At Malta’s megalithic temples, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, travel back in time more than 6,000 years as you explore these prehistoric monuments that are among the world’s earliest free-standing stone structures. Marvel at the diversity of architectural styles and the artistic and technological sophistication of an ancient culture exhibited in the Tarxien Temples and the Hypogeum in Paola.
Experience the exquisitely romantic ambiance of Valletta at nightfall. Meander through narrow cobblestone streets as the sky darkens and shops and cafés begin to light up. Behold the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the 17th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral to the Auberge de Castille and the Grand Master’s Palace. The hustle and bustle of daily life subsides, and the streets grow serene as you experience this historic city by the light of the Mediterranean moon.
After a quick but thrilling ride up The Rock on the cable car, a breathtaking panorama of the bay opens up before you. You will then follow a wooded path to St. Michaels Cave, a network of limestone caverns nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. Continue to the formidable Princess Caroline's Battery and the entrance to the World War II tunnels. Within a land area of only 2.6 square miles, Gibraltar has 34 miles of tunnels, built over nearly 200 years, primarily by the British Army.
On foot and via cable car, you will soak up the amazing views of Gibraltar while enjoying the company of the Rock's most famous residents. Built in 1966, the cable car provides astounding vistas as it transports you to the attractions of the Rock of Gibraltar, including the mischievous and acrobatic Barbary macaques. Stand on the Skywalk for breathtaking views spanning three countries and two continents from more than 1,000 feet above sea level. Feel the thrill of the Windsor Bridge, which crosses a 165-foot deep gorge and gives you magnificent views across the strait, bay and the city.
The Strait of Gibraltar is famous worldwide for its ever-present population of wild dolphins, as well as transient dolphins that visit the area for food and to breed. On this special excursion with a marine biologist sharing data gathered over years of observation, you will venture into the strait in search of three species that call these waters home – striped, common and bottlenose dolphins.
This captivating tour is your chance to gain unique insights into local life on the Rock. Drive north to the border between Gibraltar and Spain and proceed along Line Wall Road – part of Gibraltar’s old fortifications – past the American War Memorial and Trafalgar Cemetery to arrive at Europa Point. From this vantage you can admire the North African coast just 12 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar, and it will be easy to see why this territory has long been of strategic importance. Your next stop is the Caleta Hotel in Catalan Bay, a quaint village of descendants of Genoese fishermen.
After tendering from the yacht, you’ll board a zodiac right at the pier for an exhilarating exploration of the Bay of Kotor. The small boat will whisk you past the tall, dramatic cliffs for which the bay is so famous, and take you out to the open waters of the Adriatic. A series of sea caves are carved into the coast of the Lustica peninsula, the most famous of which is the Blue Cave. You’ll be able to swim from the boat into the formation to see how the rays of the sun illuminate its nine-meter-tall vaulted ceiling in blue hues.
Embark on a scenic journey from the coast up into Montenegro’s forested and ruggedly mountainous interior. The drive from Kotor up to the former royal capital of Cetinje is famously beautiful. Your time in what is now a charming small town is centered around King Nikola’s Palace, now the National Museum of Montenegro, with its exhibits devoted to the royal family and national history. It’s another scenic drive to Njegusi, birthplace of the celebrated 19th-century poet-prince, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš.
A short drive from Kotor, Porto Montenegro has become the ultimate luxury resort and super-yacht destination on the Adriatic. Upon arrival, you’ll head to a professional kitchen where the resort’s chef de cuisine, Marko Zivkovic, is your instructor. Using the freshest ingredients from the market that day, he’ll guide you in the preparation of traditional Montenegrin recipes. Once the work is done, aprons come off to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Weather permitting, you’ll sit down on a terrace overlooking the marina for a relaxing, three-course dinner accompanied by Montenegrin wine.
Go behind Kotor’s Venetian-built defensive walls to stroll the pedestrian-only cobbled alleys, narrow streets and charming piazzas that make this city’s medieval Old Town such a delight to explore. Your guide will lead you into the heart of historic Kotor to visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, a symbol of the city, consecrated in 1166 on the site of an even older church. It contains priceless art and artefacts, including paintings by local masters, golden altarpieces and elaborate frescoes.
