Malta Discovery & Mediterranean Wonders - Cruise & Land Journey: 15 days Valletta to Lisbon

Welcome to Valletta, the capital of Malta. Valletta is one of Europe's most concentrated expressions of Baroque ambition, founded in 1566 by the Knights of St John in the aftermath of the Great Siege. A World Heritage city where every street, palace, and fortified wall carries the weight of a singular history, it rewards those who take the time to simply wander and absorb it. You will spend four nights here, with the island's most remarkable experiences unfolding in the days ahead.

This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner at a Scenic-selected restaurant, the first taste of Maltese hospitality that will help shape your journey.

This morning your Tour Director leads you on a guided exploration of Valletta, beginning at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, whose arcaded terraces frame one of the Mediterranean's great panoramas – the Grand Harbour below, the fortified peninsulas of the Three Cities rising across the water. From here, you visit St John's Co-Cathedral, built by the Knights between 1573 and 1577, its austere exterior giving no hint of the richly ornamented interior within.

The afternoon takes you across the harbour to the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – fortified peninsulas that predate Valletta and carry the island's deepest memories. You close the day on the water, boarding a traditional Maltese dghajsa for a harbour cruise, taking in Valletta's golden limestone façades from the perspective they were built to be seen from.

This morning you venture into the Maltese interior, beginning at the Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar before continuing to Rabat, where St Paul's Catacombs reveal the island's early Christian story through an atmospheric underground burial complex. A short walk leads to Mdina – the Silent City, Malta's medieval former capital – where your Tour Director leads you through narrow lanes and past the cathedral to the ancient bastions, with views stretching across the breadth of the island. The journey continues to Mosta, home to the Rotunda, whose unsupported dome ranks among the largest in Europe.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Today takes you to the prehistoric south of Malta, beginning at the Tarxien Temples – part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Megalithic Temples of Malta, constructed during the 4th and 3rd millennia BC and among the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world. Each complex is a unique architectural masterpiece, its decorated chambers bearing bas-relief panels of spirals, plants, and animals that speak to a highly organised society of remarkable skill and sophistication.

Your journey continues to Hagar Qim, a temple complex of the same era set on a coastal plateau, its monumental limestone slabs framed by an open sweep of Mediterranean sea.

From here you descend to the sheltered inlet of Wied iz-Zurrieq and the Blue Grotto – a sequence of sea caves carved into the dramatic limestone cliffs of Malta's southern coast. Subject to weather conditions, a small boat excursion carries you through the caves, where the clarity and colour of the water below have drawn visitors for generations.

In Valletta, morning light catches the domes and ramparts that have framed your first days in Malta, offering a last chance to take in the city from your hotel or the waterfront before you embark. After check-out, transfer to Scenic Eclipse, where you are welcomed on board by the Captain and crew. Stepping into your suite, you can unpack fully, meet your butler and feel the gradual shift from land to life at sea as the ship settles into its first evening in port. Later, you may choose to join fellow guests on deck or at the Sky Bar, watching the harbour lights come up and sensing the anticipation build for the voyage ahead.

Trapani was founded as a port for the hilltop fortress town of Erice. As ‘the city between two seas’, it holds an important strategic position on a peninsula where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Tyrrhenian Sea. Walk the narrow streets filled with refined baroque buildings with their typical wrought-iron balconies, picturesque restaurants and antique shops. Visit the unfinished Temple of Segesta, built in 424BC by the native Elymi tribe. Be sure to try Cassatelle, delightful, deep-fried pastries filled with a sweet mixture of ricotta cheese and chocolate drops, often enhanced with a hint of lemon.

Tonight, immerse yourself in a curated selection of live entertainment, from soothing melodies to vibrant performances, each crafted to capture the spirit of your destination.

Cagliari is the capital of the island of Sardinia, nestled between the rolling hills and the sea. It’s home to one of the longest beaches in Italy, Poetta Beach, and Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, known for its bright pink flamingo colonies. Savour unique culinary experiences, such as the traditional dishes malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) and porceddu (roast suckling pig).

