Day One - Valletta, MALTA
Perched atop the dramatic Sciberras Peninsula, Valletta greets visitors arriving by sea with its towering fortifications and majestic bastions. These defensive walls, rising to 47 meters, guard a city brimming with grandeur—lavish palaces, ornate domes, and lush gardens. Built by the Knights of St. John, this compact Baroque masterpiece is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural splendour.
A visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is a must, where vibrant flowers and sweeping sea views create a tranquil escape. Each day at noon, the gardens come alive as cannons thunder in a resounding salute, their echoes cascading over the azure waves. Recognised as the European Capital of Culture in 2018, Valletta offers a seamless blend of bustling city life and fascinating history.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral, tucked within the city’s maze of narrow streets, is a hidden gem of opulence. Behind its unassuming exterior lies an awe-inspiring interior drenched in gold leaf and home to Caravaggio’s dramatic Beheading of St. John. This cinematic city has also caught the eye of filmmakers, serving as a backdrop for Game of Thrones—though Valletta’s real-life history is even more captivating.
Beyond the city, Malta’s layers of history beckon. Visit the prehistoric Hypogeum of Paola or the Tarxien Temples, or delve into wartime stories at the Fort St. Elmo War Museum. Just a short journey away, the enchanting medieval city of Mdina provides a stark contrast to the bustling Valletta. Cars are absent from its atmospheric streets, inviting you to wander through a bygone era.
With its strategic Mediterranean location, Malta has long been a coveted prize. Independence from Britain came in 1964, yet the island retains strong ties to its past, from English as an official language to left-side driving and iconic red telephone boxes. Bathed in sunshine and steeped in intrigue, Malta is a Mediterranean jewel waiting to be explored.
Day Two - Pantelleria, Sicily, ITALY
Enchanting and untamed, Pantelleria is a paradise for explorers and nature lovers. This rugged Italian island, nestled in the Strait of Sicily, offers a coastline brimming with hidden treasures—underwater caves, dramatic cliffs, and secluded rocky inlets waiting to be uncovered. Located 100 kilometres (55 nautical miles) southwest of Sicily, Pantelleria is a volcanic jewel that captivates with its raw beauty and unique features.
The island’s volcanic origins gift it with natural wonders like bubbling hot springs, ethereal fumaroles, and serene, mineral-rich lakes perfect for a refreshing dip on a sunny day. For wine enthusiasts, the local cellars offer a taste of heaven with Pantelleria’s renowned sweet wines, crafted from the native Zibibbo grape.
History and nature intertwine at the Pantelleria Gardens, ancient marvels built from lava stone to shield plants from the island’s strong winds. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most famous of these is the Panesco Garden at Donnafugata, a circular oasis of greenery showcasing the ingenuity of the island’s early inhabitants.
For a glimpse of Pantelleria’s volcanic heartbeat, venture to the slopes of Montagna Grande to witness the Favare, jets of steaming hot vapor escaping through rocky fissures. Or visit the captivating Specchio di Venere (Venus’s Mirror), a crater lake steeped in legend. It’s said that Venus herself gazed into these tranquil waters before meeting Bacchus. Rich in minerals and renowned for their skin-healing properties, the lake’s soothing waters are just one of Pantelleria’s many remedies for body and soul.
Day Three - Trapani, Sicily, ITALY
Encircled by turquoise waters and rugged cliffs, Trapani is a gateway to western Sicily’s ancient ruins, vibrant flavours, and relaxed coastal charm. Once thriving on salt and tuna exports, the town has transformed into a sailing hub, welcoming visitors through its international airport.
Begin your journey in Trapani’s historic core, where winding alleys reveal charming shops, cosy wine bars, and the impressive Cathedral of San Lorenzo, adorned with vibrant artwork and a striking domed roof. Trapani’s cultural blend reflects Sicily’s position between continents, with its whitewashed houses and fusion of Mediterranean and African influences.
