Malta and Sicily trip | Valletta with luxury Ponant cruise around Sicily

Mdina is a historic city in the heart of Malta. With roots dating back to the 8th century BC, this beautiful city is situated on a hill and surrounded by fortified city walls. Mdina, often referred to as ‘the Silent City’, is an ideal place to admire architectural gems such as Vilhena Gate and St Paul’s Cathedral, both outstanding examples of Baroque architecture. A special attraction is The Knights of Malta, an immersive multimedia tour that takes visitors back to the 16th century. The National Museum of Natural History, housed in the 18th-century Vilhena Palace, also offers fascinating exhibitions. Just outside Mdina, in nearby Rabat, visitors can explore St Paul’s Catacombs, the island’s largest Roman underground burial complex.

One of the three largest inhabited islands in the Maltese Archipelago, Gozo is renowned for its unspoilt beaches, ancient ruins and impressive network of walking trails. The island is smaller than its bigger sister, Malta, and has a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. The landscape is characterised by breathtakingly beautiful coastlines and picturesque scenery, dotted with ancient forts, Byzantine churches and sacred temples. Visitors can look forward to excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, a visit to the unique ‘Inland Sea’ surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, and relaxing on photogenic red-sand beaches along the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. History and architecture enthusiasts should not miss the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra; these date back to 3600 BC and are considered to be among the oldest freestanding structures in the world.

Situated in the North African country of Tunisia, the city of Tunis is the country’s sprawling capital. This relaxed, cosmopolitan city lies on the Mediterranean Sea in the Gulf of Tunis and serves as Tunisia’s commercial centre. It features 19th-century buildings from the French colonial era, with ornate wrought-iron balconies in the newer part of the city, leading to an ancient, UNESCO-protected medina full of historic palaces and antique shops. Visitors can relax in one of the many cafés and patisseries lining the palm-fringed boulevards, explore the ancient Carthaginian ruins and enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the many beach bars. Don’t miss the chance to visit the city’s bustling, lively souk and browse a range of locally made handicrafts.

Trapani, situated on Sicily’s spectacular west coast, is not only a delight in its own right, but also the perfect base from which to explore the numerous small, idyllic islands in the surrounding area. Caressed by beautiful turquoise waters and home to the famous Salt Road, the area is a visual feast of nature and colour. Visitors can look forward to enchanting reflections in the nature reserve’s salt pans, 17th-century salt mills and spellbinding views of the hills. The old town is brimming with heritage treasures: admire life-size wooden statues used in the Holy Week processions at the Chiesa Anime Sante del Purgatorio; magnificent 17th- and 18th-century choral engravings in the Museo Nazionale Pepoli; and stunning Baroque details in the grand Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. The picturesque Villa Margherita, a historic park adorned with unusual trees, is a perfect spot for a picnic.

Palermo is located on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sicily. The Sicilian capital is around 2,700 years old and has numerous cultural and historical sites. Start with the UNSECO sites, including the Palazzo Reale and churches like the 12th-century San Giovanni degli Eremiti (with Arabic influences) and other cultural treasures like the 19th-century Teatro Massimo for a special opera experience or the UNESCO-protected puppet theatre Museo delle Marionette, where you can witness traditional puppetry. Then head to religious sites such as Palermo Cathedral with a 12th-century mausoleum and explore unique attractions such as the macabre Catacombe dei Cappuccini, a cemetery with mummified corpses (some dating back to the 16th century). Finally, visit markets, artisanal eateries and bars in the city or the beautiful coastline in the area.

The 12.6-kilometre-long island of Stromboli is a unique natural wonder: one of the world's only constantly erupting volcanoes. This magnificent volcano spews lava into the air every 20 minutes for the last millennia, which then spills into the sea in paths. For those looking for adventure, the island offers the chance to go on a guided, strictly protocol hike to the crater. Another special way to view the eruptions is from the water! However, the island offers much more than that. It has beautiful black pebble and sand beaches and plenty of opportunities for diving, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. The relatively unspoilt fishing village of Ginostra is accessible by boat, here you can enjoy Aeolian architecture and beautiful gardens.

