Picking this ship up in Marseille, this was an easy flight from the UK or is accessible by rail.  This Medium sized French-run ship takes 1800 guests maximum. French is the main language, but many of the Mauritian crew and French officers speak excellent English.  Important announcements were in English and the high quality show on board were international.  This week long itinerary called at Malta – my favourite port approach by sea, Trapani (Sicily), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Livorno (for Florence, Pisa, Lucca) and Ajaccio (Corsica).

In Malta, we took a private trip to the local vineyard for a tasting and tour followed by lunch in the Medina.  Trapani is a treasure – tour the lively town, but make sure to walk right to the very end of the peninsula for an authentic, bustling fishing harbour.  Take the local train from Civitavecchia to Rome – about an hour each way and easy, cheap and fun to do.  The rail station is about 10 minutes’ walk from the port gates.  Pisa is a must for anyone who has not seen the famous tower, but expect to see lots of other tourists too!  The walled, sleepy Lucca was infinitely less crowded and definitely warrants a long weekend.  And finally Ajaccio – a superb beach and what a fantastic produce market – take some space in your suitcase!