The distinctive and diverse peninsulas of these countries provide a natural playground best explored by a small ship. The ultimate itinerary to ensure you experience the destinations thoroughly, prioritizing your comfort and safety. Situated amidst the cobalt-blue seas off Sicily's northeastern coast, the UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands (including Gozo Island, sailing around Stromboli, and Lipari Island) are a true paradise—a seven-island archipelago brimming with opportunities for relaxation and outdoor adventure.
A unique experience! Visit the Ggantija temples on Gozo Island and Lipari in Sicily – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, climb the active volcano of Etna and be at the places where "The Godfather" was filmed.
Highlights include: Valetta - Gozo island - Syracuse – Lipari – Catania
- Itinerary
- M/Y Variety Voyager
- Life at Sea
Day 1: Valetta, Malta
Embarkation at the port of Valetta begins at 2pm. After the essential safety drill conducted by the dedicated Variety Cruises crew, meet at the restaurant for a welcome cocktail and dinner. Overnight in Valetta.
Day 2: Valetta – Gozo Island – Syracuse, Sicily
In the morning, the boat leaves Valetta port. Your next destination is Malta’s beloved Gozo Island famous for the Ggantija temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as some of the oldest free-standing megalithic monuments globally, dating back 5500 years. There will be a morning refreshing swim stop in the serene Maltese Waters, before your lunch on board. Early in the afternoon you will arrive at Gozo Island, where you have your afternoon free for exploration and dinner ashore. After dinner the ship leaves Gozo. Next destination is the Glorious Sicily.
Day 3: Syracuse – Lipari, Aeolian Island
You will arrive in Syracuse early in the morning. After breakfast, join the optional tour during which you will explore Syracuse, known as the “White City”. Lunch under own arrangements and a free afternoon at your leisure.
At 7pm, join the “Cocktail Demonstration” a most popular event. During this 1-hour demonstration, your Bar Manager will create 2 signature cocktails for you and will share with you the recipes, so you can easily prepare at home. The Cocktail Demonstration is followed by a 4-course served dinner on board.
Day 4: Lipari, Aeolian Island
After a lazy breakfast, spend your day on the deck enjoying the sun and the refreshing sea breeze. Your boat will sail around Stromboli, one of the seven volcanic islands that make up the Aeolian Archipelago, off Sicily’s northern coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site reigns as one of the world’s most active volcanoes, having spewed fountains of lava almost continuously for nearly 2500 years. Anchor at Lipari Island at around at noon. Before your included BBQ lunch on board, the chef will share with you the recipe of the Pesto a la Trapanese dip! The afternoon is free to explore Lipari at your own leisure and to enjoy your dinner ashore at your own leisure. The boat overnights at Lipari.
Day 5: Lipari - Catania, Sicily
After breakfast, join the optional tour to Quattrochi Belvedere, Quattropani and the Lipari Castle. You will be free to take your lunch at your own leisure. At 7:30 pm join the included Wine Tasting Experience, during which you will experience a beautiful selection of Italian and Greek wines, preparing your palate for your 4-course served dinner on board.
Day 6: Catania, Sicily
Your boat will reach Catania early in the morning. Take some moments on the deck whilst you are approaching Catania just before your breakfast. Embark on a captivating optional tour through the varied landscapes of Mt Etna's southern slopes, reaching heights of 2000 meters. Wine Tasting with Lunch is included. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your own leisure. Tonight, you are invited to the Captain’s Italian Night Dinner with delicious Italian dishes & Italian Music. Your boat overnights in Catania.
Day 7: Catania, Sicily
The day starts with a relaxing breakfast. Join the optional tour during which you will explore the second largest city of Sicily, founded by the Greeks in the 8th century B.C on the foot of the highest volcano in Europe, known as the “Black City”. You will have free time to explore Catania in the afternoon or enjoy your lunch ashore at your own arrangements. At around 6pm your boat leaves Catania.
Day 8: Valetta, Malta
You will reach Valetta around 7.30am. Spend one last relaxing breakfast with your co-travellers before disembarking.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private facilities & air conditioning
- Half-board: Buffet breakfast and one meal daily including a Welcome Cocktail, a Captain’s Italian Night dinner, fun BBQ (weather permitting)
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water available all day
- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability)
- English Speaking Cruise Escort
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Beverages (except those mentioned above)
- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements
- Crew tips
- Wi-Fi (available at a charge)
- Personal Expenses
- Port Taxes and Fuel surcharges
- Porterage
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
NOTES:
Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of Variety Cruises and of the Vessel's Captain in case of adverse weather conditions - winds of 6/7 Beaufort or more depending on the vessel- on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not automatically entitle passengers to any refunds, but Variety Cruises guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights.