Lipari, the largest island in the Aeolian archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily, enchants visitors with its beautiful beaches, impressive cathedrals, fascinating museums and diverse natural landscape. The landscape is characterised by steep cliffs, lush Sicilian vegetation and warm blue sea, making the island a true paradise for lovers of nature and culture.
There are plenty of activities to choose from: take a walk to the crater in the Riserva Naturale Orientata Isola di Vulcano, take a boat trip past the active Stromboli and towards Panarea to admire the eruptions from the sea, or follow a panoramic circular walk around the island past spectacular viewpoints and historic ruins. You can relax at the San Calogero hot springs or on one of the many beaches, with Havana Beach renowned as one of the most beautiful spots for swimming.
For culture lovers, the Archaeological Museum of Lipari offers a fascinating collection including Neolithic and Bronze Age finds, Greek theatre masks and cargoes from shipwrecks. Lipari combines nature, history and relaxation into an unforgettable island experience.

Conveniently situated on a steep mountainside with panoramic views of Mount Etna, featuring two large bays and a picturesque Greco-Roman amphitheatre, lies the popular tourist town of Taormina. Despite the touristy atmosphere, its natural beauty is undeniable. The town’s chaotic network of winding streets is dotted with luxury designer boutiques, ancient medieval churches and flower-filled balconies that adorn beautifully restored medieval buildings and intimate squares. Taormina is particularly stunning on clear days, when the beautiful flora and fauna can be seen against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes spewing white plumes of smoke into an enchanting blue sky. A great tip is to have a picnic in the beautiful Giovanni Colonna Park.

The Sicilian city of Siracusa, located along Sicily's Ionian coast, is known for its timeless beauty, citrus groves and ancient ruins fringed by the shimmering blue ocean. History lovers can visit one of Sicily's largest archaeological sites, the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, home to the 16,000-seat Roman theatre, the 5th-century Teatro Greco and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a fascinating limestone cave. Once the largest city in the ancient world and dating back to 734 BC, the remains of this spectacular era and the remaining ancient historical sites can still be visited by visitors. Drink an espresso in a local café, stroll the baroque squares and explore the winding medieval alleys that criss-cross this beautiful city. Don't miss the chance to visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, which showcases local artefacts and art.

Located at the tip of Italy's 'boot', the large island of Sicily is a beautiful destination that seamlessly blends African and European art, history and folklore to create an extraordinary cultural destination. This special island has an awful lot to offer, including swimming past breathtaking ancient ruins, skiing on the slopes of a snow-capped volcano or sipping a granita in a quaint seaside café. Sicily is divided into nine provinces, each offering unique geographical features. In the northeast, you will find surprisingly lush forests, while the central regions display rugged landscape and endless rolling hills. Add the pink blossoming almond orchards and the beautiful salt flats and windmills of Trapani and you will understand why visiting Sicily can feel like visiting many different countries, all wrapped up in one island paradise.

Resting at the foot of a looming active volcano is Stromboli, the main settlement on Stromboli Island in the Aeolian archipelago, situated just off the northern tip of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The small town is characterised by white, cube-shaped buildings and a few restaurants and bars overlooking a black sand beach.

Italy, the country that has it all. From beautiful landscapes, a collection of art and architectural treasures, globally recognised museums a national passion for fantastic food and fine wines. But also olive groves, par-like lakes, volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. Dive into the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, visit markets with many stalls or experience the country's national parks. Enjoy Italian culture and "la dolce vita" (the good life)!

