Cruise Le Dumont d Urville: Italy, Malta departing from Valetta

The port :

The port of Valletta, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a real gem for cruisers. Iconic and steeped in history, the port is just a stone's throw from Valletta's historic center. Its immediate proximity to the city, less than a kilometer away, offers visitors quick and easy access to the treasures of the Maltese capital.

What to visit in Valletta

Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city of art and history. Start your visit with St. John's Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque art, and don't miss the Palace of the Grand Masters, bearing witness to the island's chivalric history. Stroll through the gardens of Upper Barrakka for a breathtaking view of the Grand Port. Valletta also offers a rich cultural scene, with museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology and the Maison de la Valette, dedicated to the city's history.

What to visit in the surrounding area

The island of Malta around Valletta is full of sites to explore. Mdina, the ancient capital, with its medieval streets, is around 14 kilometers away. Don't miss the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, fascinating testimonies to the island's ancient history. For a more natural experience, the blue cave and cliffs of Dingli offer a striking natural spectacle. Finally, for beach lovers, Mellieħa Bay offers crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches less than 25 kilometers from Valletta.

Port Empedocle, in Sicily, is a port town full of charm and history. Discover the Tower of Charles V and the historic quarter. The town is also the gateway to the famous buildings of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Nearby beaches, such as Scala dei Turchi with its white cliffs, offer unique scenery.

The port:

The port of Trapani, located on the west coast of Sicily in Italy, is just a few steps from the city's historic center. With its Baroque facades and narrow streets, Trapani offers an authentic Sicilian experience, between sea and historic monuments.

What to visit in Trapani

Trapani is packed with historical and cultural sites. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a jewel of Baroque architecture, is a must-see. Stroll through the historic center to discover the city's unique atmosphere, with its ancient buildings and charming squares. The Museo Regionale Pepoli, home to historic works of art and artifacts, is an enriching visit. Don't miss a visit to the sanctuary of the Madonna di Trapani, an important place of pilgrimage. For a natural experience, the Trapani and Paceco salt flats, with their picturesque windmills, offer a unique landscape and an opportunity to discover traditional salt production.

What to visit in the surrounding area

Around Trapani, excursion options are varied. The island of Favignana, part of the Aegadian Islands, is accessible by ferry and offers magnificent beaches and crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. The medieval town of Erice, perched on a mountain, offers spectacular views and a fascinating insight into Sicilian history. The archaeological site of Segesta, with its well-preserved Doric temple, is an impressive testimony to Sicily's ancient Greek civilization. Finally, the Zingaro nature reserve, with its hiking trails and secluded coves, is a paradise for nature and hiking enthusiasts.

The port:

Palermo's port, located on Sicily's northwestern Mediterranean coast, is adjacent to the city's historic center. This proximity offers visitors the opportunity to easily access Palermo's rich cultural and historical treasures on foot. Options such as cabs and buses are also available for quick and convenient connection to the main attractions of this captivating Mediterranean city.

What to visit in Palermo

Palermo, with its fascinating blend of Arab, Norman and Baroque influences, is a unique cultural crossroads. Explore Palermo Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, and the Norman Palace with its famous Palatine Chapel. Stroll through lively markets such as Ballarò or Vucciria, which offer an unforgettable sensory experience. Don't miss the Martorana church, famous for its Byzantine mosaics, and the Teatro Massimo, one of Europe's largest opera houses. The gardens of Villa Giulia offer a haven of peace in the heart of the city.

What to visit in the surrounding area

Palermo's surroundings are full of remarkable sites. The charming town of Monreale, with its golden cathedral and dazzling mosaics, is a must-see. The ancient ruins of Solunto and Segesta offer a fascinating insight into Sicily's ancient history. For a day at the beach, Mondello, with its white sands and crystal-clear waters, is a popular destination. Nature lovers will appreciate a trip to the Capo Gallo nature reserve, offering spectacular hiking and scenery.

Port :

The port of Lipari, in the heart of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a picturesque and charming port of call. Just a few steps from the center of Lipari, it's easily accessible on foot. The port of Lipari, jewel of the Aeolian Islands, is an ideal starting point for exploring the natural and cultural riches of the archipelago's largest island.

What to visit in Lipari

Lipari, with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, offers an authentic experience of island life. Lipari Castle, dominating the town, is a must-see for history buffs, housing an archaeological museum rich in discoveries from the region. Don't miss the black sand beaches, unique to the archipelago, such as Canneto beach. Local restaurants offer Aeolian specialities, including fresh fish and capres dishes.

