Highlights of the Mediterranean

Mallorca's greatest treasure, the resort city of Palma is the capital of this Spanish island.  Richly studded with historical sites, a venture from the massive Santa María Cathedral you’ll discover Almudaina - a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence, or Bellver Castle - a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape (22 mins away from the city centre). 

Things To See, Do & Taste In Palma:

• See:  Santa María Cathedral.
• Do:  Serra de Tramuntana mountain with boat & vintage train tour.
• Taste:  Sobrassada - A raw, cured spreadable sausage made with ground pork, paprika, salt and other spices.

Rugged peaks, emerald countryside, twinkling blue waters – Corsica’s been plucked from the prettiest postcard. Rising up from one of the most beautiful gulfs in the world is Ajaccio, a town oozing charm. An impressive place in its own right, it’s also your gateway to the sensational scenery and sleepy little towns that this sun-soaked isle is famous for. One word of advice – take plenty of spare batteries for your camera.

• Get back to nature in the countryside that surrounds the city. Taking a coach and train trip, you can explore the maquis, the rich green hillside that’s unique to Corsica, and the Prunelli Gorge, a deep ravine that was carved by a small river.
• For something a bit different head for Cupulatta Park, Europe’s only tortoise protection centre. From babies measuring just a few centimetres to wizened old grandfathers decades old, you’ll find them all here.

Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

Things To See, Do & Taste In Civitavecchia:

• See:  Colosseum (Rome) - An elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome (just over a hour's drive away).
• Do:  National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia - A small three-level museum containing Etruscan & Roman artifacts.
• Taste:  Civitavecchia Fish Soup - One of the best known dishes in the city. 

Get ready to be impressed – this is your gateway to the dazzling riches of Florence and Pisa.

• A living monument to the Renaissance, Florence might be famous for its art galleries, but the entire city is like one gigantic piece of artwork. Beautiful buildings, picturesque piazzas and stunning sculptures are everywhere you look. Marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia. Clap eyes on Botticelli’s Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery. Then head for the Ponte Vecchio bridge to browse the glittering jewellery shops that find a home here.
• Pisa’s another Tuscan treasure. Make a beeline for the Campo dei Miracoli, an exquisite square which harbours the city’s cathedral and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower. Quite how it manages to stay standing will baffle you for days afterwards. If you fancy a spot of shopping, head for the Borgo Stretto. It’s a paradise for jewellery, leather, clothes, homeware and pottery.
• Cruise along the royal canals of Livorno. Have your cameras ready as you sail through colourful 'New Venice', a labyrinth of canals, waterways and bridges.

St Raphael is the girl next door of southern France. Compared to its flashy cousins down the coast, it’s more of a shy and retiring kind of place. The town sits on the edge of 36 kilometres of unspoilt coastline, and it’s overlooked by acres of natural forest and the terracotta-coloured peaks of the Esterel Mountain range.

• Dramont beach is a real favourite with families – head here with the little ones to build a sandcastle.
• St Raphael gives you easy access to A-list favourite, St Tropez. This upmarket slice of the French Riviera is a hotspot for the world’s elite, and it’s packed with expensive boutiques, smart restaurants and luxury yachts.

Originally founded as a Roman city in the Middle Ages, Barcelona continues to be a major tourist destination and significant cultural centre with a rich and expansive heritage. Thanks to its undeniable influence across several industries including education, entertainment, commerce, fashion and media, Barcelona stands as one of the world’s major global cities. Particularly notable is the architectural work of Antoni Gaudi, which beautifully adorns the city. His most recognised work is the yet unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia, under construction since 1882 and expected to be completed in 2026, funded by public donations, in time for the 100^th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.

Things To See, Do & Taste In Barcelona:

• See:  Sagrada Família - The largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, designed by Antoni Gaudí.
• Do: Barceloneta Beach - 422 metres long Barceloneta is one of Barcelona's oldest and most famous beaches.
• Taste:  Tortilla de Patatas (also known as Spanish Omelette) - A traditional Spanish dish Made with potatoes, onion, eggs, salt, and oil.

