Discover the Beauty of the Mediterranean

Welcome to Portugal and its vibrant capital, Lisbon. You’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on your discovery of the Western Mediterranean. Please book your flight to arrive into Lisbon prior to 12:00 PM.

After a picturesque cruise south along the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, sail into the Mediterranean and the beautiful city of Portimão. At the heart of the sparkling Algarve region, it gets more than 300 days of sunshine each year and has long been a bustling hub for fishing and ship building. Admire its historic centre, characterised by a distinctively Portuguese ambience, stroll through plazas filled with open-air cafés, and swim in the turquoise waters of Praia da Rocha.

The coastal town of Cádiz, in the Andalusian region of Spain, is your stop for today. Considered to be the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe, it was founded by the Phoenicians around 1100BC.  Cádiz has been a prominent trading port for centuries and is often referred to as the ‘City of the Watchtowers’ for its striking defensive structures from the 16th and 17th centuries. With a rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage, the city is filled with landmarks, antique quarters and lush gardens that will capture all your senses.

Enjoy a morning sail to Tangier. Guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangiers has been Europes gateway to Africa for centuries, welcoming with a blend of exotic cultures and influences unique to Morocco. Look, listen and smell: the diversity of the bustling local crowds, the heavy fragrances of spices in the colourful markets and murmurs of the sea and vibrant Old Town   – a feast of sensations that stuns the senses.

Arrive in Malaga this morning, one of the great cultural hubs of Spain and the capital of the Costa del Sol. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it has an impressive collection of galleries, a buzzing art district and exceptional dining. You’ll also find many impressive historic sights, including the Alcazaba, which is one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia. Climb up to Gibralfaro Castle, 132 metres above sea level, to take in the best views over the city.

Wake up early this morning and stand on your balcony to admire the spectacular natural harbour of Cartagena as your yacht sails into port. Part of the Mediterraneans Costa Cálida, Cartagena was one of the most important naval ports in Spain until the 18th century. This portside town has been inhabited by several cultures over the centuries, all of whom have left their mark on its streets. Walk its beautiful streets and see layers of history unfold before you, from the Roman Amphitheatre to the Torre Ciega and the Castillo de la Concepción.

The most famous party island in the world, Ibiza has become synonymous with electronic dance music, luxury living and late-night revelry. But while it’s a clubber’s paradise, it is also home to glorious beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town and Bohemian wellness retreats. Despite its hedonistic reputation, Ibiza promotes responsible tourism, with initiatives to ensure the islands natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

The quietest and most relaxed of the Balearic Islands, Menorca gives you a taste of how these islands used to be. The island’s capital, Mahón, is on the east coast and is yours to explore today. It sits on the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and was colonised by the British in the 18th century, leaving a legacy of grand naval buildings and Georgian townhouses. Beyond that, there’s a wealth of prehistoric structures to explore and the interior of the island remains largely untouched, dotted with rolling farmland and whitewashed villages.

Cross into Italy and the island of Sardinia, sitting off the west coast of the mainland in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The charming city of Alghero is on the island’s northwestern tip and is known for its gold sea walls, built in the 16th century. White sandy beaches, crystal clear water and blissful climate make it one of the Sardinia’s most popular resorts. Alghero’s culture is a fascinating blend of Spanish and Italian (the official language is Catalan) and you’ll see it in the architecture, lifestyle and cuisine.

Perched atop a narrow limestone peninsula on the French Island of Corsica, Bonifacio has breathtaking views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Take a step back in time, exploring Bonifacio’s atmospheric Old Town, a fortified medieval citadel filled with quaint narrow streets and historic structures. Don’t miss The Staircase of the King of Aragon (Escalier du Roi dAragon), a steep flight of steps carved into the cliffside, which leads down to the clear, blue-green sea.

