Isle of Beauty, Italian shores & Malta

Nice, the capital of the Cote d’Azur, is nestled in a natural amphitheater of hills and mountains that shield it from the wind. A visit to the Promenade des Anglais is a must, where you can relax on the iconic blue chairs facing the Bay of Angels. Château Hill is another great spot for a peaceful walk, offering beautiful views. At its base, you'll find the entrance to the old town, where lively markets line the Cours Saleya, filled with local products and regional delights.

Perched on a rocky outcrop in northwest Corsica, the port of Calvi shines between two sapphire-blue bays. As the capital of the Balagne region, this Genoese town boasts an incredible natural backdrop with rugged mountains, fertile hills, and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the 19th-century Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built on the remains of a 15th-century sanctuary, enjoy stunning views of the coastline, mountains, and the Calvi citadel. Just to the west lies the Revelatta Peninsula, a beautifully preserved and wilder side of Corsica waiting to be explored.

In the hollow of one of the most beautiful gulfs of the Mediterranean to which it owes its name, Saint-Florent is an ancient Genoese city whose citadel dominates the bay with its circular architecture. A link between the mountains of Upper Corsica and the Agriates desert, the fishing village has become a renowned seaside resort. In front of this jewel nestled in the hollow of a wild and isolated region, sublime beaches of fine sand border a sea of infinite turquoise shades. At the western tip of the gulf, the Tower of Mortella, built in the 16th century under the Republic of Genoa to prevent invaders, stands watch. Like most of the towers that dot the Corsican coast, it is an emblematic and familiar symbol of the island.

In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you can make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialties including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.

Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognized since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colors of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You can also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.

On the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the small island of Giglio is home to a concentration of all of Tuscany’s secrets and beauty. Fine sandy beaches and hidden coves compose a landscape in which the emerald sea serves as a setting for wild nature. This mountainous land is covered by garrigue on which pine forests and vineyards grow, a real paradise in the Mediterranean. A walk through the heart of this bucolic environment can also be the opportunity to discover rich history, as reflected in the medieval village of Giglio Castello.

With its landscapes of undulating hills covered in lush meadows, narrow streets with colorful houses, and picturesque paths shaded by pines... Porto Ercole is a concentration of all of Tuscany’s beauty. And what would it be without a fascinating, mystery-filled history? Overlooked by its 16th-century fortress, this small village is renowned for having witnessed the final days of the famous painter Caravaggio, said to be buried there. On the Monte Argentario peninsula, you might have the chance to meet the fishermen of the Orbetello Lagoon, classed as a natural reserve, who perpetuate traditional fishing methods, or meet local wine, olive oil, and cheese producers. For the sportier guests, the surrounding wild and pristine nature provides the opportunity for a hike along the island’s heights to enjoy breathtaking views.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call can also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they can be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Of the seven Aeolian islands, this is the largest and the most populated. Lying off the north coast of Sicily, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lipari is one of UNESCO’s marvelous World Heritage sites. Its lava stone quarries and obsidian flow of Rocce Rosse are indications of its volcanic nature. The town, the largest urban area in the whole archipelago, proudly houses its citadel and its castle, both rooted in Antiquity. If you head further into the center, you’ll be surprised to come across a Norman cathedral, complete with a magnificent baroque façade.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches, and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval center, suspended 300 meters above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past is the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens punctuates your promenade with a green and floral experience.