Islands of the Mediterranean Sea

With Distinguished Guest Lecturer Jerrilynn D. Dodds, Professor in the History of Art at Sarah Lawrence College
A Reunion Journey with John Frick

YOUR HOST & JOURNEY LEADER

JOHN FRICK
John’s wanderlust surfaced during his undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, leading him to settle and to work in Alaska, to serve in Nepal as a US Peace Corps Volunteer and to relocate to New York City to obtain a Master’s degree at Columbia University’s Teacher’s College. Over the past three decades, he has pursued a career in educational and expedition travel aboard small vessels. John’s voyages have taken him along the full coastline, among the many cultures and to the numerous islands of the Mediterranean. John also has led countless programs and expeditions to far-flung areas of the globe, including Africa, Alaska, South America, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, the Baltic, trans-Atlantic, the South Pacific and more. One favorite destination remains Antarctica, where he has worked primarily as Expedition Leader for 22 southern seasons. For this sailing, John looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for travel, for the wonders of the natural world and for the lands and histories surrounding the Strait of Gibraltar.

DISTINGUISHED GUEST LECTURER

PROFESSOR JERRILYNN D. DODDS
Jerrilynn Dodds is Professor in the History of Art at Sarah Lawrence College. Prof. Dodds’ scholarly work has centered on issues of transculturation, and how groups form identities through art and architecture, in particular in the Medieval Mediterranean. Among her publications are the books: Visual Histories from Medieval Iberia. Arts and Ambivalence; Architecture and Ideology of Early Medieval Spain (Penn State Press); Arts of Intimacy: Christians, Jews and Muslims in the Making of Castilian Culture (with M. Menocal and A. Balbale); New York Masjid, the Mosques of New York City, and publications concerning the arts of Bosnia and the eastern Mediterranean. She has curated numerous exhibitions: Al Andalus: The Arts of Islamic Spain (editor of the catalogue and co-curator of the exhibition), which took place at the Alhambra in Granada and at the Metropolitan Museum in New York; The Arts of Medieval Spain at the Metropolitan Museum (with C. Little, S. Moralejo and J. Williams); Convivencia. The Arts of Jews, Christians and Muslims in Medieval Iberia at The Jewish Museum in New York (with T. Glick and V. Mann) and, with Edward Sullivan, Crowning Glory, Images of the Virgin in the Arts of Portugal, at The Newark Museum. A long-time lecturer and consultant at the Metropolitan Museum, Professor Dodds has written and directed prize winning films in conjunction with museum exhibitions (Journey to St. James; An Imaginary East; NY Masjid) and for wider audiences (Hearts and Stones: The Bridge at Mostar). Dodds formerly taught at Harvard University, MIT, The City University of New York and was Slade Professor at Oxford University in 2021. In 2018, she was knighted by King Felipe VI of Spain, receiving the Cruz de la Orden de Mérito Civil (Cross of the Order of Civil Merit). Professor Dodds received her B.A. from Barnard College, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University.

ITINERARY

Thursday, October 15, 2026
DEPART THE US
Depart the US on overnight flights to Valletta, Malta.

Friday, October 16
VALLETTA, Malta
Despite its compact measurements, Malta’s commanding location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea has afforded it outsized importance that predates the arrival of the Phoenicians around 700 BC, as a stepping stone between Europe and Africa. Arrive in Valletta, capital of this small but mighty island nation, and transfer to the Grand Hotel Excelsior (or similar). Connect with your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner this evening. (D)

Saturday, October 17
VALLETTA/EMBARK
In the morning, tour honey-hued Valletta. Built by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in the 16th century, the city clearly reflects the Order’s strong imprint. Visit the National Library and the Manoel Theatre, constructed in 1731 and one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe. Continue to the Lascaris War Rooms and the impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral and museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the port to embark SEA CLOUD SPIRIT. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner on board, and settle into your stateroom as the ship sets sail this evening. (B,L,D)

Sunday, October 18
SYRACUSE, Sicily, Italy
Enjoy the morning under sail. After lunch on board, the SPIRIT calls in Syracuse. Founded by the Greeks in 734 BC, Syracuse became one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Mediterranean world. We begin in Ortygia, a small island just off mainland Sicily, for a walking tour including its Cathedral, built upon the 5th-century BC Temple of Athena; the Arethusa Fountain; the remains of the Temple of Apollo; and the Piazza Archimede, dedicated to the mathematical genius Archimedes, a native of the city. On the mainland, visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, including its Greek Theater hewn from the rocky hillside; its Roman Amphitheater; and the largest of the ancient quarries, Latomia del Paradiso. (B,L,D)

Monday, October 19
AT SEA
Watch the skilled crew climb the rigging, set sails, and hoist them by hand. Relax and enjoy edifying lectures and the many amenities of the ship as SEA CLOUD SPIRIT spends the full day under sail towards Palermo. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, October 20
PALERMO
SEA CLOUD SPIRIT arrives this morning and we tour Palermo’s principal sites, beginning at the Church of San Giovanni degli Erimiti, an exquisite example of Norman-Byzantine architecture. Continue to the Cappella Palatina, designed in 1130 and renowned for its stunning gold mosaics and vaulted ceiling carved and painted in Islamic style; and the church of La Martorana, originally designed as a mosque. La Martorana is famed for its Byzantine mosaics and friezes, and Mass here is held in ancient Greek. The afternoon is at leisure in Palermo. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, October 21
TRAPANI/ERICE/TRAPANI
Arrive in Trapani in the morning and disembark for an excursion to Erice, a quaint medieval town located on a high plateau, famed in antiquity for its temple dedicated to the Goddess of Love – Phoenician Astarte, Greek Aphrodite, Roman Venus. Spend time at leisure to enjoy Erice’s old cobblestone alleyways, lined with artisanal shops and numerous churches. Return to the ship for the afternoon under sail. (B,L,D)

Thursday, October 22
AT SEA/CAGLIARI, Sardinia, Italy
After a morning at sea, arrive in historically rich Cagliari, capital of the autonomous region of sunny Sardinia. Tour the narrow streets, towers, and medieval walls of the Castello District at the city’s heart, discover its architectural diversity from impressive Roman ruins to Art Nouveau style, and visit the Archaeological Museum, home to a significant collection of artifacts. (B,L,D)

Friday, October 23
AT SEA
Enjoy the ship’s many amenities and edifying onboard lectures during this full day under sail. (B,L,D)

Saturday, October 24
MAHÓN, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
This morning, SEA CLOUD SPIRIT arrives in Mahón. With the world’s second-largest natural harbor, the seaside capital of Menorca saw centuries of conflict and invasion, but is known today for its lovely old town, scenic beaches, and flavorful food scene. Tour the town, then take an excursion to the nearby megalithic site Talatí de Dalt. This significant prehistoric settlement dates from the Talayotic period of approximately 1200 BCE to 123 BCE, spanning the Late Bronze Age through the Iron Age. Back at the ship, bid your companions goodbye and safe travels over a farewell dinner onboard. (B,L,D)

Sunday, October 25
PALMA, Mallorca/DISEMBARK/HOMEWARD
After breakfast, disembark in Palma, the main port town of the island of Mallorca, and transfer to the airport for flights homeward. (B)