Italy, Croatia & Malta

With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivalled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live ‘la dolce vita’, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy – The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.

Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is chock full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it an incredible place for you to explore. And in the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Just 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history but also boasts a marvelous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.

As you approach Valletta — the capital of Malta, a tiny island nation located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa — you’ll see its golden cityscape appears on the horizon, crowned by the imposing dome of Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The 16th-century church is just one of the many discoveries that await you in Valletta — the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a lavishly adorned Baroque sanctuary that reflects the former wealth of the Knights of Malta. Walk through the Grand Master’s Palace, where you can see weapons and armor from the age of chivalry at the Palace Armory. Take in ocean views from the Grand Harbor, a seaside fortress dating back to 1530.

As you approach Valletta — the capital of Malta, a tiny island nation located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa — you’ll see its golden cityscape appears on the horizon, crowned by the imposing dome of Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The 16th-century church is just one of the many discoveries that await you in Valletta — the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a lavishly adorned Baroque sanctuary that reflects the former wealth of the Knights of Malta. Walk through the Grand Master’s Palace, where you can see weapons and armor from the age of chivalry at the Palace Armory. Take in ocean views from the Grand Harbor, a seaside fortress dating back to 1530.

Thick 16th-century stone walls encase the entire Old Town of Dubrovnik. But there are no boundaries on the endless adventures you’ll discover amongst its orange-roofed ramparts. With a made-for-TV appeal – Game of Thrones was actually filmed here – the city commands your attention with the perfectly preserved Rector’s Palace, elaborate Onofrio’s Fountain and baroque St Blaise’s Church, named after the city’s patron saint. You can browse museum collections showcasing Croatian artwork, period furniture and ship-building traditions. Stand in awe of the Franciscan Monastery library’s 30,000 volumes. Or to get your heart pumping, go cliff diving into the sea and kayak crystal blue waters, with the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ shimmering in the distance.

Lying on the Adriatic Sea’s eastern shore, Split is known for its terracotta roofs, whitewashed buildings, palm-tree-lined promenade and azure waters. Split has a long history, as it’s home to Diocletian’s Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which were built for the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Always buzzing with tourists, Split balances its historic setting with a plethora of modern restaurants, bars and shops. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Split receives over 2,600 hours of sunshine every year. Jump onboard a Croatia cruise and take advantage of its sunny weather by exploring its beautiful beaches – most namely Bacvice and Kastelet Beaches – year-round.

The off-the-path Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy offers adventure for every taste. Explore the ancient town of Ravenna, best known for the seemingly endless Byzantine mosaics adorning its churches and monuments. Plus a powerhouse collection of eight UNESCO sites. Or venture to nearby Bologna to wander its portico-lined streets teeming with medieval relics— not to mention some of Italy’s most delectable cuisine. In this part of Italy, you can do a bit of it all. From sunning along the beaches of Punta Marina to engine revving at the Lamborghini Museum, and catching cutting-edge modern art at the MAMbo to taking a hands-on lesson in Bolognese cooking.