11 Night Valletta to Venice An Adriatic Renaissance and Land Tour

From Valletta to Venice

Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions

Cruise #: 13951276
Departs: Fri, Jul 17, 2026
Returns: Tue, Jul 28, 2026

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Oceanview		$9,436
Balcony		$10,316
Suite		$16,396

*Prices are per person based on double occupancy

Includes taxes & fees

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Itinerary Summary

Day by Day Details

Land Segment of Itinerary

Friday - Jul 17, 2026

Day
1

Valletta, Malta

Welcome to Malta. On arrival at Valletta Airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet an Aurora Expeditions representative, followed by a transfer to your group hotel. At the hotel, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to meet the team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Valletta. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. Today offers time to relax in preparation for our journey. Join a Welcome event this evening, where we honor the bravery of the Maltese people and hear wartime tales of courage against seemingly insurmountable odds, from a local expert. Accommodation: Valletta Hotel ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Saturday - Jul 18, 2026

Day
2

Valletta, Malta

Cruise Segment of Itinerary

Day 2 - Saturday - Jul 18, 2026

Day
2

Cruise Begins

Valletta, Malta

Sitting in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts unbeatable location, location, location. Its sunny charm and island lifestyle have made it a modern-day summer holiday destination, but historically, its strategic position has made it a target for invaders. The Maltese people, known for their convivial and family-oriented nature, have a long history of defending their homeland, from ancient Greek sieges to Napoleon's forces. Their remarkable bravery during World War II, particularly during the Second Siege of Malta, earned the nation the George Cross from King George VI. This honor is proudly displayed on the Maltese flag and coat of arms, symbolizing their enduring spirit and resilience. Our day is spent in Malta's convivial capital, Valletta, which remains a historical city with streets of fascinating sites telling more than their fair share of stories. Our local guide tells tales of the past and present at the Barrakka Gardens where we gain a perspective of the city's harbor from a naval point of view before exploring the Grand Master's Palace and Armoury, where we uncover an impressive collection gathered by the Knights of St John, while the multimedia show, Malta Experience, places thousands of years of Malta into perspective. There's time after our locally guided tour to stroll the city streets before you board the Douglas Mawson and begin your voyage. This evening, enjoy a 'Welcome Dinner' where we meet our Aurora Expeditions team and crew. ...
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Sunday - Jul 19, 2026

Day
3

Reggio Calabria, Italy

Sitting in the 'toe' of Italy's 'boot' and guarding the formidable Strait of Messina, Calabria's former capital, Reggio di Calabria, has witnessed centuries of history. Offering views across to Sicily, just two miles away, and the formidable Mount Etna, Reggio di Calabria is home to the National Archaeological Museum, which houses the famous Riace Bronzes-life-size, ancient warrior-like Greek statues. The town boasts the Lungomare Falcomata, a lengthy seafront promenade lined with palm trees, where locals gather for the age-old Italian evening stroll known as la passeggiata. Reggio di Calabria is also known for its historical ties to Magna Graecia, which are reflected in its classical architecture and ancient ruins. The morning experiences offer you time to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the ship or on shore, before we sail east to the heel of the boot late afternoon. ...
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Monday - Jul 20, 2026

Day
4

Gallipoli, Italy

Sailing the Italian coastline, we reach the region of Puglia and moor in the walled coastal town of Gallipoli around midday. This charming town acts as our gateway to the southern tip of Italy, offering an afternoon to explore its hidden treasures on one of the 'Your Choice' experiences. Early evening, we set sail once more, journeying overnight around the heel of 'the boot of Italy' to the port town of Bari. ...
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Tuesday - Jul 21, 2026

Day
5

Bari, Italy

Bari acts as our gateway today with a bevy of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Alberobello, Matera, and Castel del Monte all in our sights. As the capital of Italy's up-and-coming Puglia region, Bari is undergoing a Renaissance, transforming once-neglected suburbs into colorful neighborhoods. The city's bustling port has been a hub of trade and culture for centuries, showcasing its rich maritime heritage, while Bari's charming old town, Bari Vecchia, features narrow, winding streets leading to historical sites like the Basilica di San Nicola and the imposing Norman-Swabian Castle. Famed for its orecchiette pasta, often handmade by local women right on the streets, Bari adds a personal touch to its culinary scene, with seafood a local specialty. Stories rich in legends such as that of Saint Nicholas, whose relics were brought to Bari from Myra in 1087, further enrich the city's mystical allure as does a devotion to the 150,000 tons of olive oil produced in the region annually, which funds its ongoing facelift. ...
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Wednesday - Jul 22, 2026

Day
6

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Sailing east across the Adriatic, we meet the Croatian coast at the walled city of Dubrovnik, where the 'Your Choice' experiences offer an opportunity to view the city from ground level on a walking tour, or above from its city walls. Your afternoon is free to explore the city independently before catching our tender back to the ship. We sail north to Split early evening. This stunning walled city boasts a history spanning over a millennium. Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik thrived as the Republic of Ragusa, a prominent maritime power. Its strategic location encouraged trade across the Mediterranean, with the associated wealth shaping its unique blend of architecture and culture. Throughout its history, Dubrovnik faced periods of prosperity and challenges, including conflicts with rival states and invasions. The city's formidable defensive walls, begun in the 9th century and expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries, symbolize its strategic significance. In modern times, Dubrovnik gained global recognition as a filming location for motion pictures such as "Game of Thrones", where its ancient walls and historic streets provided the backdrop for King's Landing. Today, Dubrovnik's well-preserved medieval architecture, including churches, monasteries, and palaces, continues to attract visitors seeking to explore its rich heritage and cinematic allure along the scenic Adriatic coast. ...
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Thursday - Jul 23, 2026

