15-Night Valletta to Nice

Malta: the country that God built. Well, kind of. Malta is well-known for being the once-stronghold of the famous religious military order, The Knights Hospitaller, who were granted the land in 1530 from the King of Spain in exchange for an annual fee of one Maltese falcon (which eventually inspired the name of Dashiell Hammett’s famous novel). And these marauding knights certainly did a great job putting the place together. Valletta, the nation’s capital, remains the highlight and exploring this fascinating walled city (which kept the Hospitallers secure until they came across Napoleon in 1798) is akin to walking back in time. It’s small size (just 0.3 square miles) makes it the perfect cruise stopover and is the ideal base for exploring the rest of the country on excursions.

Welcome to Siracusa, where ancient myths and legends intertwine with the present. Set along the sparkling shores of the Ionian Sea, Siracusa basks in a Mediterranean climate, inviting cruisegoers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm. Away from the typical tourist traps, this coastal gem offers an authentic experience that showcases the true essence of Italy. Cruise lines often dock here to provide travelers with a glimpse into the country's soul, from exploring the ancient Greek ruins of Neapolis to strolling through the enchanting streets of Ortygia. As a testament to its rich history, Siracusa boasts one of the largest Greek theaters in the world, where performances still captivate audiences to this day.

Welcome to Giardini Naxos, where ancient history meets modern charm along the sun-kissed shores of the Ionian Sea. This picturesque coastal town boasts a Mediterranean climate, perfect for leisurely exploration of its quaint streets and sandy beaches. Away from the typical tourist traps, Giardini Naxos offers an authentic taste of Sicilian life, where locals welcome visitors with open arms. Cruise lines often anchor here to provide travelers with a glimpse into the real Italy, from sampling fresh seafood at local trattorias to discovering the remnants of ancient Greek settlements dotting the coastline. Fun fact: Giardini Naxos is home to the first Greek colony in Sicily, founded in 734 BC.

The largest and most developed of the Aeolians, Lipari welcomes you with distinctive pastel-color houses. Fields of spiky agaves dot the northernmost tip of the island, Acquacalda, indented with pumice and obsidian quarries. In the west is San Calogero, where you can explore hot springs and mud baths. From the red-lava base of the island rises a plateau crowned with a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.

Capri, famed for its legendary allure, has a history steeped in myth and majesty. Its crystalline waters have drawn admirers for centuries, from Roman emperors to Hollywood royalty. The Mediterranean climate blesses this island with sun-drenched days and gentle sea breezes, creating an idyllic setting for exploration. Away from the tourist throngs, Capri offers a glimpse into authentic Italian life, with winding cobblestone streets leading to hidden piazzas and family-run trattorias serving up traditional fare. As the sun sets, the island transforms into a romantic haven, with the iconic Faraglioni rock formations casting enchanting shadows over the shimmering sea.

Capri, famed for its legendary allure, has a history steeped in myth and majesty. Its crystalline waters have drawn admirers for centuries, from Roman emperors to Hollywood royalty. The Mediterranean climate blesses this island with sun-drenched days and gentle sea breezes, creating an idyllic setting for exploration. Away from the tourist throngs, Capri offers a glimpse into authentic Italian life, with winding cobblestone streets leading to hidden piazzas and family-run trattorias serving up traditional fare. As the sun sets, the island transforms into a romantic haven, with the iconic Faraglioni rock formations casting enchanting shadows over the shimmering sea.

Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here.

Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

Elba is the Tuscan archipelago's largest island, but it resembles nearby verdant Corsica more than it does its rocky Italian sisters, thanks to a network of underground springs that keep it lush and green. It's this combination of semitropical vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery—unusual in the Mediterranean—that has made Elba so prized for so long, and the island's uniqueness continues to draw boatloads of visitors throughout the warm months. A car is very useful for getting around the island, but public buses stop at most towns several times a day; the tourist office has timetables.

Livorno is one of central Italy's busiest economic hubs. Known for its massive seaport and epic medieval fortifications, Livorno has another side where freshly caught seafood, urban waterways, vibrant nightlife, and modern museums are the order of the day.