Mallorca's greatest treasure, the resort city of Palma is the capital of this Spanish island.  Richly studded with historical sites, a venture from the massive Santa María Cathedral you’ll discover Almudaina - a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence, or Bellver Castle - a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape (22 mins away from the city centre). 

Things To See, Do & Taste In Palma:

• See:  Santa María Cathedral.
• Do:  Serra de Tramuntana mountain with boat & vintage train tour.
• Taste:  Sobrassada - A raw, cured spreadable sausage made with ground pork, paprika, salt and other spices.

The busy port city of Olbia is the gateway to Sardinia. Venture outside the city and you’ll discover a coastline patched together with sandy beaches, virgin coves and towns that alternate between busy urban centres and pretty Medieval masterpieces.

• The National Archaeological Museum of Olbia is stocked with artefacts left behind by the Romans and the even older Nuraghic civilisation.
• Boat trips from Sardinia take in everything from the French island of Corsica to the peaceful Maddalena archipelago.
• Bike rides are reliably scenic in these parts, taking in charm-filled villages and china-white beaches along the way.

The busy port city of Olbia is the gateway to Sardinia. Venture outside the city and you’ll discover a coastline patched together with sandy beaches, virgin coves and towns that alternate between busy urban centres and pretty Medieval masterpieces.

• The National Archaeological Museum of Olbia is stocked with artefacts left behind by the Romans and the even older Nuraghic civilisation.
• Boat trips from Sardinia take in everything from the French island of Corsica to the peaceful Maddalena archipelago.
• Bike rides are reliably scenic in these parts, taking in charm-filled villages and china-white beaches along the way.

Naples, in the Campania region, is Italy's third largest city. It’s claim to fame is the spectacular location along one of the world's most splendid bays, backed by the perfect cone of Mount Vesuvius. In addition to its beautiful setting, Naples' surprises with other outstanding attractions such as the Royal Palace, San Carlos Opera House, the impressive National Archaeological Museum and the Castel Nuovo, dating from the 13th-century.

Things To See, Do & Taste In Naples:

• See:  Churches of Naples.
• Do:  Wine tasting & lunch on Vesuvius.
• Taste:  Cuoppo Napoletano - A cherished Neapolitan street food consisting of a paper cone filled with a lightly battered mix of seafood deep-fried until perfectly crisp.

Naples, in the Campania region, is Italy's third largest city. It’s claim to fame is the spectacular location along one of the world's most splendid bays, backed by the perfect cone of Mount Vesuvius. In addition to its beautiful setting, Naples' surprises with other outstanding attractions such as the Royal Palace, San Carlos Opera House, the impressive National Archaeological Museum and the Castel Nuovo, dating from the 13th-century.

Things To See, Do & Taste In Naples:

• See:  Churches of Naples.
• Do:  Wine tasting & lunch on Vesuvius.
• Taste:  Cuoppo Napoletano - A cherished Neapolitan street food consisting of a paper cone filled with a lightly battered mix of seafood deep-fried until perfectly crisp.

Piombino is the gateway to the Tuscan cities of Siena and Pisa. Hilly Siena is packed with Gothic architecture, Medieval monuments and hundreds of restaurants. Pisa, meanwhile, is home to the legendary leaning tower.

• Siena’s sloping Piazza del Campo is the setting for the famous Palio horse race featured in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Make a wish at the Gaia Fountain, climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia bell-tower, or watch the world go by over a scoop of gelato.
• The Siena Cathedral is an Italian work of art. Inside, it’s filled with elaborate floor mosaics, painted naves propped up by black-and-white marble pillars, and masterpieces by the likes of Donatello and Michelangelo.
• Take selfies with the 11^th-century Leaning Tower of Pisa, which sways to one side because of an error made during construction. You can also climb the 297-step spiral staircase for an elevated view of the nearby Duomo and the Baptistery of St John.

Piombino is the gateway to the Tuscan cities of Siena and Pisa. Hilly Siena is packed with Gothic architecture, Medieval monuments and hundreds of restaurants. Pisa, meanwhile, is home to the legendary leaning tower.

