Pulling into port in Trapani, Sicily, we were greeted by smaller boats coming alongside the Sea Cloud to take pictures of the grand lady as she approached. We then made our way up to the medieval hilltop of Erice to wander its meandering stone streets and explore its castles, churches, and cuisine. A veritable feast of arancini (savory, stuffed risotto balls), cannoli (sweet-filled cylinders of joy), and bocconcini (mouthfuls of delight) were sampled in abundance, but the local specialty — the hill-shaped, custard-filled Genovesi — was the star of the morning.

Descending from Erice, we marveled at the 2400-year-old shipwreck displayed in Marsala and walked the city’s café- and shop-lined streets, which were full of locals enjoying a beautiful Sunday with family and friends.

After lunch and a wine tasting, we returned to the ship for an evening sail towards the awaiting temples in Agrigento, concluding another remarkable day exploring the Mediterranean from the Sea Cloud.