Discover our exceptional cruise from Valletta, the capital of Malta, to the enchanting island of Sicily.
Sail aboard La Belle de l'Adriatique on a unique itinerary between Malta and Sicily. On our intimate ship, you’ll explore Malta’s most remarkable sites and uncover the charm of Sicily, with its timeless landscapes and picturesque villages.
The capital of Malta, Valletta was founded in the 16th century by the Knights of the Order of St John and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified city was strategically built to defend the island from external attacks. Its imposing ramparts rise above the Mediterranean, sheltering numerous palaces and churches. Among the must-see landmarks are St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and Fort St. Elmo.
La Belle de l’Adriatique, moored just a short walk from Valletta’s historic centre, provides the perfect setting to explore the city’s narrow, colourful streets and enjoy breathtaking views of the seafront.
Just outside Valletta stands an extraordinary architectural masterpiece from the late Neolithic period: the megalithic temple of Ħaġar Qim. Built between 3600 and 3200 BC, this remarkable structure includes massive stones, one of which measures 5.2 metres and weighs 57 tonnes. An elliptical hole in one of the megaliths allows the sun’s rays, during the summer solstice, to illuminate the slab in front of it, a striking alignment between nature and human ingenuity.
Just a short distance from Malta, Gozo feels like a world of its own, greener, quieter, and more serene than its larger neighbour. This oasis of calm invites visitors to slow down, soak in its rustic charm, and marvel at its historical treasures and dramatic coastal formations. Rolling hills, hidden coves, and a countryside dotted with picturesque villages, churches, and chapels give the island a timeless character.
No visit to Gozo is complete without discovering the megalithic temples of Ġgantija, dating back more than 5,000 years. Among the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, they even predate the pyramids of Egypt. A journey through Gozo is truly a journey back in time. Its natural beauty is said to have inspired Homer’s Odyssey, where the nymph Calypso held Ulysses captive on her paradise island for seven years.
Upon arriving in Sicily, venture to the island’s southeast and discover its celebrated Baroque towns, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693.
Ragusa rises dramatically on a cliff some 550 metres above sea level and is divided into two parts: the old town, known as L'Hybla Heraia, and the newer district, Ibla, below. The latter is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily. A symbol of the city’s rebirth, the dome of San Giorgio, adorned with friezes, volutes, and columns, dominates the skyline. With its medieval atmosphere, winding alleyways, staircases, hidden passages, and ornate balconies, Ragusa enchants every visitor.
Just a few kilometres away lies Modica, the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning poet Salvatore Quasimodo. Celebrated for its Baroque splendour, the town is equally renowned for its chocolate. Produced using an ancient technique introduced by the Spanish and inspired by the Aztecs, Modica’s chocolate is a true delicacy, best enjoyed in traditional flavours such as orange or cinnamon.
Located in southeastern Sicily and once described by Cicero as one of the most beautiful cities of the Greek world, Syracuse is truly an open-air museum. Birthplace of the brilliant mathematician Archimedes, the city is also home to the famous Neapolis Archaeological Park, with its vast Greek theatre, the remains of several temples, and the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre. Visitors can also explore the Latomies, ancient quarries later used as prisons, where the legendary Ear of Dionysius, an artificial cave with a strikingly shaped entrance, still resonates with history.
Linked to the mainland by a bridge, the island of Ortigia is the historic heart of Syracuse and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Here you can admire the Temple of Apollo and the stunning Syracuse Cathedral, built upon the ruins of an ancient Greek temple. Don’t miss Maniace Castle, an imposing fortress offering sweeping views of the Sicilian coastline.
A short distance away lies Noto, the undisputed capital of Sicilian Baroque. Renowned for its lavish architecture, ornate churches, and palaces adorned with sculptures, the town is a masterpiece of elegance. Noto Cathedral, with its grand façade, stands as one of the finest examples of this flamboyant style.
At the foot of the majestic slopes of Europe’s largest active volcano lies the vibrant city of Catania. Nicknamed the “City of the Elephant” after the emblem on its iconic fountain, Catania is a fascinating blend of Baroque elegance and authentic Sicilian character. The city’s resilience is remarkable, it has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times following devastating earthquakes and eruptions of Mount Etna. The volcano has left an indelible mark on the cityscape: many buildings stand on lava foundations, and basalt stone from ancient flows was used to construct walls and monuments, including the famous Elephant Fountain in Piazza del Duomo. As Sicily’s second-largest city, Catania offers a lively atmosphere and spectacular views of Mount Etna. From the bustling Via Etnea to the dramatic Silvestri craters, the city provides a gateway to experiencing the volcano up close.
Towering over 3,000 metres above sea level, Etna dominates the surrounding landscape. With nearly 100 eruptions during the 20th century, it is the most active volcano in Europe. Its last major eruption occurred in 2001, though smaller crater eruptions continue to occur several times a year. Our excursion follows the scenic mountain road that winds through picturesque villages such as Giarre, Santa Venerina, and Zafferana, before reaching 1,950 metres, where you can explore the Silvestri crater area, created by the dramatic eruption of 1892.
Whether you are passionate about history, fascinated by architecture, or simply in search of breathtaking destinations, this unique cruise from Valletta to Syracuse will captivate you with its one-of-a-kind itinerary and included excursions. This autumn, join us aboard La Belle de l’Adriatique for an unforgettable journey!