What to see and do in the area

The Aeolian Islands around Lipari are full of wonders to discover. Vulcano, famous for its mud baths and hot springs, is a short ferry ride away. The island of Salina, known for its verdant landscapes and vineyards, is a paradise for nature lovers. An excursion to Stromboli to observe its active volcano is a sight not to be missed. These islands, with their unique charms and natural beauty, offer a memorable getaway in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Port:

The port of Taormina, located near the town of Giardini Naxos on Sicily's east coast, is around 5 kilometers from the town of Taormina. The port, easily accessible by bus or cab, offers visitors convenient access to explore this historic and picturesque destination. Situated on the shores of the Ionian Sea, the port of Taormina is a window onto the natural and cultural splendors of the region.

What to visit in Taormina

Taormina, perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is a city of beauty and charm. Its ancient theater, with its spectacular views, is a must-see. Stroll through the medieval streets, discover artisanal stores and enjoy terraces offering breathtaking panoramas. The town also offers access to magnificent beaches such as Isola Bella, a small islet connected to the coast by a sandbank.

What to visit in the surrounding area

Taormina's surroundings offer a wide range of excursions. Mount Etna, around 45 kilometers away, offers unique hikes on Europe's largest active volcano. Catania, around 50 kilometers away, is famous for its Baroque architecture and lively market. The Alcantara Gorge, about 20 kilometers away, is an impressive natural site with unique rock formations. These destinations around Taormina offer an immersion in the natural beauty and history of Sicily.

Reggio Calabria, located on the tip of the Italian boot, offers magnificent views of the Strait of Messina. Visit the National Museum of Magna Graecia, home to the famous bronze statues of Riace. Stroll along Lungomare Falcomatà, one of Italy's most beautiful seafront promenades. Discover the impressive architecture of Reggio Cathedral and the lush gardens of Villa Genoese-Zerbi. Taste local culinary delights, such as 'nduja and gelati, in the city's restaurants and cafés.

Stromboli, an island volcano in Italy's Aeolian Islands, offers an impressive natural spectacle with its active volcano. Climbing up to the crater to watch the eruptions is an unforgettable experience. Stromboli's black sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and charming village lanes offer relaxation and discovery. Local cuisine features seafood and Sicilian specialties.

Port:

The port of Syracuse, located on Sicily's eastern Mediterranean coast, is directly adjacent to the city's historic center, offering exceptional ease of access for exploring the historical and architectural riches of Syracuse, a city thousands of years old.

What to visit in Syracuse

Syracuse is a city with an exceptional cultural and historical heritage. The island of Ortygia, the heart of the old town, is a labyrinth of charming alleyways and lively squares. Don't miss Syracuse Cathedral, a unique edifice that incorporates the columns of an ancient Greek temple. The Neapolis archaeological park, about 3 kilometers from the port, is home to an impressive Greek theater and the Roman amphitheater. For history buffs, the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Sicily, is a must.

What to see in the surrounding area

There are many sites to discover around Syracuse. The Cavagrande del Cassibile nature reserve, around 15 kilometers away, is famous for its lakes and canyons, offering spectacular scenery and hiking opportunities. Noto, around 30 kilometers away, is a jewel of Sicilian Baroque, with its sumptuous churches and palaces. For a coastal experience, Fontane Bianche beach, around 15 kilometers away, offers crystal-clear waters and fine sand. These destinations around Syracuse allow you to immerse yourself in the diversity and beauty of Sicily.

The port :

The port of Valletta, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a real gem for cruisers. Iconic and steeped in history, the port is just a stone's throw from Valletta's historic center. Its immediate proximity to the city, less than a kilometer away, offers visitors quick and easy access to the treasures of the Maltese capital.

What to visit in Valletta

Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city of art and history. Start your visit with St. John's Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque art, and don't miss the Palace of the Grand Masters, bearing witness to the island's chivalric history. Stroll through the gardens of Upper Barrakka for a breathtaking view of the Grand Port. Valletta also offers a rich cultural scene, with museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology and the Maison de la Valette, dedicated to the city's history.

What to visit in the surrounding area

The island of Malta around Valletta is full of sites to explore. Mdina, the ancient capital, with its medieval streets, is around 14 kilometers away. Don't miss the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, fascinating testimonies to the island's ancient history. For a more natural experience, the blue cave and cliffs of Dingli offer a striking natural spectacle. Finally, for beach lovers, Mellieħa Bay offers crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches less than 25 kilometers from Valletta.