Aboard the La Belle de l'Adriatique as You Cruise Malta and Sicily

Explore Malta and Sicily aboard the La Belle de l'Adriatique

Valletta: The Timeless City of the Knights

Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of the Order of St John, Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a living museum and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified Mediterranean city, designed to withstand sieges and invasions, rises majestically above the sea with its towering ramparts, ornate palaces, and baroque churches.

Among Valletta’s must-see attractions are St. John’s Co-Cathedral, renowned for its opulent interior and Caravaggio masterpieces, the Grandmaster’s Palace, once the seat of power for the Knights, and Fort St. Elmo, guardian of the harbor. Strolling through Valletta’s labyrinth of narrow, colorful streets reveals a vibrant mix of history, architecture, and panoramic sea views. 

Beyond the city walls, Malta unveils its prehistoric past at the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim, one of the island’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Dating back to 3600–3200 BC, these massive limestone structures, with some weighing over 57 tonnes, demonstrate remarkable engineering and spiritual vision. During the summer solstice, sunlight passes through a perfectly aligned elliptical hole to illuminate a central slab, showcasing a breathtaking connection between ancient Maltese civilization and celestial cycles.

Gozo: Malta’s Serene Secret Island

Just a short ferry ride from Malta, Gozo feels like stepping into another era, a place where time seems to stand still and the landscape exudes peace and pastoral beauty. Greener, quieter, and more laid-back than its sister island, Gozo offers a sanctuary for travelers seeking authentic Mediterranean charm, breathtaking nature, and ancient history.

This tranquil island is defined by rolling hills, rugged limestone cliffs, and a countryside scattered with stone farmhouses, baroque churches, and sleepy villages. Its coastline reveals secluded coves, natural arches, and dramatic sea cliffs that have inspired poets, painters, and mythmakers for centuries.

At the heart of Gozo’s rich heritage lie the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, predating even the Egyptian pyramids. Built over 5,500 years ago, these megalithic monuments offer a profound glimpse into a prehistoric civilization steeped in mystery and ritual.

Ragusa and Modica: Baroque Splendor in Southeastern Sicily

Arriving in southeastern Sicily, travelers are greeted by the region’s celebrated Baroque towns, masterpieces of resilience and artistry that rose from the rubble of the devastating 1693 earthquake. Among the jewels of this rebirth are Ragusa and Modica, both recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Val di Noto.

Perched dramatically on a limestone ridge 550 meters above sea level, Ragusa captivates with its dual identity: the historic quarter of Ibla, with its winding medieval alleys and ornate balconies, and the upper town, symbol of the city’s rebirth. Exploring Ragusa feels like stepping into a living museum, where hidden staircases and stone-paved streets reveal centuries of history and artistry.

Just a few kilometers away, Modica enchants visitors with its elegant churches, grand piazzas, and a legacy tied not only to Baroque refinement but also to chocolate-making traditions dating back to the 16th century. Introduced by the Spanish and rooted in Aztec techniques, Modica’s chocolate retains its unique grainy texture and is infused with flavors such as orange, cinnamon, or chili.

Syracuse and Noto: The Essence of Authentic Sicily

In the heart of southeastern Sicily, Syracuse stands as one of the most storied cities of the ancient world. Once praised by Cicero as “the greatest and most beautiful of all Greek cities,” Syracuse was the birthplace of Archimedes and remains an extraordinary open-air museum of antiquity. At the renowned Neapolis Archaeological Park, visitors can step into history among the vast Greek Theatre, the ruins of ancient temples, and the imposing Roman Amphitheatre.

Crossing the bridge to Ortigia Island, the historic heart of Syracuse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, is like traveling back through centuries. Here, the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily, stands beside the Syracuse Cathedral, uniquely built upon the ruins of a Greek temple dedicated to Athena. A stroll through Ortigia’s sun-drenched piazzas leads to the Maniace Castle, a formidable 13th-century fortress overlooking the glittering Ionian Sea.

Just a short journey from Syracuse lies Noto, celebrated as the capital of Sicilian Baroque and another jewel of the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage area. Rebuilt with artistic grandeur after the 1693 earthquake, Noto is a symphony of ornate churches, palazzi, and sweeping boulevards. Its crown jewel, the Noto Cathedral, with its elegant façade and golden limestone glowing at sunset, stands as one of the most breathtaking expressions of Baroque architecture in all of Italy.

Catania and Mount Etna: A Captivating Duo

At the base of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, lies the vibrant city of Catania, a place where fiery natural forces and Sicilian artistry intertwine. Known as the “City of the Elephant” after the emblematic fountain in Piazza del Duomo, Catania is a fascinating blend of Baroque architecture, volcanic landscapes, and authentic Sicilian character.

The city’s resilience is extraordinary, even though it has been destroyed and rebuilt no fewer than seven times following devastating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Today, as Sicily’s second-largest city, Catania offers a lively atmosphere where history meets modern life, from the bustling Via Etnea to sweeping panoramas of the volcano itself.

Rising over 3,300 meters above sea level, Mount Etna dominates eastern Sicily’s skyline and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Excursions ascend along scenic mountain roads, winding past picturesque villages such as Giarre, Santa Venerina, and Zafferana Etnea, before reaching the Silvestri Craters at 1,950 meters.