Croatia, Albania, Italy (Puglia) & Malta

Arrive in Venice, the city of canals, and take time to explore before boarding. Admire the domes of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Renaissance glories of the Doge’s Palace, or glide down the Grand Canal by gondola. Later, board the Royal Clipper and set sail down the Adriatic coast.

Arrive in Pesaro, a seaside town on Italy’s Adriatic coast known for its beaches and cultural heritage. The composer Gioachino Rossini was born here, and the town honors him each year with an international opera festival. Spend the day exploring the historic center, relaxing by the sea, or sampling the local cuisine.

Sibenik, Croatia, is a charming coastal town on the Adriatic Sea known for its rich history and stunning architecture. The town is home to the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, a masterpiece of Renaissance art. With its narrow, winding streets and views of the sea, Sibenik offers a blend of medieval charm and beautiful coastal scenery, making it a popular destination in Croatia.

This stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in southern Europe. Boka harbors one of the prettiest, unspoiled towns you can see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation.

Set along the Adriatic coast, this historic Italian town captivates with its whitewashed buildings, narrow alleys, and charming seaside views. The ancient harbor is filled with colorful fishing boats, giving the town an authentic and lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore medieval churches, relax on pristine beaches, and savor delicious Apulian cuisine in this picturesque coastal destination.

Otranto, a coastal gem nestled in the heel of Italy's boot, is a captivating town that effortlessly blends history, natural beauty, and Mediterranean charm. Visit the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral, adorned with a stunning mosaic floor that narrates biblical tales, and the impressive Aragonese castle, that dominates the town. The old town's labyrinthine streets lead to charming piazzas, vibrant local markets, and seafood restaurants serving delectable Apulian cuisine. With its crystal-clear waters and a pristine sandy shoreline, the coast near Otranto boasts some of the Adriatic's most inviting beaches. The town also offers a gateway to the Salento region's cultural and historical treasures, like the baroque city of Lecce.

Set on a sun-drenched bay overlooking the Ionian Sea, just opposite the island of Corfu, Saranda is Albania’s most elegant coastal resort — and a perfect gateway to two of the country’s greatest treasures. Passengers can enjoy the relaxed waterfront atmosphere or join optional excursions (available at an additional cost) to explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Butrint, rich in Greek and Roman ruins, or the beautifully preserved Ottoman town of Gjirokastër, famed for its stone houses and hilltop fortress. Albania boasts a rich and ancient history, yet remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Whether discovering history or simply soaking up the Adriatic sun, Saranda offers a captivating blend of culture, scenery, and Mediterranean charm.

Crotone is a historic coastal city in southern Italy, known for its rich Greek heritage and beautiful beaches along the Ionian Sea. The city boasts ancient ruins, including the remains of the Temple of Hera Lacinia at Capo Colonna, and a charming old town with narrow streets and vibrant piazzas. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Calabrian cuisine at local trattorias. Crotone’s scenic waterfront and historical sites make it a captivating destination for those exploring the Calabria region.

Syracuse is a city on the Ionian coast of Sicily that's known for its ancient ruins. It was once the largest city in the world, bigger than Athens and Corinth, and as you can imagine, it's steeped in history. Visit Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites. Relax in one of its stylish little cafes that surround its beautiful baroque piazzas before wandering down its medieval lanes towards the sparkling blue sea.
 

The charm of Malta's sister island Gozo is immediately apparent. Steeped in myth Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey. It's green, rural and calm relying on fishing and agriculture as well as tourism. It is one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations with an incredible range of shore and boat dives including reefs, caves and wrecks. There are also Knights watchtowers, tiny chapels and beautiful peaceful beaches to explore.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.

Valletta is the tiny capital of the island of Malta. The walled city was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. It has a rich historical past and is a European Art City and a World Heritage City. It has an abundance of museums, palaces and grand churches to visit but be sure not to miss out on exploring one of its beautiful gardens.