Civitavecchia to Barcelona

All roads lead to Rome, and with good reason - this city is one of the world’s most thrilling, offering unmatched history along every street. An evocative, inspiring and utterly artistic capital of unrivalled cultural impact, Rome is a city of back-to-back landmarks, which will take you on an exhilarating journey through the ages. This may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but it’s well and truly lived in. The ruins are punctuated with murmuring cafes, and the outdoor seating of restaurants sprawls out across piazzas, enticing you to sample tangles of creamy pasta and crispy pizzas. Rome’s incredible Roman Forum is littered with the ruins of its ancient administrations, which have stood firm for 2,000 years, since the times when the area was the centre of the Western world. Few sites are more simultaneously beautiful and haunting than that of the storied Colosseum, which looms deep into Rome’s rich blue sky. Take a tour to learn details of the grisly goings-on within. The best way to experience Rome is to wander its streets, gelato in hand. There is a lot to see here - whether it’s the domed spectacle of the Pantheon, or the elaborate flowing waters and artistry of the Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is an astonishing, colossal display of Catholic grandeur, while the Spanish Steps – crowned by the Trinità dei Monti church – offer a beautiful spot to gather and soak up the lively atmosphere of this humming city. With so much on the to-do list, you’ll relish the breaks you take, enjoying simple pleasures like a strong espresso, or fresh pasta with tomato sauce and ripped basil.

Effervescent and exclusive, Portofino rests on a privileged peninsular. Lavish yachts mingle together, seeking out sought-after berths in the harbour, while gelato drips onto the stone-paved streets in this, the most alluring and glamorous town of the Italian Riviera. This section of the Ligurian Coast is a protected area, and home to some of the country’s most picturesque, and jaw-dropping scenery - which is best viewed from the deck of a sailing boat. Crisp white villas roll out across the verdant green hillsides, surrounded by laden vineyards and olive groves. Down in Portofino itself, the buzz of chatter and the clatter of cutlery, provide the soundtrack to busy terrace bars and restaurants, which serve up fine food and delicious sea views. Portofino’s achingly beautiful harbour arcs around the lapping waves, with a warmly-hued waterfront of peach and apricot colours - which also adorns postcards and promotional travel guides of Italy. For the authentic Portofino experience, sail out onto the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Tigullio, to mingle amongst the privileged at play, or settle back in the shade as you take aperitivo on the picturesque waterfront Piazzetta. Here you can sip the famous Ligurian wines, and stave off hunger with focaccia con il formaggio - or platters of fine cheese and hams. Deeper into Portofino, you’ll find artisans crafting their wares and weaving together lace, or you can ascend to viewpoints like the lemon shaded Church of San Giorgio, to look over the pretty jumble from up above. A wander out along the headland to the tapering tip of the peninsular, rewards with the views of Portofino’s iconic white lighthouse beaming out light and welcoming ships to this slice of Riviera heaven.

The Tower of Matilde is an iconic structure of the city of Livorno. This medieval tower is said to have been built by the famous mathematician and astronomer Galileo Galilei. It is named after Matilde di Canossa, an influential noblewoman who played a key role in the political and religious conflicts of the 11th century. Matilde was a powerful figure in medieval Italy, and her legacy is still felt in Livorno today. The tower was built on her orders as a defensive stronghold to protect the city against invaders, and its strategic location on the coast made it an important part of the city's defenses. Over the centuries, the Tower of Matilde has been restored and renovated several times, but it still retains its original medieval charm. The tower is a classic example of medieval architecture, with its thick walls, narrow windows, and imposing structure. The tower was later used as a watchtower during World War II and is now a popular tourist attraction as visitors can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Tower of Matilde is also an important cultural landmark in Livorno. It is often used as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions, and its unique atmosphere and ambiance make it a popular destination for artists and writers.

