The entire Maltese capital of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located on a peninsula in the island's northeast. From the Triton Fountain to Fort Saint Elmo, the city is filled with both grand streets and narrow staircases waiting to be explored. The painted loggias and carved corbels on the tall houses add charm to your journey, with little traffic to disturb you. You can visit the Grandmaster's Palace, adorned with coats of arms and frescoes, as well as Saint John's Cathedral and the ramparts that have protected the city since the 16th century. The terraced Barrakka Gardens offer a beautiful, green retreat during your strolls.

Sicily offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from its rocky coastline and endless sandy beaches to the imposing Mount Etna and the hillside gardens. Cicero once described Syracuse as “the most beautiful city in the world.” It was one of Sicily’s most prestigious cities and a rival to Athens at its peak. As a central city of Ancient Greece, Syracuse was home to many civilizations, each leaving its mark. The city showcases a rich blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine, and Spanish influences, making it extraordinarily vibrant in fragrances, colors, and flavors.

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 center, suspended 300 meters above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past is 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.

At the southern tip of the Italian boot, Reggio di Calabria guards the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. From the lungomare, the seafront promenade, there are magnificent views over Sicily, a little over 3 km away, and Etna. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, Reggio is set out in a grid pattern and has Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture that adds to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum is a must. It is one of the most important in Italy and among its collections are the famous Riace Bronzes, the stunning Greek statues dating from the 5th century BC that were found off the coast in 1972.

Located on the Cilento Coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Agropoli is an Italian town located in the province of Salerno in Campania. You'll be seduced by the beauty of its coastline, its pristine nature and its fascinating history dating back to Antiquity. The Apennines (from the Celtic word “pen” meaning rocky summit) form the backbone of the Italian Peninsula and serve as a majestic background to a landscape composed of small bays and coves. The magnificent beaches of Trentova Bay contribute to making this small town a very popular seaside resort.

More Italian than Italy itself, Naples is the capital of the beautiful region of Campania and is an unusual city, to say the least. Its gulf, dominated by Vesuvius, is one of the world’s marvels. Built by the Greeks and then occupied by the Romans, the city has retained the memory of antiquity, as Castell dell’Ovo illustrates. But Naples has another side to it with its hustle and bustle, narrow streets, clothes hung out to dry at windows, Caravaggio paintings on the walls of a church, and incessant rumor in a sleepless city. This is a head-spinning city to visit and savor: don’t forget to eat a slice of pizza Margherita.

Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easygoing town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometers from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.

On the Ligurian coast, Livorno invites you to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes, and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan baroque style.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today.