Lipari, Italy with sandy beach, calm water, fishing boats & various colorful buildings under a blue sky.
Aerial view of 2 Malta cruise guests swimming in a dark blue caldera beside open ocean during the La Dolce Vita cruise.
Catania, Sicily's stone amphitheater leading to a grassy stage surrounded by colorful buildings, seen on cruises to Malta.
Fashionable lady sits at a small table in a Mediterranean square, eating pizza & drinking wine on a Malta cruise.
Aerial view of Taormina, Sicily at sunset with rocky, green islands & rail line along idyllic bays, seen on a cruise to Malta.
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Europe Mediterranean Cruise

La Dolce Vita: Naples to Malta Cruise

Aboard 72-guest Variety Voyager, live la dolce vita while sailing among history-rich Malta and Sicily’s unique and varied peninsulas. Both countries offer a natural playground best experienced by small ship. Cruise Naples, Italy to Valletta, Malta, with enriching stops along the way.

Embark on your journey from charming Naples, the birthplace of pizza, and venture to the stylish island of Capri, adored by glamorous celebrities and global jet-setters. In Sicily, explore the captivating streets of Taormina, steeped in secrets and tales (and the location for the “White Lotus”), as well as the bustling Corso Umberto, a cosmopolitan hub boasting the boutiques of renowned fashion designers. Ascend Mount Etna, an active volcano, visit the filming locations of “The Godfather” in Catania, then journey on to Malta. Discover UNESCO’s cultural heritage sites, including the uniquely beautiful city of Valletta, and the ancient megalithic monuments of Gozo, dating back 5,500 years.

Passage is aboard the Variety Voyager, a sleek mega yacht offering welcoming spaces including a bar, lounge, dining area and outdoor Sun Deck, plus an easy swim step for secluded swim stops.

Read on for details about this cruise to Malta, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Mediterranean small ship cruises and Mediterranean trips.



Itinerary

La Dolce Vita! From Naples to Malta Itinerary

Cruise Naples, Italy to Malta over 8 days, with visits to charming towns and the natural highlights of Naples, Capri island, Lipari, Taormina, Catania, Syracuse, Gozo and Valletta.

Route map of La Dolce Vita cruises to Malta with visits to Naples & Sicily.
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Day 1
Embark Naples, Italy

Embark at the picturesque port of Naples promptly at 2:00pm. Following an essential safety drill, enjoy a delightful welcome cocktail and dinner. Overnight in Naples for an enchanting beginning to your cruise adventure.

Accommodations

Variety Voyager

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Capri Island

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea, your morning journey brings you to the illustrious island of Capri. Blessed with breathtaking vistas, azure skies and a climate that’s nothing short of perfect, it rightfully claims its place as the jewel of the Bay of Naples. As the ship drops anchor, embark on your optional half-day Capri excursion. Late in the afternoon, bid farewell to the enchanting shores of Capri as you set sale for Lipari. Before dinner, join in on a beloved onboard event: the Cocktail Demonstration. Led by your skilled Bar Manager, this hour-long session showcases the creation of two signature cocktails, complete with recipes to recreate them for your friends and loved ones when you are back home. Overnight at sea.

Accommodations

Variety Voyager

Meals

breakfast and lunch or dinner

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Day 3
Lipari Island (Aeolian Island)

After a delightful breakfast, your ship gracefully anchors at Lipari, the largest gem in the crown of the Aeolian Islands. Renowned for its rich mythology and breathtaking natural landscapes, Lipari beckons with irresistible charm. Embark on your optional half-day Lipari tour, commencing from the pier. A scenic coach ride leads you to Quattrocchi, where panoramic views of the Aeolian archipelago await, followed by a visit to Quattropani, boasting a picturesque church and mesmerizing vistas of the island of Salina. Your journey continues to a Spanish-built castle, once an ancient necropolis, now home to a cathedral and museum brimming with artifacts dating back to prehistoric and ancient Greek & Roman eras. After the tour, enjoy some leisure time in the village to savor your own lunch arrangements. The afternoon is free at your leisure, allowing for personal exploration and relaxation. Dinner awaits you back on board as you bid adieu to Lipari around midnight, setting course for the enchanting shores of Taormina. Overnight at sea.

Accommodations

Variety Voyager

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Day 4
Taormina, Sicily

In the morning, arrive at the captivating shores of Taormina. Join your optional Taormina tour to wander through its charming narrow alleyways, where every corner reveals tales of history and culture. Explore the fifteenth-century Palazzo Corvaja and marvel at the remarkable Greek amphitheater, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. A leisurely stroll along Corso Umberto awaits, a bustling pedestrian street adorned with upscale boutiques offering a glimpse into Taormina’s cosmopolitan charm, often likened to the “Sicilian
Saint Tropez.” Lunch is at your own leisure, allowing for personal exploration and culinary delights. At 7:30pm join your included Wine Tasting Experience, during which you will enjoy a beautiful selection of Italian and Greek wines, preparing your palate for your 4-course served dinner on board. Return to the ship for a delightful dinner on board as you anchor for the night, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of Taormina.

Accommodations

Variety Voyager

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Day 5
Catania

Set sail from the enchanting Taormina in the early hours, bound for Catania. Following a hearty breakfast, seize the opportunity to join your optional full-day excursion to Mount Etna. Embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes shaped by the majestic force of nature, from bustling towns to verdant citrus orchards, sprawling vineyards and ancient lava fields. Delve into the region’s rich volcanic history and folklore as you traverse picturesque villages. Ascend roughly 6,550 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level, where you can leisurely stroll around the awe-inspiring Silvestri craters or indulge in the flavors of the land with local delicacies like honey. The tour ends with a final stop at a renowned winery nestled on the modern slopes of Mount Etna. Immerse yourself in the rich aromas and flavors of Sicily’s bountiful terroir as you sample exquisite wines crafted with passion and expertise.

