A Journey of Creative
Spirit & Enchanting Canals

Barcelona

The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an
atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with
provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval
romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the
fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of
Gaudi and his contemporaries.

The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic, both
offer breathtaking views over this attractive city. Its skyline is
perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still
incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's
huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of
the city's most appealing attributes, with museums containing
extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso. Barcelona
is also a shopper's paradise, with the city's flair for style
reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the
evenings. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants
open, the night truly comes alive. Dinner is served at any time
between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the
bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the
morning.

Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region
known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront
in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is
dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old
charm, which can be easily reached from the city.

Naples

Italy's third-largest city thrives on the
chaos that prevails amid its busy streets. This is the place where
pizza was allegedly invented, its restaurants continuing to serve
some of Italy's finest cuisine.

Sheltered by the Bay of Naples and
dominated by the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is imbued with
the best of nature's bounty. The city juxtaposes superb museums,
Renaissance structures and Baroque churches, against crumbling
tenement blocks and poor neighbourhoods. Noisy markets sell a
collection of items, from high-quality fresh produce to fake
designer goods.

Roads are characteristically hectic with
gung-ho moped drivers weaving wildly through the streets and
frustrating traffic jams clogging the city's arteries. Despite
these less refined elements, Naples is a fascinating destination
and a great base from which to explore popular attractions like the
Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The city's transport hub is located around
the immense Piazza Garibaldi, on the east side of Naples. Southwest
from here is the Piazza Bovio, and branching to the left of it, the
Piazza Municipio and nearby Piazza del Plebiscito. On the watery
edges are the Molo Beverollo and the Stazione Marittima, the point
of departure for ferries. From the reaches of Spaccanapoli, one can
explore the historic part of Naples with its numerous palaces and
churches.

Valletta

Valletta, which is the capital of Malta, embraces the famed
charm of an Italian city, its many Baroque palaces set on narrow
steep streets that form a grid pattern. Grandmaster Fra Jean de la
Valette, together with the Knights of the Order of St John, founded
and carefully planned the city.

As the saying goes, the city was 'built by gentlemen for
gentlemen', with the first stone being ceremonially laid in 1566
after Ottoman forces withdrew their siege of the Maltese Islands
and the Knights of St John took over. The purpose of the city,
built in a short span of 15 years on a plateau between two harbours
on Malta's northeast coast, was primarily to fortify the island.
Secondly, it was to provide palaces, inns for the eight Knight's
groupings, churches for worship, and gardens for recreation. These
grand remnants of the Knight's occupation still adorn Valletta in
the form of some splendid Baroque buildings and fortifications.

But the majestic architecture manages not to overwhelm the
island's carefree personality. Valletta balances its sombre
grandeur and religious tone with colour and jollity. The city has a
fun but not raucous nightlife, along with some great restaurants
and magnificent chances to see the sights. It's a very safe and
friendly city, welcoming of tourists, and well-equipped to host
them.

Siracuse, Sicily

Syracuse is a captivating city located on the northeastern coast of the beautiful island of Sicily, Italy. With a rich history dating back thousands of years and a stunning blend of architectural styles, Syracuse offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience. From ancient ruins to picturesque landscapes, this city has something to captivate every traveller.

One of the main attractions in Syracuse is the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. This vast park encompasses several notable ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including the impressive Greek Theater, which is still used for performances today. The Roman Amphitheater, the Latomie (ancient stone quarries), and the Ear of Dionysius (a fascinating cave) are also must-see sites within the park. Exploring these ancient remnants provides visitors with a glimpse into the city's illustrious past and its importance during the Greek and Roman periods.

The historical centre of Syracuse, known as Ortigia, is a charming island connected to the mainland by two bridges. Ortigia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. The Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Ortigia and is dominated by the magnificent Syracuse Cathedral. Built in the 7th century, the cathedral showcases a mix of Byzantine, Norman, and Baroque architectural styles. In close proximity, you'll find the Fountain of Arethusa, a picturesque freshwater spring surrounded by lush vegetation. Exploring Ortigia's narrow streets, lined with charismatic buildings and local shops, is a delight for both history enthusiasts and casual strollers alike.

Syracuse is also renowned for its stunning coastline. The city boasts several picturesque beaches, such as Fontane Bianche, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine sandy shores. The nearby nature reserve of Vendicari offers a sanctuary for a variety of bird species and beautiful walking trails that lead to secluded and pristine beaches. Whether you prefer relaxing on the sand, swimming in the clear waters, or exploring the diverse marine life in its numerous marine reserves, Siracuse's coastline is irresistible.

Gourmands will find themselves in culinary heaven in Siracuse. Sicilian cuisine is a tantalizing fusion of flavors influenced by its rich history and cultural heritage. Pasta alla Norma, made with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata, is a popular and delicious local dish. Syracuse is also reputed for its seafood specialties, with dishes like sarde a beccafico (stuffed sardines) and arancini (fried rice balls) being local favorites. Don't forget to try the mouthwatering almond-based sweets, such as cassata siciliana and cannoli, while indulging in the city's gastronomic delights.