Nearby, explore remarkable archaeological sites like Segesta and Selinus, or marvel at the iconic salt pyramids of the Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani e Paceco, where flamingos grace the shimmering salt pans. For a beach escape, take a short trip to the Egadi Islands, with Favignana’s crystal-clear waters being a favourite destination.
Trapani offers a perfect mix of history, natural beauty, and seaside relaxation—all bathed in Sicily’s golden light.
Included Shore Excursions
Panoramic Trapani & Erice
The Essence of Erice
Day Four - Lipari Island, ITALY
Nestled between the north of Sicily and west of mainland Italy, Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, offering a serene escape drenched in sunshine. Its cobbled streets, lined with brightly painted buildings and potted plants, exude charm, while the salty sea breeze sets a laid-back tone.
Soak up the stunning blues of Havana Beach, where turquoise waters meet the horizon, dotted with yachts and swimmers. Adventurers can hike to panoramic viewpoints, taking in the archipelago’s beauty and the striking silhouette of Stromboli, an active volcano rising from the sea.
Head into town to discover Lipari’s rich history at the archaeological museum or climb to the salmon-hued Cathedral of San Bartolomeo to admire its frescoed ceilings and Norman cloisters. Nearby, Lipari Castle’s dramatic walls crown the island, a testament to its volcanic heritage.
From its sparkling waters to its delicious wines and timeless streets, Lipari is a sensory delight waiting to be explored.
Included Shore Excursions
Lipari Island & Museum
Lipari on Foot
Day Five - Day at sea
Days spent at sea offer an ideal chance to relax, rejuvenate, and finally slow down. Whether you choose to hit the gym, indulge in a spa treatment, go whale watching, catch up on your reading, or simply soak up the sun, these tranquil blue sea days create a perfect counterbalance to the bustling days spent exploring the shore.
Day Six - Alghero, Sardinia, ITALY
Encircled by towering medieval walls that rise dramatically from deep-blue waters, Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most captivating old towns. Its cobbled streets, rich history, and vibrant Catalan influences create an irresistible charm, while the Coral Riviera’s stunning beaches nearby add to its allure.
Known as the “Sardinian Barcelonetta,” Alghero’s Catalan legacy is evident in its impressive fortress walls and narrow streets lined with rose-gold buildings. Stroll through the old town’s shady alleys, perhaps with a refreshing lemon gelato in hand, or sample fresh tuna at the lively La Boqueria market. Look out for the rainbow-tiled dome of Chiesa di San Michele, which stands out proudly among the terracotta rooftops.
Alghero’s cuisine reflects its blend of cultures, offering delights like tagliatelle with clams, slow-roasted porchetto pork, and Sardinia’s famous pecorino cheese. Pair these with local wines or a glass of Mirto, the island’s signature myrtle berry liqueur.
Finish your day on the soft sands of Spiaggia di Maria Pia, where pine-scented breezes and the gentle rhythm of the waves provide the perfect escape. In Alghero, history, flavour, and natural beauty harmoniously combine.
Included Shore Excursions
Alghero & Nuraghe Palmavera
Alghero Walking Tour
Day Seven - Portoferraio (Elba), ITALY
Once a place of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte, Elba now welcomes visitors eager to explore its picturesque beauty and Mediterranean charm. Floating in the Tyrrhenian Sea, this Tuscan island enchants with its glowing beaches, turquoise waters, and rugged coastline.
The capital, Portoferraio, boasts pastel-coloured buildings cascading toward a natural harbour where fishing boats now share the waters with gleaming yachts. Stroll through its steep fortifications and visit Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon’s former residence turned museum, where sweeping sea views captivate visitors just as they did the exiled emperor.
Elba, the third-largest Italian island, offers 90 miles of coastline to discover. Its villages perch on dramatic cliffs, while chestnut woods, olive groves, and vineyards blanket the landscape. Ride the cable car to the summit of Monte Capanne for breathtaking panoramas without the climb, or unwind on the island’s pristine beaches.
