Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - from Valletta - 123186

Valletta is the first city in modern times to be built entirely on the basis of the drafts drawn by Jean de la Valetta of the Order of St. John. The capital of Malta is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Upon entering the harbour you can see the huge fortifications of the old town with its splendid buildings. The city invites tourists to visit the ceremonial church of San Giovanni and the Hospital of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, which dates from the 16th century. Republic Street, which is always very busy, is a testament to the convivial nature of the residents and shows how much fun shopping here can be. Other sights include: Baracca Gardens, the National Archaeological Museum, Fort St. Elmo with its Defence Museum and the old palace.

Taormina, a medieval town at the East coast of Sicily that lies 200 m high overlooking the sea has narrow streets and stairways, an ancient theatre and 'hanging gardens'. Around the Greek theatre there are lots of busy little streets full of souvenir shops and taverns serving regional dishes. In contrast, the city park is an oasis of calm. The climb to the castle provides a stunning view of the city, the sea and the impressive volcano Mount Etna, especially at night.

The shortest route between the northern Ionian Sea and the Saronic Gulf runs through the Gulf of Patras, the Corinthian Gulf and finally through the Corinthian canal, which stretches over 3.2 miles from the most south-eastern point of the Corinthian Gulf (Posidonia) to the north-western corner of the Saronic Gulf (Isthmia). The canal is 25 metres wide and the maximum draught for ships passing through it is 7 metres. The bluffs into which the canal was carved rise up to 75 metres high.