For those seeking cultural events and festivals, Siracuse offers a vibrant calendar throughout the year. The Greek Theater hosts a renowned annual theater festival, where ancient Greek plays are performed in their original setting during the summer months. The Holy Week celebrations leading up to Easter are also a must-see, with grand processions taking place in Ortigia, accompanied by traditional music and religious rituals.

In terms of accommodations, Syracuse offers a wide range of options suitable for every budget and preference. From luxury hotels with sea views to cozy bed and breakfasts tucked away in the historic center, there is something to suit every traveler's taste.

To reach Siracuse, the nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa Airport, which is well-connected to major Italian and European cities. From the airport, you can easily reach Siracuse by either hiring a car, taking a taxi, or using public transportation.

In conclusion, Syracuse is a captivating city with a rich history, stunning architecture, breathtaking coastlines, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a foodie, or simply in search of the perfect beach vacation, Siracuse has something to offer everyone. Prepare to be enchanted by this gem of a city on the beautiful island of Sicily.

Corfu

The island of Corfu, best known of the seven Ionian islands that
lie off the northwest coast of Greece, differs markedly from the
other popular Greek islands because not only is it green and lush,
but also very developed with tourist resorts and hotels. Summertime
is busy, with charter flights arriving daily from European cities,
ferries disgorging travellers from Italy, and cruise ships
docking.

There is plenty to draw visitors to this magical island, also
known as Kerkyra. Modern Corfu Town is upbeat and cosmopolitan,
offering an exciting conglomeration of Greek, Italian, French and
British influences. The old town was laid out by the Venetians in
the 14th century and features narrow alleys lined with
multi-storied, pastel-coloured buildings with red tiled roofs,
creating a scene reminiscent of Italy. The hub of activity in the
town centre is the Liston, an arcaded row of touristy cafes and
restaurants, copied from the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

Most tourists stay in one of the popular beach resorts like
Sidari and Roda in the north, or the party capital, Kavos, on the
southern tip of the island. Quieter resorts include Gouvia and San
Stefanos. Those wishing to escape from the melee can head for the
interior to enjoy some spectacular scenery and greenery. Corfu has
43 different kinds of orchids growing wild in the countryside, and
there are countless olive groves. There are dozens unspoilt coves
with beaches washed by the sparkling, warm Ionian Sea. It is still
possible to search out a secluded bay even in the busy season when
the package holiday resorts are awash with tourists.

Kotor

Tourists to Montenegro will most likely spend the bulk of their
time exploring the small Balkan country's natural landscape. From
snowy peaks to tall pine forests, from the coastlines to the
fjords, Montenegro is an outdoor lover's dream come true.

However, for those looking to get to grips with the culture of
Montenegro, the medieval city of Kotor is certainly the place to
visit, especially in recent years as Montenegro has swiftly
established itself as one of Europe's top tourist destinations.

It's not hard to see why this is. The surrounding Mediterranean
coastline, with its limestone cliffs and thick vegetation, is
punctuated by the port of Kotor, which in turn is surrounded by
city walls that were built by the Republic of Venice. These
ramparted and bastioned city walls, together with the
Venetian-inspired old city, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage
Site, and lauded for their role in the diffusion of Mediterranean
culture in the Balkan region.

A small city, with a population of just under 14,000 permanent
inhabitants, Kotor is a wonderful place to navigate on foot,
soaking up the scenery and admiring the medieval buildings. In
terms of tourist sights, the Maritime Museum is a must-visit
attraction, as is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (built in 1166)
and the Church of Our Lady of Health, which is located on a small
promontory overlooking Kotor and provides unbeatable views of the
bright blue Adriatic Sea beneath.

Brindisi

Brindisi is a port city on the Adriatic Sea, in southern Italy’s Apulia region. The red-stone Aragonese Castle stands on a small island at the harbor’s entrance. The tall Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia, a rudder-shaped limestone memorial to sailors, has sea and city views.

Split

The pretty city of Split has a rich
history. Since ancient times, it has served in various guises as
the economic and administrative centre of the beautiful Croatian
Adriatic coastal region, today called Dalmatia.

The city is mainly sprawled on a peninsula
on the eastern part of the island of Ciovo, although it has spread
onto the mainland and encompasses the mouth of the River Cetina.
From the 5th to the 2nd century BC, Greek colonists settled the
mainland and adjacent islands.

Later came the Romans, in particular the
Emperor Diocletian. Being of Dalmatian origin, he elected to build
a huge palace at a spot then called Salona in the year 303 AD. A
town grew around the palace and by the Middle Ages, the city of
Split had begun to develop.

Diocletian's Palace still stands in the
very heart of the old quarter of Split, charming visitors with its
cobbled streets and classical architecture. The greater region is
characterised by lush vegetation and verdant greenery, particularly
Marjan Hill on the west of the peninsula with its ancient
indigenous forest.

The city makes an ideal base from which to
explore the wondrous islands, beautiful locations and historic
villages in central Dalmatia. Split is also world renowned among
seafarers for the quality of its some 44 marinas, drawing yachts
and catamarans from all over Europe and making it a great cruising
destination in the Adriatic.

Fusina