Valletta – Civitavecchia · 8–18 July 2028

Approaching Valletta by sea, you enter one of the Mediterranean’s great natural harbours, framed by honey-coloured fortifications and tightly packed historic buildings rising above the waterfront. Nearby, the old city’s bastions, domes and narrow streets give the area a grand yet lived-in atmosphere, with views across the water to the surrounding Three Cities.

Approaching Gozo by sea, you are met by a rugged limestone coast, small harbours, and a quieter, more rural atmosphere than on Malta’s main island. Nearby, visitors can look out for steep cliffs, sheltered bays, and the honey-coloured villages that give the island its relaxed Mediterranean character.

Arriving by ship in Syracuse, you come to a broad Sicilian harbour with sunlit waterfronts and a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Nearby, the old city on the island of Ortigia, baroque streets, sea views and the archaeological heritage of ancient Syracuse make this one of the most atmospheric stops on Sicily’s east coast.

Arriving by ship at Lipari, you are greeted by a bright Mediterranean harbour backed by steep volcanic slopes and a town rising above the waterfront. Nearby, you can head toward the old quarter and hilltop fortifications for sweeping views, while the island’s white pumice tones, dark rock and clear sea give the whole place a vivid, sunlit atmosphere.

Arriving in Trapani by sea, you come alongside a working Sicilian harbour with the old town stretching nearby on a low peninsula between open water and salt flats. The atmosphere is bright, breezy and distinctly Mediterranean, with ferries, fishing boats and views toward the historic centre and the Egadi Islands offshore.

Agropoli offers a bright Mediterranean arrival, with a working harbour, low waterfront buildings, and the Cilento coast stretching away nearby. Just beyond the port, visitors can look toward the old town rising on the headland and enjoy the relaxed southern Italian atmosphere of sea, stone, and evening promenades.

Arriving by sea, Amalfi appears as a dramatic cluster of pastel buildings beneath steep cliffs on one of Italy’s most famous coastlines. From the harbour, the waterfront feels lively and sunlit, with the cathedral and narrow old streets just a short walk away and sweeping views of the rocky coast all around.

Arriving by ship at Sorrento, you are greeted by steep cliffs, a compact harbour, and wide views across the Bay of Naples, with Vesuvius often visible in the distance. Nearby, the town above the port has a lively yet elegant holiday atmosphere, with narrow streets, sea-view terraces, and the dramatic Amalfi coast within easy reach.

Arriving by ship, Ponza greets you with pastel houses climbing above a busy harbour and steep volcanic cliffs dropping into clear blue water. Nearby, you can wander into the lively waterfront streets or head along the coast to discover rocky coves, sea views, and the island’s relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Palmarola feels wild and remote, with dramatic volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and intensely clear water creating one of the most striking anchorages in the Pontine Islands. Arriving by ship, expect a quiet, unspoiled coastline and excellent views of the island’s rugged rock formations and tiny coves nearby rather than any built-up harbour scene.

Civitavecchia greets arriving ships with a broad working harbour, sea walls, ferries and a stretch of Tyrrhenian coastline that feels more practical than picturesque at first glance. Just beyond the port, you can find an old seafront town atmosphere, waterfront promenades and views toward the Lazio coast, with Rome lying further inland as the great nearby draw.