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France & Italy- Oceana P&O Cruise

After a day in Napoleon’s birthplace, Ajaccio, it’s on to Villefranche, overlooking Cap Ferrat and the picture-perfect harbour with its delightfully decorated Chapelle St Pierre.
From La Spezia you can visit Pisa or Florence. The Leaning Tower is just one of many towers in Pisa (though, admittedly, most are boringly vertical and not so good for a selfie). Florence is compact and walkable. Don’t miss the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.
In Rome (tours from Civitavecchia), it’s all about the history, the art, the politics, the Vatican, the food and the effortless style. Spend a day taking in the Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon. Or do as the Romans do and tuck into a wood-fired pizza, in a locals’ trattoria, with a full-bodied Lazio wine.
Navigating through the Messina Strait, gaze at the stunning curved harbour with its breathtaking backdrop of Mount Etna. Then it’s back to Valletta where you’ll fly home.

Unmissable event...

Main stops of your itinerary:

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!

Mosta and Medina (the silent city) will vie for your attention if you want to go wandering.

Ajaccio-France

Napoleon was born here and, if you did not know that before, it would only take a few minutes after cruising into Ajaccio to cotton on as ‘Boneys’ name and likeness is everywhere.

The main shopping street is called Cours Napoleon and the wide tree-lined boulevards, parks and large squares in this newer part of town feature many statues of the great man, notably in the main square (ironically called General de Gaulle). The Old Town between the port and the imposing citadel on the cliff above boasts Napoleons House and the cathedral where he was baptised

The main marketplace is right by the port and here you'll find lots of local craft goods and endless Napoleonic souvenirs. Nestling in the Bay of Ajaccio, halfway down the islands west coast, Ajaccio is an excellent base from which to explore Corsica and discover why it is called the ‘Scented Isle’ (because of the sweet aromas from the mountainside maquis vegetation).

Villefranche-France

The steeply terraced streets of this pretty centuries-old fishing village set against a densely wooded backdrop create a delightfully timeless picture. Despite its increasing popularity with tourists, Villefranche remains a small, relatively uncrowded resort with plenty of Gallic charm.

The centre is just behind Villefranche cruise terminal, across the road and up a series of steps.  Along a maze of narrow cobbled streets, you will find chic boutiques and a choice of both cheap and expensive cafés and restaurants. Alternatively, walk along the seafront to a long narrow beach which curls around the bay. Up some steps is the way to the neighbouring, almost Victorian-style resort of Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

Villefranche is a convenient base from which to explore the French Riviera and Cote dAzur and the medieval villages of Eze and St Paul-de-Vence.

La Spezia-Italy

Tucked into the Ligurian coastline between Genoa and Pisa, is the pretty town of La Spezia – one of Italy’s most important military and commercial harbours. But it’s not this that attracts so many. La Spezia is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Cinque Terre – a collection of five coastal villages perched on the coastline. Monterosso al Marc is famous for its beaches. Vernazza is a charming fishing port decorated with colourful buildings. Cornigilia is perched high above sea level with painted houses clinging to the cliff face. Peaceful Manarolais is modern in comparison and boasts a rocky cove. While Riomaggiore is a pretty town with attractive tall houses marching up the hillside.

Back in La Spezia itself you’ll find a number of churches and museums. There’s the 13th century Our Lady of Assumption church, housing a surprising collection of art, and the civic museum in the Castle of San Giorgio is just one of seven museums in the town.

Rome-Italy

Standing in the Colosseum, visiting Vatican City and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain are all unique experiences of a lifetime to be had in the Eternal City of Rome, reached from your Italian cruise port Civitavecchia.

Rome’s breathtaking monuments, palaces, churches and classical features are quite unlike anything you will find in any other European city. They will always leave you wanting to come back for more – hence the coin-tossing, which is said to guarantee your return.

The city’s other must-sees include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon (probably the most complete ancient Roman building in the city) and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s masterpieces.

While steeped in history, Rome is also a modern, bustling city with designer shops and chic boutiques at every turn. Reasonably priced department stores selling all the latest fashions can be found in the many pedestrianised shopping streets, while restaurants and cafés spill out onto piazzas offering authentic Italian dishes and sensational ice cream.