Amalfi Coast, Sicily & Malta

Your cruise begins in Italy at Civitavecchia, the historic seaport and main gateway for Rome. Known as the ‘Eternal City’, Rome is filled with iconic landmarks that bear testament to its former status as the epicentre of the mighty Roman Empire. Here, you’ll be transferred to your luxury Emerald yacht to begin your voyage along the glamorous Italian coast. Please book your flight to arrive into Rome prior to 04:00 PM.

Amid Italy’s romantic and world-famous Tuscany region, you’ll find Porto Ercole, a laid-back harbour town with a picturesque bay dotted with luxury yachts and fishing boats. It’s long been popular with elite Italian travellers, offering relaxed days, family-run restaurants and secluded sandy beaches. This stunning historic town is worth exploring for its maze of narrow laneways, stone houses and several important landmarks, which include a series of old fortresses, Forte Filippo, Forte Stella and La Rocca, built during an era of Spanish domination in the 16th century. 

Set halfway between Naples and Rome, Gaeta is on a headland that juts out into the sea, making for sweeping views up and down the coast. It remains one of the hidden gems of this region and a popular weekend getaway for Italians. As well as its beautiful beach and abundant fresh fish, Gaeta is best known for Montagna Spaccata (Split Mountain), a natural sea grotto and 11th-century sanctuary. According to tradition, the mountain split apart at the moment of Christ’s crucifixion, leaving three dramatic fissures plunging into the sea. 

The much-loved resort town of Sorrento is perched dramatically atop cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples, boasting stunning views of Mount Vesuvius across the water. An impossibly romantic haven, Sorrento bewitches with its elegant Italian villas, world-class restaurants serving up mouth-watering cuisine and fragrant lemon groves which contribute to the production of limoncello – famous the world over. Get a glimpse into its storied past as you explore grand cathedrals and palazzos built of warm golden stone, then sit down at a cafe to watch the world go by. Cruise across the strait this evening to the island of Capri, where your yacht will dock overnight. 

The allure of Capri is timeless. From the first century AD, Roman Emperors chose this spectacularly beautiful island as their private retreat – the ruins of their grand villas still dot the shore. Take a leisurely stroll along the narrow, winding streets and dine al fresco under twinkling fairy lights, sampling the island’s traditional specialties that have become world-famous, like caprese salad and limoncello, a sweet lemon liqueur. Sail back to the mainland to overnight in Amalfi.

Welcome to Amalfi, a delightful coastal town, set on the clifftops of the Amalfi Coast, a stretch of coastline now protected under World Heritage-listed status. Amalfi has long attracted visitors for its stunning views of the azure Tyrrhenian Sea, picturesque streets and rich history. The town is also famous for its beautiful cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi, which dates to the ninth century and features intricate Byzantine mosaics. Explore the historic centre of Amalfi, enchanting with its narrow alleys, colourful buildings and quaint shops selling local artisan ceramics.

Lipari is the largest island in the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Sicily embedded within the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. The gorgeous island is defined by a rugged coastline, beautiful beaches lapped by crystal-clear, turquoise waters and lush vegetation. Lipari also boasts a charming Old Town, delighting with its quaint streets and traditional houses painted in pastel hues, as well as a 16th- century castle, which reveals panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

The picturesque seaside town of Giardini Naxos is on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy. Its sprawling seafront offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Giardini Naxos is the gateway to the exclusive resort of Taormina, perched on the mountainside above. One of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, it draws the rich and famous from around the world to its luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants. The area also has a fascinating history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.

The city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, covering just over half a square kilometre (123 acres). Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, it’s a living testament to the Baroque period, with well-preserved buildings, ornate churches and magnificent fortifications. The city is located on a hilly peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its compact size, Valletta has a vibrant cultural life and regularly hosts lively markets and festivals. You will remain docked here overnight, giving you time to see the city come alive after dark. 

Your luxury yacht cruise will conclude here this morning. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your travels.  Please book your flight to depart out of Valletta after 11:00 AM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.