Deal

Many passengers use Civitavecchia as a stepping stone to the ancient wonders of Rome, which are a mere hour or so away by train or road. But with its pretty piazzas, strollable seafront promenade, and bustling open-air markets, the historic fishing port is a destination unto itself. Highlights include the impressive 16th-century Forte Michelangelo, built to defend the harbour from pirate raids; the mineral-rich Ficoncella Thermal Baths, beloved by locals and visitors alike; and the beautiful Baroque architecture of Cattedrale di San Francesco and Santa Maria dell’Orazione. Don’t leave without sampling the fresh, local seafood, preferably washed down with a glass of crisp Frascati.

Widely hailed as one of Italy’s most picturesque destinations, Amalfi is a stunning visual feast. Natural landscapes, historic architecture, and charming streets jostle with heart achingly beautiful coastal vistas for pride of place on the picturesque podium. The town’s dramatic setting along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, with the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea below, is perhaps one of Italy’s finest views. Historically renowned as a maritime powerhouse during the Middle Ages, Amalfi’s influence is reflected in its architecture, such as the impressive Cathedral of Saint Andrew with its ornate facade and distinctive Byzantine and Arab-Norman influences. The town’s narrow streets and staircases wind through pastel-coloured houses, creating a postcard-worthy scenes time after time while the iconic Cloister of Paradise, a tranquil haven, offers a glimpse into Amalfi’s monastic history. However, no trip to Amalfi would be complete without tasting the local gastronomy. The region is world famous for its cuisine and Amalfi’s local fare is a celebration of local flavours, with fresh seafood, citrus fruits, and artisanal limoncello capturing the essence of the Mediterranean.

Dubrovnik is one of the most recognisable cities in Europe. Behind the walls, find sleek Venetian-style buildings and a rich Slavic culture. Home to lavender, olive oil, and gorgeous beaches, Dubrovnik will leave a lasting impression on all your senses.

Few places in the world boast such clear architectural accounts of their full histories as does UNESCO-listed Kotor and its bay. Roam the city squares and enjoy sweeping ocean views as you follow footsteps through time, including fortifications dating from the 9th century, significant churches and cathedrals from the 12th-15th centuries, the 17th-century Prince’s Palace and the 19th-century Napoleon’s Theatre.

Explore this immaculately preserved island covered in cypress and olive trees. Corfu is considered one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets and its elegant downtown area, serene beaches and warm breezes will keep leave you truly captivated.

Nestled snuggly at the foot of Mount Etna and this sea, this ancient port is a rich tapestry of landscapes and traditions. Indeed, here on the largest island in the Mediterranean – a cultural crossroads for centuries – you’ll find influences from Greek and Phoenician to French and Spanish, all reflected in rich cuisine and Baroque architecture. Be sure to explore its historic UNESCO-listed center, filled with towering palazzi and sweeping plazas.

Founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, the sun-kissed capital of Malta maintains much of its old-world charm, with honey-hued buildings, original bastioned city walls, and beautiful Baroque architecture. Take in the historic details as you explore the city’s cobblestoned streets, stopping to snack on golden, ricotta-stuffed parcels of pastizzi and qassatat.

The port town of La Goulette is the gateway to Tunisia’s thrumming capital Tunis, a Mediterranean melting pot where French colonial influences meet North African flair. Explore the city’s maze-like medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to the ninth century; admire the impressive Al-Zaytuna Mosque; and brush up on North African history at the National Museum of Bardo.

Cagliari, capital of Sardinia, sprawls across the hills promising awe-inspiring views for those who venture to Monte Urpinu Park. At its heart lies the historic Castello district, where a Roman amphitheatre, medieval towers built by the Pisans, and a 13th-century cathedral with an intricately carved crypt sit beside the monolithic architecture of the Mussolini era. Down by the harbour, the eateries and bars in the Marina buzz with life. In Via Sardegna and Via Cavour taste local flavours such as the peppery salami mustela, salty pecorino cheese, and carta musica, a wafer-thin flatbread said to sound like music when it snaps. They all go well with a glass of cannonau or vernaccia, the island’s robust wines.

Situated along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea on Spain’s Costa Blanca, Alicante is a dream destination for sunseekers (it receives more than 300 sunny days a year). The beaches are world-class, with cerulean waters and powder-soft sands – take your pick from vast, sandy stretches or quiet coves. Beyond its shores, explore the winding streets of the Old Town, stopping to sample local specialties like arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock) and turrón (almond nougat). Don’t miss a visit to the clifftop Castillo de Santa Bárbara, a fortress dating from the 9th century from where you can admire sweeping coastal views.

Sunbathe in one of Spain’s most exhilarating cities. Valencia is vibrant town with dynamic nightlife, outdoor activities and sports, and its mezcla of architectural wonders. In Old Town, see everything from a 15th-century palaces, to recent wonders of modern art.

Palma de Mallorca, rich in monuments of many ages, was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. A magnificent rose-coloured Gothic cathedral dominates the palm-fringed waterfront of its urban centre. Mallorca, known as the `Island of Tranquility,` is the largest and most developed of the Balearic group. Steep mountains, serene valleys and wide plains form its varied landscape. Visit the island’s quaint villages and the monastery where George Sand and Frederic Chopin spent a winter.

Past, present, and future converge in the Catalan capital – a place steeped in centuries of history but with a palpably youthful spirit. From the Roman ruins and maze-like medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter to the wonderfully whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudí, and the Modernist masterpieces of the Picasso Museum and Fundació Joan Miró, there are treasures old and new at every turn. The city’s dining scene is an attraction unto itself: keep it low key with plates of paella and jugs of sangria by the seafront, snack on jamón ibérico and fried seafood in the street markets, or indulge in Michelin-starred tasting menus.

Glamorous Monte Carlo is the sparkling jewel in the crown of the Côte d’Azur, where boulevards of opulent Belle Époque architecture slope gently towards sapphire seas speckled with superyachts. Home to countless prestigious hotels and restaurants, as well as the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, it’s no surprise Monaco’s most legendary district attracts megastars and multimillionaires.

When you’re not hobnobbing with high rollers, visit the exquisite 13th-century Prince’s Palace of Monaco, take a breath of fresh air among the cacti in the Exotic Garden of Monaco, and tour the famous Monaco Grand Prix Circuit.

No port call at La Goulette is complete without a visit to the ancient city of Carthage, once a key trading hub and Mediterranean maritime power, and now a fascinating archaeological site.

Don’t miss the wonderfully ornate interiors of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, where Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, sits on display in the Oratory, and soak in sweeping views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour from the pretty Upper Barrakka Gardens.

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily was for centuries the centre of the known world. Its unique geographic position made the island vulnerable to attacks, while also making it a meeting place of Mediterranean civilisations, a bridge between the East and West. Situated at the foot of Mt. Etna, Taormina embodies the essence of Sicily.

There’s far more to this lively port city than its location as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The Centro Storico – one of the region’s best-preserved medieval centers – is an atmospheric maze of cobbled streets and alleys, dotted with trattorias offering authentic Neapolitan cuisine to a mostly local clientele. The city’s Duomo has breathtakingly ornate interiors, rich with intricate mosaics and vivid frescos, while up above the city, the 6th-century Castello di Arechi offers spectacular views across the rooftops to the Gulf beyond. Quite why Salerno remains under the radar is a mystery.