Italian Treasures with Malta

Welcome to Venice – a truly magical, unique city. Built on a hundred islands connected by almost 500 bridges, Venice is a labyrinth of canals bustling with gondolas and small boats, car-free streets and alleyways that are magical to get lost in, hidden restaurants and bars, and atmospheric squares lined with historic churches and palaces.   Your journey into wonder begins with a two-night Special Stay at the Monaco & Grand Canal hotel. Enjoy your luxurious accommodation as you get familiar with this busy, iconic city.

Enjoy a gondola ride under ancient bridges and among Venice’s magnificent canals. Marvel at the colourful Grand Canal, glide under the famous Ponte dei Sospiri and explore the winding canals past ancient mansions and public buildings. Freechoice: Choose your Scenic Freechoice experience today. Explore the picturesque Dorsoduro district, ending with a guided visit of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which comprises some of the most renowned masterpieces of modern art in the world. Alternatively, discover Venice’s lesser-known gems on a walking tour. Visit the spectacular Doge’s Palace and see the majestic Basilica of San Marco. Stroll through the stalls of fresh produce at the Rialto Market, stopping at an osteria for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti.

Your first stop today is Modena, a World Heritage-listed site recognised for its Romanesque architecture: its Piazza Grande, Torre Ghirlandina and the Cathedral. It’s world-famous for culinary specialties, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar of Modena. Today you will visit a producer of traditional balsamic vinegar, including a tasting and a light lunch.   Continue to Rapallo for a two-night Special Stay. This 19th-century town is nestled on the Italian Riviera and was frequented by literary luminaries W.B. Yeats, Ezra Pound and Ernest Hemingway. Its colourful buildings are built into the hillside that tumbles down to the sparkling Ligurian Sea.

This scenic seaside town on the Italian Riviera has been a favourite of royals, writers and poets for more than a century. It’s also an ideal base to explore the rugged coastline of the World Heritage-listed Cinque Terre. The five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are dotted along the cliffs and accessible only via walking paths, train or boat, which lends itself to the already considerable charm of these unique 11th-century settlements.  Enjoy a full day exploring this picturesque coastline that is a mélange of pastel-coloured buildings clinging to cliffs and hillsides, with ocean views and postcard-perfect beaches lined with bright parasols.

Travel to Portofino, a gorgeous fishing village also on the Italian Riviera. Postcard-perfect and oozing Mediterranean charm, Portofino is a place to soak up la dolce vita. Brightly coloured buildings sit against crystal-clear water with lush pine-covered hills in the distance. Enjoy a scenic cruise around the spectacular bay.   Then continue to Pisa to enjoy a guided tour and see its famous 58-metre-high leaning tower. The tower – which took almost 200 years to build – began to lean soon after construction started in 1173. It continued to worsen until the 1990s, when a stablisation project was implemented, halting the tilt at four degrees. Later, arrive in Florence for a two-night Special Stay.   

Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence (or Firenze) is renowned for its artistic masterpieces and culinary Tuscan delights. Enjoy a walking tour of this art lover’s paradise, including a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo’s David.   In the afternoon, depart for Siena and enjoy a guided tour through this medieval city where time seems to have stood still. The 15th century city sits on three hills and comprises a maze of tight alleyways full of shops and restaurants. Its main square Piazza del Campo is considered one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares.   Enrich Visit a Tuscan farmhouse and discover local wine and oil production techniques. Later, enjoy a tasty rustic dinner featuring the region’s wine and produce. 

Welcome to Rome, where you’ll enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Known as the Eternal City, this ancient city was founded in 753BC. Like an enchanting open-air museum, there is history at every turn, with ancient monuments and elaborate churches sitting alongside busy cafes and designer boutiques. Today you’ll enjoy a walking tour of its historic centre, where your expert local guide will show you iconic landmarks such as the 18th century Spanish Steps, the Navona Square and Trevi Fountain, which was erected on the site of an ancient Roman water source.

