Malta–Malta 

The fortifications at Malta’s Grand Harbour speak volumes about her past, indeed her reputation for valour during the Second World war earned her the George Cross and there aren’t too many islands you can say that of! 

Zadar-Croatia 

What sets Zadar apart is its gentle mix of old and new. The historic old town is a cacophony of Roman ruins alongside cosmopolitan cafés, and medieval churches nestling against state-of-the-art museums of culture. Happily, Zadar is not spoiled by tourism. And yet it offers a number of lovely attractions, ideal to explore during your time in port. Its two most popular attractions are the audio-visual ambience of the Sea Organ (an experimental architectural object that plays music via the motion and flow of the sea) and the Sun Salutation - a 22m square art installation of 300 glass plates that capture the sun’s energy during the day. 

Both have to be seen and heard to be believed! Zadar may not be a picture postcard destination, but it has its own beguiling charm. It’s a warm, inviting, vibrant city where you can while away the hours sipping vino at street café, or take to the water and enjoy some adrenalin-fuelled watersports. Its restaurants are well known for serving an eclectic menu of local and regional cuisine. And if you fancy venturing inland a little, its nearby countryside is truly breathtaking. 

Venice-Italy 

This World Heritage city is just about the perfect cruise call because everything you want to see is so easily accessible whether the ship docks just down from St Marks Square or further up the Grand Canal at the main Venice cruise terminal complex. 

Start walking from St Marks Square, with its ancient Basilica, lavish Doges Palace and imposing bell tower, then follow signs for the shop-lined Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.  But wherever you walk, there are intriguing arty shops, museums and galleries plus some tasty cafés and restaurants along the way. 

Sibenik–Croatia 

If the Italian coastline gets you all aglow, then underrated Sibenik will certainly follow suit. Croatia’s oldest native town on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, is a gleaming example of medieval history. Lose yourself in the maze of steep backstreets and cobbled squares. 

For views across the Dalmatian coast, climb to the top of not one - but two - Venetian forts built in the 16th century to repel Ottoman invasion. In the Old Town, the Cathedral of St James is the city’s crowning glory. Admire the jaw-dropping fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles in the vast interior.  
 
Afterward, stroll along the Riva and sip a biela kava (white coffee) at one of the harbourside cafés, or find tranquillity in the hidden St Laurence's Medieval Monastery Garden.  
Sibenik is also the gateway to Krka National Park, with its breathtaking scenery and archaeological remains. 

Dubrovnik–Croatia 

Sailing into the beautiful 12th century Croatian walled city of Dubrovnik is one of the great cruising experiences.Visit the magnificently Gothic Sponza Palace and the 18th century Baroque Church of St Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint.And, when you have had your fill of sightseeing, you will find pretty restaurants and cafés tucked away on Dubrovnik’s narrow side streets – worth exploring as they also contain offbeat shops and art galleries. Lacework, oil paintings and ceramics are good buys but take plenty of cash with you, as some shops do not accept credit cards.