The Tower of Matilde is an iconic structure of the city of Livorno. This medieval tower is said to have been built by the famous mathematician and astronomer Galileo Galilei. It is named after Matilde di Canossa, an influential noblewoman who played a key role in the political and religious conflicts of the 11th century. Matilde was a powerful figure in medieval Italy, and her legacy is still felt in Livorno today. The tower was built on her orders as a defensive stronghold to protect the city against invaders, and its strategic location on the coast made it an important part of the city's defenses. Over the centuries, the Tower of Matilde has been restored and renovated several times, but it still retains its original medieval charm. The tower is a classic example of medieval architecture, with its thick walls, narrow windows, and imposing structure. The tower was later used as a watchtower during World War II and is now a popular tourist attraction as visitors can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Tower of Matilde is also an important cultural landmark in Livorno. It is often used as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions, and its unique atmosphere and ambiance make it a popular destination for artists and writers.

Beloved by the French, yet still relatively undiscovered by the rest of the world, the French island of Corsica is a gem. And right at its southern tip lies Bonifacio, a medieval town known as the “the city of sentinels”. Closer to Rome than Paris (and less than an hour’s ferry ride to Sardinia), Bonifacio remains one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets. The first thing you should know is that Bonifacio is stunning. And by that, we mean, awe-inspiringly beautiful. The town itself is worthy of a painting – a long, hilltop town that snakes over milky white limestone cliffs that stretch for 70 kilometres. The turquoise blue seas that lap at the foot of these are both warm and clear, and a joy for bathers of all ages. Although the cliffs have proved perilous to sailors in the past - Bonifacio counts the wreckage of the French Navy’s 1855 ship Semillante among its most visited diving sites and top tourist attractions. It is also here, in the harbour, that scholars place the catastrophic encounter between Ulysses's fleet and the Laestrygonians, who hurled lethal boulders down from the cliffs. The proximity of nearby Sardinia is everywhere. The islands were once joined before volcanic activity tore them apart, and much of the local dialect – still prevalently used particularly in the back country – is heavily influenced by Italian. This is also true for the local cuisine; think large plates of thinly sliced charcuterie and stuffed pasta filled with creamy local brocciu, a cheese similar to ricotta.

The smell of octane in the air, the power of Formula One engines hurtling round hairpin bends, the palpable excitement you could cut with a knife… it can only mean one thing… Yes, it’s the Monaco Grand Prix! For four days the tiny principality bursts into life in Technicolor, for an event that is truly not to be missed. This is the jewel in the crown of Formula One experiences, not just because it is attended by the jet set, celebrities and royalty alike. For drivers it is the race they all want to win. But, with the prestige comes added competition, overtaking on the narrow streets is near impossible and speed is strictly controlled. If F1 wasn’t cutthroat at the best of times, the Monaco Grand Prix certainly ramps it up to a whole new level. The race takes place on the actual streets of the one square mile country – bringing normal business to a complete standstill. Yet, this is taken by local residents on the chin (all schools and many businesses actually close during the four days), and the party feeling that permeates the Principality for the duration extends to locals and visitors alike. However, if you do need to get away from the madding crowd, the nearby Eze village is a medieval world away from the hustle and bustle. Nice, a short drive away, offers a chance to enjoy a more authentic side to the Riviera. Stroll the gorgeous Promenade des Anglais, shop up a storm in the Old Town and enjoy the national pastime of watching the world go by. A chilled glass of rosé in hand, bien sur!

The smell of octane in the air, the power of Formula One engines hurtling round hairpin bends, the palpable excitement you could cut with a knife… it can only mean one thing… Yes, it’s the Monaco Grand Prix! For four days the tiny principality bursts into life in Technicolor, for an event that is truly not to be missed. This is the jewel in the crown of Formula One experiences, not just because it is attended by the jet set, celebrities and royalty alike. For drivers it is the race they all want to win. But, with the prestige comes added competition, overtaking on the narrow streets is near impossible and speed is strictly controlled. If F1 wasn’t cutthroat at the best of times, the Monaco Grand Prix certainly ramps it up to a whole new level. The race takes place on the actual streets of the one square mile country – bringing normal business to a complete standstill. Yet, this is taken by local residents on the chin (all schools and many businesses actually close during the four days), and the party feeling that permeates the Principality for the duration extends to locals and visitors alike. However, if you do need to get away from the madding crowd, the nearby Eze village is a medieval world away from the hustle and bustle. Nice, a short drive away, offers a chance to enjoy a more authentic side to the Riviera. Stroll the gorgeous Promenade des Anglais, shop up a storm in the Old Town and enjoy the national pastime of watching the world go by. A chilled glass of rosé in hand, bien sur!