Launched: 2012
Cabins: 36
Capacity: 72 passengers
Crew: 32
Imagine your floating home on board the sleek, contemporary state of the art Mega Yacht that sails the seas under the name VARIETY VOYAGER, waving her flag through the wind. Discover the world by sea at 13 knots per hour, in her un-rushed pace, one island or seashore at a time. Variety Voyager loves to seduce her select 72 guests with her sleek lines and ample deck space redefining what yachting was meant to be. Warm fabrics, rich marbles, axminster carpeting, and soft tones wood-paneling are just some of the elements that define her essence. 360º views of unobstructed ocean are your eyes’ canvas painted with ocean blue and deep green mountains. Mingle with like-minded travelers in our public areas, enjoy a moment to yourself in our ample deck space, or retreat to your cabin sanctuary all offering windows or portholes connecting you with Mother Nature’s wonders.
CABIN SPECIFICATIONS:
The 68-meter Mega Yacht Variety Voyager accommodates up to 72 guests in 36 cabins. 28 cabins are located in the Main and Lower Decks, and 8 staterooms sizes range from 16-20 m². Cabins at the Lower deck feature two oversized portholes and cabins at the Main and the Upper deck feature large windows. All cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning and ventilation, mini-fridge, flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Bathrooms are finished with warm marble and Corian materials.
Category C Lower Deck
Double or Twin Beds
The Category C cabins are located on the lower deck offering oversized twin port holes, bathrooms with marble floors as well as Glass and Corian showers. The cabins are equippewd with individually controlled A/C, TV with DVD player, mini-fridge, safe deposit box, deluxe toiletries and bathrobes.
Category B Lower/Main Deck
Double or Twin Beds
The Category B cabins are located on the lower and main deck offering oversized twin port holes (lower deck) or small double windows (main deck), bathroom with marble floors as well as Glass and Corian showers. 7 of the 11 cabins offer flexible bedding configuration. The cabins are equippewd with individually controlled A/C, TV with DVD player, mini-fridge, safe deposit box, deluxe toiletries and bathrobes.
Category A Main Deck
Double or Twin Beds
The Category A cabins are located on the main deck offering double windows, bathroom with marble floors as well as Glass and Corian showers. 9 of the 11 cabins offer flexible bedding configuration. The cabins are equippewd with individually controlled A/C, TV with DVD player, mini-fridge, safe deposit box, deluxe toiletries and bathrobes.
Category P Upper Deck
Double or Twin Beds
The Category P cabins are located on the upper Infinity Deck offering double windows, all finished with marble throughout the bathrooms and more luxurious fabrics and special amenities. All cabins offer flexible bedding configuration while 4 of the 7 include an extra sofa bed. The cabins are equipped with individually controlled A/C, TV with DVD player, mini-fridge, safe deposit box, deluxe toiletries and bathrobes.
Owner's Suite Upper Deck
Double Bedded Cabin
The Owner's Suite is located on the upper Infinity Deck offering 2 x double windows and is the largest cabin of the vessel. The Owner's Suite offers flexible bedding configuration as well as an extra sofa bed. The cabin is finished with marble throughout the bathroom and luxurious fabrics and finishings and special amenities. The Suite is equipped with individually controlled A/C, TV with DVD player, mini-fridge, safe deposit box, deluxe toiletries and bathrobes.
Service on board is provided by your Captain, the Cruise Coordinator and your experienced Marine and Hotel crew members. Service will be attentive or unobtrusive according to your requirements and priority is always given to the safety and comfort of passengers.
Organised excursions are available for most ports of call and can be pre-booked or reserved 24 hours in advance.
LIFE ON BOARD
MAIN LOUNGE
Located on the Main deck, right off the reception area, the Main Lounge is gracefully designed and finished with wood panels. There is ample seating space for moments of pleasure or relaxation and modern AV equipment for presentations. The mini library, just off the Main Lounge, offers a variety of books and magazines.
DINING ROOM
Located on the Upper deck, the glass enclosed dining room seats 75 and allows for spectacular views around you, while dining in an elegant environment. It extends to the adjacent open deck dining room, also seating 50 passengers and allowing for breakfast, lunch or dinner to be taken “al fresco”. Food is served at the table or displayed on the state of the art hot & cold buffet which also includes an “a la minute cooking” section.
OCEAN’S BAR AND LOUNGE
Located on the 360° Sun Deck, the open Bar and Lounge offers stylish shaded seating and is the ideal spot for reading, relaxing or dancing under the stars until the late hours at the sound of our resident DJ/entertainer.
SPA & FITNESS SUITE
Located at the Lower Deck, it offers Massage, Sauna and some fitness equipment. The Balinese Spa Supervisor also provides hair, face and nails treatments.
SUN DECK / SKY DECK
Sun loungers are available to sunbathe in total comfort while enjoying drinks served from the Ocean’s Bar.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.