Exclusive cruise: The Best of the Mediterranean with Malta and Sicily

# Description

Cruise

CATANIA - POZZALLO - VALLETTA - SYRACUSE - CATANIA

Croisi +

All inclusive on board

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
Headsets are included for excursions
Official welcome from the captain and crew
Onboard activities
Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
All port fees included

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Original and exclusive itinerary
EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
- The Cyclopean Coast
- One day on the island of Gozo
Malta, a patchwork of cultures with unequaled treasures
- Megalithic ruins, baroque architecture, and superb natural sites
Sicily, the best that Italy has to offer:
- Gorgeous landscapes with a deep archaeological history
Great discoveries:
- Malta and its rich cultural heritage
- The best the Mediterranean has to offer
- Valletta, the island's capital
- The neighboring island of Gozo
- The antique ruins and picturesque villages of Sicily
- Mount Etna Volcano
- Historical Syracuse

Day 1

CATANIA

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. We'll enjoy dinner on board this evening. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Day 2

CATANIA (SICILY)

In the morning, join us for a tour of Catania. 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 historical and artistic heritage is just waiting to be discovered.
This afternoon, join us for an excursion to "The Cyclopean Coast", a fantastic mix of legends and history. Our first stop will be Aci Trezza, a small fishing village known for three tall, column-shaped islands right off its coast. In Homer's Odyssey, Cyclops Polyphemus hurled these large boulders at Ulysses' vessels. After a stroll through the seaside village, we'll head to Aci Castello. From a panoramic observation point, you'll be able to admire the lava rock castle perched above the sea. We'll then continue on to Acireale, an elegant baroque town at the foot of Mount Etna. You'll discover the historical heart of the town and its lava rock architecture.
OR join us on an excursion to Mount Etna and enjoy a tasting of local wines* (lunch included).(1) We'll set out to visit one of the most famous volcanos in Europe. Century after century, the eruptions have modified the slopes of the mountain, forming unique sculptures of lava and ice. Our coach will climb the mountain to the Sapienza refuge, at about 6,234 feet high (1,900 m.). From there, we'll continue our ascent by aerial tram and then in a four-wheel drive bus to the "Tower of the Philosopher". From the ancient and monumental "Valle de Bove" caldera, you'll take in the superb view across the valley to the Mediterranean Sea.
Tonight's festivities will have a Sicilian flair!

Day 3

POZZALLO (SICILY)

We'll spend the morning cruising.
Come with us on an excursion to Ragusa and Modica this afternoon. Travel back in time when visiting these lovely UNESCO World Heritage sites. In Ragusa, you'll discover two cities in one: modern Ragusa 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 over-sized 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 cruise through the night towards Malta.

Day 4

VALLETTA (Malta)

In the morning, join us for a tour of Valletta. The splendid Maltese capital deserves a special visit. Perched on top 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 a special stop at Saint John's Co-Cathedral.
This afternoon, we'll set out on an excursion to discover some of Malta's archaeological treasures. We'll visit the Tarxien and Hagar Qim temple complexes dating back to the beginning of the Bronze Age. We'll then head to the Ghar Dalam cave, containing the bone remains of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct in Malta at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum.
Tonight's festivities will have a Maltese flair!

Day 5

VALLETTA (Malta)

Join us for an excursion to Gozo (lunch included). We'll set out on a full-day trip to a calm, heavenly oasis. 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 Ggantija, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tonight's festivities will have a Maltese flair!

Day 6

VALLETTA (Malta)

In the morning, join us for a tour of 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.
This afternoon's excursions will be visiting typical villages on the southern edge of the island. A world away from the bustling capital, you'll discover the slower pace of many of the island's typical seaside villages. Our first stop will be Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village. Its isolated location and deep waters has made it a strategic island location over the centuries. Then we'll go to Siggiewi. The patron saint of the village is Saint Nicholas of Bari, and the church built in his honor is one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture on the island. When we stop at an olive grove, we'll learn about the various methods of growing and harvesting olives throughout the centuries. Enjoy a tasting of the local products. Next stop: Zebbug, one of the oldest towns on the island. Mostly famous for its city gate and the parish church, the town gets its name from the large olive groves that use to stand around the current location of the town center (zebbug means olive in Maltese).

Day 7

SYRACUSE (Sicily)

In the morning, join us for a tour of Syracuse and Ortigia. 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. We'll discover the unique site of the Necropolis of Pantalica, and visit Ortygia, the small island which 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, come with us on an excursion to 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 8 miles from the previous town. Enjoy a stroll through the historical center and admire the buildings, do a bit of souvenir shopping, or enjoy a snack at a local cafe.
Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.