Visitors who arrive by cruise ship often consider Livorno as only a stopover before venturing to more popular destinations. Don't become one of those visitors, as you are missing out!

We'd recommend exploring Livorno on foot, absorbing the culture and relaxing in the charms of Italy's lesser-known coastal city.

Nestled along the rugged Ligurian coast, Portovenere beckons with its maritime heritage, tracing back to ancient Roman times when it served as a strategic outpost. The Mediterranean climate here gifts warm summers and mild winters, inviting exploration year-round. Escape the tourist hustle and bustle, uncovering authentic experiences amidst cobblestone streets and pastel-hued buildings. Portovenere stands as a testament to Italy's coastal charm, boasting stunning views of the Gulf of Poets and the iconic Church of St. Peter perched atop sheer cliffs. Don't miss the hidden gem of Byron's Grotto, a sea cave celebrated by the famed poet Lord Byron for its ethereal beauty.

Portofino, renowned for its illustrious maritime past, invites travelers to step into a realm of timeless elegance. Nestled along the rugged Italian Riviera, its history unfolds like a captivating tale of seafaring adventure and opulent living. The Mediterranean climate bathes its colorful harbor in gentle warmth, offering a tranquil escape from bustling tourist hubs. Visitors can savor authentic Italian hospitality amidst quaint cafes and boutiques, each corner exuding old-world charm. As the playground of the rich and famous, Portofino remains a cherished gem, where luxury yachts sway against a backdrop of pastel-hued villas. Discover the allure of this coastal haven, where every sunset paints a masterpiece on the horizon.

Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Monaco lies Monte Carlo, a city steeped in glamour and allure. Its illustrious history as a playground for the wealthy elite spans centuries, drawing visitors with its opulent casinos and legendary Grand Prix. Beneath its azure skies, Monte Carlo basks in a Mediterranean climate, offering respite from the ordinary with its vibrant ambiance and stunning coastal vistas. For those seeking an authentic experience, Monte Carlo unveils a world of sophistication and refinement, where luxury blends seamlessly with tradition. As dusk falls, the cityscape comes alive with glittering lights, casting an enchanting spell over all who visit.

United with France only since 1860, Nice has its own history and atmosphere, which dates back 230,000 years. It was on Colline du Château (now château-less) and at the Plage des Ponchettes, in front of the Old Town, that the Greeks established a market-port in 350 BC and named it Nikaia, which would become Marseilles' chief coastal rival. The Romans established themselves a little later on the hills of Cimiez (Cemenelum), already previously occupied by Ligurians and Celts, and quickly overshadowed the waterfront port. After falling to the Saracen invasions, Nice regained power as an independent state, becoming an important port in the early Middle Ages.So cocksure did it become that in 1388, Nice, along with the hill towns behind, effectively seceded from the county of Provence, under Louis d'Anjou, and allied itself with Savoie. Thus began its liaison with the House of Savoy, and through it with Piedmont and Sardinia, it was the Comté de Nice (Nice County). This relationship lasted some 500 years, tinting the culture, architecture, and dialect in rich Italian hues.By the 19th century Nice was flourishing commercially, locked in rivalry with the neighboring shipping port of Genoa. Another source of income: the dawning of tourism, as first the English, then the Russian nobility, discovered its extraordinary climate and superb waterfront position. A parade of fine stone mansions and hotels closed into a nearly solid wall of masonry, separated from the smooth-round rocks of the beach by what was originally named Camin deis Anglés (the English Way), which of course is now the famous Promenade des Anglais. This magnificent crescent, which is seeking UNESCO recognition, is one of the noblest in France. Many of Nice's most delightful attractions—the Cours Saleya market, the Old Town streets, the Hotel Negresco, and the Palais Masséna—are on or close to this 10-km (6-mile) waterfront, making it the first stop for most visitors, while the redevelopment of Nice's port, around the other side of the Colline du Château, makes it easier for amblers who want to take in the Genoese architecture or peruse the antiques at the Puces de Nice, now part of the Promenade des 100 Antiquaires, along Quai Papacino. Nice also has the distinction of the "Family Plus" label, with free strollers, play areas, and restaurants with child-friendly activities.