Expedition Details

Beautiful islands dot the Mediterranean Sea like stepping stones—from Corsica and Sicily to tiny islets like Menorca and Lipari—each with its own distinctive culture and landscape. Some harbor the ruins of pre-historic civilizations and others, the traces of great empires. On board the National Geographic Explorer, set sail from Spain’s southern coast and discover Bronze Age monuments on Menorca and Sardinia, Moorish treasures in Granada, and Greek ruins in Sicily. Explore the fascinating geology of these islands, including the Calanche of Diana in Corsica, Stromboli’s active volcano, and the stunning cliffs that edge Sardinia’s coast.

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Trip Highlights

• Wander through the spectacular ruins of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Discover the enigmatic rock mounds and pre-historic monuments of Menorca.
• Sail by local boat into the vast cave system of Neptune’s Grotto on Sardinia’s rocky shores.
• Cruise in a Zodiac, kayak, or swim beneath the cliffs of Sardinia and in the hidden coves of Favignana.

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Itinerary - 14 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Seville, Spain/Cádiz

Depart on an overnight flight to Seville, the heart of vibrant Andalusia. Travel to the coastal town of Cádiz and embark the National Geographic Explorer. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board as we sail east tonight.
National Geographic Explorer (L,D)

Day 3 — Motril/Granada

Dock in the seaside town of Motril and head north to Granada, the crowning achievement of Moorish rule in Spain. Set at the base of the Sierra Nevada, the city is dominated by the magnificent Alhambra, a hilltop fortress built by Moorish kings in the 14th century. Explore the Alhambra’s renowned courtyards, where splendid gardens and fountains vie for attention with the intricate stucco archways and corridors. Sample Andalusian cuisine at lunch.
(B,L,D)

Days 4 & 5 — At Sea/Menorca

Spend a day at sea, enjoying the ship’s amenities and the Mediterranean air. The following day, drop anchor off of Menorca, one of the Balearic Isles off Spain’s eastern coast. Menorca’s intriguing ancient past is evidenced by mysterious rock mounds called talayots and megalithic stone monuments erected here 4,000 years ago. Learn about the island’s ancient civilization as well as its many rulers, including the Vandals, the Moors, and the British Empire. (B,L,D daily)

Day 6 — At Sea/Corsica, France

Set in the seas between France and Italy, Corsica has fused influences from both countries in its cuisine and native language, and developed a Mediterranean culture of its own. Anchor at Porto, on the island’s northwest shores, and explore the Calanche of Diana, part of a large nature preserve characterized by unusual red granite rock formations. Stroll the lanes of Piana, a lovely village nestled in the hills overlooking the sea. Continue south along Corsica’s rugged coast, perhaps stopping to explore in our Zodiacs.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 — Bonifacio

From on deck, witness our arrival in Bonifacio on Corsica’s southern tip, one of the most impressive natural harbors in the Mediterranean. In the Old Town, perched on cliffs high above the sea, explore an impressive 12th-century citadel and walk along medieval streets lined with art galleries, shops, and cafes.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 — Alghero, Sardinia

Like its northern neighbor, Sardinia has maintained a character, language, and cuisine that distinguishes it from mainland Italy. Here, archaeological sites are tucked within olive groves, and the coast is edged with dramatic geological formations. Explore by Zodiac and kayak and go for a swim beneath the cliffs of Capo Caccia. Visit the prehistoric ruins of Nuraghe Palmavera and wander through the port town of Alghero before taking a local boat to the breathtaking caves of Neptune’s Grotto.
(B,L,D)

Day 9 — Favignana, Egadi Islands, Sicily

This remote Italian island off the coast of Sicily is one of our favorite little gems. With its sandy beaches, turquoise coves, and picturesque grottoes, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, and Zodiac cruising.
(B,L,D)

Day 10 — Agrigento

The incredible ruins of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento have earned designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This was one of the leading cities of the Greek Empire before it was sacked by the Romans and the Carthaginians in the third century B.C. Explore the beautifully preserved Temples of Zeus, Castor, and Hercules. Stop for a Sicilian lunch ashore and continue to the spectacular site of Selinunte, once considered one of the most progressive Greek cities in Sicily.
(B,L,D)

Day 11 — Siracusa

Arrive in Siracusa, a city that once rivaled Athens. In the archaeological zone, visit the stunning Greek theater and the adjacent Paradise Quarry, a massive grotto with resonating acoustics dubbed the “Ear of Dionysius.” Walk through the medieval section of Ortigia, and if you wish, enjoy an evening ashore to savor an authentic Sicilian pizza.
(B,L,D)

Day 12 — Lipari & Stromboli, Aeolian Islands

Sail to the volcanic archipelago known as the Aeolian Islands. Take a scenic drive around Lipari and stop in at its archaeological museum to browse an impressive collection of artifacts found underwater. This evening, the ship skirts the volcano of Stromboli, which often puts on spectacular displays of fiery ash.
(B,L,D)

Day 13 — Palermo

After breakfast, disembark in Palermo and check into our hotel before setting out on a guided tour of Sicily’s capital. Palermo perches at the foot of Monte Pellegrino at the center of a natural harbor. Founded by the Phoenicians in the fifth century BC, it has been occupied by countless civilizations. The Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Normans, Goths, and Vandals have all come and gone, leaving their mark on the population as well as the architecture.
(B)

Day 14 — Palermo/U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
(B)

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