Accommodations

Variety Voyager

Meals

breakfast and lunch or dinner

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Day 6
Syracuse

Upon your early morning arrival in Syracuse, immerse yourself in the allure of the White City after a satisfying breakfast. Opt in to your optional guided tour, offering a deeper insight into Syracuse’s rich history and cultural treasures. Lunch arrangements are left to your discretion, allowing you to savor local flavors at your own pace. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to wander the charming streets, relax by the seaside, or delve into Syracuse’s captivating past. Before dinner, your chef will share with you the recipe for the Pesto a la Trapannese dip so that when you are home you can add it to your drinks parties and remember our delightful moments! Tonight, you are invited to the captain’s Italian night dinner with delicious Italian dishes & Italian Music. At around midnight, bid farewell to Syracuse and set sail for the enchanting shores of Gozo Island.

Accommodations

Variety Voyager

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Day 7
Gozo & Valletta, Malta

Morning arrives with your enchanting entry to Malta’s beloved Gozo Island, famed for its awe-inspiring Ggantija temples. These remarkable structures, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as some of the oldest free-standing megalithic monuments worldwide, their origins tracing back an astonishing 5,500 years. Embrace the opportunity for a revitalizing morning swim in the serene waters of Malta before your noon arrival at Gozo Island. Here you will have ample time to explore the island’s treasures and arrange for a delightful lunch at your leisure. Should you require assistance with airport or hotel transfers, your dedicated cruise manager will be on hand to assist you. To ensure a seamless experience, kindly provide your preferred transfer time at least 24 hours in advance to have everything arranged to your satisfaction. As the afternoon unfolds, bid farewell to Gozo Island and set course for Valletta, the majestic capital of Malta. Indulge in a delectable dinner served on board as you journey through the tranquil waters!

Accommodations

Variety Voyager

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Day 8
Disembark Valletta, Malta

Reach Valletta early in the morning. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with your co-travelers. Your cruise manager will assist with your pre-booked transfers.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Shipboard accommodations; half-board buffet breakfast and one main meal daily, including a welcome cocktail, cocktail class and captain’s dinner; regular coffee, tea and drinking water free all day; use of fishing, kayaking and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability) & beach towels; and English-speaking cruise escort.

Exclusions

Airfare; port charges ($560 per person); beverages (except those mentioned above); crew tips; personal expenses such as laundry, boutique items, etc.; insurance of any kind; medical expenses; shore excursions; use of onboard Wi-Fi (available at a charge); expenditures incurred ashore; and anything not mentioned in cruise program. All onboard charges are in Euros.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – € 120 (Euro) / US $140 cancellation fee (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119 to 90 days – 15% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The La Dolce Vita cruise begins in Naples (NAP) and ends in Valletta, Malta (MLA). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Naples by 12:00pm Noon on Day 1 of the itinerary, ahead of the 2:00pm embarkation. Plan flights to depart Valletta no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on Day 8. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page.

Activities

Activities aboard include swimming, fishing and snorkeling from the vessel, and may include kayaking. Shore excursions are not included in this cruise’s listed rates. This helps keep the cruise fare low while providing flexibility for guests to choose the tours they wish or to explore independently. Shore excursions are available per the cruise schedule and ports of call visited. Contact an AdventureSmith Specialist for the most up-to-date information regarding shore excursions prior to departure. Details are also available upon embarkation in your cabin and are reviewed daily by the onboard Cruise Coordinator. We find that most guests prefer to wait until they are on board to purchase shore excursions to take advantage of local conditions. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and based on a minimum participation.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so via the following supplements of the per-person listed rate:
Variety Voyager: 60% in Category B & C or 75% in Category A, P & Owner’s Suite.

Third person rates are available at 30% reduction of the double occupancy rate as follows:
Variety Voyager: Categories B & P

Families & Children

Families with children 5-17 years old are eligible for the following special offers on select departures, upon request and on first-come, first-served basis. For a single parent with 1 or 2 children in the same cabin, the parent pays the Single cruise fare and children cruise for free. For a couple with 1 child sharing the same cabin, a child 5-10 years old is free and a child 11-17 years old receives a 35% fare reduction. For a couple with 2 or 3 children, both cabins will be charged at the Single cruise fare. Port charges are not discounted and apply for all passengers, but optional excursions for children are offered at a 25% reduction.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; swim stops and barbeques are weather permitting. Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of the cruise operator and of the vessel’s captain in case of adverse weather conditions (winds of 6/7 beaufort or more depending on the vessel), on port authorities not allowing a vessel to leave port or in case of other extraordinary conditions. Such itinerary changes do not entitle passengers to any refunds, but the cruise operator guarantees that passengers are disembarked at the advertised port of disembarkation on time for their flights.

Mediterranean Cruise Ships

The vessel listed in Cruise Rates & Dates is the primary small ship operating the selected departure of La Dolce Vita: From Naples to Malta; however, the operator reserves the right to substitute another comparable vessel in certain instances.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

May 24 - May 31, 2025
Variety Voyager • 8 days
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Jun 14 - Jun 21, 2025
Variety Voyager • 8 days
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Jun 28 - Jul 05, 2025
Variety Voyager • 8 days
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Jul 19 - Jul 26, 2025
Variety Voyager • 8 days
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Mid-Sized Cruiser
Variety Voyager

The stylish 36-cabin, 72-guest Variety Voyager mega yacht delights her passengers with her sleek lines, ample deck space and elegant atmosphere.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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La Dolce Vita: Naples to Malta Cruise