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Remarkable scenery. Delectable culinary treats. A gateway into ancient history. Located on the western shores of Italy’s Lazio Region, Civitavecchia will no doubt provide you with memories to cherish forever.

Sir Walter Scott famously declared Valletta “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”, and the superbly landscaped parks and palaces within its 16th century sandstone fortifications make it clear why. Valletta’s narrow streets are cool and inviting, and St John’s Co-Cathedral is a catholic masterpiece. In the National War Museum you can see the George Cross awarded for Malta’s role in World War II.

Nestled deep in an atmospheric and secluded bay, the fortified city of Kotor in Montenegro is steeped in history. Characterised by winding streets and squares its magic and attraction are undeniable. Kotor’s ninth-century walls blend into the mountainside by day, but then bathe in light when night falls. Within these dramatic walls lies a town of mazes of walkways and irresistible charm. A Kotor cruise is just the antidote for those looking to escape and find romance, history and unique beauty. Sail into the bay and admire the mountains that rise up dramatically around you – you will soon see why many compare the bay to a fjord.

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. The important capital of the Friuli Venezia Guilia region of northeast Italy, Trieste may be small but it has a big story to tell. The Roman theatre built between the first and second century AD now plays host to performances throughout the summer months. From Byzantine times to Germanic, Jewish and Slavic influences, traces of great rulers and regimes gone by live on in today’s architecture all around. Take a tour in any direction for a fascinating discovery of the times and tastes of Trieste on your Mediterranean cruise.

A scenic cruise of the Dalmatian Coast immerses you in a landscape shaped by Roman, Greek, and Medieval empires. Even without stepping off your ship, there’s so much to see. Secluded coves tucked between limestone cliffs. Waters that shift from aquamarine to turquoise. Pine-covered hills and rocky outcrops. Picturesque doesn’t even begin to describe this much-admired stretch of the Adriatic Sea.
Of course, it’s not only the shoreline that warrants your attention. With its thriving community of seabirds and marine mammals, a scenic cruise of the Dalmatian Coast also paves the way for some potential wildlife encounters. Never shy about saying hello, bottlenose dolphins are just one of the region’s nautical residents. Curious and playful, their friendly disposition means they can often be spotted on the water’s surface, so there’s every possibility one may make an appearance as you’re sailing by on your Cunard Queen.

Gently cruise into Dubrovnik, a town filled with architectural wonder, crystal clear waters warmed by the Adriatic Sea, sun-baked terracotta rooftops, and slender Baroque streets dotted with charming cafes and bars. The pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik provides the perfect mix of culture-rich experiences, delicious dining, and breathtaking scenery. Not forgetting the opportunity to explore the iconic Old City Walls, which were heavily featured in HBO’s multi-award-winning fantasy series, Game of Thrones. Drift into a land of Baroque charm, making memories that will stay with you long after you depart.

Greek legends, migrating wildlife, and the occasional mirage make a journey through the Strait of Messina a uniquely fascinating voyage. Connecting the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea, between the Eastern tip of Sicily and Western Calabria, the narrow waterway of Italy’s Strait of Messina provides passage to more than 300 migrating birds and is a hotbed of biodiversity. Combined with spectacular coastal scenery, including the mountain ranges of Monte Dinnammare and Peloritani, a sail along the Strait of Messina holds the promise of many magical encounters.

Palermo is a wonderful vibrant city with cultural artefacts around every corner, and is an experience not to be missed. If you fancy your haggling skills, take a stroll to the famous Vucciria market. The cool Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo are an unusual treat, while above ground you can wander Palermo’s grand boulevards; the Corso Vittorio Emanuele or Via Maqueda, or both.

This iconic island destination was reputedly founded as early as 654BC by Phoenician settlers, and its rocky peaks combine beautifully with the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Though the city is renowned for its club culture and electronic dance music scene, Ibiza has a wealth of cultural and historic riches to offer. Large portions of the island are protected as World Heritage Sites and the Renaissance walls of the Old Town are among few examples of their type left in the world. You’re sure to feel the intoxicating energy of Ibiza, whether you’re peering over ancient fortifications or sunbathing on internationally esteemed beaches.

With its unforgettable charm, breathtaking architecture, rich history, warm Mediterranean waters and colourful landscapes, Barcelona is an extraordinary place to visit. Allowing you to soak up the sights, sounds and flavours of different cultures, it’s a must-see destination that offers class, charm and excitement in equal measures.

Valencia lies on Spain’s south-eastern coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. With history, art, culture, and culinary surprises at every turn, Valencia boasts an exhilarating mix of activities. Get ready to discover this Spanish city and the beauty it beholds.

A city steeped in history, the centre of Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant area, bursting with sights, smells, and cultural experiences in which to immerse yourself. Arriving by cruise ship brings you into the turquoise waters of the port of Palma de Mallorca, a 15-minute drive or 45-minute stroll from the city, on the southside of the Island. It’s a wonderful introduction to Mallorca, the natural bay of the port offering your first glimpses of the island’s majestic golden beaches and rippling palm trees.

Ajaccio is probably most known for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. As you wander the city’s pretty streets, find this iconic leader immortalised in statues and plaques everywhere. When you’re not exploring history and architectural highlights, perhaps find time to simply sit somewhere peaceful and enjoy the view of brightly painted fishing boats and rustling palms.

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.