From Malta to the Adriatic Coast

Venice stands strong on its lagoon, shaping history since the 6th century. Step into a city filled with iconic landmarks—Saint Mark’s Square, the basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, and traditional gondolas. Beyond the famous sights, uncover hidden alleys, quiet canals, and charming squares. Walk through historic streets, visit centuries-old churches, and experience the city’s rich heritage. Take a break to enjoy a refreshing Spritz and local tramezzini while soaking in the atmosphere.

Rab Island in Kvarner Bay offers a genuine glimpse into history. Its name means “wooded lands," reflecting the dense pine, cypress, and cork oak forests surrounding the main town. Walk through streets shaped by Venetian influence, highlighted by a striking bell tower. Stand atop the ancient ramparts for panoramic views of the coastline and hidden coves.

Located south of Sibenik, Primosten is a picturesque village on the Dalmatian Coast, whose charm is distilled, via its narrow streets, through pretty stone houses and an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. Built on a rocky peninsula, the historic city was connected to land by a mobile bridge from which it earned its name in the 16th century: in Croatian, primostiti means “to bridge”. The high point of the village, the Church of St. George watches over the stunning bay enveloped in crystal-clear waters while, to the north of the peninsula, the charming beach of Raduca reveals itself between the skies and the pine forest. Further on, the vines of the renowned babic varietal, protected from erosion by low stone walls, complete this idyllic setting.

Built onan island linked to the Dalmatian coast,  the picturesque city of Trogir dates from Antiquity. You will certainly be won over by its colorful streets and pleasantly surprised by their Greco-Roman plan, affording it UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, the former cardo maximus is the historical centre’s main street. You can mosey at your leisure in the fashion shops, art galleries and cake shops. Don’t miss the three naves in the stunning Saint Lawrence Cathedral. From the top of its keep, the Kamerlengo fortress provides a spectacular view of the old town and coastline.

You will sail towards the popular island of Hvar, for a day in Stari Grad, an intimate port of call that is off the beaten track. Let your feelings guide you and discover this pretty city located at the end of a fertile plain, planted with vines and olive groves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The organisation of its parcels, marked out by dry stone walls that punctuate the landscape, goes back to ancient times. Wander around the small streets at your leisure, discovering the town’s pretty boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

Discover Mljet Island off the Peljesac peninsula. Known for its national park and its protected forests, this Croatian splendid, pristine island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two saltwater lakes. On the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, a small island is home to an old Benedictine monastery.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

Much of Tivat’s elegance comes from the beauty of its marina, Porto Montenegro, which attracts many influential personalities. The port’s promenade, emphasised by its line of palm trees facing the mountains of the Bay of Kotor, really is a setting with unique charm. Built in the 14th century, the town was successively governed by the Venetians and the Austro-Hungarians before the creation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia following the First World War. Today, Montenegro's most prosperous city welcomes visitors, in particular to visit its old town or take a walk along its magnificent beaches.

Located in the Apulia region, Otrante is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweetlife of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot”. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old centre. With its magnificent 12th century ornamental mosaic tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a café terrace.

1 available excursion to this stopover.

Pizzica dance, Apulian folkloric show - 45 minutes
The pizzica belongs to the large family of traditional dances known as tarantella and was a popular dance in Puglia and Basilicata until the 1970s.
As well as being performed on festive occasions by various family groups or local communities, the pizzica also accompanied the ritual of tarentism (therapeutic treatments to cure the venom of the tarantula) in the Salento area. It was performed by orchestras made up of various instruments, with the tambourine and violin standing out for their rhythmic and melodic characteristics.

Today, you'll be treated to a performance by three musicians and one dancer, dressed in traditional costumes. Let yourself be carried away by this tradition and admire their art.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

2 available excursions to this stopover.

Taormina & Greek Theatre - 4 hrs and 45 minutes
From the pier, you will be transferred by coach to the ancient Greek town of Taormina, a 30-minute drive.

Called Tauromenium in ancient times, Taormina clings to the side of Mount Tauro and offers superb views, splashed with the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and oleanders, of the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella and a snow-capped Etna in the background. A maze of narrow streets, stairs, and tiny squares, Taormina has attracted many civilisations over the centuries. It is home to theatres and a gymnasium from the Greek period, an Odeon and baths from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, traces of Byzantine, and villas belonging to European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.

You will start your excursion with a visit on foot to the historic center. You will cross the famous Corso Umberto to discover numerous monuments from several eras, and admire Porta Catania, the Cathedral, Piazza IX Aprile and Palazzo Corvaja.

You will then arrive at Teatro Antico, a theatre built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, and almost completely rebuilt by the Romans who created a gladiatorial arena. The theatre is the second largest in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. Due to its size and acoustic quality the theatre is still used to host festivals and concerts. Seated on the stone terraces, the audience can enjoy the concert while admiring a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea, Mount Tauro and Etna.

After your visit, you will enjoy a refreshment at a local bar and some free time.

• As this excursion involves a walk of around 1.5 miles (2 km) on rough terrain with several stairways, we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required when visiting religious monuments, with knees and shoulders covered.

Ascent of Mount Etna - 5 hrs and 30 minutes
Leave the landing pier by coach for the drive to Rifugio Sapienza, about 6,000 ft above sea level, on Mount Etna.
Mt. Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, the slopes soar up to over 9,800 ft and the flanks are covered with scores of cones and craters. From there you will be able to gaze out across the Catania Gulf and view the woods, orchids and vineyards from the vantage point. But, of course, the major attractions are the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava.
From there and with the assistance of a professional alpine guide, you will continue by cable car to 7,500 ft and then by special 4x4 minibuses to reach the basis of the main crater at about 8,800 ft above sea level. Up there and still accompanied with your guide, you will be able to go nearer to see last lava flows.

• Since this excursion involves walking at high altitude (9,800 ft – 2 900 m), participants should be in excellent physical condition. Bring a sweater or a jacket as it can be very chilly and windy, and wear sturdy walking shoes. A supplement of €10 per person will be applied if less than 10 persons want to realize the tour. This tour is conducted by an English-speaking photographer-guide. This tour is limited to 80 participants

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.