Crossroads of the Mediterranean: A Voyage Through Greece, Malta & Sicily

This morning, explore the ruins of the Acropolis by foot. On a guided walking tour, pass by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theater completed in 161 AD, and the Propylaia, the ceremonial gateway to the Acropolis, on your hike to the hilltop site of the Parthenon. After lunch, head out into the city for a tour before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.

Known for its mix of Ottoman, Greek and Venetian architecture from centuries of foreign rule, Chania’s Old Town is an inviting labyrinth of charming streets. Take a guided walk through this area in the heart of the Venetian Port, and visit the Ottoman Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque, built in 1649. In the afternoon, choose to hike the Gorge of Samaria—a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, hosting typical Mediterranean fauna such as endemic species of wild goat. This majestic gorge, located in the White Mountains in West Crete, is a popular destination. Although it involves a long (5-7 hours), rigorous trek over rocky and uneven terrain, it is worth the effort to experience the beauty of the gorge. Or, delve into Crete’s culinary traditions: sheep and goat’s milk cheeses, kalitsounia (cheese pies), brandy distilled from grapes called raki and more.

Enjoy the ship’s amenities during this day at sea. Listen to talks by the onboard experts, get photo tips from a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor, or spend some time on the Bridge with the officers, who are happy to answer questions. A massage from your wellness specialist is an inviting option, or relax with a book on the observation deck.

Be on deck this morning as the ship approaches the impressive bastions, walls and towers of Valletta, Malta’s baroque capital city. Heavily fortified in the 16th century by its founders, the Knights of St. John, Valletta is home to stunning palaces and domed churches. Take a leisurely walk within the city’s walls and see the many fine auberges, or palaces of the Order of St. John. In the dazzling St. John’s Co-Cathedral, view Caravaggio’s famous 17th-century painting “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist.” This afternoon, visit the medieval town of Mdina or contemplate the mysteries of Malta’s early inhabitants at Bronze Age megalithic temples.

Cross into the Ionian Sea overnight and awaken off the coast of Sicily. Head ashore at Siracusa, one of the most powerful cities in the classical world. Explore the archaeological park, where a well-preserved Greek amphitheater with carved limestone seats is still used today. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone, and is the site of the curious Ear of Dionysius—a huge cave with incredible acoustics. Make the most of your time in port: explore the city’s excellent market or explore the adjacent island of Ortigia, where a stunning cathedral was built on the columns of the 6th-century Temple of Athena. Alternatively, take an evening stroll through the city’s piazzas.

In the early hours of the morning, pass through the narrow Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from the “boot” of Italy. It is the purported location of Homer’s monsters Scylla and Charybdis, the rock and the hard place through which Odysseus had to sail. Sail through the Aeolian Islands, not only famous for the winds of the god Aeolus, but also for some of the most well-known classical volcanoes. With a bit of luck, witness the pyrotechnics of the active volcanic island of Stromboli.

Continue sailing to the northwest across the Tyrrhenian Sea, towards Corsica. During your time at sea enjoy free time on the ship’s deck, soaking up the blue hues of the Mediterranean, or in the lounge taking in fun facts and historical insights from the expert staff on board. Arrive in Bonifacio in the evening of Day 8.

Wake up to the sunrise over the layered cliffs of Bonifacio. Enter the narrow harbor to dock and enjoy the day in one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful towns. Begin with a walking orientation to the citadel, established by the powerful margraves of Tuscany in the ninth century. The rest of the morning is devoted to enjoying this lovely destination. In the afternoon, consider two options involving a drive inland: View some of the menhir standing stone alignments of the Sartène region of Corsica, or experience the characteristic Corsican maquis, the herbal scrubland known for its fragrances.

Spend the morning at sea as the ship navigates along the western shores of Sardinia before docking in Masua. Mining has shaped the landscape and culture of Sardinia for 2,000 years, with Phoenicians, Romans and subsequent civilizations extracting precious metals like gold and silver as well as iron, zinc and other natural resources. In the seaside cove of Porto Flavia, learn about the feats of engineering that enabled the twin tunnels of the Masua Mine to be dug directly into the cliffs, allowing workers to load ore directly onto cargo ships. Via kayak or Zodiac, see these unique mine entrances overlooking the sea.

The Vandals, the Moors and the British Empire have ruled over this stunning little island where prehistoric civilizations left intriguing rock mounds and megalithic monuments dating back some 4,000 years. This afternoon, explore this history while traveling overland to the southeast of Menorca. Walk through the Bronze Age village of Torralba d’en Salord and see the characteristic T-shaped stone monuments left by the Talayotic peoples. This evening, set a course west toward Spain’s eastern coast.

Arrive in Barcelona this morning. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home.