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VALLETTA - POZZALLO - CATANIA - SYRACUSE - VALLETTA
All aboard for an exclusive cruise along the coasts of Sicily and Malta. Your vacation begins in Malta, a gorgeous Mediterranean haven with a rich and varied past. The island's magnificent capital, Valletta, and colorful villages await you. Journeying along the fascinating Sicilian coast takes you to the heart of its ancient past, where you'll discover baroque villages such as Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, as well as several locations listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A splendid trip combining architecture and culture on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
HIGHLIGHTS
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Included excursions:
Valletta in the morning. The splendid Maltese capital deserves a special visit. Perched on top of a steep cliff, its layout and architectural structures are remarkable. The city was built stone-by-stone by and for the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. We’ll make an exclusive stop at Saint John's Co-Cathedral.
In the afternoon, set out to discover Malta's treasures by visiting the island's most beautiful sites. We’ll visit the Hagar Qim temple complex, dating back to the beginning of the Bronze Age. Our next stop will be Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village. Its isolated location and deep waters have made it a strategic island location over the centuries.
Tonight’s festivities will have a Maltese flair!
Join us for an included day trip to Gozo (lunch included). We’ll set out on a full-day trip to a calm, heavenly oasis on the Gozo. We’ll take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo, admiring the gorgeous landscapes and scenery along the way, including the impressive, fortified citadel in the capital city of Rabat. You’ll discover remains of the Azure Window, a 92-foot (28 m) limestone natural arch that collapsed completely in March 2017, as well as the bay of Xlendi. In the afternoon, we'll visit the megalithic temple complex of ?gantija, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE will then raise its anchor and begin to cruise to Sicily. Join the ship's crew on the Sun Deck for a cocktail as we admire one of the most beautiful ports in the world on our way out.
Included excursion this morning: Ragusa and Modica. Travel back in time when visiting these lovely UNESCO World Heritage sites. In Regusa, you’ll discover two cities in one: modern Regusa rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and ancient Hybla Heraia. The city’s architectural gem is the Duomo of San Giorgio. We’ll then continue on to Modica, a charming inland village snuggled on a hillside. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, Modica is now a lively and dynamic city with oversized churches and steep stairs running from the bottom of the village to the top of the slope. During our tour, we’ll stop at a chocolate factory to taste a recipe coming directly from the Aztecs.
We’ll spend the afternoon cruising.
Included excursions:
Catania in the morning. Located on the banks of the Ionian Sea and dominated by Mount Etna, you’ll discover vast squares, wide streets, and lava-rock buildings in this splendid city. Its historic and artistic heritage is just waiting to be discovered.
Mount Etna in the afternoon.(1) Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, and we’ll take you up to almost 6,400 feet (1950 m) to the Silvestri Craters near the top. The bleak lava wilderness around the summit of Etna is one of the most memorable landscapes you’ll ever see.
Included excursion this morning: Ortygia. One of the most fascinating cities in Sicily awaits us today. The 2,700-year-old city of Syracuse played a key role in ancient times when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. You'll visit Ortygia, the small island that is the historical center of the city. You'll come across the majestic ruins of the Greek Temple of Apollo, the Piazza Archimede, and the Piazza Duomo, an elliptical open space lined with harmonious and impressive buildings.
This afternoon, join us for an included excursion: Noto. Noto and its church were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Totally destroyed by the 1693 Sicilian earthquake, the current town was built on the left bank of River Asinaro, about eight miles from the previous town. Enjoy a stroll through the historical center and admire the buildings, do a bit of souvenir shopping, or indulge in a snack at a local café.
In the morning, LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE will enter the Grand Harbor, also known as the Port of Valletta, a baroque-style wharf dating back to the 18th century. Imposing fortifications and impressive architecture surround the picturesque port.
This afternoon, join us for an included excursion: Mdina and Rabat. Mdina is a veritable open-air museum. The ancient Maltese capital holds many treasures, among them several of the most beautiful homes in the country. You’ll step back in time strolling through the labyrinth of streets lined with impressive palaces. We’ll then head to Rabat, with archaeological relics testifying to the town's importance during the Roman period. We'll visit Saint Paul’s and Saint Agatha’s Catacombs, the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.
Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.
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