Central Mediterranean

The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.

Taranto is a coastal city in southern Italy. It lies between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea) bodies of water. Bridges link the mainland to the old town, on a small island. This is home to the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, the Spartan Museum of Taranto, and San Cataldo Basilica, with a baroque facade. The MArTA Archaeological Museum has a collection of artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages

Corfu is a beguiling island of wildflowers and cypress groves, Venetian architecture and herb scented mountains. It is also an island where you'll discover the shallow waters of the Aegean Sea as it laps long stretches of golden sand. In Corfu Town, wander the narrow alleyways of the Venetian old town, explore the two fortresses and gasp in awe at the stunning views. Take a ferry across to the islet known as Mouse Island, which according to legend, is actually a ship turned to stone!

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Cephalonia lies to the south of Corfu in the Adriatic. Its central village, Fiskardo, is the ideal place to shop for local handicrafts. You can enjoy a meze or sample a glass of ouzo.

Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

The new cruise port in the grand harbour of Maltese capital Valletta is an impressive introduction to this fascinating Mediterranean island. Late medieval and baroque architecture abound in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient city walls, many churches and palaces. Fort St Elmo, created by the Knights of St John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross that was awarded to Malta during World War II to mark the bravery of the besieged islanders.