8 Night Epicurean Delights of Sicily and the Adriatic Coast of Italy Cruise from Valletta

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the Fountain of Triton to Saint Elmo Fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you'll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmaster's Palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint John's Cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.

Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as "the most beautiful city in the world", Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine, and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours, and flavours.

Located on Sicily's eastern coast in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily's Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches, and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Located in the Apulia region, Otranto is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweet life of Salento, the "heel on Italy's boot". Inhabited since Antiquity, Otranto has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old center. With its magnificent 12th-century ornamental mosaic tiling, the cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a cafe terrace.

Extending out along a fertile plain facing the Adriatic Sea amid infinite landscapes sculpted by the water and wind, Bari bears the traces of the peoples which, over the centuries, have conquered it, settled it, or simply visited it fleetingly before making their way to faraway lands. Though its exact origins are lost among the mysteries of archaeology, the many sites here provide evidence of the town's rich past. The Saracens, Byzantines, Normans, and Swabians have left a trace here, each bringing their own cultural baggage. During your stop here, stroll along the minuscule streets in Bari Vecchia, the historic centre, where you will find small churches and monuments from bygone eras.

Situated on the promontory of Monte Conero, Ancona, the capital of the Marche region, offers visitors all the charm of a typical Italian historical city. Founded by the Greeks in 387 BC and conquered by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, Ancona has a long history that was very much shaped by its harbour, a hub attracting different populations and cultures. When your ship calls here, take the time to discover the city's many buildings, such as the cathedral dedicated to Judas Cyriacus and its facade made of white and pink marble, the Arch of Trajan that is considered to be the port's main embellishment, or the 15th-century mansion in nearby Urbino where the painter Raphael was born and raised.

Linked to the Adriatic Sea by a canal, the city of Ravenna and its countless monuments offer you a rich journey back in time. Roman and Byzantine cultures intermingle here, and the fruits of this history adorn the interiors of the city's religious buildings: the abundance of classical mosaics is the most stunning witness to Ravenna's glorious past. Eight UNESCO World Heritage-listed Paleochristian sites punctuate your journey into the historic heart of the city. Still very lively despite the weight of its history, Ravenna has much to offer to visitors.

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of La Serenissima: Saint Mark's Square, the Basilica, Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares, and to push open the doors of its churches. The city's extraordinary heritage shouldn't stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.