Deal

Travel to Rome and revel in the magnificent monuments, from the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum to the splendour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Michelangelo’s Pietà and his breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely medieval Castelgandolfo.

Wander through the lovely town of Olbia and visit its 11th-century cathedral with Roman artefacts and Punic burials. Or drive into the stunningly beautiful countryside of the Costa Smeralda with its towering cliffs, quiet grottoes and exquisite sandy beaches beside emerald green waters. Explore the enigmatic remnants of the ancient Nuraghic culture.

Beautiful Calvi on the island of Corsica is a beach town with a medieval past. Stroll through the village and enjoy a café meal adjacent to the distinctive Église Sainte-Marie, a historic pink church. Or traverse the cobblestones a bit further to see the stunning view from the citadel, a 15th-century fortress overlooking the bay. On the way, be sure to keep an eye out for a plaque indicating the home that is said to be Christopher Columbus’ birthplace.

Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome, the famous baptistry, Michelangelo’s magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa’s superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful cathedral and famed campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewellery, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savour the prosciutto, pecorino cheese and infinite varieties of breads, cakes and salamis.

As you sail into Marina di Carrara, the gorgeous snow spilling down from the mountains onto the green pine forests above the nearby town of Carrara will take your breath away – until you remember it is summer. What you are seeing is the exposed veins of the world’s most sought-after white marble. The Tuscan seaside resort of Marina di Carrara lies just outside the Marble City and invites you to enjoy some quality beach time or journey farther afield to explore the magic of Tuscany. Take a short drive down the coast and you can try to prop up the famous tower in Pisa, and the Renaissance wonders of Florence are less than two hours away.

Stroll through picturesque Portofino and Santa Margherita. Be awed by the stunning scenery as you explore the beautiful coastal resorts of Ravello, Sestri Levante or San Fruttuoso by local boat and on foot.

Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City; then stroll through this marvellous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace. And don’t forget the Casino. Explore the wonderful old villages along the Côte d’Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse and lovely St. Paul de Vence – each one a jewel to be savoured.

Beaches and beauty abound in this stunning coastal city. Head to the Picasso Museum to see where he lived and painted and then stretch out on the beaches of Juan-les-Pins. The covered market, Marché Provençal, presents a selection of local cheeses, while an invigorating walk around Cap d’Antibes is a romantic’s dream.

Beyond the port, enjoy the exquisite hilly Provençal countryside and its charming villages with their narrow stepped streets, lovely churches and stunning scenic views. Visit a local winery or take a drive along the rugged coast and revel in the wonderful views of the beaches, the landscape, the islands and the magnificent forested ridges of the Massif des Maures.

Enjoy delightful Mahón and its charming shops. Then explore the island and savour its dramatic views and landscape, quaint villages, farms and well-preserved taulas of the island’s megalithic civilisation. Perhaps see a castle or a monastery and impressive cliff-top views.

With its youthful spirit and natural beauty, the Balearic island of Ibiza (or “Eivissa,” as it’s known locally) appeals to those who love the outdoors. The beach-blessed coastline is majestically rugged, and the hills are covered with olive and fig trees. The capital of Ciudad de Ibiza offers a multitude of diversions, especially in the historic Dalt Vila district. Visit the 16th century Castle of Ibiza and the churches and Museum of Contemporary Art inside the fortified walls. With its cobblestone streets, Ibiza is a scenic city to walk. Two of the most popular beaches are Talamanca and Ses Figueretes.

From fragrant orange groves and historical architecture to volcanic islands and sparkling beaches, the fantastic blend of landscapes surrounding Castellón, which is tucked away in Spain’s Orange Blossom Coast, will beguile you. Visit the 13th-century castle on charming Peñíscola, built by the Knights Templar on the foundations of an Arab fortress, which was used to film El Cid in 1961. Stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval town of Morella, filled with striking examples of Gothic and Romanesque-style architecture. Take in the aroma of orange groves dotting the coastal region, also known as Costa Azahar, relax on the sands of Pinar Beach, or take a romantic stroll in the Ribalta Park.