Cunard Mediterranean: 7 nights from Barcelona with Queen Victoria
Aug 18, 2025

Valletta

Malta is one the smallest States in the Mediterranean. Few European countries have such a concentration of history, architecture and, beautiful beaches in such a small area. Malta is one of the most concentrated areas of historical interest anywhere in the world, for this reason it was called La Valletta when Unesco awarded it the title of World Heritage Site. The city is therefore the ideal city for art lovers and it is renowned for its massive fortifications and architectural excellence.

Split

Split is a city in Croatia, capital of Split-Dalmatian region, the principle center of Dalmatia and, with its population of 178,192 inhabitants (in 2011), is the second largest city of the country. Split is also an university and religious center.
The name of the city derives from the thorny broom, a very common shrub in the region, that in ancient Greek was called Aspálathos (Aσπάλαθος). Under the Roman Empire, the city was called 'Spalatum' and in the Middle Ages 'Spalatro' in the Dalmatian language. In the Slavic language it is called 'Split' while in italian 'Spalato'. In the early XIX century, the name became 'Spljet' and then returned to the form 'Split' again.

Zadar

Thanks to its geographical position, its beaches and attractive environment Zadar is an ideal destination for visiting the Dalmatia. Icing on the cake: the sunset would be the best in the world according to Alfred
Hitchcock.
Regional capital of northern Dalmatia, Zadar is a small coastal city in Croatia protected by lots of islands of the Kornati archipelago, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. If you want to enjoy your stay in this enchanting country, May, June and September are the most ideal times. A peaceful atmosphere is emanated from this ancient walled city. Surrounded by the sea and numerous pebble beaches, in the territory there are many national parks, in particular the most notably are the Plitvice Lakes, the Krka waterfalls and Velibit Mountain. Even after getting to know the city, you can admire the islands of the Kornati National Park, where you will find a labyrinth of untouched oases. This blessed place of the gods is ideal for diving and snorkling.

The surprising feature of Zadar: it is the only city in the world with a
marine 'organ', the waves produce a sound similar to the instrument used in the church. This is a further reason to discover this city rich in history and full of charm. This island has been inhabitaed for more that three decades, this is testifyed by its magnificent historical and archelogist ruins for example the 9th century monastery of San Donato, the 16th century Venetian bastions or the Porta della Terraferma, both Venetian. The central arch is decorated with a statue of St Chrysogonus, the patron saint of the city, these are just some of the places to visit. If you also plan to have fun, you will find several summer cultural events here, including Zara of Dreams or the musical nights of San Donato. For party-goers, we recommend one of the most famous clubs in Croatia, the Hacienda, which always hosts famous DJs and it is located between Zadar and Šibenik. While for liquors lovers, especially local ones, you can enjoy a typical local Maraschino in the evening.

Trieste

Trieste overlooks the Adriatic Sea and it is the starting point of serveral cruise ships. Set sail from Trieste and discover the pearls of the Adriatic, Dubrovink e Kotor, up to reach the enchanting Greek Islands for a unique cruise!

Trieste is a city located in the far end of the Adriatic Sea, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste is developed on several levels. One of its peculiarities are its wide streets, squares where there are majestic buildings of various architectural styles, they are typical of the Austrian domination era. One feature of the city that is known worldwide is its tourist and commercial port.

The port of Trieste has always been an important commercial centre, for example during the Habsburg Empire it was the main sea outlet for commercial activities.

We suggest you to visit the majestic Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, that directly overlooks the sea and offers a very suggestive sight. Trieste is a city where the influence of the East is evident both in its traditions and in the local cuisine that has united flavours and various ingredients for unique recipts. The main dishes consist of soups and stews, but also gnocchi and stuffed pasta. If, on the other hand, you want to try a meat dish, don't miss the tasty cevapcici, very spicy meatballs of Balkan origin. While to finish, enjoy a presnitz, a pastry made of puff pastry and dried fruit of Hungarian origin.

If your ship sets sail from Trieste, do not miss the opportunity to visit this city and its most important monuments such as the Molo Audace. From here you can admire the sea before heading towards the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built in Baroque style. Not to be missed is the San Giusto Hill and the famous Roman Theatre, which will leave all archaeology lovers speechless.