Itinerary

VALLETTA – POZZALLO – CATANIA

SYRACUSE – VALLETTA

All aboard for an exclusive cruise along the coasts of Sicily and Malta. Your vacation begins in Malta, a gorgeous Mediterranean haven with a rich and varied past. The island's magnificent capital, Valletta, and colourful villages await you. Journeying along the fascinating Sicilian coast takes you to the heart of its ancient past, where you'll discover baroque villages such as Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, as well as several locations listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A splendid trip combining architecture and culture on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea

Day 1 : VALLETTA

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 5 pm. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 2 : VALLETTA

Optional excursions: Valletta in the morning. The splendid Maltese capital deserves a special visit. Perched on top of a steep cliff, its layout and architectural structures are remarkable. The city was built stone-by-stone by and for the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. We’ll make an exclusive stop at Saint John's Co-Cathedral. In the afternoon, set out to discover Malta's treasures by visiting the island's most beautiful sites. We’ll visit the Hagar Qim temple complex, dating back to the beginning of the Bronze Age. Our next stop will be Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village. Its isolated location and deep waters have made it a strategic island location over the centuries. Tonight’s festivities will have a Maltese flair!

Day 3 : VALLETTA

Join us for an optional day trip to Gozo (lunch included). We’ll set out on a full-day trip to a calm, heavenly oasis on Gozo. We’ll take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo, admiring the gorgeous landscapes and scenery along the way, including the impressive, fortified citadel in the capital city of Rabat. You’ll discover remains of the Azure Window, a 92-foot (28 m) limestone natural arch that collapsed completely in March 2017, as well as the bay of Xlendi. In the afternoon, we'll visit the megalithic temple complex of #gantija, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE will then raise its anchor and begin to cruise to Sicily. Join the ship's crew on the Sun Deck for a cocktail as we admire one of the most beautiful ports in the world on our way out.

Day 4 : POZZALLO

Optional excursion this morning: Ragusa and Modica. Travel back in time when visiting these lovely UNESCO World Heritage sites. In Regusa, you’ll discover two cities in one: modern Regusa rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and ancient Hybla Heraia. The city’s architectural gem is the Duomo of San Giorgio. We’ll then continue on to Modica, a charming inland village snuggled on a hillside. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, Modica is now a lively and dynamic city with oversized churches and steep stairs running from the bottom of the village to the top of the slope. During our tour, we’ll stop at a chocolate factory to taste a recipe coming directly from the Aztecs. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising. 

Day 5 : CATANIA

Optional excursions: Catania in the morning. Located on the banks of the Ionian Sea and dominated by Mount Etna, you’ll discover vast squares, wide streets, and lava-rock buildings in this splendid city. Its historic and artistic heritage is just waiting to be discovered. Mount Etna in the afternoon. Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, and we’ll take you up to almost 6,400 feet (1950 m) to the Silvestri Craters near the top. The bleak lava wilderness around the summit of Etna is one of the most memorable landscapes you’ll ever see. (Subject to conditions)

Day 6 : SYRACUSE

Optional excursion this morning: Ortygia. One of the most fascinating cities in Sicily awaits us today. The 2,700-year-old city of Syracuse played a key role in ancient times when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. You'll visit Ortygia, the small island that is the historical center of the city. You'll come across the majestic ruins of the Greek Temple of Apollo, the Piazza Archimede, and the Piazza Duomo, an elliptical open space lined with harmonious and impressive buildings. This afternoon, join us for an included excursion: Noto. Noto and its church were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Totally destroyed by the 1693 Sicilian earthquake, the current town was built on the left bank of River Asinaro, about eight miles from the previous town. Enjoy a stroll through the historical center and admire the buildings, do a bit of souvenir shopping, or indulge in a snack at a local café.

