Mediterranean and Adriatic

Take a veritable journey through time as you stroll past the Colosseum, custodian of almost 2000 years of history, to the elegant streets of Rome which are home to the top names in fashion.

Tucked into the Ligurian coastline between the cities of Genoa and Pisa, the charming and atmospheric La Spezia is one of Italy’s most important commercial harbours and home to its largest naval base. La Spezia is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre, a collection of five fantasy-like coastal villages perched immaculately on the contours of the coastline.

Glimpse Barcelona's remarkable architecture as you tour the city. Or experience Monsterrat, legendary home of the Knights of the Holy Grail. There's also a host of art galleries, museums and elegant shops to explore.

The old port of Alghero has a distinctive Catalan feel that shines through in its old fortifications, most notably in the colourful dome and dominant gothic bell tower of the Church of San Francisco. The legacy of ‘Little Barcelona’ extends to its culinary delights too. Paella features prominently among the charming bars and restaurants you'll find in the maze of charming cobbled streets.

This island famed as Napoleon's birthplace is a perfect summer resort. Explore its fine sandy beaches and deep forests of pine and chestnut, which cover more than half the landscape.

Take a veritable journey through time as you stroll past the Colosseum, custodian of almost 2000 years of history, to the elegant streets of Rome which are home to the top names in fashion.

For more than 250 years, this was the last stronghold of the Knights of Malta. An optional excursion reveals the Grand Master's Palace, doubtless one of the Mediterranean's finest treasures.

A vast third-century compound, The Palace of Diocletianis is Split’s main attraction. Its fortresslike complex houses an arched entrance court, temples, mausoleums, statues and even Egyptian Sphinxes. Gorge on an emperor’s banquet of delicious local fish and cheeses on Dalmatia’s coast – it’s a fitting feast after exploring the white Roman palace.

Zadar is a historic place, with Roman ruins and medieval churches to explore. Meanwhile, the cosmopolitan cafés and restaurants are great places to relax and enjoy the town’s distinct ambience.

A little slice of eternal Italy that sits between Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast. Trieste is a charming destination which has been furnished decorously by grandeur and royalty through the centuries. The heart of the medieval old city and its neo-classical Austrian quarter offer great expressions of this seaport’s colourful past. The food is divine, the culture vibrant, and ambience quite unique.