A Journey Through Southern Italian Piazzas, Sicily and Malta’s Historic Shores

Journey overview

Begin in Rome before Naples’ vibrant streets and volcanic backdrop introduce southern Italy’s dynamic character. In Siracusa, linger among ancient ruins, baroque beauty and coastal splendour over two enriching days. Bari offers a distinctive Adriatic perspective before a tranquil sea crossing leads to Valletta, where fortified streets, golden stone and centuries of Mediterranean history create a captivating finale to this culturally rich southern voyage.

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Itinerary

Day 1, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

There’s more to Rome than its ancient architecture. The Eternal City is home to a seemingly endless array of hidden gems. The artistic-minded can enjoy fashion aristocracy, street art, vespa jaunts to The Appian Way and toss coins into fountains. Or you can stroll by appointment to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Pope’s private quarters at the Vatican. Explore the historic ruins of The Colosseum, Caravaggio churches, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon. Learn how to make pasta the true Italian way, hunt truffles, nibble gelato, sip coffee and sink into a 3000 year old pool for a wellness experience. An ode to homespun pasta at a Renaissance piazza. When in Rome, fusing old with new makes it simple to indulge in whatever you like.

Day 2, Naples, Italy

Pitched between mighty Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic calderas of Phlegraean Fields, history is revealed around every corner of Naples, cradle of Italian culture. Baroque churches, Italian-Renaissance palazzi and Neoclassical opera houses leave you breathless, so ride the funicular up to the top of Castel Sant’Elmo for dreamy views of the Bay of Naples and Sorrento Peninsula beyond, gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Beneath the cobblestone streets lies another Naples, a warren of subterranean tunnels hewn by legions of Roman and Greek settlers. Linger longer to visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried under the wrath of Mount Vesuvius, or hop over to the idyllic Island of Capri.

Day 3 and 4, Siracusa (Sicily), Italy (Overnight)

Dip in a Mediterranean mass of rich history, cuisine and abundant nature. Wander through historic cities, Roman sites, Greek temples and expansive vineyards. Skirt around simmering Mount Etna’s fertile lava lands, survey Grecian archaeology inland at Valle Dei Templi Grecian, seek out tumbled ruins at sea-facing Selinunte and drop in to Casale to admire ornate mosaics. Attend an Etna Rosso wine tasting, head for peace at the nature reserve and liven up at the Baroque old town of Sciacca. And for a final taste of Sicily, feast on olive oil drenched pasta - you won’t leave this honey-hued region unfulfilled.

Day 5, Bari, Italy

Stroll into Bari Vecchia, an atmospheric tangle of medieval streets, Romanesque churches, Baroque palaces and Greek, Roman and Norman history. Amidst nonnas rolling their orecchiette, pause at the basilica, housing the relics of Saint Nicholas, the 1170 cathedral, the Norman fortress and the harbour-front theatre, where Pavarotti and Nureyev performed. Head south to find numerous fine beaches (amongst the best in Italy) dotted with countless coves and bays, particularly in pretty Polignano a Mare. Puglia’s capital is an easy catapult to the region’s famous trulli in Alberobello, the UNESCO town with 1500 conical houses or choose to make your way to cinematic Matera, where the limestone cliffs are peppered in ancient caves, many now masquerading as chic restaurants.

Day 6, Time at Sea

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Day 7, La Valletta, Malta

Unearth the Med’s master of restoration and renovation behind honey-hued Valetta’s fortified walls. Strewn with a mass of well-preserved history - head back in time to hand-carved shelters, a maze of subterranean tombs and stone-age temples. Discover war secrets beneath the limestone streets, skim the Grand Harbour aboard a dghajsa, step into state history and get your fill of art and Fat Ladies in museums. But it’s not all ancient history - watch buzzing bars spill out onto limestone alleys, treat yourself to Michelin-starred Maltese cuisine, neighbourhood watch and dive over wrecks. Malta may be Europe’s tiniest capital, but she packs a might punch.