Day 7 : VALLETTA

In the morning, LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE will enter the Grand Harbor, also known as the Port of Valletta, a baroque-style wharf dating back to the 18th century. Imposing fortifications and impressive architecture surround the picturesque port. This afternoon, join us for an included excursion: Mdina and Rabat. Mdina is a veritable open-air museum. The ancient Maltese capital holds many treasures, among them several of the most beautiful homes in the country. You’ll step back in time strolling through the labyrinth of streets lined with impressive palaces. We’ll then head to Rabat, with archaeological relics testifying to the town's importance during the Roman period. We'll visit Saint Paul’s and Saint Agatha’s Catacombs, the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 8 : VALLETTA

We have a very early departure around 6.00am

NB: For reasons of navigational safety, the captain and crew of the boat alone may decide to modify the cruise itinerary. Alternative port visits may need to be offered. 

LA BELLE DE L’ADRIATIQUE

La Belle de l'Adriatique, a 198-passenger oceangoing vessel, was purpose-built for coastal cruises and sails on itineraries to the Croatian islands and Montenegro.

If you are looking for a modern, luxury cruise liner, this cruise is definitely not for you. If, on the other hand, you are seeking an intimate. almost yacht-like experience on a ship with lots of atmosphere and charm, then you have maybe found your ideal holiday. La Belle de l'Adriatique is not a new ship; she is, however, comfortable and provides an ideal base for coastal cruising. This is our  cruise on this ship and we have always had positive comments from our customers. Just don't expect the Queen Mary!
 
The ship has a cosy atmosphere with a small lounge and outdoor terrace on the upper deck. The main panoramic lounge, with a dance floor and bar, is situated forward on the reception deck, and the dining room is found aft on the main deck. Like its river cruise cousins, La Belle de l'Adriatique prides itself on its French heritage, which is reflected in the cuisine, with a choice of other international dishes available. Complimentary wine, beer, fruit juice, water and coffee are served throughout your cruise. 
 
There are two whirlpools on the sun deck, and other amenities include a library, nursery, gift shop and elevator.

Cabins

The cabins are spread across the four main decks. The majority are twins that can be configured as doubles.  All have en-suite facilities, although these are "modest" in size, to say the least.

Staterooms on the upper and reception decks have large windows, and the two lower decks' cabins have portholes. There are no balcony cabins. All staterooms are equipped with showers and toilets, hair dryers, satellite TV, radios and safes.

Cabin size  -  151 sq. ft.

Upper Deck   29 Cabins - with large windows

Reception Deck  22 Cabins - with large windows

Main Deck  25 Cabins  -  with portholes

Lower Deck   24 Cabins  - with portholes

Equipment: all cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe.

Supplements for cabin upgrades

Lower Deck – Cabin with porthole –       NIL

Main Deck – Cabin with porthole –   £170 pp

Reception Deck

– Cabin with picture window –         £275 pp

Upper Deck

– Cabin with picture window –            £350 pp

NOTES

1.           There are a range of excursions offered during this cruise, as detailed in the itinerary. Choose any three of these at no extra cost. Should you wish to go on more, simply pay for them before you go. We will update the information on this webpage in due course.

2.           Croisieurope offer a fixed three course menu for lunch and dinner, with a choice of main course options. The food is of the highest quality but sometimes a particular course may not appeal to you. The menu is on display from early morning and you may ask your waiter if he/she can arrange something else for you. You must do this at breakfast time, or an alternative may not be available.

3.           Unlimited drinks, alcoholic and otherwise, are available throughout your cruise. The offer includes beers, spirits, soft drinks, teas & coffees, bottled water and a selection of fine house wines but excludes those from the wine list.

4.          Gratuities are included aboard the ship but, if you feel you have received exceptional service, please feel free to put something into the unmarked envelope, which will be left in your cabin towards the end of the cruise. Gratuities for tour guides, etc. are not included and a small contribution would be appreciated.

5.           “Accessibility” Whilst the “MV Belle de l’Adriatique” offers one fully-accessible cabin for those who require wheelchair access, our experience shows that this cruise is not ideal for those with limited mobility. Berthing is often via steep ramps, possibly steps, and we may also need to cross through another vessel, often involving steep steps. We would endeavour to ensure you get the maximum from a cruise but cannot guarantee you will be able to get off at each and every port. You must also have a carer with you, who is able to manage every aspect of operating and pushing the wheelchair, your luggage, etc. Neither our representatives nor the crew of the ship can be called upon to assist, as we are not insured for it.