Situated at the northernmost tip of Africa, Tunisia enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is incredibly rich in culture, history and natural beauty. Its landscape encompasses deserts and mountains, lush forests and exquisite beaches, and fertile fields dotted with olive and date trees, whilst the country’s long and distinguished heritage is reflected in its ancient settlements and elegant architecture. Despite its small size, Tunisia is remarkably diverse: the capital, Tunis, is an intriguing blend of the ancient and the contemporary, offering a range of chic, atmospheric hotels, cafés and restaurants scattered amongst its colonial and Arabic buildings; the Mediterranean coast is an idyllic stretch of white sandy beaches, azure sea and laid-back seaside towns; the south of the country is characterised by the vast open spaces of the Sahara Desert, dotted with life-giving oases; and the north is a beguiling mix of grassy valleys and Roman ruins.

The Maltese archipelago lies in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is the largest island in the archipelago. Malta boasts historical sights from a variety of eras. Arab, Italian and English influences are still clearly evident. Thanks to its wonderful combination of beaches, culture and nature, Malta is the perfect destination for a wonderful holiday! The towns of St. Julians and Sliema, for example, have a lively nightlife. Qawra is a quieter spot, and sun-worshippers can relax and enjoy themselves in the beautiful bay of Mellieha.

Situated in the picturesque south-east of Malta, the fortified town of Floriana, also known as Borgo Vilhena, lies a stone’s throw from the capital, Valletta. Floriana is steeped in history dating back to the 17th century and is home to a wealth of historic buildings, churches, gardens and monuments.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including the tranquil Argotti Gardens, a serene oasis in the heart of the town, and the 18th-century St Publius’ Church, renowned for its stunning architecture. Don’t miss the charming Sarria Church either, a small and unique round church that stands out amongst Malta’s religious landmarks.

The wonderful province of Siracusa is idyllically located on the east coast of Sicily. A popular tourist attraction, the province has an eclectic mix of lush natural terrain, vast white sandy beaches, culturally rich and historically significant cities. The province's main city is the capital of Siracusa. It stands out for its rich Roman and Greek history, culture and architecture and is the birthplace of the world-famous mathematician and engineer Archimedes. Visit the remarkable Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum, the bustling Piazza del Duomo or the second-century Roman amphitheatre of Anfiteatro Romano and the striking Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime whose structure dominates the skyline of modern Siracusa. Don't miss the magical Castello Maniace, located on the wondrous island of Ortigia.

This province is known as the home of some of the island's best wines. Located in the westernmost part of Sicily, here you will find many vast vineyards and lush olive trees dominating the landscape. The province is dotted with enchanted villages and small towns that seem to have never moved with the times, especially the historic town of Erice where you can stroll along the cobbled streets past the well-preserved buildings of this beautiful medieval city. Along the coast is the dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, caves and secluded beaches where visitors can swim in water so transparent one can see the bottom 10 metres down. Here you can take a boat trip to the five Egadi islands just off Sicily's north-west coast.

Italy's province of Palermo lies in the northern part of Sicily, and encompasses an exciting capital city, a beautiful national park, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of historic attractions. Soak up the sun and sea at the beach resort of Cefalu, hike through forests, fields, and castles at the Madonie National Park, or delve into the stories of the mafia at Corleone. Go orange picking at the Conca d'Oro, or take a culinary tour along the coast, ending by dancing the night away at Palermo City. Other highlights include idyllic public parks and gardens, magnificent churches and cathedrals, and photogenic, colourful fishing villages.

Located north of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the seven Aeolian Islands are known for their extreme nature and variety of activities. The breathtaking, ongoing volcanic phenomena of these land masses - especially incredible to see as they light up the sky at night - have awarded them UNESCO status, and provide some spectacular hiking and photography opportunities. The unique feature can also be enjoyed underwater, by snorkelling among the fumaroles off the coast of Panarea. There are plenty of options for those who don't wish to exert themselves: hop from wine estate to restaurant to enjoy the archipelago's legendary, sweet Malvasia wine; soak in a natural bubbling mud-bath with curative properties while taking in the views, or wander among the picturesque buildings of the historic quarter in Lipari.