After breakfast, set off to explore Rome and uncover the storied history of this ancient Italian capital, known as the ‘Eternal City.’ Once the epicentre of the mighty Roman empire, admire the wealth of iconic ancient legacies evident today, including The Colosseum, The Pantheon and Roman Forum. Get a taste of Italy’s famous ‘La Dolce Vita’ (‘the good life’) and enjoy a gelato (ice-cream) in one of Rome’s vibrant piazzas. In the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second half of your journey, ready to explore more splendours of the Mediterranean. 

Amid Italy’s romantic and world-famous Tuscany region, you’ll find Porto Ercole, a laid-back harbour town with a scenic bay dotted with luxury yachts and fishing boats. This stunning historic town is worth exploring for its maze of narrow laneways, stone houses and several important landmarks, which include a series of old fortresses, Forte Filippo, Forte Stella, and La Rocca – built during an era of Spanish domination in the 16th century.

Set halfway between Naples and Rome, Gaeta is on a headland that juts out into the sea, making for sweeping views up and down the coast. It remains one of the hidden gems of this region and a popular weekend getaway for Italians. As well as its beautiful beach and abundant fresh fish, Gaeta is best known for Montagna Spaccata (Split Mountain), a natural sea grotto and 11th century sanctuary. According to local legend, the miraculous rock split was created when God sent a lightning bolt that formed three giant cracks in the mountain, which dramatically plunges into the sea.

The much-loved resort town of Sorrento perched dramatically atop cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples and boasting stunning views of Mount Vesuvius across the water. An impossibly romantic haven, Sorrento bewitches with its elegant Italian villas, world-class restaurants serving up mouth-watering cuisine and fragrant lemon groves, which contribute to the production of limoncello – famous the world over. Get a glimpse into its storied past as you explore grand cathedrals and palazzos built of warm golden stone, then sit down at a cafe to watch the world go by. Cruise across the strait this evening and overnight to the island of Capri.

The allure of Capri is timeless. From the first century AD, Roman Emperors chose this spectacularly beautiful island as their private retreat – the ruins of their grand villas still dot the shore. Take a leisurely stroll along the narrow, winding streets and dine al fresco under twinkling fairy lights, sampling the island’s traditional specialties that have become world-famous, like caprese salad and limoncello, a sweet lemon liqueur. Sail back to the mainland to overnight in Amalfi.

Welcome to Amalfi, a delightful coastal town, set on the clifftops of the Amalfi Coast, a stretch of coastline now protected under UNESCO World Heritage-listed status.  Amalfi has long attracted visitors for decades for its stunning views of the azure Tyrrhenian Sea., picturesque streets, and rich history. The town is also famous for its beautiful cathedral, the Duomo di Amalfi, which dates to the 9th century and features intricate Byzantine mosaics. Explore the historic centre of Amalfi, enchanting with its narrow alleys, colourful buildings, and quaint shops selling local artisan ceramics.

The largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari presents a volcanic archipelago set off the coast of Sicily and embedded within the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. The gorgeous island scenery comes defined by a rugged coastline, beautiful beaches lapped by crystal line turquoise waters and lush vegetation. Lipari also boasts a charming Old Town, delightful with its quaint streets and traditional houses painted in pastel hues, as well as a 16th- century castle, which reveals panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The picturesque seaside town of Giardini Naxos is on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy.  Its sprawling seafront offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Giardini Naxos is the gateway to the exclusive resort of Taormina, perched on the side of the mountain above. One of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, it draws the rich and famous from around the world to its luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants. The area also has a rich history, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.

The city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is the smallest city in the European Union and covers just over half a square kilometre (less than 0.2 miles). Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, it’s a living testament to the Baroque period, with well-preserved buildings, ornate churches and magnificent fortifications. The city is located on a hilly peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its compact size, Valletta has a vibrant cultural life and regularly hosts lively markets and festivals.

Your luxury yacht cruise will conclude here this morning. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your travels. Please book your flight to depart out of Valletta after 11:00 AM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.