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Hidden Gems of Italy from Valletta to Venice, 5 May 2025 (7 nights)
Your itinerary
Flight departs
DAY 1
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Valletta
DAY 1
05 May 2025
Time at Port: from 9:30 AM to 11 PM
Malta’s capital, Valletta is steeped in history and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. A simple stroll through the Baroque-style streets will take you back in time to 1566 when the city was completed, while a range of museums and monuments provide an in-depth retelling of the past. Its intimate size makes it easy to explore the highlights on foot and discover many hidden gems such as botanical gardens, boutiques and eateries.
Things to do in Valletta:
Malta 5D
This new-generation theatre provides an immersive journey through the history and culture of Malta, featuring 3D films, moving seats, water and air blasts and even leg ticklers. Fun for all ages, Malta 5D is the most unique way to discover Malta!
Manoel Theatre and Palazzo Manoel
Tucked away on a quiet street, the Manoel Theatre is a hidden gem of fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Whether you’re taking a tour of the theatre or enjoying a musical performance, visitors will fall in love with its elegance and grandeur.
St Johns Cathedral in Valetta
St John’s Co-Cathedral is considered one of the best examples of traditional Baroque architecture in Europe and features memorials dedicated to knights covering the floor and ceiling as well as the stunning Caravaggio’s painting.
Grand Master's Palace
Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Grandmaster’s Palace is an iconic piece of Maltese heritage, housing the President’s office and a museum where visitors can enjoy an audio guide to get to know the history behind the impressive armoury.
National Museum of Archaeology
Covering the history and mythology of Malta, the National Museum of Archaeology is a must visit for those looking to discover ancient artefacts. This highly informative museum is where you’ll find the renowned Sleeping Lady, Venus of Malta and more.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
At the end of a busy day of exploring, the Upper Barrakka Gardens are just what you need to wind down and relax in the capital. Offering unrivalled views of the city, these gardens date back to 1661 and are home to beautiful statues and plaques.
Syracuse, Sicily
DAY 2
06 May 2025
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 6 PM
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Crotone
DAY 3
07 May 2025
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 9 PM
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Otranto
DAY 4
08 May 2025
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 11 PM
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Monopoli
DAY 5
09 May 2025
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 2:30 PM
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Ancona
DAY 6
10 May 2025
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 11 PM
Located about midway down the east coast of Italy, Ancona has played an important role in the country’s history. It was home to Emperor Trajan – the successful military leader who led Roman soldiers in expansion – who paid to renovate the town port, leading to prosperity. You can see an ancient arch that was constructed in his honour. The Mole Vanvitelliana is another interesting place to behold; a manmade pentagonal island which has been used to house everything from leprosy sufferers to war weapons. See churches, the war memorial, and the archaeological museum to learn more about Italy’s history.
Things to do in Ancona:
Trajan Arch
This majestic arch way is thought to have been raised in about the year 115 AD, in celebration of Emperor Trajan. Trajan had provided the town of Ancona with protection by enhancing its fortifications, and enabled it to prosper further by expanding the port - both of which projects were largely paid for out of the emperor’s own pocket. It was from this site that Trajan also led men to defeat the Dacians in the earlier years of the 2nd century.
Ancona Cathedral
Standing proudly atop the high point of Ancona, the San Ciriaco cathedral is a commanding structure that dominates the landscape. It is known that the first place of worship to have existed here dates back to the 3rd century BC, and in the 6th century AD another church was built – some of which has lasted to this day, such as a mosaic floor. In the early part of the 11th century the relics of St Cyriacus and St Marecellinus were brought to rest here.
Passetto Monument and War Memorial
Located above the popular Passetto beach stands the Ancona War Memorial, which commemorates those who lost their lives in World War I. Designed in the 1920s by local architect Guido Cirilli, the structure was inaugurated in 1930. It’s made of Istrian stone, and displays symbols of war such as swords and helmets.
Mole Vanvitelliana
Also known as the Lazzaretto of Ancona, this pentagonal building was built in the 18th century on a manmade island. It was originally used as a storage facility for military goods and as a place to stay for anyone who may have contracted leprosy; in both cases a quarantine of sorts. It has also been used as a refuge for injured soldiers during wartimes. Today it is used to host public events, and as a museum showcasing a range of exhibits.
