Valletta

Malta’s 16th century walled capital of Valletta, with its Grand Harbour, is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture. This most scenic of ancient ports echoes the epic, heroic history of the tiny island it nestles on. Centuries of invasion and siege have brought the influence of Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and the British – all leaving an enduring mark on Valletta’s cultural heritage. Home to The Knights of Malta, an order created in the Middle Ages, the town is known for museums, palaces and grand churches.
Baroque landmarks include the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral; its opulent interior is crowned by Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John".[ReadMoreMob] Other noteworthy attractions include the National Museum of Archaeology, the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola Palace and the military artefacts in the National War Museum.
The cityscape is probably one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean – the city’s sun-drenched stone walls have an almost permanent warm, honey hue, while colourful, decorative balconies overlook the worn and tethered streets below. Fine restaurants and shops leap out from side streets or are tucked away in charming courtyards.
Valletta is also well-situated to discover the silent city of Mdina, a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta and home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.
Top Experiences
Mdina
Often referred to as the ‘Silent City’, due to its massive walls and hidden lanes, Mdina is the old capital of Malta. The mysterious city is inhabited by just 300 – a world apart from modern Malta – and is best explored on foot or via horse-drawn carriage.
St John’s Co-Cathedral & Knights of St John
Sir Walter Scott called the sumptuous Baroque interior, which includes a large Caravaggio painting of John the Baptist, the most striking he'd ever seen. Commissioned in 1572 as a church for the Knights of St John, this is one of Malta's greatest treasures.
War History
Malta was collectively awarded the George Cross for the country's bravery in the face of the devastating WWII blitz. Top war-related sites of interest include the National War Museum, the Lascaris War Rooms, and the remains of the Opera House.
Cruises to Valletta

Ancient Sites of Oman, Jordan & the Med
Departs: Dubai • Thu 20 Feb 2020
28 nights • Boudicca • D200405
- Countless iconic and inspirational sights await you on this incredible cruise through Arabia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean aboard Remarkable ‘lost cities’, magnificent ancient wonders and fascinating holy sites are just a few of the highlights on this incredible journey.
- You could explore the beautiful Musandam Fjords, see Muscat’s palaces and mosques, and discover the Lost City of Ubar in Oman; visit ancient Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – in Jordan; and take tours to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Ashdod, Israel.
- In the Mediterranean, you can delve into Crete’s over 5000-year-old history and seek-out Athens’ iconic ancient wonders; delight in the sight of Valletta’s UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour in Malta; and uncover the attractions of three stunning Spanish cities, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena and Malaga.
From £3,949pp
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Islands & Cities of the Mediterranean
Departs: Limassol • Thu 05 Mar 2020
14 nights • Boudicca • D2005
- Sail from Cyprus through the sun-kissed Mediterranean and discover historical, architectural and natural delights in this diverse and beautiful region.
- A weekend in Greece offers the chance to delve into Crete's 5,000-year-old history. Tour to Athens to uncover world-famous ancient sites such as the Acropolis or the mighty Parthenon.
- Delight in the UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour in Valletta. In Spain visit the Roman sites of Cartagena and discover diverse Andalusian attractions from Malaga.
From £1,749pp
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Black Sea Discovery & Mediterranean Adventure
Departs: Dover • Tue 01 Sep 2020
28 nights • Boudicca • D2023
- Visiting five stunning cities in five different countries, you have a chance to delve deep into the remarkable ancient history, authentic flavours and breathtaking beauty of the Black Sea.
- Step back to the days of Ottoman rule in Istanbul, home to famous landmarks such as Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque; and take the chance to visit wine valleys and tea plantations in Russia and Georgia.
- You can explore Odessa’s labyrinth-like Catacombs, and the Danube Delta – on boat tour from Constanta – too. What’s more, Boudicca will also help you to experience the best of the beautiful Mediterranean.
From £4,499pp
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Japan, Asia & Africa Voyage
Departs: Southampton • Thu 05 Nov 2020
140 nights • Boudicca • D20GV
- A holiday beyond your wildest dreams, this 140-night voyage to some of the world’s most iconic and intoxicating destinations offers authentic cultures and traditions, amazing wildlife, spectacular scenery and much more.
- Experience an exhilarating Asian exploration, to learn of samurais and geishas in Japan; explore the war-torn history of Vietnam; sample India’s engrossing hustle and bustle; and even celebrate New Year’s Eve in stunning Singapore.
- African adventures include chances to seek-out South Africa’s ‘Big Five’ game and Madagascar’s iconic flora and fauna; explore the colossal Namib Desert; marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza; and sail the impressive Suez Canal.
From £13,999pp
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Around the World from Liverpool
Departs: Liverpool • Wed 06 Jan 2021
112 nights • Black Watch • W210107
- Embark on an incredible 108-night global exploration aboard Black Watch and discover iconic sights and unforgettable experiences amongst some of the world’s most breathtaking and inspirational destinations.
- Explore Havana via classic car; sample paradise at unspoilt South Pacific Islands; marvel at Sydney’s famous landmarks, including Harbour Bridge and the Opera House; and tour to the Taj Mahal from Kochi.
- Experience the contrasts between vibrant Singapore and rarely-visited Indonesian islands; sail the remarkable Panama and Suez canals; uncover the ‘lost city’ of Petra; and much more on one epic voyage.
Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.

