Unearth the Mediterranean Delights of Croatia, Italy and Malta

The Mediterranean is undoubtedly one of the most popular regions for cruise passengers. Long, delightful days of sun, beautiful port calls and an array of enriching cultures make this stretch of Southern Europe an absolute cruising paradise.

Although we may be a tad biased, we truly believe that you haven’t really experienced the beauty of the Mediterranean unless you’ve visited aboard a luxury cruise liner. Rather than limiting yourself to one of the wonderful nations which are dotted around the Med, a cruise takes you culture hopping from one destination to the next, giving you a true taste of the region.

So, it’s not surprising that we’re truly delighted to be able to offer an amazing deal on cabins aboard P&O Cruises’ Croatia & Italy with Malta Stay cruise. Visiting three of the region’s most startlingly beautiful nations, this two-week cruise aboard the P&O Oceana includes a seven-night stay in Malta before visiting the Croatian cities of Split and Dubrovnik as well the Italian city of Ravenna and the truly incomparable Vienna.

Medieval cities, cultural tours, Mediterranean sun and some of the finest food available on the continent can all be yours for as little as £899. This amazing two-week stay can be shaped by your tastes and holiday wish list. For the culture vultures, historically-significant cities are ready and ripe for exploration. Or if you’re more of a sun worshipper, the P&O Oceana and the cities visited provide plenty of opportunities to unfurl the beach towel and soak up the rays.

Seven Nights in Malta

With flights from the UK included in the price, this incredible journey kicks off with a seven-night stay in Malta – giving you plenty of chance to explore this beautiful little island. Barely 17 miles long and nine miles wide, Malta packs a surprising amount of history and culture within its tiny borders.

Thanks to its advantageous position in the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Africa, it has been used as a strategical base for many great powers over the years including the Romans, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, French and British. Many of these civilisations have left their mark on the beautiful little island, creating a delightful clash of culture, proudly overseen by the Maltese natives.

The capital and Valetta is the smallest European capital, but makes up for this in sheer beauty and historical significance. Boasting some of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved fortifications, Valetta is an ancient medieval city which has been expanded with centuries of considered architecture from the 16^th-century Baroque structures to the Modernist flourishes visible throughout.

A stay in beautiful Malta is incomplete without paying homage to the Megalithic Temples of the island nation. Dating back between 3600BC and 700BC, the Megalithic Temples of Malta are thought to be the oldest free-standing structures on Earth. Simply walking around the temples allows you to drink in 5,000 years of history.

A small boat trip away is the even smaller island of Comino, home to Malta’s finest swimming spot, the Blue Lagoon. Staggeringly clear blue waters and beautiful white sands provide the perfect backdrop to a little Maltese relaxation. Try to arrive early though, it can be difficult to secure a favourable spot on the sands if you’re late to the Blue Lagoon.

Medieval Croatia

Following the seven-night stay on the island of Malta, the P&O Oceana will pick you up and take you on a week-long exploration of some of the Mediterranean’s most delightful cities. The Croatian cities of Dubrovnik and Split provide plenty of opportunities to delve into Europe’s long and illustrious past – or just sit back and soak up the sun, if that’s more your kind of pace.

As the P&O Oceana directs you to Split, you’ll immediately notice the clash of old and new in the historic, yet vibrant city. One of the oldest cities in the region, medieval buildings and streets are punctuated by modern structures boasting twinkling lights as the sun falls behind the horizon. If you haven’t had your fill of sun and surf in Malta, you’ll be delighted to hear that Split is home to many of Croatia’s best loved beaches.

If the fortified offerings of Valetta excited you, then Croatia, particularly Dubrovnik, will be an absolute slice of paradise. The distinctive Old Town region of the city is widely regarded as the finest remaining walled city in the world, with limestone-walled and terracotta-roofed buildings propped against one another, and surrounded by beautiful blue waters.

A popular filming spot for HBO’s much-loved Game of Thrones series, Dubrovnik does look like a rendering from the pages of a history book. If you are in Dubrovnik for just a few hours, this gives you the chance to take to the cobbled streets and explore the enigmatic beauty of the city. With a vibrant café culture and ancient businesses still lining the streets, exploring these old streets can take you back hundreds of years in time.

Find Out More About This Amazing Mediterranean Cruise:

Renaissance Venice

One of the European cities which must be visited at least once in a lifetime, Venice is truly unlike anywhere else in the world. The amazing city of 117 islands separated by beautiful canals and ornate bridges provides a staggering spectacle for all who cast eyes upon its picture-perfect lagoon.

The Floating City has long attracted artists, musicians and loved-up couples in their droves – inspired by the magnificence of Venice to create works of art, or pop the big question to their partner. A gondola ride is an absolute must for anyone visiting Venice for the very first time – seeing the city in the most quintessentially Venetian manner. A singing gondolier is a bonus.

The food and drink of Venice is almost as mesmerising as the beauty of the city itself. When visiting the city, be sure to sample the local pizza and pasta in one of the traditional trattoria of the city. And what better way to see out a visit to Venice than supping a crisp flute of Prosecco as the sun sets?

And with an incredible selection of restaurants and bars positioned on the P&O Oceana, the good food and fine wine is not restricted to days spend on the shore.

Full Cruise Details:

Croatia & Italy with Malta Stay

Depart: 20 April 2017 from UK (and selected dates between April and October 2017)

Arrive: 4 May 2017 to UK

Nights: 14

Ships: P&O Oceana

Deal Reference Number: OC02

Price: From £899

If you’d like to spend two weeks relaxing underneath the beaming Mediterranean sun aboard the Croatia & Italy with Malta Stay cruise with P&O Cruises, book with Cruise1st UK by calling 0808 2746 777 and quoting:

Reference Number OC02

Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Ivan Ivankovic, Pedro Szekely, Berit Watkin, Marco D