Discover Scenic Shores and Hidden Gems: 18 days Valletta to Nice

Welcome to Malta and its tiny yet enchanting capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and captivating, with its exquisitely preserved Baroque-era buildings and magnificent fortifications, dating back to the 1500s. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on your wondrous journey cruising the islands and coastlines of magical Italy.

Please book your flight to arrive into Valletta prior to 07:00 PM.

Today, you’ll arrive in Italy and Syracuse, a historic city located on the southeastern shores of Sicily, Italy’s largest island. Syracuse is renowned for its ancient ruins, picturesque architecture and stunning waterfront views. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to a well-preserved Greek amphitheatre, Roman amphitheatre and an ancient quarry known as the ‘Ear of Dionysius.’ 

Syracuse's historical centre, Ortygia, is a charming island connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with well-preserved Baroque buildings, visit the stunning Cathedral of Syracuse, and savour freshly-caught seafood at charming waterfront restaurants.

Nestled on Sicily’s eastern shores, the picturesque town of Giardini Naxos offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the fabled active volcano. This seaside town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear aquamarine waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade edged with bustling restaurants, shops and cafés. Giardini Naxos also harbours a rich tapestry of history, with archaeological sites that date back to ancient Greek and Roman times and is nearby the esteemed Taormina Archaeological Park.

The largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari presents a volcanic archipelago set off the coast of Sicily, embedded within the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. The gorgeous island scenery is defined by its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches lapped by crystalline turquoise waters and lush vegetation. The island also boasts a charming Old Town, delightful with its narrow streets and traditional houses painted in pastel hues, as well as a 16th century castle, which reveals panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Welcome to Amalfi, a delightful coastal town, set on the clifftops of the Amalfi Coast, a stretch of coastline now protected under UNESCO World Heritage-listed status.  Amalfi has long attracted visitors for decades for its stunning views of the azure Tyrrhenian Sea., picturesque streets, and rich history. The town is also famous for its beautiful cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi, which dates back to the 9th century and features intricate Byzantine mosaics. Explore the historic centre of Amalfi, enchanting with its narrow alleys, colourful buildings, and quaint shops selling local artisan ceramics.

A legendary island set off the Sorrento Peninsula amid the breathtaking Bay of Naples, Capri is synonymous with stunning natural beauty and an air of luxury.  Pretty coves lapped by aquamarine waters dot the dramatic, rugged coastline, while high-end hotels, designer boutiques and gastronomic restaurants attract the rich and famous, many of whom dock their yachts at the island’s glitzy Marina Grande. Later, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay on Capri.

Another gem to discover along the stunning Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is a much-loved resort town, best known for its breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and imposing Mount Vesuvius across the water. Sorrento is also a popular destination for those seeking a mix of magnificent scenery, delicious cuisine and ancient sites.  The town's historic centre is a delight to explore, with its atmospheric narrow streets lined with quaint shops selling traditional products; these may include hand-made ceramics and limoncello, a traditional liqueur produced in southern Italy, made from locally-grown lemons.

Today, you’ll discover Gaeta, a charming coastal town nestled amid the Lazio region of southern Italy between the grand cities of Rome and Naples. Offering stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Gaeta is renowned for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear, turquoise waters. This port town however is also drenched in history, with ancient Roman ruins and medieval churches peppered along the picturesque streets. Gaeta is also celebrated for its seafood, with many restaurants serving fresh fish caught daily by the local fishermen and distinctive olives and olive oil, which are sold in markets and shops throughout the region.

Nestled along the stunning Monte Argentario peninsula, Porto Santo Stefano is a charming Italian seaside town known for its colorful harbor, elegant promenade, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Wander the marina lined with fishing boats and cafés, explore the historic Spanish Fort overlooking the bay, or take in sweeping sea views from the hillside. With its blend of natural beauty, boutique shopping, and fresh seafood cuisine, Porto Santo Stefano offers the perfect taste of coastal Tuscany.

