Western Mediterranean 8 days from Venice (Trieste) to Tarragona

Day 1

Trieste, italy

Departure: 16:00

Trieste is a city in North-East Italy. Once a very influential and powerful center of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion, its importance fell into decline towards the end of the 20th century, and today, Trieste is often forgotten as tourists head off to the big Italian cities like Rome and Milan. It is, however, a very charming underestimated city, with a quiet and lovely almost Eastern European atmosphere, several pubs and cafes, some stunning architecture and a beautiful sea view. It was also, for a while, the residence of famous Irish writer James Joyce. Trieste is the most international city in the region, suspended between a glorious past of "Little Vienna on the Sea" and the present cosmopolitan city. A journey of discovery of the city's history, literature and art, from the Roman era to medieval wonders, to the Habsburg splendour. The wealth of architectural styles in the palaces in Trieste is remarkable: Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Eclectic and Baroque, coexisting in a harmonious blend with Roman remains, eighteenth century buildings and Hapsburg style buildings. Coffee is one of the flagship products of Trieste. A Free Port for the importation of coffee since the eighteenth century, the port of Trieste is the most important in the Mediterranean for the trade of coffee: the beans that arrive here are not only intended for local coffee roasters but also for those all around the world. But coffee in Trieste is also in rhythm with literature: many and beautiful are the literary cafes, which are historical premises with retro charm, frequented by poets and writers such as James Joyce, Italo Svevo, and Umberto Saba.

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Day 3

valletta, malta

Arrival: 11:00

The tiny capital of Malta, the city measures less than 1 sq km, has a lot to offer visitors. Valletta has been described as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, thanks to its 7,000 years of history. No wonder, the City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Built by the knight of St John in the 16th and 17th centuries for its military and strategic reasons, Valletta was later embellished into a fine example of baroque decorative art – most notably in the magnificent interiors of St John’s Co-Cathedral in the heart of the city. Shady atmospheric alleyways link grand squares, and glorious palazzi sit alongside bars and shop. Lately, the city has undergone some major changes to create a more vibrant urbanity, with the renovation of the main City Gate and the design of a new parliament building, as well as the renovation of the bombed-out Opera House. Valletta's natural deep water port, the Grand Harbour, is the biggest and the most impressive harbour in all the Mediterranean and was, for many thousands of years, the epicentre of Malta’s maritime activity. Proof of this are the 19 historical warehouses still stand dating back 250 years and the historic Quay Wall, where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their wares. The Valletta Waterfront is also the gateway to Malta’s capital city. In fact, as one of the most successful Mediterranean ports, the Port of Valletta welcomes more than half-a-million cruise passengers into this open air museum. Recently, the waterfront has been revitalised into an attractive and vibrant gateway of shops, bars and restaurants. It’s particularly romantic at night when illuminated. There are tons of outdoor pursuits to enjoy thanks to the city’s moderate climate. From diving to sailing, cycling to rock climbing, there are a number of different adrenalin-busting options to satisfy adventurous holidaymakers. Just don't expect Valletta to be buzzing all night, its tranquility is a large part of its charm.

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Day 4

valletta, malta

Departure: 12:00

The tiny capital of Malta, the city measures less than 1 sq km, has a lot to offer visitors. Valletta has been described as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, thanks to its 7,000 years of history. No wonder, the City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Built by the knight of St John in the 16th and 17th centuries for its military and strategic reasons, Valletta was later embellished into a fine example of baroque decorative art – most notably in the magnificent interiors of St John’s Co-Cathedral in the heart of the city. Shady atmospheric alleyways link grand squares, and glorious palazzi sit alongside bars and shop. Lately, the city has undergone some major changes to create a more vibrant urbanity, with the renovation of the main City Gate and the design of a new parliament building, as well as the renovation of the bombed-out Opera House. Valletta's natural deep water port, the Grand Harbour, is the biggest and the most impressive harbour in all the Mediterranean and was, for many thousands of years, the epicentre of Malta’s maritime activity. Proof of this are the 19 historical warehouses still stand dating back 250 years and the historic Quay Wall, where the Knights of St John and European merchants used to unload their wares. The Valletta Waterfront is also the gateway to Malta’s capital city. In fact, as one of the most successful Mediterranean ports, the Port of Valletta welcomes more than half-a-million cruise passengers into this open air museum. Recently, the waterfront has been revitalised into an attractive and vibrant gateway of shops, bars and restaurants. It’s particularly romantic at night when illuminated. There are tons of outdoor pursuits to enjoy thanks to the city’s moderate climate. From diving to sailing, cycling to rock climbing, there are a number of different adrenalin-busting options to satisfy adventurous holidaymakers. Just don't expect Valletta to be buzzing all night, its tranquility is a large part of its charm.

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Day 5

salerno, italy

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Salerno, a coastal city in southern Italy’s Campania region, is often overshadowed by neighboring Amalfi and Positano, but that’s precisely its charm. Less crowded and more authentic, it offers a blend of medieval history, lively local life, and sweeping views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The historic center unfolds in a maze of narrow alleys, pastel façades, and small artisan shops, where daily life feels more “Italian” than touristy. At the heart of the city stands the magnificent Salerno Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Matthew. Its Romanesque façade, Arab-Norman bell tower, and tranquil cloister make it a highlight for architecture lovers, while the crypt, richly decorated with Baroque frescoes and marble, is one of the most impressive in southern Italy. Nearby, the Arechi Castle towers above the city; a short drive or bus ride up the hill rewards visitors with panoramic views of the coastline and a deeper sense of Salerno’s strategic role through the centuries. Salerno is also a gateway to some of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Ferries and buses connect the city to the Amalfi Coast, with Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello within easy reach for day trips. To the south, the well‑preserved Greek temples of Paestum and the Cilento Coast’s quieter beaches invite exploration. After a day of sightseeing, the city’s modern seafront promenade, the Lungomare Trieste, is perfect for an evening passeggiata, ice cream in hand, as locals and visitors stroll beneath palm trees and sea breezes. Food in Salerno reflects the best of Campanian cuisine. Expect fresh seafood, simple pasta dishes like scialatielli ai frutti di mare, and, of course, pizza baked in wood‑fired ovens. The nearby town of Vietri sul Mare, connected by train and bus, is famous for its colorful ceramics, making it an ideal half‑day excursion for shopping and seaside views. Whether you’re using Salerno as a base to explore the region or staying a few days to soak up its atmosphere, the city offers a relaxed, authentic introduction to southern Italy.

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Day 6

Civitavecchia (Rome), italy

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 18:00

Modern and old, past and present go side by side, all the time. Whether you are in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, be prepared to step into the world’s biggest open air museum. Rome will seduce you and it will hardly leave you indifferent. It will surprise you, since has so much to offer to any visitor, and it’s beauty is just been merely blurred by time passing by. Rome is one of world's most photogenic cities - not surprising when you remember what's here - The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter's Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum... Whether you spend your time sightseeing, or lazing in cafés watching the world go by, it will be your turn to feature in your very own Roman Holiday. If you can plan to stay as long as a week, you won't run out of things to do and you'll still feel like you're leaving too soon.

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Day 8

tarragona - spain

Arrival: 05:00

Tarragona is a city and a province in the south of Catalonia. The coastline is identified with the Costa Dorada tourist brand. Tarragona is the second most important Roman site in Spain. The town offers historical sites including churches from several different periods and a well preserved Roman coliseum. Tarragona was included in 2000 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due its archaeological and architectural sights of interest. Highlights of the province's gastronomic attractions are particularly a range of wine-related activities. There are also numerous gastronomic festivals where visitors can enjoy specialties.

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