A Journey of Sunset
Shores & Mediterranean Icons

Civitavecchia

Rome is like a living museum, liberally
dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics and archaeological
sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each
new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and
gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars and nippy Fiats speed past trendy
sidewalk cafes, bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of
Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio
Olimpico reminds visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the
architecture of the Caesars.

For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need
only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona
or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance
splendour is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically
Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From
early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and
the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying
heights of the empire.

It may sound like a city of contrasts, but
Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the
new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced
with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.

Capri

Capri, an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels and shopping, from designer fashions to limoncello and handmade leather sandals. One of its best-known natural sites is the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue, the result of sunlight passing through an underwater cave. In summer, Capri's dramatic, cove-studded coastline draws many yachts

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.

Capri

Capri, an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels and shopping, from designer fashions to limoncello and handmade leather sandals. One of its best-known natural sites is the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue, the result of sunlight passing through an underwater cave. In summer, Capri's dramatic, cove-studded coastline draws many yachts

Ajaccio, Corsica

Ajaccio is a beautiful city located on the western coast of the island of Corsica, known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. As the capital of Corsica, Ajaccio offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable vacation.

One of the main attractions of Ajaccio is its breathtaking beaches. The city is blessed with several pristine sandy stretches, including the popular Plage du Trottel and Plage de Capo di Feno. Whether you want to relax under the sun, take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters, or engage in various water activities such as snorkeling and diving, Ajaccio's beaches have something for everyone.

The city is also famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Visitors can explore the Maison Bonaparte, the ancestral home of the Bonaparte family, now transformed into a museum showcasing various personal belongings of Napoleon and his family. Additionally, the Place Foch, a vibrant square in the heart of Ajaccio, features a statue of Napoleon and picturesque cafes where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the charming atmosphere.

Ajaccio boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Citadel, a 16th-century fortress situated on a hill overlooking the city, offers panoramic views of the harbor and the surrounding coastline. Inside the Citadel, you can explore the Musee Napoleon, dedicated to the life and career of Napoleon Bonaparte, and discover Corsica's history through a vast collection of artifacts and artwork.

For art enthusiasts, the Musee Fesch is a must-visit attraction. This art museum houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, including masterpieces by prominent artists such as Botticelli, Titian, and Veronese. The museum also features a section dedicated to Corsican art, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's unique artistic expressions.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the natural wonders surrounding Ajaccio. The Parc Naturel Regional de Corse, located nearby, is a haven for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching. With its rugged mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers, the park offers breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to discover Corsica's diverse flora and fauna.

When it comes to cuisine, Ajaccio is a paradise for food lovers. The city is renowned for its delicious seafood, including fresh fish, lobster, and oysters. Sample local specialties like bouillabaisse, a rich fish soup, or try the famous Corsican charcuterie, featuring cured meats and sausages made from locally raised pigs.

Ajaccio also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing the vibrant Corsican culture. The Festival du Film d'Ajaccio celebrates the art of cinema, while the Fete de la Saint-Nicolas is a lively celebration of the city's patron saint, featuring parades, music, and fireworks.

In terms of transportation, Ajaccio is well connected to the rest of Corsica and mainland France. The city has an international airport, allowing for easy access by air. Public transportation, including buses and trains, offers convenient options for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Whether you are seeking relaxation on beautiful beaches, a journey through history and culture, or an outdoor adventure in stunning natural landscapes, Ajaccio has it all. With its unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, this Corsican gem is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Mahón, Menorca

Despite its popularity as a beach holiday paradise,
the Balearic Island of Minorca remains one of the loveliest, most
unspoilt islands in the Mediterranean. The local population support
the control of resort development and the woodlands and fields of
its hilly rural interior remain largely untouched by the tourism
trade.

This is the result of a thriving local industry that
is less dependent on tourism for its survival than many of the
other islands are. Minorca is therefore a great option for
travellers wanting a more authentic Spanish beach resort holiday.
Minorca is only nine miles (15km) wide and about 32 miles (52km)
long, and boasts stretches of varied beaches, from silver-sanded,
gently curving bays to rugged, rocky inlets.

Aside from beaches and resorts, the island also has
plenty of interest for history buffs and culture connoisseurs, with
several attractions to visit, including a world famous pipe organ
and several mysterious, prehistoric archaeological sites related to
the second millennium BC Talayot culture. The more recent history
of the island is a saga of British, French, and Spanish attempts at
control and colonisation, each of which have left their influence
on the local culture and architecture.

Small as it may be, Minorca has a reliable and safe
public transport system. Buses run from the Placa de s'Esplanada in
Mahon regularly throughout the town and between other towns such as
Fornells, Es Mercadal, Alaior, Ferreries, Ciutadella, and Cala en
Porter. Taxis can also be hailed from the Placa de s'Esplanada in
Mahon. Rental car agencies can be found throughout the towns and at
the airport.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma capital of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands is a lively cosmopolitan city in true Spanish tradition its centre forming a bustling maze of shopping centres narrow lanes and restored buildings surrounded by ruined ancient city walls and modern boulevards. Like mainland Spain Mallorca was under Moorish control between the ninth and 13th centuries until the re-conquest by Jaume I of Aragon. The Moorish heritage is still evident as are the remnants of Palma's golden years when it rose to wealth and prominence in the 15th century as the main port of call between Europe and Africa. Later the city set on the beautiful bay Bahia de Palma became the favoured royal retreat for Fernando and Isabel which helped it to become the popular Spanish beach holiday haunt and favourite weekend city break destination of the rich and famous. Despite the invasion of foreign tourists Palma has kept its local flavour particularly in its old quarter which is still lined by cafés and tapas bars. Often the native dialect of Mallorquin is the only language heard in the backstreets a fine Palma de Mallorca trait.Palma de Mallorca boasts a huge variety of restaurants and has plenty to offer tourists. The biggest concentration of restaurants is in the centre of town at El Terreno and around the Paseo Maritimo. For some of Spain's best Basque food head to Koldo Royo. Palma de Mallorca's key activities centre around its nightlife and the town is well known for its foam parties discos bars and nightclubs. In fact some of Spain's biggest nightclubs are in Palma de Mallorca and the city is a great destination for those seeking a party. It is also a good shopping destination and shoppers will particularly enjoy exploring the streets of the old town.Of course the city also has some interesting sightseeing attractions including the beautiful La Seo Cathedral the fortress of Palau de l'Almudaina the unusual Castell de Bellver and some good museums. Unfortunately the city doesn't have good beaches but there are many nearby. Popular excursion destinations include the Aqualand theme park a short drive away from the city which is great fun for the whole family. There are several excellent golf courses around town as well as good hiking trails in the rocky Majorcan hills.

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.