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

A rugged Mediterranean gem, arising out of the rich blue haze, Mallorca is a Spanish island of cuisine, culture, and sun-gorged beaches. Palma de Mallorca is the island's dominating capital, and a sand-coloured mirage of glorious buildings and living history. Conquered and liberated countless times over the years, since its Bronze Age founding, the city is your gateway to ceaseless Mediterranean beauty, buzzy markets, and intense flavours. Cafes and bars wait close to the sweeping coastline, where you can enjoy strong espressos to kick start the day, or splashes of red Majorcan wines to round it off. Bicycles trundle up and down the promenade, which invites you to wander in the morning sunshine beside the waves. Dominated by the indefatigable form of Santa María cathedral, which looms over the city and coastline, Palma de Mallorca is drenched in history and culture. The labyrinth of the old town is a cobbled haven, which bustles with dripping ice creams and sun-lashed squares. Settle to try the island’s superb cuisine, and savour local ingredients with an exceptional depth of flavour. Something about the sunshine here makes tomatoes extra sharp and delicious, while the seafood is consistently juicy and plump. The creation of the mighty cathedral, Le Seu, began in 1229 and was eventually concluded in 1601. A perfect encapsulation of Palma de Mallorca’s blend of the historic and the contemporary, even Gaudi lent his hand to it, and the interior features a spectacular modernist take on the New Testament from artist Miquel Barcelo, which is painted across the chapel’s walls. The splendid Royal Palace of La Almudaina fortress stands nearby, a left-behind Moorish footprint of square towers and Arabic archways that now serves as an official summer residence for the King of Spain.

The capital of Menorca is a bashful member of Balearic Islands which wait off of the sunny Spanish coast. With atmospheric old towns tiny fishing villages and unspoiled beach coves this is one of the group’s lesser-known and explored gems – and all the richer for it. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve there are wetlands and rolling sand dunes with diverse wildlife to explore - and 220 different birds soar and wade within. The designation helped to halt the threat of overdevelopment and with gloriously clear waters and leisurely boating trips to enjoy Porto Mahon welcomes you to a wonderfully preserved and characterful island. The island’s capital spills around the Med’s largest natural harbour which sprawls out for three miles. The majestic organ that fills the interior of Santa Maria church with over 3 000 pipes is a sight to see and can produce a wonderful gut-vibrating noise. Filled with pottery and cake shops there’s an artsy laid back and creative atmosphere to Porto Mahon’s streets. Swing a golf club and crack drives through the salty sea air of Porto Mahon or rumble along the paved bike paths that ring the island exploring between wildflower sprinkled fields and stone walls. Or head straight for the many beaches and turquoise seas which are blotched with dark blue patches. When it’s time for a sit down in the shade order up a refreshing pomada - gin and lemonade – before settling on your sandy nook of choice to watch the setting sun sinking into the warm of the waves of the Mediterranean.

Having attracted over 82 million visitors in 2017, Spain is gaining popularity as a travel destination. The country lures travellers from across the world with its promise of authenticity, charisma, and memorable moments. Spain’s culture is a celebration of the finer things in life, an expression of spirit, heritage and fun: colourful fiestas, delectable cuisine, age-defining art, music, dance, sport and so much more. Each region of the country has evolved a character of its own, meaning the country is unified by a sense of cultural multiplicity. Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a masterpiece that embellishes the Spanish canvas. The fact that the Barcelona’s iconic cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, is still under construction over 141 years after construction commenced pays testament to the city’s artistic perfectionism, which pervades all aspects of life here. Apparent in the city’s architecture, layout, and cultural practices, aestheticism retains its value here. Antoni Gaudí, whose iconic style of modernist architecture is among Barcelona’s leading attractions, could perhaps be credited with designing the face of this magnificent city. Enjoy getting to know the vivacious personality behind Barcelona’s beauty.