Discover Malta, Italy & France: 17 days Valletta to Nice

Your cruise begins in Malta and Valletta, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to commence your memorable voyage, sailing through the glorious Mediterranean Sea. Valletta, the tiny capital of Malta and UNESCO World Heritage Centre, is a living testament to the Baroque period, with well-preserved buildings, ornate churches, and magnificent fortifications.

Please book your flight to arrive into Valletta prior to 07:00 PM.

This stunning fortified city is strategically positioned on a hilly peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. As well as storied history, Valletta is the host of lively markets and festivals.

Set on Sicily’s eastern shores, the picturesque town of Giardini Naxos offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna – the fabled active volcano. This seaside town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade edged with bustling restaurants, shops, and cafés. Giardini Naxos also harbours a rich history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient times.

Lipari is the largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Sicily amid the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. Its stunning scenery is defined by its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush vegetation. The island also boasts a charming old town with narrow streets and traditional houses painted in pastel hues, as well as a 16th-century castle, which reveals panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Amalfi is a charming coastal town, perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Amalfi is known for its stunning views, picturesque streets, and rich history. The town is famous for its beautiful cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi, which dates to the 9th century and features intricate Byzantine mosaics. Explore the historic centre of Amalfi, with its narrow alleys, colourful buildings, and quaint shops selling local ceramics.

A legendary island set in Italy’s Bay of Naples, Capri is synonymous with stunning natural beauty. Turquoise waters and beautiful coves dot the dramatic, rugged coastline, and high-end hotels, luxury shopping outlets and gastronomic fine-dining attract the rich and famous – who dock their yachts in the island’s stunning Marina Grande.

Another gem to discover on the stunning Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is a much-loved resort town best known for its breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and imposing Mount Vesuvius across the water. Sorrento is also a popular destination for those seeking a mix of breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, and ancient sites.  The town's historic centre is filled with atmospheric narrow streets, lined with shops selling traditional products, such as ceramics and limoncello, made from locally grown lemons. 

Gaeta is a charming coastal town nestled amid the Italian Lazio region and between the grand cities of Rome and Naples. Offering stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Gaeta is renowned for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The town however is also rich in history, with ancient Roman ruins and medieval churches scattered throughout its picturesque streets. Gaeta is also famed for its seafood, with many restaurants serving fresh fish caught daily by local fishermen and its distinctive olives and olive oil, which are sold in markets and shops throughout the area.

Within Italy’s romantic Tuscany region, you’ll find Porto Ercole a laid-back harbour town with a picturesque bay dotted with luxury yachts and bobbing fishing boats. This stunning historic town is worth exploring for its maze of narrow laneways, stone houses and several important landmarks, including old fortresses, Forte Filippo, Forte Stella, and La Rocca – built during Spanish domination in the 16th century. 

After breakfast, set off to explore Rome and uncover the ancient history of this storied city. In the afternoon, we’ll welcome you back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey to explore the Mediterranean.

According to local legend, Calvi, set on the beautiful island of Corsica, is where the intrepid, 15th century explorer, Christopher Columbus, was born. While historians may debate this, the natural beauty and rich culture of Calvi is undisputed. Calvi's beach presents a crescent-shaped bay of powdery white sand fringed by maritime pines, while the town has evolved as Corsica’s ‘culture capital’, hosting several music festivals over the idyllic summer months.

Along the western coast of Tuscany, the bustling city of Livorno boasts a modern seaport, but is best known for its scenic beauty, picturesque views of the azure Mediterranean Sea and delicious fresh seafood.  The city's culinary scene is not surprisingly, heavily influenced by its seaside location, tempting with signature dishes such as 'cacciucco', a traditional fish stew that is a must-try for every visitor.

Further along the Tuscan coast, you’ll arrive in Marina di Carrara. This lovely seaside village is famed for the premium, pale Italian marble that is mined and quarried from the nearby mountains and used to create some of the world’s most important artistic wonders, such as the iconic, Michelangelo’s David. These shimmering mountains of purest marble contrast beautifully with Marina di Carrara’s coastal scenery.

We set sail early in the morning for the Italian Ligurian coast and Porto Venere. This ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site harbours a romantic history, thanks to its penchant for attracting famous poets and artists over the centuries. The wonderful swimming spots here were beloved, amongst others, by the legendary poet, Lord Byron, who regularly swam and meditated here in the early 1800s. One of Porto Venere's most striking features is its gothic-style Church of St. Peter, perched atop a rocky headland overlooking the sparkling sea.   

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, an Italian resort town presenting panoramic views and revered for its timeless elegance and style. For those seeking ‘La dolce vita’, you’ll find it here in abundance. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade, or the pebbly beachfront, admiring the gleaming yachts and sailing boats. Explore a beautiful Baroque church or sample freshly caught, succulent red shrimps.

Later in the morning, you’ll sail on to Portofino. Nestled along the Italian Riviera, Portofino boasts a rich gastronomic scene, a picturesque harbour and narrow streets lined with charming pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants.

Officially known as the Principality of Monaco, the sovereign city-state of Monaco is renowned worldwide for its opulence and glamour, boasting high-end casinos, a yacht-lined harbour, the prestigious Grand Prix motor racing event and exclusive Monte Carlo quarter. This gem of the Côte d'Azur is also home to Monaco’s royal household, several museums and numerous cultural events hosted throughout the year, celebrating anything from music and dance to theatre and the visual arts.

Your unforgettable yacht cruise concludes in the coastal city of Nice, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 12:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.