• Siena’s sloping Piazza del Campo is the setting for the famous Palio horse race featured in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Make a wish at the Gaia Fountain, climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia bell-tower, or watch the world go by over a scoop of gelato.
• The Siena Cathedral is an Italian work of art. Inside, it’s filled with elaborate floor mosaics, painted naves propped up by black-and-white marble pillars, and masterpieces by the likes of Donatello and Michelangelo.
• Take selfies with the 11^th-century Leaning Tower of Pisa, which sways to one side because of an error made during construction. You can also climb the 297-step spiral staircase for an elevated view of the nearby Duomo and the Baptistery of St John.

Think of the French Riviera and what springs to mind? Expensive yachts? Wide, palm-fringed boulevards? Glittering turquoise seas? Experience the glamour and glitz of France’s most famous stretch of coast.

• Imagine you’re Lewis Hamilton as you drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monte Carlo. After you’ve negotiated the hairpin bends, you’ll find it hard to believe the fastest lap time on this circuit is just over 13 seconds.
• Trace your way along the French Riviera. Take in elegant Nice, the hilltop village of St Paul and Grasse, which is the world capital for perfume and flowers.

Think of the French Riviera and what springs to mind? Expensive yachts? Wide, palm-fringed boulevards? Glittering turquoise seas? Experience the glamour and glitz of France’s most famous stretch of coast.

• Imagine you’re Lewis Hamilton as you drive along the Grand Prix circuit in Monte Carlo. After you’ve negotiated the hairpin bends, you’ll find it hard to believe the fastest lap time on this circuit is just over 13 seconds.
• Trace your way along the French Riviera. Take in elegant Nice, the hilltop village of St Paul and Grasse, which is the world capital for perfume and flowers.

Fringed with a ribbon of sun-kissed sands, Palamos started life as a tiny fishing village. The legacy of fishing continues today with the day’s catch sold off to the highest bidder on the quayside every afternoon. Head down to the beach, or leave the town behind for a day of discovery.

• Head to Barcelona to stroll down Las Ramblas, admire a few Gaudi gems, or call in at Nou Camp, home of Barcelona FC.
• Take a trip to nearby Figueres, home to the bizarre-looking Salvador Dali Museum. On the outside, it’s a vision of red studded walls topped with huge luminous eggs. Inside, you’ll find an amazing collection of Dali’s surrealist paintings and sculptures.

Fringed with a ribbon of sun-kissed sands, Palamos started life as a tiny fishing village. The legacy of fishing continues today with the day’s catch sold off to the highest bidder on the quayside every afternoon. Head down to the beach, or leave the town behind for a day of discovery.

• Head to Barcelona to stroll down Las Ramblas, admire a few Gaudi gems, or call in at Nou Camp, home of Barcelona FC.
• Take a trip to nearby Figueres, home to the bizarre-looking Salvador Dali Museum. On the outside, it’s a vision of red studded walls topped with huge luminous eggs. Inside, you’ll find an amazing collection of Dali’s surrealist paintings and sculptures.

Mallorca's greatest treasure, the resort city of Palma is the capital of this Spanish island.  Richly studded with historical sites, a venture from the massive Santa María Cathedral you’ll discover Almudaina - a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence, or Bellver Castle - a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape (22 mins away from the city centre). 

Things To See, Do & Taste In Palma:

• See:  Santa María Cathedral.
• Do:  Serra de Tramuntana mountain with boat & vintage train tour.
• Taste:  Sobrassada - A raw, cured spreadable sausage made with ground pork, paprika, salt and other spices.

Mallorca's greatest treasure, the resort city of Palma is the capital of this Spanish island.  Richly studded with historical sites, a venture from the massive Santa María Cathedral you’ll discover Almudaina - a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence, or Bellver Castle - a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape (22 mins away from the city centre). 

Things To See, Do & Taste In Palma:

• See:  Santa María Cathedral.
• Do:  Serra de Tramuntana mountain with boat & vintage train tour.
• Taste:  Sobrassada - A raw, cured spreadable sausage made with ground pork, paprika, salt and other spices.