Departure from Valletta: Leaving the Grand Harbour of Valletta, we set a course
northwards across the Ionian Sea. This initial offshore leg provides the perfect transition from
the intense racing environment back into a steady passage-making rhythm.
The Ionian Crossing: Depending on weather routing, we may hug the eastern coast of
Sicily or take a more direct line toward the Strait of Otranto. Either way, this is a sustained
offshore passage that builds on the racing confidence from the RMSR.
The Italian Heel: We reach the coast of Puglia — the heel of Italy — where small
fishing harbors and whitewashed towns cling to limestone cliffs. Stops in Santa Maria di Leuca or
Otranto offer a taste of authentic Southern Italian maritime culture.
Up the Adriatic: Entering the Adriatic, the cruise takes on a different character.
The pace shifts from racing precision to expeditionary cruising. The onshore experiences — sampling
fresh seafood and regional specialties from Apulia to Dalmatia — are as formative as the miles
logged at sea.
The Croatian Coast: Crossing from Italy to Croatia, the landscape transforms. The
Dalmatian islands appear — first as silhouettes, then as a maze of sheltered anchorages, medieval
walled towns, and crystal-clear bays that remind you why you sail.
Arrival in Pula: Making landfall back in Marina Veruda feels like closing a
remarkable loop. You'll return with not just sea miles and offshore experience, but a connection
to the maritime routes that linked Malta, Southern Italy, and Croatia for centuries.