Day
7

Split, Croatia

Dubrovnik's northern neighbor, Split, offers a plethora of experiences, with the city itself deserving a full day of exploration. Split's blend of ancient sites and modern delights promises a rich experience at every turn. This 1,700-year-old living museum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ports on the Adriatic Coast. Split's heart beats within Diocletian's Palace, commissioned in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor himself, seamlessly blending ancient grandeur with modern-day markets, cafes, and shops. The city's Roman legacy echoes through its street layout and the remnants of ancient walls and columns are scattered everywhere. Don't miss exploring historical sites like the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St. Domnius, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, or browsing the souvenir stalls in Diocletian's Cellars, once used as the palace's storage rooms. While you are here, be sure to rub the big toe of the Grgur Ninski statue. Sculpted by Ivan Mestrovic, this massive statue is one of the defining images of Split. The 10th-century Croatian bishop, Gregory of Nin fought for the right to use old Croatian in liturgical services instead of Latin. His left big toe has been polished to a shine - it's said that rubbing the toe brings good luck and guarantees that you will return to Split. ...
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Friday - Jul 24, 2026

Day
8

Ancona, Italy

Returning to Italy's east coast we dock at the city of Ancona. Set amidst miles of sandy beaches, this region is a favored summer retreat for Italians wishing to enjoy their homelands seaside scene. Ancona, an ancient city with a modern Italian vibe, has been a magnet for explorers and merchants for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a pivotal port since Greek and Roman times, with the city's Arch of Trajan, a triumphal arch built in honor of the Roman emperor Trajan, standing as a testament to the city's Roman heritage. During the Renaissance, Ancona flourished as a hub for explorers like Amerigo Vespucci, who embarked on voyages of discovery to the New World from its port. Ancona's name, derived from the Greek word 'ankon' meaning elbow, reflects the shape of its natural harbor. The Mole Vanvitelliana, a pentagonal fortress on a small island near the harbor, which was originally built as a quarantine station for maritime travelers, now hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Today, Ancona serves as our gateway to its surrounding charms, offering enticing options such as a day trip to the Republic of San Marino, or winery visit, among the 'Your Choice' experiences. ...
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Saturday - Jul 25, 2026

Day
9

Ravenna, Italy

Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire in Italy, Ravenna boasts a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase its ancient glory. Its strategic location near the Adriatic Sea made it an ideal center for administration and defense against northern invaders during the declining years of Rome, placing the empire's fate in the hands of Ravenna. In later years its Renaissance attracted notable figures throughout history, including Dante Alighieri, the renowned Italian poet, whose tomb remains a place of pilgrimage for literature enthusiasts. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the city's rich history and its remarkable mosaics, which tell their own captivating story. ...
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Sunday - Jul 26, 2026

Day
10

Rovinj, Croatia

The Istrian Peninsula, nestled at the crossroads of Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, is rich in Roman heritage. Today, we dock at the picturesque enclave of Rovinj, granting us access to both the town and its scenic surroundings. We start with a morning experience before returning to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore Rovinj's charming streets, savor a cool drink at a waterfront bar, or relax on a nearby beach. We set sail in the early evening as the sun sets over this enchanting town. Ancient ruins like well-preserved amphitheaters and its terrain, bearing witness to centuries of Roman influence. Istria's prized olive oil tradition underscores its Mediterranean charm, with groves dating back through the ages. The wealth brought by this 'liquid gold' to the former Roman colony still resonates today, making Istria a favored holiday destination for Italians, Slovenians, and Croatians alike. Among its gems, romantic Rovinj shines as Istria's star attraction-a picturesque Mediterranean fishing port with morning markets, scenic cliffside views, renowned restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a year-round calendar of cultural events. Climbing the bell tower offers vistas of Rovinj's historic center and the Adriatic Sea beyond. ...
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Monday - Jul 27, 2026

Day
11

Fusina Port (Venice), Italy

Cruise Ends

Land Segment of Itinerary

Day 11 - Monday - Jul 27, 2026

Day
11

Day Boat Travel

Venice, Italy

Disembark this morning at the port of Fusina on the Laguna Veneta and transfer to the island of Venice in true Venetian style-by boat. The true magic of Venice is that no matter how many times you visit, it remains a surreal experience. It's almost impossible to believe that people live and go about their daily lives in this 'movie-set' city. Founded in the 5th century as a refuge from barbarian invasions, Venice rose to become a powerful maritime republic and a major center of trade and culture during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. At the height of its wealth and influence, Venice expanded its empire, leaving an indelible mark across the Mediterranean, evident in the architecture, art, and culture from the Dalmatian coast to the Ionian Islands. Unlike many great cities, Venice lacks grand boulevards, world-class entertainment facilities, and bright neon signage. Its true allure lies in the city's ability to transport visitors to another world. It is the Venetians who reveal Venice's true character. In winter, they wear real fur and don sunglasses day and night as they emerge from hidden trattorias, skillfully avoiding the tourist menus. They navigate the city using vaporettos, not gondolas, purchase Murano glass directly from the island of Murano, and shrug off remarks regarding the canals' odors with disdain. Today, our Venetian guides lead us through their city as honored guests. We spend time in Saint Mark's Square, marvel at the eclectic Saint Mark's Basilica, sigh at the Bridge of Sighs, and navigate the maze of alleys leading to the Rialto Bridge. No visit to Venice is complete without an exploration of the city's canals by gondola. Our gondolier will navigate us through a series of waterways, offering us a unique insight into the 'other side' of Venice-a view from the city's many canals. Choose to return to the hotel with your guide or make your way to your motorcoach transfer point later in the day. Venice is yours to explore. This evening, we celebrate our journey with a Farewell Event - Venetian style! Accommodation: Venice Mestre (or similar) ...
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