Day 8

CATANIA

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

Dates & Prices

Choose your departure date

Departure city

Start Date

End Date

Ship

Anchors

From *

* Price based on double occupancy

Start Date

End Date

Ship

Anchors

From *

START IN 2018

Departure 11/08/2018

Arrival 11/15/2018

MS La Belle de l'Adriatique

$ 4,400 per person per person

FROM $ 4,400 per person per person

Ship : MS La Belle de l'Adriatique Anchors : 5

Sold out

Departure 11/15/2018

Arrival 11/22/2018

MS La Belle de l'Adriatique

$ 3,828 per person per person

FROM $ 3,828 per person per person

Ship : MS La Belle de l'Adriatique Anchors : 5

Sold out

Departure 11/22/2018

Arrival 11/29/2018

MS La Belle de l'Adriatique

$ 2,834 per person per person

FROM $ 2,834 per person per person

Ship : MS La Belle de l'Adriatique Anchors : 5

Sold out

* Price based on double occupancy

Sales

Child discount (2-9 years) : - 20%
3rd person discount in triple cabin : - 30%

Formalities

Valid passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.

Included :

Not included

Shore Excursions

No shore excursion on the non listed days

Packages

9 Shore excursions

CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE 1

Included in tour package Day trip to Mount Etna Ragusa and Modica Valletta Ancient Malta Day trip to Gozo Mdina and Rabat Maltese villages Syracuse and Ortigia

Classic

Discover

Full day excursion to Mount Etna

We’ll leave from the port of Catania for Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most famous volcanoes. Century after century, the eruptions have modified the slopes of the mountain, forming unique sculptures of lava and ice. Our coach will climb the...

Duration 7h30

Maltese Villages

A world away from the bustling capital, you’ll discover the slower pace of many of the island’s typical seaside villages. Our first stop will be Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village known for its brightly colored fishing boats and li...

Duration 5h00

Ragusa and Modica

We’ll leave from Pozzalo Harbor for Regusa, where 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, a mid-18th-cent...

Duration 5h00

Valletta

We’ll leave on foot for a guided tour of the capital city of Malta. The city was built stone-by-stone by and for the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. We’ll join the Upper Barrakka Gardens using the famously uni...

Duration 4h00

Noto

Totally destroyed by the 1693 Sicilian earthquake, the current town of Noto was built on the left bank of River Asinaro, about 8 miles from the previous town. We’ll enjoy a lovely stroll through the historic center taking in the characteristic...

Duration 4h30

Ancient Malta

Join us on an excursion to discover the megalithic temples of Malta, a unique occasion to see magnificent ancient structures in the heart of picturesque landscapes. We’ll visit the Tarxien Temples, dating back to approximately 3150 BCE. The tem...

Duration 4h00

Day trip to Gozo

Leaving Valletta, we’ll head to Cirkewwa where we’ll catch a ferry for Gozo. Although it is part of Malta, this island is more rural and is known for its scenic hills. We’ll arrive in Mgarr Harbor and head towards Xag¿ra, hom...

Duration 9h00

Mdina and Rabat

Leaving from Valletta, join us for an excursion to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta found in the center of the island. The narrow, winding streets date back to medieval times and bring us up to the imposing bastions that provide a magnificent pano...

Duration 4h00

Syracuse and Ortigia

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. The Neapolis Archaeological Park contains a Roman and a Greek theater, making this one of the greatest archaeologi...

Duration 4h00

10 Shore excursions

CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE 2

Included in tour package Catania The Cyclopean Coast Ragusa and Modica Valletta Ancient Malta Day trip to Gozo Mdina and Rabat Maltese villages Syracuse and Ortigia

Classic

Discover

Noto

Duration 4h30

Ragusa and Modica

Duration 5h00

Syracuse and Ortigia

Duration 4h00

Valletta

Duration 4h00

Ancient Malta

Duration 4h00

Guided tour of Catania

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 the splendid city of Catania. Its historical and artistic heritage is just waiting to be discovered. As w...

Duration 3h30

Excursion to the Cyclopean Coast

Join us for an excursion to “The Cyclopean Coast,” a fantastic mix of legends and history. Our first stop will be Aci Trezza, a small fishing village known for three tall, column-shaped islands right off its coast. According to Homer&rsqu...

Duration 4h30

Day trip to Gozo

Duration 9h00

Mdina and Rabat

Duration 4h00

Maltese Villages

Duration 5h00

Ships

Several ships available for this cruise

MS La Belle de l'Adriatique

MS La Belle de l'Adriatique

4 Decks

Warning: Navigational obligations and weather conditions can disrupt the itinerary, and in certain cases, intermediate stops may be canceled. If this happens, CroisiEurope will do our best to find the best solution according to passenger expectations. For safety reasons, the company and/or the captain of the ship are the only authorities who can modify the cruise itinerary. 2018 PRE-CRUISE PROGRAM (subject to changes).

(1) Subject to favorable weather conditions. We recommend closed-toe footwear and clothes properly adapted to weather conditions.

*Alcohol can be dangerous to your health. Please drink in moderation. Subject to CroisEurope's General Terms and Conditions of Sale. License IM067100025.