Back on board, step into the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, Salt Therapy Lounge and Vitality pool. Later, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap delivered by your butler.

This morning, enjoy the unforgettable experience of sailing into Mahón, where colonial-style houses, dramatic cliffs, and the charming old town create a spectacular panorama.

Known for its British-style Georgian houses and medieval streets filled with palaces, churches and fortresses, Mahón is truly Vella i Bella (‘Old and Beautiful’). As the capital of the laidback island of Menorca, the gentle rhythm of island life is set by the slow waves that lap the shorelines. Experience history during a walk through the old town and gain insight into the storied past of this charismatic place with a charm all its own.

Ibiza is one of the four main Balearic Islands, an archipelago off the east coast of Spain. While it’s known as one of the world’s great party capitals, famed for its beach clubs, bars and nightclubs, its beaches are undeniably beautiful, and you’ll discover archaeological sites and tiny, whitewashed villages almost untouched by modern life. Inland, the island is all limestone hills and lush pine forest, and home to artisan producers.

Once you’ve explored the island, enjoy a drink back on board at the Sky Bar while watching the stunning Ibiza sunset.

For thousands of years, Cartagena has been a busy port thanks to its natural harbour. This city’s long history is evidenced through its archaeological ruins, the 3rd-century fortified castle that overlooks the city and the 2nd-century amphitheatre. Its old town boasts pretty plazas and a plethora of beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

As dusk falls, choose from up to 10 culinary experiences on board including Elements, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood or channel the spirit of Asian Fusion at Koko’s. Journey to France at Lumière+, or dine in the privacy of your suite, choosing from a comprehensive 24-hour menu.

At the northwestern tip of the African continent lies Tangier, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the ‘White City’ for its whitewashed houses lining winding streets, Tangier has been shaped by numerous cultures and civilisations over the centuries. The strong Spanish influence makes it a prime example of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Today, Tangier is a bustling modern port and the busiest in the Mediterranean.

Thanks to its design, Scenic Eclipse can sail inland and dock right in the heart of Seville, the historic centre of Andalusia, which sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Enjoy an overnight stay to fully explore this architectural treasure, where Roman, Gothic, Baroque, and Moorish influences intertwine. Highlights include the soaring Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede, the ornate Iglesia Colegial del Salvador, and the city’s charming plazas and winding streets, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and Andalusian character.

After days of exploration, sometimes the greatest luxury is simply doing nothing. Find a quiet corner in the Observation Lounge, sip a perfectly brewed coffee, and watch the endless blue horizon. Or relax on your private verandah and let the gentle ocean breeze remind you why you embarked on this journey. These are the moments that linger, the ones that make a day at sea truly unforgettable.

On board Scenic Eclipse, every meal is an exploration of taste. With up to 10 culinary experiences, you can savour flavours from across the globe, from intimate fine dining to relaxed, vibrant settings, each crafted with care and creativity.

On the western Algarve coast, Portimão is a small port with a bustling historic centre. Spend the day exploring this once renowned fishing port, now transformed into a promenade with shops selling traditional lace, ceramics, and leather goods, and fantastic restaurants. Portimão is celebrated for the steep limestone cliffs that surround its sandy beach of Praia da Rocha. Architectural masterpieces from the 19th and 20th-century blend with colourful contemporary structures.

After a day of discovery, immerse yourself in Koko’s Asian Fusion, where bold, authentic flavours from across Asia are brought to life in a sleek, modern setting. From expertly rolled sushi to sizzling stir-fries, every dish offers a vibrant taste of the East.

Welcome to Lisbon, the colourful capital of Portugal and a city with a proud history of seafaring. Your journey concludes here after one last breakfast on board Scenic Eclipse. Farewell the crew and new friends as you depart, taking away memories to last a lifetime.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Please book your flight to depart out of Lisbon after 12:00 PM.

Helicopter not operational in Morocco. Submersible not operational in Europe, including the Mediterranean.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.