One of the oldest towns on Elba Island, Portoferraio oozes Tuscan charm. A favourite among beach lovers and history buffs alike, the main port of Elba is popular for its enticing sandy shores and distinctive Medici Fortresses, which date back to the 16th century. This magnificent hilltop complex, built to defend the city, can be explored via a pathway that reveals enchanting views of the sea.

After breakfast, set off to explore Rome and uncover the storied history of this enthralling Italian capital. Once the epicentre of the mighty Roman empire, admire the wealth of iconic ancient legacies evident today, including The Colosseum, The Pantheon and Roman Forum. Be sure, however, to get a taste of Italy’s famous ‘La Dolce Vita’ (‘the good life’) and enjoy a gelato (ice-cream) in one of Rome’s vibrant piazzas.

In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey, ready to explore more of the wonders of the West Mediterranean.

Your first port of call is Calvi, on the northwest shore of the French Island of Corsica. According to local legend, Calvi was the birthplace of the 15th century Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus. While historians may debate this, the natural beauty and rich culture of Calvi is undisputed. Calvi's gorgeous beach presents a crescent-shaped bay of powdery white sand fringed by maritime pines, while the town has evolved to become Corsica’s ‘culture capital,’ hosting several music festivals over the idyllic summer months.

Along the western coast of Italy’s beautiful Tuscany region, the bustling city of Livorno boasts a modern seaport, but is best known for its scenic beauty, picturesque views of the azure Mediterranean Sea and delicious fresh seafood.  Not surprisingly, the city's renowned culinary scene is heavily influenced by its seaside location, tempting with signature dishes such as 'cacciucco,'a traditional fish stew that is a must-try for anyone who visits here.

Further along the Tuscan coast, you’ll arrive in Marina di Carrara. This lovely seaside town famous for the pale and premium Italian marble that is mined and quarried from the nearby mountains. The highly-prized Carrara marble not only ranks as one of Italy’s most celebrated artisan products, but has been, used for centuries to create some of the world’s most important artistic wonders, including Michelangelo’s iconic Statue of David. These shimmering mountains of purest marble contrast beautifully with Marina di Carrara’s pretty coastal scenery.

Today, you’ll set sail early in the morning, bound for the Italian Ligurian coast and Porto Venere. This ancient town dates back to the first century BC and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It harbours a romantic history, thanks to its penchant for attracting famous poets and artists over the centuries. Porto Venere’s wonderful swimming spots were beloved by, amongst others, the legendary English poet, Lord Byron, who regularly swam and meditated here in the early 1800s. One of Porto Venere's most striking features is its Gothic-style Church of St. Peter, dating back to the 12th century and resting atop a rocky headland overlooking the sparkling sea.

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming Italian resort town with panoramic views that’s revered for its timeless elegance and style. For those seeking ‘La dolce vita,, you’re sure to find it in abundance here. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade, or the pebbly beachfront, admiring the gleaming yachts and sailing boats. Marvel at an impressive Baroque-era church along the cobbled streets and savour succulent red shrimps, the local fishermen’s catch of the day.

Later in the morning, you’ll sail on to delightful Portofino. Nestled along the Italian Riviera, the eternally popular Portofino boasts a rich gastronomic scene, a picturesque harbour and narrow streets lined with charming pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and restaurants specialising in freshly-caught seafood.

Officially known as the Principality of Monaco, this e sovereign city-state is famous for its opulence and glamour, boasting high-end casinos, a glitzy harbour lined with superyachts and the exclusive Monte Carlo district, a jetsetter’s haven. This dazzling gem of the Côte d'Azur is the official residence of Monaco’s royal household – the palace has been home to the Grimaldi family since the late 13th century – and boasts several museums. Monaco is also the host of numerous cultural events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music to the visual arts, while Monte Carlo is renowned for its annual Monaco Grand Prix, a prestigious Formula One motor racing event.

Your unforgettable yacht cruise concludes this morning in the French Riviera, at the alluring port  city of Nice.  After bidding farewell to your crew and fellow guests, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your travels.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 01:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.