Discover the Cultural Treasures of the Adriatic with Ponant

Day 1 - Valletta

Valletta, Malta: Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, is adorned with ornate palaces and museums, all protected by massive fortifications of honey-coloured limestone. The narrow streets, lined with houses featuring overhanging wooden balconies, offer a glimpse into the past when these spaces provided housebound women an outlook on city life. Enter through the City Gate, leading onto Triq Repubblika, the main thoroughfare of this grid-patterned city, bustling with shops and charm. Parallel to it, Triq Mercante offers more leisurely strolls. Valletta's compactness invites exploration by foot, with redevelopment ushering in a new Parliament Building and an open-air performance venue while preserving the old-world charm.

Day 2 - Taormina

Taormina, Italy: Perched on a cliff, the medieval town of Taormina charms with its stunning sea views and the majestic Mt. Etna. Its beauty, extolled by writers like Goethe and D. H. Lawrence, remains captivating despite the tourist influx. The boutique-lined streets provide a lively scene, while the hiking paths in the surrounding hills offer a tranquil retreat. A visit to Castelmola, accessible on foot or by car, promises breathtaking views that shouldn't be missed.

Day 3 - Otranto

Otranto, Italy: Nestled in the heel of Italy's boot, Otranto showcases Puglia's natural beauty. With its position facing the Adriatic Sea, clear days reveal a distant glimpse of Albania. This historic city, once a bustling Greek and Roman port, boasts a harmonious blend of Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences. The remains of ancient forts and the revered cathedral, which houses relics of martyrs, bear testimony to its diverse past.

Day 4 - Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro: Tucked away in the stunning fjords of Kotor Bay, this tiny town is a hidden gem, exuding charm and authenticity. Within its medieval walls lies the Old Town, a maze of cobbled streets leading to picturesque piazzas and stone buildings. Rich with a history of trade and culture, Kotor boasts a legacy of various rulers, each leaving an indelible mark. Beyond its busy waterside, the bay offers scenic villages like Muo, Prčanj, and Perast, each framed by the majestic landscape.

Day 5 - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Dubrovnik's coastal vista is a sight to behold, with its fortified cityscape showcasing centuries of history. The massive ramparts and towers mirror its storied past, from Roman origins to a prominent independent republic during the Renaissance. Despite suffering from the impacts of war, restoration efforts have preserved its beauty, allowing visitors to imagine its glorious past.

Day 6 - Hvar Island

Hvar Island, Croatia: Known as the "sunniest island in the Adriatic," Hvar proudly boasts an impressive number of sunny days, making it a beloved spot for travellers. With a commitment to ensuring memorable experiences, it even offers a unique money-back guarantee in the rare case of a week filled with snow.

Day 7 - Rovinj

Rovinj, Croatia: Rovinj is a Mediterranean jewel, its beauty undeniable as it extends into the shimmering sea. Towering above is the Venetian Saint Euphemia Cathedral, while pine forests frame the enchanting Old Town, reminiscent of Venice's romantic alleys. With its dual Italian-Croatian heritage, Rovinj exhibits a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

Day 8 - Venice

Venice, Italy: Venice captivates with its dreamlike canals where streets should be, and history-rich architecture reflecting its past as a vibrant trade centre. The allure of getting lost in its narrow alleys is irresistible, eventually leading you to bustling Piazza San Marco, where the city's pulse can be felt mingling amidst locals and tourists alike.