Around the World from Liverpool
Departs: Liverpool • Thu 07 Jan 2021
111 nights • Black Watch • W210102
- Embark on an incredible 108-night global exploration aboard Black Watch from Liverpool and discover iconic sights and unforgettable experiences amongst some of the world’s most breathtaking and inspirational destinations.
- Explore Havana via classic car; sample paradise at unspoilt South Pacific Islands; marvel at Sydney’s famous landmarks, including Harbour Bridge and the Opera House; and tour to the Taj Mahal from Kochi.
- Experience the contrasts between vibrant Singapore and rarely-visited Indonesian islands; sail the remarkable Panama and Suez canals; uncover the ‘lost city’ of Petra; and much more on one epic voyage.
Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.

Around the World
Departs: Southampton • Fri 08 Jan 2021
108 nights • Black Watch • W2102
- Embark on an incredible 108-night global exploration aboard Black Watch and discover iconic sights and unforgettable experiences amongst some of the world’s most breathtaking and inspirational destinations.
- Explore Havana via classic car; sample paradise at unspoilt South Pacific Islands; marvel at Sydney’s famous landmarks, including Harbour Bridge and the Opera House; and tour to the Taj Mahal from Kochi.
- Experience the contrasts between vibrant Singapore and rarely-visited Indonesian islands; sail the remarkable Panama and Suez canals; uncover the ‘lost city’ of Petra; and much more on one epic voyage.
From £12,199pp
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Cultures & Landmarks of Polynesia, Australia & Asia
Departs: Havana • Fri 29 Jan 2021
88 nights • Black Watch • W210406
- Embark on the adventure of a lifetime for chances to discover iconic landmarks; marvel at idyllic island scenes; experience diverse cultures and much more, among some of the world’s most captivating regions and countries.
- Enjoy a navigation of the impressive Panama Canal; indulge in blissful relaxation at paradise islands in the South Pacific such as Bora-Bora and Mystery Island; and take in Sydney’s famous sights, such as Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
- Experience the contrasts between unspoilt Indonesian islands and bustling cities including Singapore and Mumbai; take a tour to the Taj Mahal; uncover the ‘Lost City’ of Petra and Israel’s hallowed sites; and much more.
From £11,369pp
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Ancient Civilisations & the Mediterranean
Departs: Muscat • Thu 25 Feb 2021
28 nights • Boudicca • D210405
- Visit incredible destinations in the ancient Middle East and the Mediterranean, for unmissable opportunities to step back in time amongst centuries-old wonders and revel in the architectural, cultural and scenic delights of these captivating regions.
- Seek-out some of the world’s greatest ancient sites, including the Pyramids of Giza and ‘Lost City’ of Petra, in Egypt and Jordan; and explore the holy lands of Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Ashdod and Haifa in Israel.
- Delve into the legendary ancient history of Greece in Crete and Athens, with its famous temples and ruins; sail into Valletta’s magical Grand Harbour; and uncover the attractions of three stunning Spanish cities.
From £3,499pp
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Exploring Australia, Asia & the Med
Departs: Sydney • Fri 05 Mar 2021
53 nights • Black Watch • W210506
- Sailing to some of the world’s most diverse, breathtaking and exciting destinations, experience an adventure packed natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes; enriching cultures and remarkable history; and much more.
- See Sydney’s iconic attractions and follow in the Albany’s first European settlers in Australia; and immerse yourself in the contrasts of Asia, from the unspoilt scenes of Indonesian islands to the hustle and bustle of Singapore and Mumbai.
- Hallowed sites await in Jordan and Israel, including the ‘Lost City’ of Petra, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, while you’ll also sail Egypt’s Suez Canal before discovering the delights of sun-kissed Cypriot, Maltese and Spanish cities.
From £7,349pp
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