End your day savouring Elba’s fresh seafood—grilled sardines, tender octopus, and other delicacies—paired with a glass of its renowned sweet wine. With every view and flavour, Elba promises a slice of the Tuscan good life.
Included Shore Excursions
Eastern Elba Panorama
Portoferraio Walking Tour
Day Eight - Porto Santo Stefano, ITALY
Once a summer retreat for Rome’s elite, Porto Santo Stefano offers a secluded slice of southern Tuscany’s charm. Nestled on the unique Monte Argentario peninsula—once an island—this picturesque town is tethered to Italy’s mainland by two sandy stretches.
Flamingos and herons grace the lagoon, while the waterfront buzzes with cosy cafés and leisurely visitors. Luxury yachts dock alongside fishing boats, reflecting the town’s enduring appeal. Stroll to Piazza dei Rioni for a refreshing lemon gelato, or explore streets that still bear the marks of World War II bombings. Overlooking it all is the Spanish Fortress, a star-shaped relic of the Napoleonic era, built to fend off pirates and offering panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and azure waters.
Porto Santo Stefano’s rugged coastline reveals secluded beaches and hidden coves, perfect for a day of sailing past olive-cloaked hills. For a wider adventure, island-hop to Giglio and Giannutri, or head to Porto Ercole on the opposite shore, where Caravaggio’s dramatic story came to an end. Rich in history, natural beauty, and the flavours of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Porto Santo Stefano is Tuscany at its most tranquil and enchanting.
Included Shore Excursions
Panoramic of Monte Argentario & Porto Ercole Walking Tour
Porto Santo Stefano & Fortress
Day Nine - Portofino, ITALY
Effortlessly glamorous, Portofino graces a privileged peninsula on the Italian Riviera, where lavish yachts bob in its iconic harbour, and gelato melts onto cobblestone streets. This jewel of the Ligurian Coast is surrounded by protected landscapes, with rolling vineyards, olive groves, and crisp white villas dotting the verdant hillsides—best admired from the deck of a boat.
The town’s pastel-hued harbour, curving around the lapping waves, is straight out of a postcard. The buzz of chatter and clinking glasses fills its charming Piazzetta, where terrace bars serve Ligurian wines, focaccia con il formaggio, and platters of local delicacies. For a true taste of Portofino, sail across the Gulf of Tigullio or enjoy a serene aperitivo by the waterfront.
Explore its artisan shops or ascend to the Church of San Giorgio, perched above the town, for breathtaking views. A walk along the headland leads to Portofino’s famous white lighthouse, where sweeping vistas of this Riviera paradise await. Portofino is a timeless blend of elegance, charm, and coastal beauty.
Included Shore Excursions
Portofino Walking Tour
Santa Margherita & Portofino
Day Ten - Nice, FRANCE
Nice’s dazzling arc of azure waters, once a playground for Europe’s aristocracy, still enchants visitors with its timeless charm. This sunlit gem of the French Riviera blends grand boulevards, Baroque churches, and fountain-dotted parks with the captivating allure of the Bay of Angels’ waterfront.
The iconic Promenade des Anglais is Nice’s crowning jewel—a sweeping seafront perfect for strolling, jogging, or simply soaking in the Mediterranean’s golden light. Artists like Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir found endless inspiration here, drawn by the city’s vivid hues and radiant beauty.
Wander into the old town to explore narrow streets bursting with the aromas of fresh pastries and lavender. Discover the vibrant flower market on Cours Saleya, or visit the ornate Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a striking reminder of the city’s rich, diverse history.
For panoramic views, climb to Colline du Château, where cascading waterfalls and lush greenery frame breathtaking vistas of the coastline. Steeped in elegance and creativity, Nice continues to captivate with its intoxicating blend of sun, sea, and sophistication.