This morning, you will visit the world’s smallest state, the Vatican City. Marvel at the Vatican Museum, the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, which leads to the magnificent St. Peter’s Square. From there, you will continue to the Roman Forum, the ruins of an ancient district of temples, basilicas and public spaces, and the historic Colosseum. An icon of the city, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 72 AD as an arena for gladiatorial games. After the fall of the Roman Empire, nearly two-thirds of the structure was destroyed by neglect and destructive weather, but in the 1990s it underwent an extensive restoration project. 

Your handcrafted land journey will end today but your Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, will be waiting at Civitavecchia for your arrival.   You’ll be warmly welcomed on board by the Captain and crew. Meet your butler and settle into your spacious suite. Head to the Sky Bar on Deck 10 to toast the beginning of your voyage as you look over the city’s twinkling lights.

Capri’s mythical charm has captured hearts for more than 2,000 years. Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus fell in love with the island in 29BC, building villas, temples and gardens for his own private paradise. Today, its jaw-dropping beauty still draws royalty, celebrities and fashionable travellers from all over the world. Spend today exploring Capri. Wander through the Piazzetta and listen to the melodious chiming of the clock tower, admire the blue ocean as it crashes onto the cliffs, and taste its famous flourless chocolate cake or a fresh caprese salad. A late departure means you can soak in the atmosphere of the village after dark.

This morning you’ll arrive in Amalfi, the historic village that gave this region its name. Nestled between mountains and the sea, Amalfi was one of the four Maritime Republics of Italy in the Middle Ages, bringing great wealth and power. Wander along its meandering alleyways to admire historic buildings, grand churches and ornate fountains, or just relax at one of the many cafes that spill out onto the street. The nearby village of Ravello offers spectacular views of the Bay of Salerno and peaceful gardens surrounding medieval ruins.

The World Heritage-listed Aeolian Islands are seven volcanic outcrops set off the north coast of Sicily with a rich history dating back to 5000BC. As you sail into the islands this morning, look out for the huge rock formations that rise dramatically from the water. Lipari is the largest and most populated of the islands, known for its pebbled beaches, hiking trails and historic harbour. From its panoramic position, a castle overlooks the seafront of pastel-coloured townhouses, with windswept highlands and steep cliffs in the distance.

Known as the Jewel of Sicily, Taormina is one of the island’s most popular resorts. Once a stop on the famed Grand Tour of the 19th century, today it is packed with luxury hotels, exceptional restaurants and designer boutiques. It’s also the gateway to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, which dominates the picturesque backdrop. This charming small town set high above the Ionian Sea is known for its stunning ancient theatre, beautifully resorted medieval buildings, astonishing vistas and exclusive atmosphere.

Sicily’s most important trading port for more than 700 years, Pozzallo offers a charming blend of traditional Italian architecture and serene coastal beauty. Today, it’s a popular seaside resort for Italian tourists but other nationalities are a rarity, making for a delightful escape for travellers seeking tranquillity and authenticity. Explore picturesque streets lined with colourful houses, indulge in delectable local cuisine at quaint cafes, and soak up the warm Mediterranean sun on pristine beaches.

Gozo is an idyllic Mediterranean island of green rolling hills dotted with small farms, quaint fishing villages, small coves and sandy sheltered beaches. Its crystal-clear waters are an invitation for exploration. Complete with historical sites, forts and phenomenal panoramas, Gozo has earned the reputation of being one of the Mediterranean’s top outdoor adventure playgrounds, with 300 days of sunshine a year.   

This morning, Scenic Eclipse II will sail into the spectacular deep harbour of Valetta, the capital of Malta. You’ll dock right alongside the historic waterfront, lined with grand Baroque warehouses and just a short walk from the fascinating walled city, built by the Knights Templar in the 16th century. It’s a fitting end to this grand exploration of the Mediterranean, immersing you in history, architecture and natural beauty.  Enjoy a final breakfast on board before farewelling the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you memories of an unforgettable voyage.  Please book your flight to depart out of Valetta after 12:00 PM. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost.    Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.