Discovering the Amalfi and Dalmatian Coasts

Synonymous with Spain, the delicious paella rice dish originated in Valencia and was originally known as arroz a la Valencia, which takes its name from the pan it is cooked in, typically large, round and shallow. Believed to have been created in the 15th century for Valencian farmers working in the rice fields using ingredients local to their surroundings; nowadays it is popular with chicken or seafood. Close by is Albufera Natural Park – an important stopover for migratory birds.

An iconic Ibiza beach, Benirras is renowned for its cove of white sand, with turquoise seas and craggy rocks that surround the bay – the perfect setting for sunsets and sunrises on the White Island. It’s also possible to see Cape Bernat, a rocky islet set out to sea from Benirras Beach, and the subject of countless legends, where it’s known locally as ‘the finger of God’, guardian of the sunset, or Es Cavall Bernat, translated as ‘the horse Bernat’.

Located on the east coast of Menorca, Mahón is the largest city on the island and has a maze of narrow streets lined with Georgian architecture, including buildings with sash windows and balconies. The city has a sheltered harbour, full of islets and coves, which are home to the protected Mediterranean pillow coral.

Positioned on the island’s south-west coast at the head of the Valinco Gulf, Propriano is a traditional Corsican town, with a charming harbour and marina area. There are many 19th century buildings in the town, along with remains from Roman and Greek settlements. Close by is the scenic town of Sartene, with houses so tall they seem to be carved from the rockface, but also renowned for its highly rated wine, of which Rose is the most popular.

The charming city of La Spezia, located on the Ligurain coast of Italy, offers a colourful blend of maritime heritage, natural beauty and culture. Known for its strategic maritime importance, the naval base here was reconstructed after it was decimated in World War Two, and still produces naval warships for the Italian Navy. The tranquil bay in La Spezia is known as the “Gulf of Poets”, and has inspired many writers and poets, including Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. The city is also gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre, with its beautifully coloured villages perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Perfectly located between the Amalfi Coast and Cilento National Park, Salerno is an often overlooked destination in the Campania region. With centuries of rich history, influenced by the Romans, Goths and Byazantines, there are many churches and authentic trattorias laced through the towns narrow cobbled streets. The 11th century cathedral in Salerno is the city’s most important church, and has an abundance of artefacts dedicated to Saint Matthew, with stunning artwork on its ceilings and walls.

Best known for having one of the most iconic coastlines in Italy, and listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1997, the Amalfi Coast is painted with rocky shores, golden beaches and picture-perfect towns perched at the top of craggy cliffs, which when cruised past during the eveningtime, throws beautiful shadows and sunset light across the region. Passing the island of Capri, the Roman Imperial Palace Ruins of Villa Jovis are perched on a high peninsula, and the island of Procida has remained untouched for many years, allowing it to hold on to its rustic charm.

The southern Italian city of Naples dates to the 2nd millennium BC, and boasts centuries of volcanic drama, art and architecture all robustly perched on the Bay of Naples. Go beyond the ruggedness and a city of breathtaking frescoes, elegant sculptures and superb panoramas can be uncovered. Naples’ centro storico (historic centre) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cache of archaeological treasures are among the most important globally. The Duomo di San Gennaro cathedral is filled with sublime frescoes, while the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo ensure a spot for Italy’s third largest city on any must-see list.

Sorrento’s rugged cliffs line the Amalfi Coast above the topaz-hued waters, where it is possible to see Capri Island and Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples. Many of the town’s structures date back to Roman times, including St. Francis Monastery and the Basilica di Sant’Antonio. Nearby is Pompeii, the best-preserved ancient Roman city in the world, famously destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

The coastal port of Civitavecchia is gateway to the Eternal City of Rome, so named because ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world, the city would go on forever. Alongside the many inviting trattoria in Rome, there are many deeply historical structures, including the imposing Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. From Rome, the holy Vatican City is easily accessible and is home to His Holiness, the Pope.

Situated just north of Sicily, Stromboli Island is one of the smallest Aeolian Islands, but arguably the most famous thanks to its intense volcanic activity. One of Europe’s most active volcanos after Mount Etna, Stromboli has been erupting for over 2,000 years and almost non-stop since 1932. The island’s eruptions are so distinctive that geologists use ‘Strombolian’ to describe similar eruptions around the world.

Located between the eastern tip of Sicily and the western tip of Calabria, the Strait of Messina separates mainland Italy with the island of Sicily with its narrowest point measuring just one nautical mile. The strait is home to strong tidal currents and a unique marine ecosystem, with a natural whirlpool at the northernmost point of the strait, said to be linked to the Greek legends of Scylla and Charybdis. Sailing through the Straits during the eveningtime offers the chance to experience the sun setting beyond the horizon from the comfort of your cruise ship.

Located on the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the town of the same name is one of the best-preserved Medieval towns in the Adriatic. Kotor has ancient architecture that’s displayed in Venetian palaces and Romanesque churches, earning itself a listing as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. The winding cobbled streets are also home to numerous museums, including the Maritime Museum which explores the town’s maritime history.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Known as the ‘town of a hundred suns’ and the oldest town in Slovenia, Koper has unforgettable sea views, extensive vineyards and olive groves. After the Second World War, Koper became part of Yugoslavia, but then regained independence in 1991, and officially became part of Slovenia. The spectacular Lake Bled, nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is close by and is considered one of the most picturesque spots in the country.

St. Anthony’s Channel is a scenic and narrow stretch of water close to the historic town of Sibenik on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Renowned for its picturesque surroundings and lush greenery along its banks, it also offers fantastic views of St. Nicolas’ Fortress from the decks of your cruise ship as you sail past. At the entrance to the channel you will also see a Franciscan monastery dedicated to St. Anthony.

Lesser known than the beautiful cities of Split and Dubrovnik, Sibenik offers all of the quintessential delights that can be expected from destinations situated on Croatia’s glorious Adriatic Coast. Sibenik is situated within one of the best-protected harbours found in the Adriatic region, and boasts spectacular surrounding landscapes, while the city itself has typically Croatian scenes of white-washed, terracotta-topped buildings hinting at the treasures awaiting discovery ashore. Wander the steeply-angled streets and squares framed by a mix of centuries-old architectural gems, including the impressive town hall, the churches of St Barbara and St Fran, and the Cathedral Sveti Jakov. Built in the early 15th century, UNESCO-listed Sveti Jakov is considered one of Croatia’s finest and most important Renaissance-era landmarks.

Situated on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is famous for its beaches and magnificent Riva Waterfront. However, just a 10 minute walk away is the pedestrianised old town, protected by the walls of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. The cobbled streets are full of alleys and courtyards, where perfectly preserved examples of Roman architecture can be found, including St. Dominus Cathedral, the Vestibule and Narodni Trg – The People’s Square.

Mount Biokovo is part of the Dinaric Alps, which extend along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and is characterised by its dramatic limestone cliffs, deep ravines and lush vegetation. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and is a protected area within the Biokovo Nature Park, where preserving the environment is paramount. Two strictly protected bird species who visit here are the peregrine falcon and golden eagle, who nest on the cliffs annually. The mountain overlooks the charming Makarska Riviera, with its peaceful bays and beaches, and red-roofed houses standing on the waters edge.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatric’, Dubrovnik is nestled between the mountains and sea on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The deeply historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and still has magnificent medieval walls surrounding it, protecting monuments from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The pedestrianised Old Town is full of narrow cobbled streets leading to the 14th century Dominican Monastery, which houses rare books and manuscripts.