area filled with fishing boats and yachts and a reputation for the freshest seafood and traditional Sicilian cuisine. Porto Empedocle also makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, including the striking Scala dei Turchi cliffs and historic sites of Agrigento. (B,L&D)

Day 4—July 23 Mazara del Vallo, Italy

Translating as 'castle"' or 'port' in Arabic, Mazara looks directly out across the Strait of Sicily; its position in fact, the exact reason, it developed as a strategic focal point and crossroads for cultures that successively arrived here over the centuries. Mazara proudly shows the world its splendid historic centre, the Casbah, where Islamic philosophers and men of letters, judges and merchants once walked. (B,L&D)

Day 5—July 24 Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

Located on the western coast of Sicily, Trapani is famous for its storied history as a trading port with influences from various civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. Trapani's scenic setting, nestled between the sea and the nearby hills, offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The city centre is characterised by narrow winding streets, baroque architecture, and lively markets selling fresh seafood and local produce. Notable historic landmarks here include the 14th-century Castello di Terra and 17th-century Palazzo della Giudecca. (B,L&D)

Day 6—July 25 Trapani, Italy

Located on the western coast of Sicily, Trapani is famous for its storied history as a trading port with influences from various civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. Trapani's scenic setting, nestled between the sea and the nearby hills, offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The city centre is characterised by narrow winding streets, baroque architecture, and lively markets selling fresh seafood and local produce. Notable historic landmarks here include the 14th-century Castello di Terra and 17th-century Palazzo della Giudecca. (B,L&D)

Day 7—July 26 Palermo, Italy

Welcome to Palermo, a vibrant and historic city located on the northern coast of Sicily, renowned n for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant street markets. The island's capital reveals a mix of cultures, including Italian, Arabic, and Norman influences, which is evident in its diverse architectural styles and cuisine. Palermo's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brimming with beautiful churches, palaces, and bustling squares. Palermo is also popular for its street food scene, with markets like Mercato Ballar and Mercato Vucciria serving up a wide range of local specialties, such as arancini, panelle, and sfincione. (B,L&D)

Day 8— July 27 Lipari, Italy

Lipari is the largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Sicily, amid the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. The stunning scenery is characterised by a rugged coastline, beautiful beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. In the charming Old Town, explore the winding, narrow streets and alleys, a contrasting blend of pastel-hued, elegant town houses and simple dwellings and the 16th-century castle, which presents panoramic views of the surrounding area. (B,L&D)

Day 9— July 28            Giardini  Naxos, Italy

Set on Sicily's eastern shores, the picturesque town of Giardini Naxos offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna - the fabled active volcano. This seaside town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Giardini Naxos also harbours a rich history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient times. Explore the ruins of a Greek settlement and Roman villas, as well as visit the famous Taormina Archaeological Park, which is nearby.  (B,L&D)

Day 10– July  29 Syracuse, Italy

Syracuse is a historic city nestled along the southeastern shores of Sicily, renowned for its ancient ruins, picturesque architecture, and stunning waterfront views. Syracuse's historical centre, Ortygia, is a charming island connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. Stroll through meandering narrow streets lined with Baroque-era buildings, visit the stunning Cathedral of Syracuse, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the delightful waterfront restaurants. (B,L&D)

Day 11– July 30 Valletta, Malta

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes back in Malta and its miniscule yet charming capital city, Valletta, where you'll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. (B) Please book your flight to depart out of Valletta after 12:00 PM.     This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.