Santa Maria della Piazza
This Romanesque-style church was constructed over the 11th and 12th centuries, in the same spot as two previous churches which date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Remains of these older buildings can still be seen beneath protective glass inside the church. Traces of the walls surrounding Ancona in ancient Greek times have also been found here.
National Archeological Museum
Plans for this museum first came about in the year 1860, and it became so notable that it was made the ‘National Museum of Ancona’ in 1906, and in 1927 was inaugurated by King Victor Emmanuel III. Today it houses some remarkable historic relics, including the Venus of Frasassi – a small carving which dates back more than 20,000 years, – and Paleolithic objects which are thought to be around 300,000 years old.
Ravenna
DAY 7
11 May 2025
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 11:59 PM
In Italy's Emilia-Romagna region sits the beautiful and historic city of Ravenna. It is well-known for the vibrant mosaics that cover many of its key structures, including the cross-shaped Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, the sixth-century Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, and the octagonal Basilica di San Vitale. Located in the centre of the city is the Mausoleo di Teodorico, a circular Gothic stone tomb that was constructed in the sixth century for King Theodoric the Great.
Things to do in Ravenna:
Basilica di San Vitale
Italy's Ravenna is home to the Basilica of San Vitale, which houses Christian Byzantine art and architecture. Dating back to the sixth-century church, it's one of eight Ravenna buildings that have been included as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ravenna Art Museum
This museum is one of the hubs of the city's cultural life, hosting festivals, exhibits, and collections of both modern and ancient art. It is housed in a 16th-century monastery in the Public Gardens and is responsible for resuming cultural and recreational activities in addition to significant conservation and research projects.
Basilica di Sant' Apollinare Nuovo
In Ravenna, Italy, there is a basilica church called the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogothic ruler, built it as his royal chapel in the first half of the sixth century and it was originally consecrated to "Christ the Redeemer" in 504 AD.
Venice
DAY 8
12 May 2025
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
The ‘floating city’ of Venice has romantic connotations all over the world. Known for picturesque canals, colourful buildings, gentle gondola rides, good food, and an ample supply of history, this is one Italian destination that sits on many a bucket list. See magnificent architecture in St Mark’s Square, the fascinating Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. After soaking in centuries of history, be sure to make time to simply watch the world go by with a world-class cup of coffee and a piece of tiramisu, or indeed an indulgent glass of wine and pasta dish.
Things to do in Venice:
Giudecca Island
Located in the Venetian lagoon, Giudecca Island is a small, attractive resort offering some lovely cafes, bars, and restaurants as well as pretty architecture. Over the years it has had a varied history, having been the home to some grand palaces and gardens, before becoming a centre of industry in the 20th century, particularly during World War II. One 16th century mansion has been converted into a beautiful luxury villa.
St. Mark's Square
Piazza San Marco – or St Mark’s Square – is the main square in Venice. It is one of the main attractions, and has had a vibrant role in Venetian history, having been a centre of politics, commerce, and religion over the years. Today it is one of Venice’s main attractions, being surrounded by beautiful architecture on all sides – including the magnificent Basilica di San Marco.
Bridge of Sighs
This well-known, historic piece of architecture joins Venice’s prisons to Doge’s Palace – or more accurately, the interrogation rooms in the palace. Legend says that when prisoners of the 17th century crossed the bridge into the prison, they sighed at their last view of Venice – hence the name. Today the bridge also has romantic significance, with local lore saying that lovers who kiss beneath the bridge in a gondola will have a love that lasts forever.
Doge's Palace
From the late 7th century until the late 18th, Venice had a system of doges, who acted as elected leaders of the region. Doge’s Palace – now known as Palazzo Ducale – was built in the 14th century as a residence for the doge, and for other political bodies. It was a venue used for debates, a court of law, grand events such as balls, and even had prison cells on the ground floor. The beautiful palace is located in Piazza San Marco, and was opened to visitors in 1923.
Island of Burano
Within Venice’s lagoon is the picturesque island of Burano, well known for its colourful buildings and pretty canals. First inhabited in the 6th century, Burano has long been a small fishing community, which rose in prominence with the production of lace in the 16th century – a tradition it is still known for today. Burano is a gorgeous spot to wander around, enjoy a gelato, and browse the fabulous range of intricate lace work which is available to purchase in varying forms.
Flight departs
DAY 8
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