Croatia and Italy Cruise

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the Mediterranean by sea, with charming coastal towns, ancient ruins, and breathtaking sunsets this cruise is for you. Our 7-day journey aboard P&O Azura started in Valletta, Malta and took us through some of the most beautiful corners of Italy and Croatia. From delicious food and city strolls to onboard activities, every day offered something special. Day 1: Arrival in Valletta, Malta Our trip began in the stunning capital of Malta, Valletta and what a place to start! This small but powerful city is bursting with history, elegance, and Mediterranean charm. We spent the day exploring through St John’s Cathedral, being famous for its 9 eloquently decorated chapels, dramatic sea views around every corner. With its blend of ancient fortifications, quaint cafes, and vibrant local life, Valletta felt like the perfect introduction to what lay ahead. Welcome Aboard the Azura Stepping onto P&O Azura was like entering a floating city. The ship is spacious, beautifully designed, and full of life. Whether you wanted to relax, be entertained, or indulge in world-class food, there was always something happening. We quickly fell in love with what the ship had to offer from the outdoor cinema screen to the live entertainment and evening shows, to lazing around the pools after a day of exploring. When it came to food, Azura didn’t disappoint. From expansive buffet spreads to elegant formal dining, every meal was a treat. The menus offered a range of options every night, and the quality was consistently excellent. One thing’s for sure you’ll never go hungry on this ship. The days we spent at sea were just as enjoyable as the ports themselves. Whether having treatments in the spa or enjoying evening shows and live music, there was never a dull moment onboard. The ship had a great mix of quiet spaces and lively entertainment the perfect balance for a relaxing getaway. Port 1: Messina, Sicily Our first stop was Messina, Sicily, a beautiful port city full of history, character, and coastal views. With limited time onshore, we hopped on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus to make the most of our visit. We stopped at the Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re, which offers panoramic views of the city and sea, and visited the stunning Messina Cathedral, home to one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world. It was a brief but fascinating glimpse into Sicilian culture. Port 2: Zadar, Croatia Zadar was a complete change of pace peaceful, coastal, and full of surprises. After a short bus ride from the port into town, we spent the day exploring Roman ruins, doing a bit of shopping, and enjoying the laid-back Croatian vibe. The highlight of our day was the Sea Organ, a unique art installation where the waves create music by pushing air through pipes under marble steps. It’s a beautiful sound unlike anything we’ve ever heard, and sitting there listening to the sea "sing" was truly magical. Port 3: Trieste, Italy Next, we arrived in Trieste, a charming and elegant city that feels more Central European than Italian. With its mix of Austrian, Slovenian, and Italian influences, it offered a different perspective on Italy less touristy, more refined, and full of character. We strolled along the waterfront, sipped espresso in one of its historic cafes, and admired the grand architecture of Piazza Unità d’Italia. And of course, we couldn’t leave Italy without sampling the local cuisine. We grabbed a slice of authentic Italian pizza, fresh, thin, and perfectly baked. For dessert? Gelato, naturally. Rich, creamy, and utterly unforgettable. Port 4: Split, Croatia Our final port was Split, a city steeped in history and bursting with energy. The heart of Split is Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman fortress that now forms part of the city’s old town. It was incredible to walk through the ruins, shops, homes, and restaurants are tucked within its ancient walls, giving it a truly unique atmosphere. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize some of the palace’s narrow alleyways and courtyards several scenes were filmed here. Whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy exploring fascinating places, Split is an absolute gem.. Final Thoughts This cruise was everything we hoped for and more a perfect mix of culture, relaxation, history, and indulgence. From walking ancient ruins in Croatia to eating pizza in Italy, every day brought a new adventure, all wrapped in the comfort and luxury of the Azura. If you’re considering a Mediterranean cruise, P&O Azura offers a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, this itinerary combining Malta, Italy, and Croatia is a fantastic way to see some of the best the region has to offer, with no stress and all the comfort of cruising.